Parent’s Guide to Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas: 8-Night North Asia Cruise from Shanghai

May 04, 2026

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Boarding a Royal Caribbean Cruise from Shanghai? Here's our 8-day North Asia cruise guide with tips to cover every logistical detail families need for a seamless voyage.

Sailing from Shanghai on Spectrum of the Seas is a distinct departure from the usual Singapore-based cruise experience. The logistics are more complex and we are sharing experience and tips from our 8-night itinerary (from Shanghai and covering Jeju, Maizuru/Kyoto, Niigata, and Hakodate).

While the details are specific to our trip, this guide will be useful for families planning a cruise trip from Shanghai or to any of the destinations that we stopped at. Get ready for the inside scoop to ensure your family is prepared for everything from temperature drops to hydration strategies.

Pre-Cruise Logistics: The Shanghai Connection

For Singapore-based families, the journey typically begins with a flight to Shanghai Pudong (T2).

Flight & Transfers: We flew via Juneyao Airlines and will suggest families to arrive at least 1–2 days before your sail date. This allows for a buffer against flight delays and time to enjoy Shanghai. We highly recommend families to consider extending your stay at Shanghai either before or after your cruise. Check out our 7D6N Shanghai itinerary or the 14D13N Shanghai and Beijing itinerary for more family friendly things to do!
Recommended Accommodation: We stayed at the JW Marriott Shanghai at 399 Nanjing West Road, a solid family choice as it is centrally located, allowing for easy access to various amenities.
Boarding Day: Check out of your hotel by 12:00 pm on boarding day. The ride to Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal (No.1 Baoyang Rd) is straightforward, but give yourself ample time for traffic.
The Passport Photocopy Rule: This is critical. You must prepare a physical photocopy of every family member’s passport before you board. These are required for Japanese shore excursions. Note that the ship will collect your physical passports upon entering Japan and will only return them one day before you disembark.

Choosing Your Cabin: Balcony vs. Interior

If you are considering between a balcony or interior room, we will highly suggest choosing the balcony.

Bumpy Journey: From our trip, we found the waters between Jeju and Japan significantly rockier than our previous cruise experiences from Singapore. We recommend booking an Oceanview Balcony to avoid seasickness as having a view of the horizon helps the brain process the ship's movement, and the fresh air is a lifesaver during rougher patches.
Room Configuration: Standard rooms accommodate four pax with one Queen-sized bed and a double sofa bed.
Free Medical Support: If you are uncomfortable during your cruise, head to Guest Services. You can redeem free medication (Panadol and motion sickness pills) daily per person. We suggest redeeming them on the first day, even if you don't need them, so that you have them on hand as and when required.

Comparison: Shanghai vs. Singapore Cruises

While the ship is the same, the experience differs based on the home port:

Climate: The entire cruise from Singapore is perpetually humid; however the Shanghai route is windy and mild at the start but drops in temperature from Jeju onwards. We suggest bringing extra clothing for colder weathers too.
Plan Your Activities: Due to the difference in weather, the outdoor pools are usually too cold to use once you enter the higher latitudes; so prioritise them while the weather is nice and experience the indoor activities later in the trip.
Food: Singapore cruises lean towards Southeast Asian flavours. The Shanghai route caters to Mainland Chinese and Western (International) palates.
Currency: All onboard transactions are in USD.
Bumpier Journey: Be aware that the stretch between Jeju and Japan is notoriously bumpy compared to the smooth sailings in Southeast Asia.

Onboard Action: Active Play & Requirements

Spectrum of the Seas is a "Quantum Ultra" class ship, meaning it is packed with high-tech thrills, but they come with strict rules.

The Shoe Rule: You must wear covered shoes (sneakers) to participate in Bumper Cars or any activity in the SeaPlex. You will be turned away in sandals or Crocs.
Thrills at Sea:
- North Star: This glass capsule rises 300ft above sea level. While usually chargeable, check the Royal Caribbean app for early morning slots, which are often free.
- iFly (Skydiving): Kids must be at least 107cm. This is a paid activity and fills up fast.
- FlowRider (Surfing): Minimum height of 135cm for boogie boarding.
Adventure Ocean (Kids' Club): Segregated by age (from babies to teens) across two levels. Parents are given a walkie-talkie to communicate with staff. There is a free indoor playground tucked between the two levels for supervised play when the weather is too cold for the outdoor decks.
SeaPass & Lanyards: Your SeaPass is your room key and payment card, you will need to bring them around. Buy the Royal Caribbean lanyards early (approx. USD 9.99 each or 2 for USD 12.50) or bring your own to keep them from getting lost.

Dining & Hydration Hacks

Food is plentiful, but hydration requires a strategy.

Limited Bottled Water: Royal Caribbean only provides 4 bottles of water per room for the entire trip. After that, you must buy bottles or refill your own at the inclusive cafes and restaurants
The Deluxe Beverage Package: Highly recommended. It covers unlimited bottled water, most wines, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks from any bars as well as Starbucks drinks, and Bubble Tea at Leaf & Bean (anything under USD 14).
Inclusive Eateries: These dining venues are inclusive for your stay package. There are timings available for meals, you don't have to strictly follow but we suggest avoiding peak hours as the queues are very long.
- Main Dining Room (MDR): Menu changes daily. This is a sit-down a-la-carte buffet where you order by items (you can order multiple items) and is available across decks 3 to 5.
- Windjammer: A buffet spread that offers a great variety. They also serve Supper Times from 10 pm to 2 am where you can expect stomach-warming noodle soup, hot milk and drinks.
- Sorrento’s: Serves pizza, and is also available for supper 11 pm to 1 am.
- TWO70° Cafe & La Patisserie: This is where you can have cookies, desserts and drinks.

- Splashaway Cafe & Hotdog (SeaPlex): Also serves snacks, though hours vary.

- Soft Serve: Ice cream by the outdoor pool, usually until 5:00 pm. Hours may differ daily.
Specialty Restaurants: Spectrum of the Seas also offers a number of specialty restaurants. These restaurants require an additional fee and you will need to make a reservation either 2 days before on the App or on Day 1 to avoid disappointment.

Parent Logistics for Land Excursions

For our trip, we made stops at Jeju, Maizuru, Niigata, and Hakodate. This is a great chance to visit the various cities without having to make individual flights. However, timings are tight so use our tips below to get the most of the excursions!

The 8 am Goal: Aim to wake up early and leave the ship before 8:00 am. Travel times to cities like Kyoto can be 2 hours each way, leaving little time for sightseeing if you start late.
Check Shuttle Bus Requirements: For every land excursion, if you are choosing the free and easy option, make sure to check the Shuttle Bus cost and booking requirements beforehand.
The Information Slip: The ship provides a slip of paper with the terminal address, shuttle bus costs, and key locations. Keep this with you throughout the trip for planning and in case you get lost in the city.
Currency Exchange: Every port has a currency exchange booth as you disembark from the cruise ship.
The Shuttle Bus Strategy: Here's a tip for families. Our experience from the 4 land excursions is that there is often a min. 30-mins wait for the shuttle bus back to the cruise ship. Don't need to factor in additional buffer time when heading back, if the "last bus" is at 3 pm, aim to go back by 2.50 pm and maximize your time in the city, instead of in a queue under the sun.

Port-By-Port Detailed Guide

Below we share briefly our experiences and tips for each port. For a more details sharing, please refer to your Land Excursion Tips here.

1. Jeju Island, South Korea (Day 2)

Expect a long 15-minute walk via travelators to get from the cruise ship to the terminal.

Transport: Use Uber.
Payments: Most vendors accept WeChat/Alipay. Credit Cards or Cash.
Highlights: Hello Kitty Island (4 storeys of photo spots and a cafe—allow 3 hours), Jeju Olle Market (sheltered street food), or the Osulloc Tea Museum.

2. Kyoto (Maizuru), Japan (Day 4)

Before arriving to Maizuru, remember to book your shuttle bus on the App (USD20 for adults, USD12.50 for child). On the day before, you must get a "Q" number from Guest Services for the shuttle bus. While you will choose a timing for your shuttle bus, it is not necessary to follow the timing.

Transport: Shuttle to bazaar town, then walk to Nishi Maizuru Station. Take the Tantetsu Miyamai-Miyatoyo Line (Blue Train) to Amanohashidate Station.
Highlights: Viewland (1,000 Yen for adults; kids below elementary free). Choose between the car lift or monorail for stunning views. There will also be a ferries wheel, mini train, merry go round and cafe with ice cream and snacks. We highly recommend going on the Cycle-Car where you will peddle and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

3. Niigata, Japan (Day 5)

There is no prior booking for the shuttle at this port (3,000 Yen per adult; kids under 6 free). Pay in cash or card at the pier.

Transport: The shuttle drops you at the Niigata Train Station.
Highlights: Hakuna Park (Sakura and playground), Bandai Pier for seafood, and Niigata Station Mall (3Coins+ and supermarkets).

4. Hakodate, Japan (Day 6)

Take the free shuttle bus (15 mins) to JR Hakodate station.

Transport: Use the Tram (290 Yen; Suica/Pasmo accepted) or Taxi to go around
Highlights: Hakodate Morning Market (Kaisen-don), Yunokawa Onsen (Botanical Garden with hot spring monkeys), or private family onsens at Takubokutei Hotel (approx. 3,300 Yen).

BYKidO Pro-Tip: Plan for the change in temperature. Since you are going from Shanghai to Hokkaido, the temperature drops drastically once you hit Jeju. So remember to pack layers—windbreakers and thermal inner-wear are useful.

Returning to Shanghai

The cruise ends back at Shanghai, at the Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal. Disembarkation starts early and guests are expected to be off the cruise ship by 10 am. For families, we suggest spending another night in Shanghai so you don't have to worry about catching your flight back home.

Booking Your Trip

The Royal Caribbean 8 Night Jeju, Maizuru, Niigata & Hakodate from Shanghai has limited sailing dates and you can check visit Royal Caribbean or use the Royal Caribbean App to check for the next sailing date.