We not too long ago went on a spectacular cruise from Shanghai to Busan, South Korea on board the Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas. If it’s one thing you additionally need to strive, learn on as a result of on this article, we’ll share with you your complete expertise, from the journey necessities to the examine in course of, to the boarding process to the shore excursions.
This latest crusing was really our fourth time aboard the Spectrum of the Seas. A few of these journeys, together with this newest one, had been by invitation from Royal Caribbean, whereas the others had been private journeys. However why will we by no means get uninterested in crusing on it? Just because, out of all of the cruise ships we’ve tried in Asia, that is completely among the finest cruise experiences we’ve had. The ship is very large. The truth is, it’s among the many largest cruise ships working in Asia. There are such a lot of actions on board, and the itineraries are superb too.
On this article, we’ll undergo the most recent updates and all the pieces else it’s worthwhile to learn about this ship: What routes are presently accessible? Is a visa required? What are you able to count on on board? What’s the boarding course of like? And the way a lot do you have to price range for the journey?
WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! In case your are touring quickly and nonetheless on the strategy planning stage, you may as well go to our The Poor Traveler Masterlist. Right here, we compiled journey necessities, together with immigration necessities and all our really helpful accommodations and excursions. Simply go to this web page: TPT Masterlist. We’ve got a compilation for locations all over the world.
SPECTRUM OF THE SEAS ROUTES & SCHEDULES
Final time, we sailed from Shanghai to Japan. This time, it’s Shanghai to Korea. And sure, Spectrum of the Seas is presently homeported in Shanghai. Truly, it alternates between Shanghai and Hong Kong. So, I feel it’s greatest to kickstart this information from right here.
Shanghai Sailings 2026-2027
There are sailings from Shanghai to Busan, Shanghai to Seoul, and Shanghai to Jeju Island in South Korea. Some itineraries are three (3) nights, whereas others are 4 (4) nights lengthy. There are additionally cruises from Shanghai to Fukuoka and Nagasaki in Japan, in addition to Shanghai to Nagasaki and Busan, which suggests you get to go to each Japan and South Korea in a single journey. Listed below are extra accessible routes for Spectrum of the Seas departing from Shanghai for the 2026-2027 season:
Hong Kong Sailings 2026-2027
There are additionally sailings from Hong Kong to Busan and Hong Kong to Okinawa, Japan. Listed below are extra itineraries accessible for Spectrum of the Seas departing from Hong Kong for the 2026-2027 season:
Most cruises are roundtrip sailings, which means the ship returns to its unique homeport. Nonetheless, you’ll additionally discover a couple of one-way itineraries, resembling Shanghai to Tokyo or Tokyo to Shanghai. These normally include a number of superb ports of name or stops alongside the way in which. Since these are lengthy voyages, in addition they are usually costlier.
For our most up-to-date journey, we took a four-night cruise. We boarded in Shanghai, had Busan as our solely port of name, after which returned to Shanghai afterward.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE RATES & INCLUSIONS
So, how a lot is a Royal Caribbean cruise from Shanghai? The reply actually is determined by a number of components: what number of nights you e-book, which locations or ports of name you need to go to, and what sort of cabin you select. Even your journey dates could make an enormous distinction. Just like airline tickets, cruise fares change primarily based on demand and season. So count on costs to spike throughout peak journey durations like Christmas and Chinese language New Yr.
Royal Caribbean additionally steadily gives further reductions for seniors and youngsters. They typically run “Youngsters Sail Free” promotions. We’re undecided if these can be found year-round, however we see them very often every time we do pattern bookings.
As for the most cost effective choice we discovered not too long ago, it’s this two-night weekend getaway cruise from Hong Kong. It prices solely USD 303 or round PHP 18,600 per particular person, assuming two individuals are sharing an inside cabin. The catch? Because it’s solely a two-night crusing, there’s no port of name included, which means you’ll principally spend your complete journey out at sea.
For those who favor an itinerary with a cease or port of name, the most cost effective choice we discovered is the one-way crusing from Hong Kong to Shanghai, with a cease in Ishigaki, Okinawa in Japan. This one is a four-night cruise priced at USD 431 or round PHP 26,500 per visitor. Once more, that is assuming two individuals are sharing an inside cabin.
For those who particularly need a Korea itinerary or favor to board in Shanghai, the most cost effective accessible choice as of writing is the four-night Shanghai to Busan crusing. Charges begin at USD 453 or roughly PHP 27,900 per particular person.
That’s already a fairly nice deal contemplating what’s included. Your fare already covers your cabin lodging for your complete cruise, limitless meals on board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), entry to world-class reveals, and use of many of the ship’s facilities. And on prime of that, you additionally get to go to locations like South Korea or Japan, relying on the itinerary you select.
Cruise Reserving Inclusions
- Lodging
- Limitless Meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- Leisure (theatre, films, and so forth.)
- Entry to Facilities (swimming pools, some points of interest, and so forth.)
- Port Costs & Taxes (besides PH journey tax)
So technically, nearly all the pieces you possibly can probably spend on whereas onboard is already coated.
Cruise Reserving Exclusions
So, what’s not included in your cruise reserving?
- Visas & Transfers. First, the visa is just not included. And sure, it’s possible you’ll want a visa relying in your chosen crusing. We’ll talk about this in additional element later.
- Airfare to/from Shanghai. After all, airfare to and from Shanghai or Hong Kong can be not included, so that you’ll must e-book your flights individually.
- Philippine Journey Tax. The Philippine journey tax is excluded as nicely.
- Resort in Shanghai. Resort lodging in Shanghai or Hong Kong are usually not a part of the bundle both. However, really, you’ll be able to e-book a same-day flight and head straight to the port for those who don’t need to keep in a single day. You simply must time all the pieces rigorously, so that you received’t need to spend on a lodge. It may be dangerous, although, as a result of your flight could get delayed or canceled. That’s why it’s nonetheless safer to fly the day earlier than the crusing and keep at a lodge for at the very least one night time. The benefit of this setup is that you just additionally get further time to discover Shanghai or Hong Kong.
- Tour in Port of Name. Shore excursions incur separate charges. For instance, on the Shanghai to Busan crusing, when you disembark in Busan, any excursions or actions you need to do there shall be at your individual expense. You possibly can both be a part of a bunch tour or discover by yourself, DIY fashion. However both method, these prices are separate out of your cruise fare.
Later, we’ll share the estimated whole bills, together with all the prices.
VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECTRUM OF THE SEAS CRUISES
Now, let’s discuss visas. Are they actually required? Do Filipinos want a visa for Spectrum of the Seas?
That is one other query that we are going to reply with…it relies upon. The visa necessities will rely in your actual route and itinerary.
Cruise Departing from Hong Kong
In case your cruise departs from Hong Kong and doesn’t embrace any worldwide stops, just like the two-night weekend getaway cruise, then you definitely positively don’t want a visa for that crusing.
Is visa required? NO
Cruise Departing from Shanghai
In case your cruise begins in Shanghai, the reply is determined by how lengthy you’ll keep in China.
China presently has a 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit Coverage accessible to all nationalities, together with Filipinos. The essential key phrases listed below are 24-hour and transit. To qualify, your keep in China have to be lower than 24 hours, and you should current an exit ticket or proof of onward journey scheduled throughout the subsequent 24 hours. Your cruise reserving can depend as that onward ticket.
For instance, for those who arrive in China on the identical day as your cruise embarkation, it’s possible you’ll qualify for the visa-free transit coverage. The identical applies to once you return. If the ship arrives in Shanghai on the identical day as your departing flight out of China, you should still be eligible.
However, actually, we nonetheless assume it’s dangerous. We’d strongly suggest securing a correct double-entry China visa simply to be protected. You by no means know, embarkation may get delayed, or your return flight could possibly be rescheduled, which can put you prone to overstaying. On our earlier journey, although our keep in China was technically lower than 24 hours, we nonetheless utilized for a China visa for peace of thoughts.
Is visa required?
- If staying for lower than 24 hours with exit ticket:
NO. Avail of the 24-hour visa-free transit. - If staying for over 24 hours:
YES
Cruise Itinerary with Japan Cease
What in case your cruise features a cease in Japan? In case your itinerary has a port of name wherever in Japan, you typically don’t want a Japan visa as a result of most cruise ship passengers are exempt, so long as they arrive and depart on the identical vessel.
Is visa required? NO
Cruise Itinerary with Korea Cease
How about Korea? Do you want a Korean visa if the ship stops there? If the port of name is Jeju Island, then no. Jeju is visa-free for a lot of vacationers, together with Filipinos underneath sure cruise preparations. Nonetheless, if the cease is wherever else in South Korea, whether or not that’s Busan or Seoul, then a Korean visa is required.
On our most up-to-date crusing, Busan was our port of name, so we utilized for a Korean visa beforehand. We really met a number of Filipinos on board who had been instructed by the journey company they booked with that they didn’t want a Korean visa for Busan. Sadly, that info was incorrect. A visa is certainly required for Busan, in order that they weren’t allowed to disembark.
Think about, you’re already there, you’ll be able to actually see Korea from the ship, however you’re not allowed to set foot within the nation. We actually felt dangerous for them as a result of we may actually sense their disappointment.
So keep in mind, Korea is barely visa-free in case your vacation spot is Jeju Island. For Busan, Seoul, and different locations in mainland South Korea, a Korean visa is a should.
Is visa required?
- For Jeju Island:
NO - For wherever else in Korea:
YES
WHERE TO BOOK A ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE
Worldwide Web site or Native Consultant?
Royal Caribbean has a global web site: Royal Caribbean Worldwide. Nonetheless, in case you are primarily based within the Philippines, it’s greatest to e-book through www.cruising.com.ph, which is managed by Arpain Air, the official and approved Royal Caribbean representatives within the Philippines. They’re fully authentic. We’ve got personally cruised with them a number of instances, alongside representatives from Royal Caribbean Worldwide themselves. They’re the official native accomplice of RCI within the nation.
Why not simply e-book straight by the worldwide web site as an alternative of going by native representatives?
The most important motive is buyer help. Royal Caribbean doesn’t have a devoted customer support workplace within the Philippines. So for those who make a mistake together with your reserving or want to switch one thing in your reservation, you would need to contact the US hotline your self. You may as well ship an e-mail, however responses can take a really very long time. We skilled this firsthand throughout one among our private cruises with household. Yosh’s aunt wanted to alter her room project as a result of she had problem strolling and needed a cabin nearer to the elevators. Sadly, the response from the US-based buyer help took months.
That is the place reserving by cruising.com.ph turns into far more handy. They’ve entry to the identical reserving system and might help you straight, supplied that you just booked by them. That half is essential. They will solely modify or handle reservations made by their company. In line with them, many vacationers ask for assist regardless of reserving by different web sites, however naturally, they can not make adjustments to bookings that weren’t made underneath their system.
One more reason is that cruising may be surprisingly difficult, particularly for first-timers. Not like a easy land journey, cruises contain many shifting components and particulars that may simply turn into complicated. If you e-book by the native group, they will information you all through the method, give sensible recommendation, and remind you about essential necessities and deadlines.
The individuals helping you might be additionally specialists in Royal Caribbean cruises. With another reserving web sites, as soon as your reservation is confirmed, you might be principally by yourself. In some circumstances, the shopper help brokers are usually not even conversant in the intricacies of cruising. We’ve got skilled that ourselves earlier than, and it turned fairly irritating as a result of it was apparent that the agent didn’t totally perceive how cruise bookings work.
As for pricing, the charges are virtually the identical 99% of the time. We can not say they’re all the time an identical as a result of typically the worldwide web site has unique promotions, whereas different instances, cruising.com.ph gives offers that aren’t accessible elsewhere. For instance, they’ve a number of ongoing promotions and reductions, as of writing.
They presently provide a Purchase 1, Get 60% Off deal for the second visitor. There’s additionally a Youngsters Sail Free promo for youngsters aged 12 years outdated and beneath. Senior residents may get pleasure from particular reductions. And for those who don’t need to pay for the total fare in a single go, in addition they have the Cruise Now, Pay Later installment choice accessible for BPI cardholders. These sorts of promos really feel far more tailor-made to Filipino vacationers.
TIP! You may as well get an additional 5% OFF in your cruise fare through the use of our promo code: WORTHIT. Listed below are two pattern bookings the place the low cost has been efficiently utilized:
More often than not, the code works with none points. Nonetheless, there are some cases when it doesn’t apply routinely as a result of their system can solely activate one promo code at a time. If that occurs, you’ll be able to merely contact cruising.com.ph straight and request that the low cost be utilized manually. They’ll nonetheless honor it.
It’s nonetheless greatest observe to match costs earlier than reserving. But when the charges are roughly the identical or the value distinction is minimal, we extremely suggest reserving by cruising.com.ph for higher buyer help and added peace of thoughts.
One essential factor to recollect when evaluating costs: the charges on cruising.com.ph could initially seem costlier as a result of their computation already contains the automated gratuities. On the worldwide Royal Caribbean web site, gratuities are normally not but included within the revealed fare, however you’ll nonetheless be charged for them routinely on board, or you’ll be able to select to prepay them through the reserving course of.
The best way to change particulars of my cruise reserving?
For those who booked through the worldwide web site of Royal Caribbean, it’s possible you’ll name its United States hotline: 1-866-562-7625.
For those who booked at www.cruising.com.ph, the web site of the official Royal Caribbean representatives within the Philippines (Arpan Air), it’s possible you’ll merely contact them at these numbers:
- Landline: +63 2 8892-2701 to 02
- Cell: +63 948 526 6174
- E-mail: reservations@arpanair.com.ph
Once more, for those who haven’t booked but, take into account reserving at www.cruising.com.ph to get simpler buyer help. They’ve entry to the identical system and stock, and so they could make adjustments to your reserving or prolong your fee. They will additionally help you in making ready on your cruise.
SPECTRUM OF THE SEAS ACCOMMODATION TYPES
What do staterooms appear to be? Spectrum of the Seas gives 4 major stateroom or cabin classes, every with its personal format, measurement, and options.
Inside Room
Essentially the most reasonably priced and smallest choice is the Inside Room. These rooms are situated within the center sections of the ship and don’t have any home windows. Some Inside Rooms, nonetheless, include a digital balcony, a big digital display that simulates an outdoor view to make the room really feel much less enclosed.
Ocean View Room
The second class is the Ocean View Room. Not like Inside Rooms, these cabins are furnished with an actual window, permitting you to get pleasure from precise views of the ocean throughout your cruise.
Balcony Room
Another choice is the Ocean View Balcony Room, or just known as Balcony Room. These cabins have a spacious non-public balcony, full with two lounge chairs and a small desk. The most effective options is that your complete wall dealing with the balcony is manufactured from glass, making the room really feel larger, a lot brighter, and extra open. It additionally offers you improbable views not solely of the ocean but additionally of the cities every time the ship is docked at a port.
Suites
Essentially the most luxurious lodging class is the Suites. There are a number of suite varieties accessible, together with the Silver Junior Suite, Grand Suite, Grand Loft Suite, Final Household Suite, and extra. Every comes with completely different sizes, perks, and premium facilities.
Which is the most effective lodging?
Out of all these room varieties, we have now personally tried the Inside Room, Ocean View Room, and Balcony Room. All of them had been snug and nice in their very own method, though the Balcony Room positively feels extra premium due to the pure mild, open environment, and views.
If a balcony room is outdoors your price range, there may be completely nothing improper with selecting an inside or ocean view room. Even Inside Rooms are nonetheless fairly snug as a result of, realistically, you’ll spend most of your time outdoors exploring the ship.
In order for you the most cost effective potential Balcony Room, you’ll most likely get the one known as Obstructed Ocean View Balcony. These cabins nonetheless include a balcony, however a part of the view is blocked by the ship’s lifeboats, that are mounted alongside the edges of the ship. Due to the obstruction, these are considerably cheaper, typically priced equally to Ocean View or Inside Rooms. Regardless of the blocked view, you continue to get the bigger area, brighter room, and balcony expertise, making it a great-value-for-money choice.
For those who plan to e-book this kind, select a cabin with solely minimal obstruction, so you’ll be able to nonetheless get pleasure from partial ocean views.
That is another excuse why reserving by cruising.com.ph may be extra handy. On the worldwide Royal Caribbean web site, you normally can not see the diploma of obstruction for all these balcony rooms. However on cruising.com.ph, the itemizing typically specifies whether or not the obstruction is barely 25%, 50%, and even 80%.
By the way in which, most staterooms on Spectrum of the Seas can accommodate as much as 4 company, aside from some Inside Rooms which might be restricted to 2 to a few passengers. However simply because 4 individuals are allowed in a single room doesn’t essentially imply it’s all the time the most effective worth choice.
In lots of circumstances, the value distinction between reserving one room for 4 individuals versus reserving two separate rooms for 2 individuals every is definitely not that vast. That’s as a result of once you pay for a cruise, you aren’t simply paying for the room itself. Your fare already contains meals, leisure, and entry to most onboard facilities, so cruise pricing typically works extra on a per-person foundation moderately than purely per room.
Additionally value noting: minors are now not allowed to remain in a room unaccompanied. They have to be booked along with at the very least one grownup.
BEFORE THE CRUISE
Is it senior- and PWD-friendly?
Sure, in fact. The truth is, one of many largest misconceptions about cruises is that they’re just for older individuals. Whereas it’s true that you will note many senior vacationers on board, that’s largely as a result of cruise ships are designed to be very senior-friendly and accessible.
Regardless of the huge measurement of the Spectrum of the Seas, getting across the ship is surprisingly simple. There are at the very least 16 elevators on board — 10 situated on the aft part and 6 on the ahead part. This makes most areas of the ship conveniently accessible.
For company with mobility challenges, it’s extremely really helpful to e-book cabins close to the elevators. Some staterooms are additionally particularly outfitted for PWD company, with accessibility options that make shifting round far more snug and handy.
Even your baggage is dealt with for you. Upon boarding, you merely go away your baggage on the designated baggage space, and the employees will ship them on to your cabin. No must haul heavy suitcases across the ship your self.
The ship additionally has a medical clinic, staffed with medical doctors and nurses on obligation. We really skilled going to the clinic throughout our most up-to-date crusing. Whereas we had been taking part in desk tennis, our buddy Ces obtained a bit too aggressive chasing the ball and unintentionally hit her brow in opposition to the desk. Her brow ended up bleeding fairly badly, so we instantly went to the clinic. Fortunately, she was handled shortly and correctly by the medical group on board. We additionally obtained to satisfy Dr. Lans, the resident physician of Spectrum of the Seas, who took care of us through the incident, and who additionally occurs to be a TPTer!
What are the Royal Caribbean Shanghai cruise journey necessities?
Right here’s a guidelines of the issues it’s worthwhile to put together earlier than the cruise.
- Passport. Have to be legitimate for at the very least six (6) months.
- Photocopy of passport. You’ll be leaving your passport with the cruise employees upon boarding, so it’s greatest to have a duplicate of it with you. Don’t fear, you’ll get it again earlier than you disembark.
- Visa(s). For those who’re visiting Busan on this cruise, you’ll want a Korean visa. For Japan, no visa required. For China, as of this writing, for those who’re staying for lower than 24 hours, you’ll be able to transit and not using a visa; if staying longer, then you definitely’ll want one. To be protected, you’ll be able to apply for a double-entry visa.
- Bank card. It will make your life simpler, however it’s additionally greatest to convey USD as backup.
- Royal Caribbean App. Use this cellular app to examine in at the very least three (3) days forward of the crusing date. You may as well use this app to make reservations for eating places and actions on board. Obtain it right here.
- SetSail Move. After checking in utilizing the app, you’ll get a SetSail Move, which serves as your boarding move. Chances are you’ll take a screenshot of it or print it out since you’ll want it when boarding. It appears like a flight boarding move. Extra information about this beneath.
- Baggage Tags. If you e-book a cruise, you’ll be despatched a set of e-docs (Visitor Ticket Booklet), with all of the reminders and different particulars of the journey. You’ll additionally discover your baggage tags there. Print them out however don’t connect them to your baggage simply but. It appears like this:
The best way to examine in utilizing the Royal Caribbean App?
It’s best to examine in not later than three (3) days earlier than your scheduled crusing. Right here’s how:
- Obtain the Royal Caribbean app right here.
- Hyperlink your cruise to your app by coming into your final title, date of beginning, and reservation quantity. It should then show your upcoming cruise.
- On the house web page, click on CHECK IN on the backside menu. It should show a evaluation of potential well being necessities. Click on CONTINUE TO CHECK IN.
- Fill out the Journey Data part. You’ll want to supply the next:
– A scan of your passport
– Safety picture
– Nation of residence/beginning
– Crown & Anchor Society Loyalty Quantity
– Handle
– Emergency contact particulars - Enter your bank card particulars. Internationally-accepted debit playing cards work, too.
- Learn the Authorized Discover and Well being Acknowledgment web page. If all the pieces appears good to you, click on CONTINUE.
- Enter your most popular Arrival Time. Our crusing was scheduled at 4:30 PM. The earliest Arrival Time accessible was 1:00 PM-1:30 PM. The most recent was 3:00PM-3:30 PM. DO NOT BE LATE. For those who arrive outdoors the time slot you selected, it’s possible you’ll be delayed boarding.
- Click on VIEW SET SAIL PASS. Print it out as a result of will probably be checked at examine in and earlier than boarding. You may as well take a screenshot of your SetSail Move for simpler use. You’ll additionally obtain an e-mail notification.
The Set Sail Move appears like this:
What to pack?
Garments/Outfits
One of many largest myths about cruising? That it’s method too formal. It’s not, at the very least not on Royal Caribbean.
Pre-pandemic, there was once one formal night time per crusing, however not anymore. However even when there have been, it’s fully optionally available. If dressing to the nines isn’t your factor, you’ll be able to completely skip it. And even for those who do be a part of, the gown code isn’t as strict as you would possibly assume. On Spectrum of the Seas, for instance, denims are honest recreation on formal night time. Simply keep away from t-shirts, shorts, slippers, and sneakers for those who’re planning to attend.
Humorous sufficient, each time we cruise, with or and not using a formal night time, we nonetheless select to glam up for one night –only for the vibes. 😄
Some eating places do implement a gown code, however don’t fear—it’s not about tuxedos and ball robes. Assume extra good informal. For the Most important Eating Room and specialty eating places, a easy gown or blazer for girls, or something with a collar for males, works completely. The one no-nos? T-shirts, shorts, and sneakers.
Outdoors these venues, informal is completely cool. Professional tip: Pack a flexible blazer that may double as semi-formal or enterprise apparel. It’ll prevent from any last-minute wardrobe dilemmas and aid you breeze into the much less informal spots and occasions.
Once we go on a cruise, we all the time pack two outfits per day. Is that this obligatory? Nope. Only a private quirk. Through the day, we’re all about informal and comfortable garments, particularly when exploring off the ship. However come night? We seize the prospect to decorate up a bit. (As a full-time journey blogger, moments to glam up are uncommon. Gotta take what we are able to get, proper? LOL!)
Oh, and for those who plan on taking a dip within the pool or sizzling tubs, don’t overlook your swimwear!
Different Necessities
Past garments, listed below are some necessities it is best to positively convey alongside:
- US {dollars}: simply in case you expertise bother together with your credit score/debit card
- Toothbrush and toothpaste: which won’t be supplied on board
- Journey adaptor: the ship makes use of North American commonplace, 110V AC; and commonplace European 220/230 volts AC plug retailers
What objects are NOT ALLOWED on board a Royal Caribbean ship?
Listed below are issues which might be PROHIBITED on board. If discovered, these things shall be confiscated instantly.
- Unlawful medicine and substances
- Firearms and ammunition (together with replicas)
- Flammable liquids and explosives
- Sharp object (shaving razors and scissors with lower than 4 inches blade size are allowed)
- Objects that produce warmth and an open flame like candles, incense, espresso maker, sizzling plates, garments iron, and so forth. (curling iron and hair straighteners are allowed)
- Extension cords
- Hoverboards
- Alcoholic drinks like beer, laborious liquor, and fortified wines (On boarding day, company could convey up one sealed 750-ml bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom however these should solely be consumed inside their respective staterooms. It have to be introduced through keep on.)
- Different drinks
On a earlier Royal Caribbean cruise, we discovered the laborious method that extension cords are a no-go. We normally pack a small energy strip once we journey, and we didn’t understand it was prohibited. When the suitcase didn’t make it to our room, we obtained curious and known as to examine. Turned out, the bag was being held as a result of the facility strip confirmed up throughout their scan.
To get the bag, we needed to go to the luggage space, the place they confiscated the extension twine. The excellent news? They handed it again to us earlier than we disembarked. Lesson discovered: double-check the prohibited objects checklist earlier than packing! 😅
The place to Keep in Shanghai
Though it’s potential to catch an early flight and board the ship on the following day, it’s best observe to reach in Shanghai at the very least a day earlier than, simply in case your flight will get delayed or cancelled. Therefore, we suggest that you just e-book a lodge in Shanghai for the night time earlier than. This may also provide you with a while to discover the town.
Select a lodge in Huangpu, particularly the realm surrounding Individuals’s Park, so you’ll be able to simply entry main vacationer points of interest which might be FREE of cost.
Listed below are among the prime properties on-line as rated by Agoda clients:
Seek for extra Shanghai Resorts!
ON BOARDING DAY
What cruise terminal does Royal Caribbean use in Shanghai?
In Shanghai, Royal Caribbean makes use of Wusongkou Worldwide Cruise Terminal, situated at this handle:
- Wusongkou Int’l Cruise Terminal
No.1 Baoyang Street
Shanghai, China
It is usually referred to as Baoshan Port as a result of it’s within the Baoshan district of Shanghai, north of downtown.
Do NOT confuse this with Shanghai Port Worldwide Cruise Terminal, which is a very separate cruise terminal within the metropolis heart.
The best way to get to Baoshan Cruise Terminal?
Right here’s methods to get to Wusongkou Worldwide Cruise Terminal or Baoshan Port.
From Shanghai Metropolis Middle
- By Taxi: CNY 100-120 fare
- By Metro: Take Metro Line 3 to Baoyang Street, then take a cab to the cruise terminal (CNY 25-35)
- By Bus: Take Bus 51, 160, 508, or 728, which all cease in Baoyang space, near the terminal. However you would possibly must switch on foot or by taxi to the cruise terminal constructing.
From Shanghai Pudong Worldwide Airport
Until you’re taking a cab or non-public switch, there isn’t a direct method to attain Baoshan Port. Taking the general public transportation includes a number of transfers, which isn’t superb you probably have heavy baggage in tow.
Journey Time: Round 1 hour
Fare: Roughly CNY 200
The best way to examine in and board the ship?
First, be sure you examine in on-line (through the Royal Caribbean web site or app) at the very least 3 days earlier than crusing. This might make the boarding course of a lot simpler!
Examine your Visitor Ticket Booklet, a set of e-documents despatched to you once you booked, and on the CRUISE SUMMARY PAGE (probably web page 3), search for the Crusing Time. In our case, it’s 4:30 pm.
IMPORTANT! Be on the pier inside Arrival Time interval that picked once you checked in on-line. In any other case, it’s possible you’ll be pushed again and be allowed to board a lot later.
Right here’s the boarding course of:
- Connect the baggage tags to your check-in baggage. You’ll discover it within the Visitor Ticket Booklet, normally in direction of the final web page. Print them out however connect it solely after you’ve landed in Shanghai. (The tags would possibly get misplaced or broken for those who connect it earlier than your flight.) You may as well do that whereas falling in line however convey some scotch tape.
- Go to the baggage drop off space. It’s situated outdoors the terminal constructing. Be sure you have your paperwork with you. Finest to have a small carry-on or hand-carry bag.
- Enter the terminal for Customs and safety examine. There may be typically two queues right here that begin outdoors: one line for individuals who have already got a SetSail move and the opposite for individuals who don’t. If you move the safety examine, you may be directed to the check-in corridor.
- Clear a fast doc examine. A employees member will examine your passport, and SetSail Move. As soon as happy, they may stick a quantity on the again of your passport. That quantity corresponds to the realm the place it is best to fall in line for examine in.
- Finalize your check-in and current your journey paperwork on the counters. Additionally, you will be filling out a brief kind right here the place you’ll provide your private information. For those who examine your Royal Caribbean app, it ought to show you’re CLEARED TO BOARD.
- Proceed to the Customs examine space. You’ll need to queue up once more. The traces listed below are looooong. Your baggage shall be scanned.
- Go to the Immigration Space. You’ll see a number of immigration counters, however there are a couple of which might be devoted to overseas or non-Chinese language vacationers. These are manned counters, so count on questions from the officers. They’ll scan your passport and get your biometrics (picture and fingerprints). Notice that you just’re technically exiting China at this level, so they may examine you probably have a double-entry or multiple-entry visa.
- As you board the ship, one other employees member will acquire your passport. You’ll get your passport again a day earlier than you disembark. For those who overlook to convey a photocopy of your passport, there’s a photocopy machine stationed close by.
That’s it! You’re in! Welcome aboard!
What to do after boarding?
- Attend a security demo. Examine your Royal Caribbean app for the venue. It should additionally present you a map and directions on methods to attain it. As soon as accomplished, you’ll be given a coloured sticker that you should connect to your shirt, someplace seen.
- Have lunch or chill at a ready space. This may be the Windjammer Market on Deck 14, the Most important Eating Room on Decks 3-4, or the Two70. Assist your self with treats from their intensive worldwide buffet choice as you wait on your room to be prepared (normally 2-3 hours after boarding however may be as late as 6pm). You may additionally discover the highest deck or the pool space and admire the view.
- Proceed to your stateroom. You’ll discover your SailPass card connected to your door. Don’t ever lose this card. This acts as your key card as nicely your pockets/bank card as purchases on board can solely be made through this card. That is additionally the one method so that you can get on and off the ship. The SeaPass card appears like this:
- Discover your check-in baggage within the hallway, simply outdoors your room. For those who can’t discover it, contact Visitor Companies as a result of they is likely to be holding it as a result of they believe it comprises a restricted/prohibited merchandise or the baggage tag might need gotten misplaced.
DURING SAILING
The place to Eat on Board
Complimentary Eating places
Every reserving comes with entry to seven (7) complimentary eating choices:
- Most important Eating Room. This can be a correct restaurant, worldwide delicacies; multi-level eating place; open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; Deck 3-4, Aft
- Windjammer Market. It gives worldwide delicacies; buffet fashion; open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; Deck 14, Aft
- Noodle Bar. This options Asian noodles; open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; situated inside Windjammer Market
- Splashaway Café. It serves kiddie meals; open for breakfast and lunch; situated close to the child’s pool space; Deck 14, Mid
- Sorrento’s. Genuine New York Pizzeria, open for lunch and dinner; Deck 14, Aft
- The Café @Two70®. It gives continental meals; serves principally salads, sandwiches, and soups; open for breakfast and lunch; Deck 5, Aft part
- SeaPlex Canine Home. This can be a “meals truck” serving tasty sizzling canine, situated inside SeaPlex; open for lunch and dinner, till 7PM solely; Deck 15, Aft
Eating at any of the above is FREE of cost, and you may have as a lot meals as you want. Once we like a specific dish, we order one other serving. Even on the Most important Eating Room, if we like two major dishes, we order each. It’s okay and it’s allowed. You possibly can even ask for objects that aren’t on the present menu. The primary time we had a meal right here, they served a cheese platter, which we loved. However it was now not on the menu after that, however we all the time ordered it regardless, and they’d gladly oblige (LOL).
The menu on the Most important Eating Room adjustments each meal, however right here’s a pattern:
Due to the sheer variety of the cuisines which might be accessible for FREE, it’s totally potential to finish the journey with out spending something extra on meals.
Specialty Eating places
However if you wish to splurge a bit, apart from these complimentary meals spots, you’ll additionally discover specialty eating places that incur further prices, together with:
- Chops Grille. This can be a steakhouse, greatest for prime meat and Maine lobster; open for lunch (on sea days solely) and dinner; Deck 5, Midship
- Teppanyaki. Japanese meals ready and served by entertaining cooks; open for lunch and dinner; reservation and buy through Royal cellular app or cruise planner; Deck 14, Mid
- Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver. It serves Italian delicacies; well-liked on the menu are meat plank and pasta; open for lunch and dinner; Deck 5, Aft
- Wonderland. This options inventive and modern Alice-in-Wonderland-themed eating; open for dinner; Deck 5, Midship
- La Patisserie.It gives pastries, desserts, ice cream, and occasional; Deck 4, Midship
- Chef’s Desk. This serves continental meals; five-course meal and wine tasting; open for dinner; Deck 5, midship
- Izumi. Japanese delicacies; well-liked on the menu are the sushi and sashimi choices; open for lunch and dinner; Deck 5, Midship
- Sichuan Purple. Chinese language delicacies; specifically designed for Spectrum of the Seas; open for lunch and dinner; reservation and buy through Royal cellular app or cruise planner; Deck 4, Midship
- The Scorching Pot. Chinese language delicacies; sizzling pot fashion cooking; situated inside Windjammer Market, Aft
- Vintages
- Leaf & Bean Cafe. This options extensive number of cold and hot drinks with pastry choices; Deck 4, Midship
For these, reservations could also be required. Chances are you’ll achieve this utilizing the Royal Caribbean app. For those who e-book upfront, you’ll get reductions starting from 15-50%.
We’ll be making a separate article discussing every of the eating spots we have now tried on board, so be careful for that.
Reminder: ALWAYS wash and sanitize your hand BEFORE and AFTER you eat. There’s a hand-washing or hand-sanitizing station at each restaurant’s entrance/exit.
Room service can be accessible however a US$7.95 service cost + 18% gratuity applies per stateroom order aside from continental breakfast.
Issues to Do on Board
Royal Caribbean goes all out on the subject of packing their new ships with enjoyable and thrilling facilities, and Spectrum of the Seas is not any exception. As one among their largest and most spectacular ships, it boasts an array of thrilling points of interest and way of life areas that cater to each sort of traveler—whether or not you’re a thrill-seeker, a foodie, or somebody simply seeking to calm down in fashion.
Listed below are a few of them. Most are free, however some include an extra cost. Sure actions additionally require advance reservations by the app.
- RipCord by iFly. This can be a simulated skydiving expertise (with further value).
- FlowRider. This one is a simulated browsing exercise (teacher charges apply).
- Skypad. It’s a bungee trampoline with digital actuality headset (FREE).
- Rock Climbing Wall (FREE)
- Royal Theatre. That is the place musical and different entertaining performances are recurrently staged (most reveals are FREE).
- SeaPlex. That is the onboard sports activities complicated the place you’ll be able to trip bumper automobiles; play tennis, pingpong and basketball; strive archery; and extra! (FREE)
- North Star. It’s a glass-enclosed statement pod and capsule trip that permits a 360-degree view (with further value).
- Swimming Swimming pools and Whirlpools (FREE)
- Music Corridor. Options band performances each night time (FREE).
- Star Second. Karaoke enjoyable! (FREE)
- Spas and Health club (FREE)
- Video Recreation Arcade
We had been in a position to strive nearly all the pieces on the checklist and we actually had a number of enjoyable! We had been on the Music Corridor each night time and would spend our high-seas day attempting many of the rides and points of interest.
And oh, don’t overlook to catch at the very least one of many superior reveals on the Royal Theatre and the Two70!
Sights for Youngsters/Toddlers
Youngsters have their very own swimming space known as Splashaway Bay, full with water slides.
The SeaPlex, a sports activities complicated, composed of recreation rooms and a number of kid-friendly points of interest like an arcade, online game rooms, archery room, bumper automobiles, and claw machines.
Among the reveals on the Royal Theatre are additionally healthful, which youngsters can get pleasure from.
The Spectrum of the Seas additionally has a so-called Journey Ocean Program, which is principally a youth membership or day care, the place youngsters ages 3 to 11 can play with different youngsters. Dad and mom can drop off their youngsters right here.
Exploring Ports of Name
2026-2027 Shanghai Sailings with Ports of Name
Listed below are the accessible routes, as of this writing.
- 3 NIGHTS
• Shanghai – Jeju Island (Seogwipo) – Shanghai - 4 NIGHTS
• Shanghai – Okinawa (Naha) – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Nagasaki – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Fukuoka – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Kagoshima – Shanghai - 5 NIGHTS
• Shanghai – Okinawa (Naha) – Ishigaki – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Fukuoka – Kumamoto – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Kumamoto – Kagoshima – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Nagasaki – Kagoshima – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Busan – Fukuoka – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Fukuoka – Nagasaki – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Fukuoka – Busan – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Nagasaki – Kumamoto – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Okinawa (Naha) – Ishigaki – Shanghaii - 6 NIGHTS
• Shanghai – Nagasaki – Fukuoka – Busan – Shanghai - 7 NIGHTS
• Shanghai – Osaka – Kobe – Tokyo – Shanghai - 8 NIGHTS
• Shanghái – Jeju – Maizuru – Niigata – Hakodate – Shanghái
• Shanghái – Tokyo – Mt. Fuji (Shimizu) – Osaka – Shanghái
• Shanghái – Jeju – Kyoto – Niigata – Hakodate – Shanghái
• Shanghái – Kobe – Osaka – Nagoya – Tokyo – Shanghái
• Shanghái – Sakaiminato – Kyoto (Maizuru) – Niigata – Hakodate – Shanghái
Shorex vs DIY
You’ve got the choice to e-book a guided tour from Royal Caribbean known as SHOREX (Shore Tour) or you’ll be able to discover the vacation spot by yourself.
The great thing about becoming a member of a shorex is they are going to be caring for all the pieces for you, together with the transfers to and from the port, however it normally comes with a inflexible itinerary. Go to the Shore Tour Kiosks on Deck 5 (Midship) to know extra in regards to the completely different tour packages earlier than the day of docking.
In order for you extra freedom and adaptability, you’ll be able to discover independently. However simply just remember to’ll be again to the ship earlier than the set time. You possibly can see the arrival and departure instances on the Royal Caribbean app.
On our earlier crusing, our route was Shanghai-Naha-Ishigaki-Shanghai. In Naha (Okinawa), Royal Caribbean gives shuttle service to Kokusai Dori (procuring road) and again for USD 25 (roundtrip). From there, it’s simple to discover the town as a result of public buses are lots.
In Ishigaki, nonetheless, the one dependable mode of transportation is the taxi, which prices JPY 4500 per hour. We toured for 3 (3) hours and obtained to go to 4 vacationer spots.
REMEMBER! Whether or not becoming a member of an organized group tour or doing a DIY, don’t overlook your SeaPass Card and a photocopy of your passport.
CHECKING OUT & DISEMBARKATION
What to do in your final day on board?
- Declare your passport on the designated space. It’s normally on the foyer or elevator area nearest your state room.
- Pack your issues and go away your bag outdoors your door by 10PM. Put aside some garments for the following day and all of your valuables and journey paperwork in your carry-on bag. Your room attendant will go away one other set of bags tags in your mattress or on the door. Don’t overlook to connect the tags to your suitcase earlier than leaving it outdoors.
- If paying money or in case your bank card didn’t work, settle your invoice for those who made any purchases. Simply strategy the GUEST SERVICES desk to take action. If utilizing a bank card, the invoice with be routinely charged to your card. Lately, most bookings already cowl pre-paid suggestions/gratuities, so no want to fret about that (however examine your reserving to make sure).
Is tipping obligatory?
YES, gratuities are obligatory. Gratuities are the service prices or suggestions collected from all passengers and distributed among the many onboard employees who make your cruise expertise superb, just like the eating, bar, and culinary employees, stateroom attendants, lodge providers, and different hardworking of us behind the scenes. These prices are routinely utilized to every visitor’s account through the cruise. Listed below are the charges:
- USD 18.50 per night time per visitor in any stateroom
- USD 21.00 per night time per visitor in any suite
For those who e-book with Cruising.com.ph, it will already be included within the reserving (pre-paid), so that you don’t want to fret about this once you’re already crusing.
For those who e-book on the worldwide web site, you’ll need to settle this earlier than you take a look at.
As well as, an computerized 18% gratuity is tacked onto all pre-cruise and onboard purchases for drinks (together with beverage packages), specialty eating, room service, and mini bar objects. For those who’re treating your self to some pampering on the spa or salon, an computerized 20% gratuity shall be added to these purchases as nicely.
So in concept, you don’t want to tip the crew members individually, however we nonetheless suggest that you just tip the employees — particularly your room attendant and the waiters at correct eating places in the event that they did an important job to indicate your appreciation.
The best way to disembark?
You possibly can nonetheless have your breakfast the morning on the day of your departure. Breakfast is served as early as 6:00 AM. Listed below are the meals locations that usually serve breakfast: Windjammer Market (Deck 14), Café @ Two70 (Deck 5), and Most important Eating Room (Deck 3).
When it’s time to get off the ship, observe these process:
- Proceed to your departure lounge after which the gangway on Deck 5. Upon exiting, a employees member will scan your SeaPass card or your passport.
- Bear immigration examine for arrival clearance.
- As soon as cleared, acquire your baggage on the baggage declare space. Examine your baggage tag quantity to make sure.
Yet another factor: for those who’re flying to the Philippines after the cruise, you’ll additionally want to perform ETRAVEL PASS, which is a requirement by the Philippine authorities.
SAMPLE CRUISE BUDGET BREAKDOWN
So, how a lot does a cruise value? Once more, the entire value will depend upon a number of components, resembling your room sort, journey dates, cruise itinerary, and ongoing promotions. However to offer you a sensible concept, let’s use this pattern state of affairs:
Suppose you might be reserving a 4-night Shanghai-Busan Spectrum of the Seas cruise. Let’s additionally assume that you’re touring as a pair, staying in an Inside Room, and flying from Manila to Shanghai sooner or later earlier than embarkation.
Listed below are the estimated bills PER PERSON.
The 4-night cruise itself prices round P31,100 per particular person. This already contains the cruise fare, port prices, and computerized gratuities. On the time we had been researching for this replace, this was the most cost effective 4-night crusing we discovered for this route.
For flights, we discovered a roundtrip fare with China Southern Airways for less than P14,820 per particular person.
For reference, Yosh’s precise ticket to Shanghai was with Philippine Airways, and it value round P15,000 roundtrip. That already included greater than 20 kilos of bags allowance, plus onboard meals. To maintain the computation easy, let’s simply spherical it off to P15,000. You should still be capable to discover cheaper fares, particularly throughout seat gross sales from Cebu Pacific.
You additionally must issue within the Philippine Journey Tax, which prices P1620, in addition to the China visa charge, which is presently round P3448.
In case your itinerary features a port of name in Okinawa, you don’t want a Japan visa for that cease. Nonetheless, you will have to pay round P1700 in port charges.
Since you’ll almost definitely fly to Shanghai a day earlier than the cruise, you also needs to price range for a lodge keep. First rate lodging can already be discovered for round P5000 per night time, which comes out to about P2500 per particular person in case you are sharing a room as a pair.
Let’s additionally allocate P5000 for transfers and one other P1000 for meals bills whereas in Shanghai.
With all these bills mixed, your estimated whole value involves round P56,998 per particular person. That estimate already covers your DIY expense in Okinawa, together with transportation fares, temple entrance charges, and lunch allowance.
Pattern Cruise Funds Abstract
- 4N Shanghai-Busan Cruise
(inclusive of meals, gratuities, and so forth.)
P31,100 - Roundtrip Manila-Shanghai Flight
P15,000 - Philippine Journey Tax
P1,620 - China Visa (Double Entry)
P3,448 - Shanghai Resort (1N)
P2,500 (P5000/night time divided by 2 pax) - Shanghai Transfers & Busan DIY Tour
P5,000 - Meals in Shanghai
P1,000
TOTAL: P59,668
To be protected, let’s simply spherical it off to P65,000 per particular person.
Once more, that is solely an estimate. It’s all the time smart so as to add further allowance for different potential bills.
Naturally, your whole expense can nonetheless go a lot larger relying on the cruise fare or flight costs you find yourself reserving.
We additionally need to be clear that we can not share our actual bills from our most up-to-date crusing as a result of that specific journey was by invitation from Royal Caribbean. Full disclosure: many of the bills for that journey had been coated by them.
Royal Caribbean Worldwide is an award-winning international cruise model. Its many achievements embrace the “Finest Cruise Line Total” for 15 consecutive years (TTG Journey Awards) and the “Finest Cruise Line” since 2015 (Journey Weekly Asia’s Reader’s Selection Awards. It boasts 26 of the world’s most modern cruise ships to well-known locations resembling Bermuda and the Caribbean, Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, South America, Asia, and Australia and New Zealand.
Arpan Air Inc. is the official representatives of Royal Caribbean within the Philippines.
Be a part of The Poor Traveler Help Group
✅ You probably have any questions or want journey suggestions, be happy to publish them to the TPT Help Group. The members are very useful. This Fb help group has been round for a very long time, and lots of members have discovered journey buddies by it. You possibly can be a part of too! Simply go to The Poor Traveler Help Group. Notice that that is completely different from The Poor Traveler Fb web page.
Defend your funds when touring!
Getting a journey insurance coverage is optionally available, however we extremely suggest this, particularly when touring overseas. Journey may be unpredictable, and although we hope we’ll by no means use it, having it offers us peace of thoughts in case of surprising delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For worldwide locations, take into account PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You possibly can GET IT HERE. Don’t overlook to make use of WORTHIT for a particular reasonably priced price.
Updates Log
2026 5 27 – Up to date crusing dates & promos; added completely different lodging varieties and pattern cruise price range breakdown
2025 10 17 – Up to date China’s visa-exempt coverage for 24-hour transit passengers
2025 1 19 – First posted
Photographs by: Yosh Dimen, Vins Carlos, and Asta Alvarez
