Spectrum of the Seas
Watch as robots craft a custom juice creation for you at the Bionic Bar. Elevate your stay in one suite of our Suite Club, the most luxurious accommodations at sea with access to a variety of exclusive amenities. Or change the way you make family memories in the Ultimate Family Suite, an expansive, multi-room retreat complete with its own insuite slide and cinema which also doubles as a karaoke stage.
Roundtrip From:Hong Kong, China
Visiting:
Departs at 5:00 PM
Although it's officially part of China, Hong Kong is a world unto itself. This bustling city is full of ancient and modern architecture, lots of people and — of course — the best dim sum around. Head to the Kowloon Peninsula for Golden Mile shopping along Nathan Road. Then, make your way to Hong Kong Island to admire the views from the top of Victoria Peak — you can see the skyscrapers of the financial district as well as the fishing village of Stanley Harbour. Cruise to Hong Kong and trek out to mountainous Lantau Island to see the famous Tian Tan Buddha, standing a full 112 feet tall. Or score some quiet time at Hong Kong Park, full of contemplative rock gardens and tree-lined paths.
The Peak Tram takes you up to Victoria Peak, Hong Kong's 1,800-foot-high mountain. Less expensive buses will get you there, too. Once you're up top, admire the views over the city from the hiking trails. The Peak also offers an escape from the subtropical climate below — the air here is cooler and less humid.
Use an Octopus card for a ride on Hong Kong's iconic Star Ferry for inexpensive views of Hong Kong's harbor. The tour makes a scenic circular route between Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island, stopping at three piers. Skyscrapers are everywhere, but look closely for the smaller Golden Bauhinia near the Wan Chai Pier, a golden flower statue where the handover of Hong Kong took place in 1997.
Head to Causeway Bay for modern retail therapy: This stretch of Hong Kong is virtually covered in malls and shops. Central is the district to go to for upscale designer clothes, shoes and other items. But don't overlook the markets for local handicrafts during your Hong Kong cruise. Pick up an inexpensive but distinctive jade necklace or ornament, or look for poetry-inscribed paintings and bamboo handicrafts from the antique dealers on Cat Street.
Stanley Harbour, on the other side of Hong Kong Island, will give you a taste of a different Hong Kong. It's a fishing village on Repulse Bay with a lovely seaside walk (snap some photos of the fishing boats) as well as a famous street market. There's lots of British history, a boardwalk and even a few beaches. You can take the bus from Central for a scenic trip, though the express bus is faster.
Hong Kong is famous for dim sum, a meal of bite-sized foods with various selections brought to your table. Traditionally eaten for brunch, you'll find it at other hours, too. Choose from steamed buns, dumplings or fried rolls filled with spinach, crab or chicken. You'll likely need to share a table — but then you'll have help deciding what to order. Restaurants with lots of locals are a sign of quality and good prices.
Buckle up and take the wheel for nonstop fun on the only bumper cars at sea. Rush hour gets a thrilling spin at the largest indoor activity space ever to set sail — SeaPlex®.
The fun comes in gallons. This bigger, better kids aqua park features slides, water cannons, waterfalls and more. And when the drench bucket gets full, everyone gets wet.
There’s no rush in the world like skydiving — and on the RipCord® by iFLY® simulator you can feel the freedom of freefall without even leaving the deck.
From 7:00 AM - 6:45 PM
Fukuoka, on the northern shore of Japan's Kyushu Island, is known for ancient temples and beautiful beaches. Explore the 17th-century ruins of Fukuoka Castle in Maizuru Park. Then head to the central Hakata district, home to Tocho-ji Temple, where a 10-meter wooden Buddha sits. Cruise to Fukuoka and dive deeper into history at the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum, with displays on daily life in the Meiji and Taisho eras. Slurp ramen noodles in rich tonkotsu broth at one of the city's yatai (outdoor food stalls), then walk it off with a stroll along the winding canals. Pop into Shofukuji Zen temple for some quiet reflection. Or embrace the bustle instead and head to Canal City Hakata, one of Japan's largest shopping complexes.
Head over to the 768-foot Fukuoka Tower for stunning views of the city and the coast. Then take a relaxing stroll on the beach right next door at Momochi Seaside Park. To cool down, get familiar with local history at the nearby Fukuoka City Museum, which houses the Gold Seal, a national treasure linked to the foundations of Japan as a country.
Insider tip
There's no tipping in Japan, but there is a blanket 8 percent sales tax. Look for tax-free sales promotions.
On the outskirts of Fukuoka, Dazaifu is a historic administrative center packed with temples and shrines. During your Fukuoka, Japan cruise, head to the grandest of them all, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to scholar Sugawara Michizane. Some 40 kilometers south but easily reachable by train, you can find Yanagawa, an ancient castle town of gorgeous old canals overhung by willows and cherry trees.
In Fukuoka, you can pick up Hakata ningyo, ceramic dolls that were first made in the 17th century and gained international renown in the 19th. They're elaborately painted and can be remarkably lifelike. Shogetsudo in the Nakasu district offers a wide selection of dolls — you can even create your own.
Founded in the late 12th century by the priest Eisai, Shofukuji is Japan's first temple dedicated to Zen Buddhism. The philosophy of Zen grew to become a central teaching for Japan's samurai warriors. The tranquil grounds here are perfect for reflection or a respite from the bustle of the city.
Insider tip
Smaller restaurants, cafes and yatai stands may not accept credit cards, so have enough yen cash on hand.
Fukuoka is synonymous with noodles. While ramen originated in China, Fukuoka took the dish to new heights with its hearty tonkotsu broth — made from long-simmered pork bones — and long, thin noodles. One of the best ways to enjoy this dish is at an outdoor yatai stand, where the beer and sake flow.
From 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
A beautiful and bustling city, Nagasaki's streets have been touched by foreign culture for generations. This is the port by which the Portuguese and Dutch brought Japan into contact with Western culture in the 1500s, and over the years, international influence has continued to transform Nagasaki into the hub of cosmopolitan activity it is today. Explore the Dutch Slope, where you'll find Dutch residences from the 1800s and Japan's first Protestant Church, Higashi Yamate. Cruise to Nagasaki to see the oldest bridge in Japan, Megane-bashi — or "Spectacles Bridge," so called for its arched appearance. Then, visit Nagasaki Peace Park, with its 18-meter-wide fountain built to memorialize the events that took place here when the atomic bomb struck in 1945.
Just 20 kilometers from the shore of Nagasaki lies a mysterious, abandoned island. Commonly called Gunkanjima or Battleship Island, its derelict shores tell a story of coal mines and immigrants. On a guided tour, you can see the areas that famously appeared in the James Bond movie "Skyfall".
Insider tip
Getting around is easy in Nagasaki: The port is conveniently located in the center of the city, every major destination is connected via trams, and taxis are available at will.
Mt. Inasa is the tallest mountain in Nagasaki and gives you a dazzling view over the city and the bay. At 333 meters high, you can see as far as the Goto Islands on a clear day. To get to the observation deck, hop on the ropeway up the mountainside.
Hamano-machi shopping district sells just about everything you can imagine. Pick up delicately patterned cotton and silks, or spring for a pair of unique, hand-carved chopsticks. Stop in at a fun 100 Yen store, where every item in the shop only costs 100 yen (less than a dollar).
Nagasaki is home to some of Japan's oldest structures. See the Spectacles Bridge built in 1643, it the oldest bridge in Japan. Then stop in at Oura Catholic Church, the first wooden Gothic church in the country, or see the island's oldest European-style house at the picturesque Glover Gardens.
Insider tip
If you'd like to save on public transport and taxis, spend your time doing a walking tour of the inner city.
Dine like royalty at a Shippoku Ryori restaurant. You'll be served shareable small plates that blend Japanese staples with influences from China and Europe. Sample kakuni, cubes of pork belly braised in a dashi broth flavored with umami-packed dried bonito fish. Cruise to Nagasaki to indulge in a Sasebo burger, typically topped with egg, bacon and Japanese mayo. For dessert, try the Portuguese-inspired castella, a fluffy vanilla sponge cake balanced with gentle sweetness.
From 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Japan's southernmost major city, Kagoshima delivers a memorable mix of unique cuisine, historical attractions and outdoor activities in its temperate weather. Take in sweeping bayside vistas at Sengan-en, the elegant estate of the Shimadzu samurai clan, and stroll through its cherry blossom-filled gardens. Cruise to Kagoshima and head to Yurigahama Beach, with its bright waters and mysterious sandbar that appears each month in a slightly different spot, depending on the tides.
Step back in time at Sengan-en, a sprawling samurai estate originally built in the 17th century that offers breathtaking garden views of the bay and Sakurajima puffing in the distance. The villa here was built out of Yakushima cedar trees over 1,000 years old; it's perfect place to try traditional Japanese green tea and chocolate sweets.
Insider tip
There's no tipping in Japan, but you'll face an 8 percent sales tax everywhere except major retailers, which often have no-fee shopping.
Cuisine in Kagoshima centers around kurobuta, or "black pork" — it comes from a black-haired breed of heritage pig that produces meat with a delicate, sweet flavor. Try the good stuff shabu-shabu hot pot style, wash it down with a cup of shochu, a distilled liquor from southern Japan that's often made with sweet potato, barley, sugar cane and buckwheat.
Head to Shiroyama Lookout, a hillside park overlooking the city. Heads up, history buffs: This was the site of the final battle of the Satsuma Rebellion, in which the last samurai, Saigo Takamori, met his end. Cruise to Kagoshima and check out Reimeikan Museum at the foot of the hill, based on the remains of a fort that once stood here.
Insider tip
Don't forget to carry some Japanese yen in cash as smaller shops, cafes and bars may not accept credit cards.
Head over to the Tenmonkan district for unique Kagoshima goods, including handmade Satsumakiriko cut glass, Satsumayaki porcelain vases and bowls, Oshima tsumugi textiles and other handicrafts from Kagoshima and the Ryukyu Islands to the south. Tenmonkan shops also offer different varieties of shochu.
From 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Kumamoto City offers insight into both Japan's samurai past and its modern-day love of kawaii cuteness. Check out the city's old downtown area dominated by Kumamoto Castle, a reconstruction of the fortress from which samurai lords ruled their domain. Cruise to Kumamoto and walk alongside the Shirakawa River past traditional Japanese gardens the homes of prominent 19th- and 20th-century writers — pop into the former residence of Lafcadio Hearn, one of the first Western writers to settle in Japan. Then, see ancient and modern art and relax in the calming stone garden at the Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art, or head to Musashizuka Park to see the tomb and statue of famous swordsman Miyamoto Musashi.
Kumamoto Castle is a stunning samurai fortress with spectacular rooms of tatami, wood and painted panels beneath its somber, soot-black exterior. Originally built in the 17th century, it's at its prettiest in spring, when hundreds of cherry trees around the moat are in bloom. It's under reconstruction after the 2016 earthquakes, but you can still view parts of the fortifications from around Ninomaru Square and Kato Shrine.
Insider tip
Remember that many small restaurants, cafes and bars in Japan may not accept credit cards, so carry enough cash.
Explore the tatami-mat rooms and gardens the former homes of two prominent writers who lived in Kumamoto. The residence of Natsume Soseki celebrates the author of "I Am a Cat," who lived here around 1900 while teaching at Kumamoto University. The Lafcadio Hearn residence is dedicated to the Greek-Irish author of "Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan" who lived here in the 1890s.
The Kumamoto Prefectural Traditional Crafts Center is a museum and shop offering a wide range of local handicrafts. There are some 80 craft types on display here, including Yamaga lanterns, Higo gold inlay metal craft and ceramics. For more modern souvenirs — including items imprinted with Kumamon, the cute bear that serves as Kumamoto's mascot — try the Kumamoto Prefectural Products Center.
Dating back to 1632, Suizenji Garden is like a picture come to life. You'll find beautiful cherry trees, pines and elegant arched bridges over a central pond at this traditional Japanese garden. The grounds have been landscaped into small "hills." You'll also find a Shinto shrine and a mini Mt. Fuji to evoke the ancient Tokaido road that linked Kyoto with Edo (present-day Tokyo).
Insider tip
Tipping is not done in Japan, but gifts from one's homeland are always appreciated.
Kumamoto's culinary claim to fame is Kumamoto ramen — the local take on the pan-Japanese soup features a mild pork broth, medium-sized noodles and smoky fried garlic chips. Cruise to Kumamoto to try Red Wagyu donburi, with rare-seared strips of lean Wagyu beef served over rice with an oozy egg. Snack of karashi renkon (fried lotus root dipped in mustard), and sample some shochu, the Kyushu's region's nutty-tasting liqueur.
Savor an exotic tapestry of authentic spices and wow-worthy Asian-inspired flavors while feasting your eyes on endless views for the whole table at Sichuan Red®, Designed just for Spectrum of the Seas®, this is one game changing specialty dining experience foodies won’t want to miss.
At Teppanyaki℠, expert chefs elevate cooking to a performance art form — and you’ve got front row seats to the show. Enjoy authentic Far East flavors prepared right at your table and served up with a sizzle, from succulent seafood to top-grade steaks seared to perfection.
This chic cafe serves up all your favorite hot and cold drinks, from original Chinese teas to classic coffee creations. Want the best of both worlds? Choose from a selection of trendy teas inspired by coffee-making culture — all paired with pastries from around the globe.
Treat your little ones to a tasty snack-a-thon made just for them. Located right near the kids’ pool area, Splashaway Café is the perfect flip-flop-friendly spot to fuel up in between epic adventures onboard.
Arrives at 6:30 AM
Although it's officially part of China, Hong Kong is a world unto itself. This bustling city is full of ancient and modern architecture, lots of people and — of course — the best dim sum around. Head to the Kowloon Peninsula for Golden Mile shopping along Nathan Road. Then, make your way to Hong Kong Island to admire the views from the top of Victoria Peak — you can see the skyscrapers of the financial district as well as the fishing village of Stanley Harbour. Cruise to Hong Kong and trek out to mountainous Lantau Island to see the famous Tian Tan Buddha, standing a full 112 feet tall. Or score some quiet time at Hong Kong Park, full of contemplative rock gardens and tree-lined paths.
The Peak Tram takes you up to Victoria Peak, Hong Kong's 1,800-foot-high mountain. Less expensive buses will get you there, too. Once you're up top, admire the views over the city from the hiking trails. The Peak also offers an escape from the subtropical climate below — the air here is cooler and less humid.
Use an Octopus card for a ride on Hong Kong's iconic Star Ferry for inexpensive views of Hong Kong's harbor. The tour makes a scenic circular route between Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island, stopping at three piers. Skyscrapers are everywhere, but look closely for the smaller Golden Bauhinia near the Wan Chai Pier, a golden flower statue where the handover of Hong Kong took place in 1997.
Head to Causeway Bay for modern retail therapy: This stretch of Hong Kong is virtually covered in malls and shops. Central is the district to go to for upscale designer clothes, shoes and other items. But don't overlook the markets for local handicrafts during your Hong Kong cruise. Pick up an inexpensive but distinctive jade necklace or ornament, or look for poetry-inscribed paintings and bamboo handicrafts from the antique dealers on Cat Street.
Stanley Harbour, on the other side of Hong Kong Island, will give you a taste of a different Hong Kong. It's a fishing village on Repulse Bay with a lovely seaside walk (snap some photos of the fishing boats) as well as a famous street market. There's lots of British history, a boardwalk and even a few beaches. You can take the bus from Central for a scenic trip, though the express bus is faster.
Hong Kong is famous for dim sum, a meal of bite-sized foods with various selections brought to your table. Traditionally eaten for brunch, you'll find it at other hours, too. Choose from steamed buns, dumplings or fried rolls filled with spinach, crab or chicken. You'll likely need to share a table — but then you'll have help deciding what to order. Restaurants with lots of locals are a sign of quality and good prices.
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