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:Shanghai (Baoshan), China
Visiting:
Departs at 4:30 PM
Called Hu for short, glamorous Shanghai is China's largest city, and it reverberates with echoes of China's past. But at the same time, it's a city with its eyes on the future, where Gothic and neoclassical architecture contrasts space-age skyscrapers. Cruise to Shanghai and visit the Bund, a historic neighborhood on the west side of the Huangpu River, where you can still see buildings from the city's past prior to 1949. Across the way on the east side, you can gaze up at the futuristic towers of Pudong. See decorative bronze artifacts dating back to the 18th century B.C. at the Shanghai Museum. Then, head to the Old City, where you can wander the bustling narrow streets inside the fortified walls, take in the smell of incense and sip longjing green tea at a traditional teahouse.
The Bund is Shanghai's art deco heritage neighborhood, with colonial architecture from the 1920s and '40s. Walk along the riverfront promenade at the golden hour for beautiful photos — from here, you can see the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong's skyscrapers across the river.
Insider tip
China's currency is the renminbi (abbreviated as RMB) and also called the yuan. Shanghai has lots of ATMs, though not all accept foreign cards. Smaller Chinese cities don't always have ATMs, so it's wise to stock up on extra cash in Shanghai.
Get a feel for old China by wandering through the Yu Garden during your Shanghai cruise vacation. The classical garden is 400 years old, with carp-filled pools and bamboo groves. See more of ancient China at the Shanghai Museum, which has 120,000 ancient relics, including bronze artifacts and sculptures.
It's hard not to find shopping in Shanghai. Nanjing Road is the busiest, with everything from specialty food shops to modern malls. If you have time to get something tailored, try the South Bund Fabric Market. During your China cruise, pick up a distinctive Chinese red lantern at the Antique Market or at most street markets.
Take a river cruise to see some of Shanghai's modern architectural highlights: The 1536-foot-tall Oriental Pearl Tower looks like something straight out of the Jetsons, while the twisting Shanghai Tower, the second tallest building in the world, is meant to evoke a lucky dragon coming out of the earth. The World Finance Center Tower looks like a giant bottle opener.
Eating in Shanghai is all about street food. You'll see people drinking from giant dumplings through straws in a dish called xiao long bao — a soup dumpling. Join in, or eat them with chopsticks in a sit-down restaurant. Try cold noodles with eel, ginger and bamboo shoots, or pick up a flaky, pork-flecked scallion pancake — this comfort food is practically a way of life here.
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.
Tokyo
From 5:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Amid the endless buzzing neon signs and the overhead cable webs, Tokyo is home to some of the world's most impressive architecture, stylish shops and four-star restaurants. Plus, there’s a rich culture beyond the clamor of the city.
You'll find 10,000 trees and the impressive Meiji Shrine near Yoyogi Park. Grab a matcha tea ice cream to eat as you stroll toward the massive stone torii gates of the shrine. Then head to the Sensoji temple in Asakusa, where you can buy a wooden ema wishing plaque. If you're ready for lunch, there's plenty of street food located nearby.
Insider tip
Budget at least an hour to get to and from central Tokyo from the cruise terminal.
The most spectacular way to appreciate Tokyo's sprawl is from high in the sky. Tokyo Tower is taller than the Eiffel tower. The Roppongi Hills Sky Deck offers an even better vantage point. If you're on a budget, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building has two free observation decks on the 45th floors of each of its towers.
Start on the streets of Ginza, where you can shop through the world's most exclusive designer brands. For souvenir shopping, grab an iced coffee and walk through Nakamise for cultural knickknacks. If you're looking for quantity, find the chain dollar store, which is full of odd, funny, and cute items.
Go to Harajuku for a mecca of adorable kawaii shops and resturants. Start at Takeshita Street and walk to the trendy Omotesando Plaza, stopping off at the famed Kawaii Monster Cafe. If you're looking for more, head to the Akihabara for all things anime and maid and butler cafes.
Insider tip
Taxis are the fastest way to get around the city but trains are almost as convenient and much cheaper.
The new Toyosu Fish Market, which has replaced the Tsukiji Fish Market, will put you in seafood nirvana. Catch the early morning tuna auction and gobble down the freshest seafood you've ever had. Indulge in a helping of Kobe or Wagyu beef at the famous Hakushu Teppenyaki restaurant in Shibuya.
From 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The skyline at Shimizu port is dominated by one of Japan's most distinctive sites: snow-capped Mt. Fuji. Head to Miho-no-Matsubara, a pristine beach flanked by a picturesque pine grove, where you can take in some of the clearest views of Japan's tallest mountain. Cruise to Mt. Fuji and take the one-hour drive from the port to Fuji itself for some hiking — the mountain is relatively approachable climb appropriate even for beginners, and you don't have to hike all the way to the summit. Don't miss the ancient shrines that surround this volcanic landmark: Visit Fujisan Hongu Sengentaisha shrine, built to appease Fuji's volcanic deity. Or see Kunouzan Toshogu shrine, a masterpiece of Japanese lacquer and woodwork.
On cloudless days, the views of Mt. Fuji are everywhere. Head to the magical Miho-no-Matsubara Park pine grove. This black-sand beach framed by bright green pines gives you a clear view of the bulk of Mt. Fuji. Pay your respects for the sheer natural splendor at the nearby Miho Shrine during your Mt. Fuji cruise.
Insider tip
From October to November there is an international street performers competition in the center of town called the Daidogei World Cup.
At the Sumpu Takumi Shuku Workshop, you can learn to make Japanese Sugura Crafts using age-old techniques passed down from the Edo era. Make your own lacquered chopsticks, learn how to dye a handkerchief with real indigo and create a delicate Mariko Koma basket.
Sugura crafts have been a high-quality export of Shizuku artisans for generations. Intricate gold and silver lacquerware (makie), handpainted banners (sashimono) and bamboo baskets (sensuji saiku) are beautiful examples of Japanese artisanal skill. Find these traditional handicrafts the S-Pulse Dream Plaza Souvenir Shopping Area.
The Shizuoka prefecture is the most famous tea-producing region in the whole of Japan. From April to October, you can learn how to pick tea at Nihondaira Ocha Kaikan farm. Take the leaves you pick home with you, and learn about the history of tea at the Ocha-no-Sato Tea Museum. At the garden and teahouse on the museum grounds, you can enjoy matcha tea and sweets while gazing out over a Japanese garden.
Insider tip
You can get almost anywhere by public transport. Both trains and buses are reliable and safe.
Shimizu's fishermen haul in some of the highest-quality tuna in the whole of Japan. Head to Shimizu Sushi Alley and take your pick of the many delicious sushi restaurants, where you can enjoy this cold-water catch's delicate texture and nuanced flavor in its unadulterated form. Cruise to Mt. Fuji and venture out and try Sakura shrimp, tiny shrimp served raw or dried for a crunchy texture.
From 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Easily accessible by train from Osaka, Kyoto was Japan's ancient capital city. Today, it remains the country's unofficial capital of culture, history and cuisine. Explore the centuries-old Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple, perched a top a hill surrounded by cherry trees. Center yourself at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shinto shrine, with its long, meditative rows of red torii gates. Cruise to Osaka and stroll through mysterious gardens of raked gravel at Ryoan-ji temple, or roam through a bamboo forest at Arashiyama, called the Philosopher's Path for its peaceful, reflective vibe. Then, see the bustling side of Kyoto at the Higashiyama District, where narrow streets lined with shops and restaurants wind up the side of picturesque Mount Otowa.
A traveler's favorite for centuries and one of Japan's most famous sights, the gold-covered main hall of Kinkaku-ji temple seems to float between the sky and the pond of Kyoko-chi that it stands over. It was originally built in the 14th century as a villa for Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, a samurai lord. Snap photos while walking around Kyoko-chi, and see the temple from Sekka-tei Cottage — the view from here can't be beat.
Insider tip
For popular sites like the Golden Pavilion, be sure to arrive as early as possible to beat the crowds.
Beloved for its spectacular rows of red torii gates, this hilly, sprawling Shinto shrine is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and business; you'll see statues of his messenger, the fox, everywhere. During your visit to Osaka, take the four-kilometer path up the mountain and lose yourself in this vermilion wonderland — the number of gates totals around 10,000. Small restaurants along the paths sell kitsune udon noodle soup and inarizushi rice balls.
Head to the Kyoto Handicraft Center near Heian-jingu shrine for a wide selection of Kyoto crafts including ironware kettles, woodblock prints, Japanese dolls, lacquer ware, as well as kimono and yukata (lightweight summer kimono). Visitors can also try their hand at making handicrafts, such as painting folding fans.
Not far from the Golden Pavilion, the Zen temple of Ryoan-ji is famed for its mysterious yet beautiful rock garden. This grouping of 15 rocks set in raked gravel is a delight to contemplate from the veranda of the Hojo, the residence of the temple's head priest. Walk around the tatami rooms, and admire the painted fusuma sliding doors. Don't miss the picturesque tsukubai stone washbasin with a bamboo pipe in the back — designed for the tea ceremony, it's inscribed with a Buddhist maxim saying one should be happy with what one already has.
Insider tip
Two of the best times of year to visit Kyoto are spring and fall: Cherry blossom season is March through May, while October and November bring brilliant foliage.
As the kitchen for Japan's imperial court for centuries, Kyoto has a long tradition of excellent food. Get the full experience with Kyo-kaiseki-ryori, a multicourse meal of seasonal Kyoto cuisine: You'll be treated to many dishes made with exceptional attention to detail, including gently sashimi-style raw fish and vegetable dishes like turnips simmered in local water with white miso.
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 7:00 AM
Called Hu for short, glamorous Shanghai is China's largest city, and it reverberates with echoes of China's past. But at the same time, it's a city with its eyes on the future, where Gothic and neoclassical architecture contrasts space-age skyscrapers. Cruise to Shanghai and visit the Bund, a historic neighborhood on the west side of the Huangpu River, where you can still see buildings from the city's past prior to 1949. Across the way on the east side, you can gaze up at the futuristic towers of Pudong. See decorative bronze artifacts dating back to the 18th century B.C. at the Shanghai Museum. Then, head to the Old City, where you can wander the bustling narrow streets inside the fortified walls, take in the smell of incense and sip longjing green tea at a traditional teahouse.
The Bund is Shanghai's art deco heritage neighborhood, with colonial architecture from the 1920s and '40s. Walk along the riverfront promenade at the golden hour for beautiful photos — from here, you can see the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong's skyscrapers across the river.
Insider tip
Check visa rules carefully. They vary greatly depending on your nationality, length of stay, where you visit and if you re-enter the country.
Get a feel for old China by wandering through the Yu Garden during your Shanghai cruise vacation. The classical garden is 400 years old, with carp-filled pools and bamboo groves. See more of ancient China at the Shanghai Museum, which has 120,000 ancient relics, including bronze artifacts and sculptures.
It's hard not to find shopping in Shanghai. Nanjing Road is the busiest, with everything from specialty food shops to modern malls. If you have time to get something tailored, try the South Bund Fabric Market. During your China cruise, pick up a distinctive Chinese red lantern at the Antique Market or at most street markets.
Take a river cruise to see some of Shanghai's modern architectural highlights: The 1536-foot-tall Oriental Pearl Tower looks like something straight out of the Jetsons, while the twisting Shanghai Tower, the second tallest building in the world, is meant to evoke a lucky dragon coming out of the earth. The World Finance Center Tower looks like a giant bottle opener.
Insider tip
Within the city, getting around by subway is cheap, easy and avoids surface-level traffic.
Eating in Shanghai is all about street food. You'll see people drinking from giant dumplings through straws in a dish called xiao long bao — a soup dumpling. Join in, or eat them with chopsticks in a sit-down restaurant. Try cold noodles with eel, ginger and bamboo shoots, or pick up a flaky, pork-flecked scallion pancake — this comfort food is practically a way of life here.
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