2025 Royal Caribbean Cruise from SHANGHAI • Spectrum of the Seas Test In & Boarding Course of

We recently went on a spectacular cruise from Shanghai to Japan on board the Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas. If it’s something you also want to try, read on because in this article, we’ll share with you the entire experience, from the travel requirements to the check in process, to the boarding procedure to the shore excursions.

You’ve probably heard of the Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas before. It is one of the largest cruise ships operating in Asia, and we’ve covered it a number of times here on this blog, when it was homeported in Singapore and Hong Kong. But now until 2026, this sea mammoth is now based in Shanghai, China, sailing mostly to Japan (Okinawa, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Osaka, Tokyo, Kagoshima, Kobe, and Kumamoto). Thankfully, we also got to experience it on our own upon the invitation of Royal Caribbean Philippines (Arpan Air). It also sails to Jeju Island and Busan in South Korea, but we only got to try Shanghai-Okinawa.

It was an adventure that combines two of Asia’s most iconic destinations —- China and Japan. Our trip began in the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai, a city where ancient traditions meet futuristic skylines, and then we cruised in style to the Land of the Rising Sun. From Japan’s historic temples to its buzzing shopping arcades, every stop offers a new chapter of unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or trying this for the first time, this is the perfect way to explore two incredible cultures in one seamless trip.

This cruise guide is great if you’re joining a Spectrum cruise soon and you need info on what to do or how to prepare. But if you’ve yet to book but considering it or you’re simply curious about the prices, we have a separate post about that here: ROYAL CARIBBEAN SHANGHAI CRUISE PRICES

And if you decide to go on a cruise, book at www.cruising.com.ph, managed by the official Royal Caribbean representatives in the Philippines, Arpan Air. By booking on this site, you automatically get Customer Support. If you book on the international website, you’ll have to call the Royal Caribbean office in the United States.

And if you use our promo code — WORTHIT — you’ll get an additional 5% DISCOUNT on the cruise fare! You can use this on top of any existing promos or discounts.

What are the Royal Caribbean Shanghai cruise travel requirements?

Here’s a checklist of the things you need to prepare before the cruise.

• Passport. Must be valid for at least six (6) months.
• Photocopy of passport. You will be leaving your passport with the cruise staff upon boarding, so it’s best to have a copy of it with you. Don’t worry, you’ll get it back before you disembark.
• Visa(s). Since you’re sailing from Shanghai, you need a China visa (double entry). If you’re visiting Busan on this cruise, you’ll also need a Korean visa.
• Credit card. This will make your life easier, but it’s also best to bring USD as backup.
• Royal Caribbean App. Use this mobile app to check in at least three (3) days ahead of the sailing date. You can also use this app to make reservations for restaurants and activities on board. Download it here.
• SetSail Pass. After checking in using the app, you’ll get a SetSail Pass, which serves as your boarding pass. You may take a screenshot of it or print it out because you’ll need it when boarding. It looks like a flight boarding pass. More info about this below.
• Luggage Tags. When you book a cruise, you’ll be sent a set of e-docs (Guest Ticket Booklet), with all the reminders and other details of the trip. You’ll also find your luggage tags there. Print them out but don’t attach them to your bags just yet. It looks like this:

Do I need a visa to cruise from Shanghai?

YES, Philippine passport holders must have a double-entry China Visa. You’ll be flying into China and when the cruise starts, you’ll be exiting, and then re-entering after. Hence, you need a visa that will allow you at least 2 entries.

For Japan destinations, no need for a Japan visa. Cruise passengers are visa-exempt as long as they will be leaving on the same cruise ship.

For South Korea, you’ll need a visa if you’re visiting Busan but NOT for Jeju Island.

What are the vaccination and testing requirements?

Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas does NOT have COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements anymore. Vaccination is highly recommended, but not required.

Likewise, the governments of China, Japan and Korea have long removed vaccination requirements from incoming tourists. Meaning, you may board the ship and enter these countries even if you’re not fully vaccinated.

IMPORTANT! These policies may change in the future. Check this page for the latest updates.

How to check in using the Royal Caribbean App

You should check in not later than 3 days before your scheduled sailing. Here’s how:

1. Download the Royal Caribbean app here.
2. Link your cruise to your app by entering your last name, date of birth, and reservation number. It will then display your upcoming cruise.
3. On the home page, click CHECK IN at the bottom menu. It will display a review of possible health requirements. Click CONTINUE TO CHECK IN.
4. Fill out the Travel Info section. You’ll need to provide the following:
   – A scan of your passport
   – Security photo
   – Country of residence/birth
   – Crown & Anchor Society Loyalty Number
   – Address
   – Emergency contact details
5. Enter your credit card details. Internationally-accepted debit cards work, too.



6. Read the Legal Notice and Health Acknowledgment page. If everything looks good to you, click CONTINUE.
7. Enter your preferred Arrival Time. Our sailing was scheduled at 4:30 PM. The earliest Arrival Time available was 1:00 PM-1:30 PM. The latest was 3:00PM-3:30 PM. DO NOT BE LATE. If you arrive outside the time slot you chose, you may be delayed boarding.
8. Click VIEW SET SAIL PASS. Print it out because it will be checked at check in and before boarding. You can also take a screenshot of your SetSail Pass for easier use. You’ll also receive an email notification.

The Set Sail Pass looks like this:

What to pack? What to wear?

One of the biggest myths about cruising? That it’s way too formal. It’s not, at least not on Royal Caribbean.

Pre-pandemic, there used to be one formal night per sailing, but not anymore. But even if there were, it’s completely optional. If dressing to the nines isn’t your thing, you can totally skip it. And even if you do join, the dress code isn’t as strict as you might think. On Spectrum of the Seas, for example, jeans are fair game on formal night. Just steer clear of t-shirts, shorts, slippers, and sneakers if you’re planning to attend.

Funny enough, every time we cruise, with or without a formal night, we still choose to glam up for one evening -—just for the vibes. 😄

Some restaurants do enforce a dress code, but don’t worry—it’s not about tuxedos and ball gowns. Think more smart casual. For the Main Dining Room and specialty restaurants, a simple dress or blazer for women, or anything with a collar for men, works perfectly. The only no-nos? T-shirts, shorts, and sneakers.

Outside these venues, casual is totally cool. Pro tip: Pack a versatile blazer that can double as semi-formal or business attire. It’ll save you from any last-minute wardrobe dilemmas and help you breeze into the less casual spots and events.

When I go on a cruise, I always pack two outfits per day. Is this mandatory? Nope. Just a personal quirk. During the day, I’m all about casual and comfy clothes, especially when exploring off the ship. But come evening? I seize the chance to dress up a little. (As a full-time travel blogger, moments to glam up are rare. Gotta take what I can get, right? LOL!)

Oh, and if you plan on taking a dip in the pool or hot tubs, don’t forget your swimwear!

Beyond clothes, here are some essentials you should definitely bring along:

• US dollars: just in case you experience trouble with your credit/debit card
• Toothbrush and toothpaste: which will not be provided on board
• Travel adaptor: the ship uses North American standard, 110V AC; and standard European 220/230 volts AC plug outlets

What items are NOT ALLOWED on board a Royal Caribbean ship?

Here are things that are PROHIBITED on board. If found, these items will be confiscated immediately.

• illegal drugs and substances
• firearms and ammunition (including replicas)
• flammable liquids and explosives
• sharp object (shaving razors and scissors with less than 4 inches blade length are allowed)
• items that produce heat and an open flame like candles, incense, coffee maker, hot plates, clothes iron, etc. (curling iron and hair straighteners are allowed)
• extension cords
• hoverboards
• alcoholic beverages like beer, hard liquor, and fortified wines (On boarding day, guests may bring up to two 750-ml bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom but these must only be consumed inside their respective staterooms. It must be brought via carry on.)
• other beverages

On a previous Royal Caribbean cruise, I learned the hard way that extension cords are a no-go. I usually pack a small power strip when I travel, and I didn’t realize it was prohibited. When my suitcase didn’t make it to my room, I got curious and called to check. Turned out, my bag was being held because the power strip showed up during their scan.

To get my bag, I had to go to the baggage area, where they confiscated the extension cord. The good news? They handed it back to me before I disembarked. Lesson learned: double-check the prohibited items list before packing! 😅

Where to stay in Shanghai

Although it is possible to catch and early flight and board the ship on the next day, it is best practice to arrive in Shanghai at least a day before, just in case your flight gets delayed or cancelled. Hence, we recommend that you book a hotel in Shanghai for the night before. This will also give you some time to explore the city.

Choose a hotel in Huangpu, especially the area surrounding People’s Park, so you can easily access major tourist attractions that are FREE of charge.

Here are some of the top properties online as rated by Agoda customers:

Search for more Shanghai Hotels!

How to change details of my cruise booking?

If you booked via the international website of Royal Caribbean, you may call its United States hotline: 866-562-7625.

If you booked at www.cruising.com.ph, the website of the official Royal Caribbean representatives in the Philippines (Arpan Air), you may simply contact them via call, SMS, Viber, or Whatsapp at these numbers:

• +63 998 983 7315
• +63 948 526 6174

If you haven’t booked yet, consider booking at www.cruising.com.ph to get easier customer support. They have access to the same system and inventory, and they can make changes to your booking or extend your payment. They can also assist you in preparing for your cruise.

What cruise terminal does Royal Caribbean use in Shanghai? How to get there?

In Shanghai, Royal Caribbean uses Wusongkou Int’l Cruise Terminal, located at this address:

• Wusongkou Int’l Cruise Terminal
  No.1 Baoyang Road
  Shanghai, China

It is also known as Baoshan Port because it’s in the Baoshan district of Shanghai, north of downtown.

Do NOT confuse this with Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal, which is a completely separate cruise terminal in the city center.

Here’s how to get to Baoshan Port.

IF YOU’RE COMING FROM SHANGHAI CITY CENTER:

• By Taxi: CNY 100 fare
• By Metro: Take Metro Line 3 to Baoyang Road then take a cab to the cruise terminal (CNY 25)
• By Bus: Take Bus 51, 160, 508, or 728, which all stop in Baoyang area, close to the terminal. But you might need to transfer on foot or by taxi to the cruise terminal building.

IF YOU’RE COMING FROM SHANGHAI PUDONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT:

Unless you’re taking a cab or private transfer, there is no direct way to reach Baoshan Port. Taking the public transportation involves a lot of transfers, which is not ideal if you have heavy luggage in tow.

Travel time: around 1 hour.
Fare: roughly CNY 200.

How to check in and board the ship?

First, make sure you check in online (via the Royal Caribbean website or app) at least 3 days before sailing. This would make the boarding process so much easier!

Check your Guest Ticket Booklet, a set of e-documents sent to you when you booked, and on the CRUISE SUMMARY PAGE (likely page 3), look for the Sailing Time. In our case, it’s 4:30 pm.

IMPORTANT! Be at the pier within Arrival Time period that picked when you checked in online. Otherwise, you may be pushed back and be allowed to board much later.

Here’s the boarding process:

1. Attach the luggage tags to your check-in bags. You’ll find it in the Guest Ticket Booklet, usually towards the last page. Print them out but attach it only after you’ve landed in Shanghai. (The tags might get lost or damaged if you attach it before your flight.) You can also do this while falling in line but bring some scotch tape.



2. Go to the luggage drop off area. It’s located outside the terminal building. Make sure you have your documents with you. Best to have a small carry-on or hand-carry bag.
3. Enter the terminal for Customs and security check. There is often two queues here that start outside: one line for those who already have a SetSail pass and the other for those who do not. When you pass the security check, you will be directed to the check-in hall.
4. Clear a quick document check. A staff member will check your passport, and SetSail Pass. Once satisfied, they will stick a number on the back of your passport. That number corresponds to the area where you should fall in line for check in.
5. Finalize your check-in and present your travel documents at the counters. You will also be filling out a short form here where you’ll supply your personal info. If you check your Royal Caribbean app, it should display you’re CLEARED TO BOARD.
6. Proceed to the Customs check area. You’ll have to queue up again. The lines here are looooong. Your bags will be scanned.
7. Go to the Immigration Area. You’ll see several immigration counters, but there are a few that are dedicated to foreign or non-Chinese travelers. These are manned counters, so expect questions from the officers. They’ll scan your passport and get your biometrics (photo and fingerprints). Note that you’re technically exiting China at this point, so they will check if you have a double-entry or multiple-entry visa.
8. As you board the ship, another staff member will collect your passport. You will get your passport back a day before you disembark. If you forget to bring a photocopy of your passport, there is a photocopy machine stationed nearby.

That’s it! You’re in! Welcome aboard!

What to do after boarding?

1. Attend a safety demo. Check your Royal Caribbean app for the venue. It will also show you a map and instructions on how to reach it. Once completed, you’ll be given a colored sticker that you must attach to your shirt, somewhere visible.
2. Have lunch or chill at a waiting area. This can be the Windjammer Marketplace on Deck 14, the Main Dining Room on Decks 3-4, or the Two70. Help yourself with treats from their extensive international buffet selection as you wait for your room to be ready (usually 2-3 hours after boarding but can be as late as 6pm). You may also explore the top deck or the pool area and admire the view.
3. Proceed to your stateroom. You’ll find your SailPass card attached to your door. Don’t ever lose this card. This acts as your key card as well your wallet/credit card as purchases on board can only be made via this card. This is also the only way for you to get on and off the ship. The SeaPass card looks like this:

   

4. Find your check-in luggage in the hallway, just outside your room. If you can’t find it, contact Guest Services because they might be holding it because they suspect it contains a restricted/prohibited item or the luggage tag might have gotten lost.

Where to Eat on Board

Each booking comes with access to six (6) complimentary dining options:

• Main Dining Room: a proper restaurant, international cuisine; multi-level dining place; open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; Deck 3-4, Aft
• Windjammer Marketplace: international cuisine; buffet style; open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; Deck 14, Aft
• Noodle Bar: Asian noodles; open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; located inside Windjammer Marketplace
• Splashaway Café: kiddie meals; open for breakfast and lunch;located near the kid’s pool area; Deck 14, Mid
• Sorrento’s – Authentic New York Pizzeria, open for lunch and dinner; Deck 14, Aft
• The Café @Two70®: continental food; serves mostly salads, sandwiches, and soups; open for breakfast and lunch; Deck 5, Aft section
• SeaPlex Dog House, a “food truck” serving tasty hot dogs, located inside SeaPlex, open for lunch and dinner, until 7PM only; Deck 15, Aft

Dining at any of the above is FREE of charge, and you can have as much food as you like. When I like a particular dish, I order another serving. Even at the Main Dining Room, if I like two main dishes, I order both. It’s okay and it’s allowed. You can even ask for items that are not on the current menu. The first time I had a meal here, they served a cheese platter, which I enjoyed. But it was no longer on the menu after that but I always ordered it regardless and they would bring oblige (LOL).

The menu at the Main Dining Room changes every meal, but here’s a sample:

Because of the sheer diversity of the cuisines that are available for FREE, it is entirely possible to complete the trip without spending anything more on food.

But if you want to splurge a little, aside from these complimentary food spots, you’ll also find specialty restaurants that incur additional charges, including:

• Chops Grille: steakhouse, best for prime meat and Maine lobster; open for lunch (on sea days only) and dinner; Deck 5, Midship
• Teppanyaki: Japanese food prepared and served by entertaining chefs; open for lunch and dinner; reservation and purchase via Royal mobile app or cruise planner; Deck 14, Mid
• Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver: Italian cuisine; popular on the menu are meat plank and pasta; open for lunch and dinner; Deck 5, Aft
• Wonderland: creative and innovative Alice-in-Wonderland-themed dining; open for dinner; Deck 5, Midship
• La Patisserie, pastries, desserts, ice cream, and coffee; Deck 4, Midship
• Chef’s Table: continental food; five-course meal and wine tasting; open for dinner; Deck 5, midship
• Izumi: Japanese cuisine; popular on the menu are the sushi and sashimi options; open for lunch and dinner; Deck 5, Midship
• Sichuan Red: Chinese cuisine; specially designed for Spectrum of the Seas; open for lunch and dinner; reservation and purchase via Royal mobile app or cruise planner; Deck 4, Midship
• The Hot Pot: Chinese cuisine; hot pot style cooking; located inside Windjammer Marketplace, Aft
• Vintages
• Leaf & Bean cafe: wide selection of hot and cold drinks with pastry offerings; Deck 4, Midship

For these, reservations may be required. You may do so using the Royal Caribbean app. If you book in advance, you’ll get discounts ranging from 15-50%.

We’ll be creating a separate article discussing each of the dining spots we have tried on board, so watch out for that.

Reminder: ALWAYS wash and sanitize your hand BEFORE and AFTER you eat. There’s a hand-washing or hand-sanitizing station at every restaurant’s entrance/exit.

Room service is also available but a US$7.95 service charge + 18% gratuity applies per stateroom order except for continental breakfast.

Things to Do On Board

Royal Caribbean goes all out when it comes to packing their new ships with fun and exciting amenities, and Spectrum of the Seas is no exception. As one of their largest and most impressive ships, it boasts an array of thrilling attractions and lifestyle spaces that cater to every kind of traveler—whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a foodie, or someone just looking to relax in style.

Here are some of them:

• RipCord by iFly, simulated skydiving experience (with extra cost)
• FlowRider, simulated surfing activity (instructor fees apply)
• Skypad, bungee trampoline with virtual reality headset (FREE)
• Rock climbing wall (FREE)
• Royal Theatre, where musical and other entertaining performances are regularly staged (most shows are FREE)
• SeaPlex, a sports complex where you can ride bumper cars; play tennis, pingpong and basketball; try archery; and more! (FREE)
• North Star, a glass-enclosed observation pod and capsule ride that allows a 360-degree view (with extra cost)
• Swimming pools and whirlpools (FREE)
• Music hall, with band performances every night (FREE)
• Star Moment, karaoke! (FREE)
• Spas and gym (FREE)
• Video game arcade

We were able to try almost everything on the list and we really had a lot of fun! We were at the Music Hall every night and would spend our high-seas day trying most of the rides and attractions.

And oh, don’t forget to catch at least one of the awesome shows at the Royal Theatre and the Two70!

Attractions for children/toddlers

Children have their own swimming area called Splashaway Bay, complete with water slides.

The SeaPlex, a sports complex, composed of game rooms and a lot of kid-friendly attractions like an arcade, video game rooms, archery room, bumper cars, and claw machines.

Some of the shows at the Royal Theatre are also wholesome, which kids can enjoy.

The Spectrum of the Seas also has a so-called Adventure Ocean program, which is basically a youth club or day care, where children ages 3 to 11 can play with other kids. Parents can drop off their kids here.

Exploring Ports of Call

Here are the available routes, as of this writing.

• 3 NIGHTS
  • Shanghai – Jeju Island (Seogwipo) – Shanghai
• 4 NIGHTS
  • Shanghai – Okinawa (Naha) – Shanghai
  • Shanghai – Ishigaki – Shanghai
  • Shanghai – Nagasaki – Shanghai
  • Shanghai – Fukuoka – Shanghai
  • Shanghai – Kagoshima – Shanghai
  • Shanghai – Sasebo (Uragashira) – Shanghai
• 5 NIGHTS
  • Shanghai – Okinawa (Naha) – Ishigaki – Shanghai
  • Shanghai – Kumamoto – Nagasaki – Shanghai
  • Shanghai – Nagasaki – Fukuoka – Shanghai
  • Shanghai – Jeju – Fukuoka – Shanghai
  • Shanghai – Busan – Fukuoka – Shanghai
  • Shanghai – Fukuoka – Kumamoto – Shanghai
  • Shanghai – Kagoshima – Nagasaki – Shanghai
  • Shanghai – Kagoshima – Okinawa – Shanghai
  • Shanghai – Sasebo (Uragashira) – Kagoshima – Shanghai
• 7 NIGHTS
  • Shanghai – Kobe – Osaka – Tokyo – Shanghai
  • Shanghai – Osaka – Kobe – Tokyo – Shanghai
• 8 NIGHTS
  • Shanghái – Jeju – Maizuru – Niigata – Hakodate – Shanghái

You have the option to book a guided tour from Royal Caribbean called SHOREX (Shore Excursion) or you can explore the destination on your own.

The beauty of joining a shorex is they will be taking care of everything for you, including the transfers to and from the port, but it usually comes with a rigid itinerary. Visit the Shore Excursion Kiosks on Deck 5 (Midship) to know more about the different tour packages before the day of docking.

If you want more freedom and flexibility, you can explore independently. But just make sure that you’ll be back to the ship before the set time. You can see the arrival and departure times on the Royal Caribbean app.

Our route was Shanghai-Naha-Ishigaki-Shanghai. In Naha (Okinawa), Royal Caribbean provides shuttle service to Kokusai Dori (shopping street) and back for USD 25 (roundtrip). From there, it’s easy to explore the city because public buses are plenty.

In Ishigaki, however, the only reliable mode of transportation is the taxi, which costs JPY 4500 per hour. We toured for 3 hours and got to visit four tourist spots.

Whether joining an arranged group tour or doing a DIY, don’t forget your SeaPass Card and a photocopy of your passport.

Things to do on your last day on board

1. Claim your passport at the designated area. It’s usually at the lobby or elevator space nearest your state room.
2. Pack your things and leave your bag outside your door by 10PM. Set aside some clothes for the next day and all your valuables and travel documents in your carry-on bag. Your room attendant will leave another set of luggage tags on your bed or at the door. Don’t forget to attach the tags to your suitcase before leaving it outside.





3. If paying cash or if your credit card didn’t work, settle your bill if you made any purchases. Just approach the GUEST SERVICES desk to do so. If using a credit card, the bill with be automatically charged to your card. These days, most bookings already cover pre-paid tips/gratuities, so no need to worry about that (but check your booking to be sure).

Is tipping mandatory?

YES, gratuities are mandatory. Here are the rates:

• USD 18.50 per night per guest in any stateroom
• USD 21.00 per night per guest in any suite

If you book with Cruising.com.ph, this will already be included in the booking (pre-paid), so you don’t need to worry about this when you’re already sailing.

If you book on the international site, you’ll have to settle this before you check out.

Gratuities on board are shared with the crew members who make your cruise experience amazing, like the dining, bar, and culinary staff, stateroom attendants, hotel services, and other hardworking folks behind the scenes.

In addition, an automatic 18% gratuity is tacked onto all pre-cruise and onboard purchases for beverages (including beverage packages), specialty dining, room service, and mini bar items. If you’re treating yourself to some pampering at the spa or salon, an automatic 20% gratuity will be added to those purchases as well.

So in theory, you don’t need to tip the crew members individually, but we still recommend that you tip the staff — especially your room attendant and the waiters at proper restaurants if they did a great job to show your appreciation.

How to disembark

You can still have your breakfast the morning on the day of your departure. Breakfast is served as early as 6:00am. Here are the food places that normally serve breakfast: Windjammer Marketplace (Deck 14), Café @ Two70 (Deck 5), and Main Dining Room (Deck 3).

When it’s time to get off the ship, follow these procedure:

1. Proceed to your departure lounge and then the gangway on Deck 5. Upon exiting, a staff member will scan your SeaPass card or your passport.
2. Undergo immigration check for arrival clearance.
3. Once cleared, collect your luggage at the baggage claim area. Check your luggage tag number to be sure.

One more thing: if you’re flying to the Philippines after the cruise, you’ll also need to accomplish ETRAVEL PASS, which is a requirement by the Philippine government.

Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand. Its many achievements include the “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 15 consecutive years (TTG Travel Awards) and the “Best Cruise Line” since 2015 (Travel Weekly Asia’s Reader’s Choice Awards. It boasts 26 of the world’s most innovative cruise ships to famous destinations such as 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 in the Philippines.

Updates Log

2025 1 19 – First posted