Shanghai to Japan

Pricing based on departure date 18 April 2026

Selected departure dates in October 2025 and April 2026

The Japanese way of life is a pure appreciation of the small things. Explore the islands as the Japanese would by eating good food, viewing beautiful landscapes and making acquaintances with the friendly locals. 

Shanghai

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.

Jeju

Jeju is South Korea's most famous island getaway, and for good reason. Dubbed "The Hawaii of Korea," it's home to some of the Korean Peninsula's most beautiful natural sites. Mount Hallasan dominates the skyline with its dark green foliage — hike up this dormant volcano, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, and get a look at the gorgeous crater lake that lies near the summit. Or head to Cheonjeyeon Waterfall, nicknamed the Pond of God: See the falls from the Seonimgyo arch bridge that passes over them, and walk among the park's rock formations and lush greenery. Cruise to Jeju Island, South Korea to go surfing on secluded, cliff-surrounded Sungmung Beach. Or cool off from the humid climate by exploring Manjanggul Cave, an underground lava tunnel.

Kyoto

The gentle seaside city of Maizuru will win you over with its quaint collection of mountainside temples, pristine beaches and historical museums. Cruise to Kyoto and check out Maizuru Red Brick Park, a series of warehouses that today serve as a museum, and be transported to a Cold War-era spy thriller. See the nearby Amanohashidate sandbar, a 3-kilometer-long isthmus that connects the bay in a picturesque stretch of white sand and pine trees. Or head into central Kyoto, about a 90-minute drive from port — walk among the red torii gates of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, or climb to the top of Kyoto Tower for the area's best views.

Niigata

Niigata is the place to go to experience Japan's natural bounty. With four seasons of dramatic beauty — with a full month of cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, golden hues in autumn and snow-capped mountains in winter —this port city on the Sea of Japan is a nature lover's dream. Cruise to Niigata and head to Bandai Pier, where you can sample the most famed white fish in Japan from the local vendors. Explore the Niigata's opulent history at the tatami-clad Northern Culture Museum. Indulge your inner geek at the interactive Niigata Manga and Animation Museum. Or take the cable car to the summit of Yuzawa — you can ski here in winter and take in panoramic views year-round.

Hakodate

Hakodate overflows with historic architecture and steamy hot springs . Located along Hokkaido's southwestern tip, it's the perfect spot to begin exploring this island's unique history and culture during your vacation. Cruise to Hakodate and start your day at the morning Hakodate-Asaichi, or Morning Market, and tuck into a hearty kaisendon, a bowl of ultra-fresh sashimi fish over steamed rice. Then, relax with a soak in the Yunokawa hot springs on Hakodate's outskirts, or check out Goryokaku Fort — the nearby tower lets you take in a bird's-eye view of the star-shaped design surrounded by a moat. And don't leave without taking in the million-dollar views of the city from atop Mt. Hakodate.

Your Ship: 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 facilities. 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. 

NEW ADVENTURES ON DECK

Defy gravity on RipCord® by iFLY® – the first skydiving simulator at sea. Soak up 360 views 90 metres above deck in the North Star®. And practise riding waves on the FlowRider® surf simulator.

BOLD FLAVOURS

Savour a bold tapestry of authentic spices and flavours while feasting on endless views for the whole table at Sichuan Red. Indulge in a celebration of authentic oriental flavours cooked at Teppanyaki. And take your sweet tooth on a journey at La Patisserie.

SPECTACULAR NIGHTS

Craving some futuristic sounds? Take in an epic fusion of music and innovation at the Two70® shows. Want a drink served by a robot? Get captivated by the groundbreaking technology every night.

Shanghai, Jeju, Kyoto, Niigata, Hakodate, Shanghai

All fares are displayed in AUD, and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.