Shanghai City Break and Best of Japan Cruise
DAY 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5- Shanghai, China
When you cruise from Shanghai, your vacation begins before you even set foot aboard the ship. You will stay in Grand Mercure Hongqiao Hotel for 4 nights. Welcome to a city that’s bursting with futuristic feats, rich history, delicious cuisine, and endless opportunities to immerse yourself in Chinese culture. Make sure you dedicate a few days before your cruise out of Shanghai to crossing all the top must-visit sites off your travel list. First, go see the classical and Art Deco architecture of the famous Bund neighborhood, then enjoy the scent of tea and incense that perfumes the air within the fortified Old City. If you’re still craving history, head to Qibao Ancient Town, home to an impressive pagoda-like bell tower and the legendary Qibao Template (it dates back to the 900s). With its pretty bridges and well-preserved historic buildings, Qibao Ancient Town is also a great place to snap photos. And no vacation from Shanghai is complete without a taste of the city’s world-famous street food, from giant dumplings filled with steaming hot soup, to cold noodles served with tender eel and tangy ginger.
DAY 5 – Shanghai, China
Transfer to port & embark Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas
DAY 5 – At Sea
While at sea, take time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, dine at any of the onboard restaurants or explore the thrills on each deck until we arrive at the next destination.
DAY 6 – Sakaiminato, Japan
Drive out to the striking samurai fortress of Matsue Castle and the Shinto sanctuary of Izumo Taisha less than an hour down the road — legend has it the gods come together for a meeting here once a year.
DAY 7 – Kyoto, Japan
After docking in Maizuru, make your way to the Goro Sky Tower for sweeping views of the green Japanese countryside joining the blue ocean — these are some of the best vistas in all Japan. Stop in nearby Amanohashidate to see Naraiji temple and its statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Head further inland to see the opulent, stunning temples of Kyoto, including iconic Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine.
DAY 8 – Niigata, Japan
Indulge in all-you-can-eat pears at the nearby Shirone Daigonashi Nakamura Tourist Orchard, one of the biggest orchards in Japan. Top off the day with one of the many sake brewery tours near Niigata Station, where you can enjoy sake made the old-fashioned way.
DAY 9 – Hakodate, Japan
Opened as one of Japan’s first international ports in 1859, Hakodate has a fascinating commercial and military legacy. Experience it by exploring the Goryokaku, a unique and verdant star-shaped fortress from the short-lived Republic of Ezo.
DAY 10 & 11 – At Sea
While at sea, take time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, dine at any of the onboard restaurants or explore the thrills on each deck until we arrive at the next destination.
DAY 12, 13, 14, 15 & 16- Shanghai, China
In Shanghai where your cruise ends but your vacation doesn’t ends here. You have 4 more amazing nights in Hyatt on the Bund Shanghai. Explore the historic shopping hub of Asia, famous for luxury, convenience, and a mix of high-end and street markets.
Contact your JWT cruise team for more information and pricing.
