2026 SHANGHAI to Japan/Korea Cruise • Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas Prices & How to Book

It depends. The visa requirements will depend on your exact route and itinerary.

If your cruise departs from Hong Kong and doesn’t include any international stops, like the two-night weekend getaway cruise, then you definitely do not need a visa for that sailing.

If your cruise starts in Shanghai, the answer depends on how long you’ll stay in China.

China currently has a 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy available to all nationalities, including Filipinos. The important keywords here are 24-hour and transit. To qualify, your stay in China must be less than 24 hours, and you must present an exit ticket or proof of onward travel scheduled within the next 24 hours. Your cruise booking can count as that onward ticket.

For example, if you arrive in China on the same day as your cruise embarkation, you may qualify for the visa-free transit policy. The same applies to when you return. If the ship arrives in Shanghai on the same day as your departing flight out of China, you may still be eligible.

But, honestly, we still think it’s risky. We would strongly recommend securing a proper double-entry China visa just to be safe. You never know, embarkation could get delayed, or your return flight could be rescheduled, which may put you at risk of overstaying. On our previous trip, even though our stay in China was technically less than 24 hours, we still applied for a China visa for peace of mind.

What if your cruise includes a stop in Japan? If your itinerary has a port of call anywhere in Japan, you generally do not need a Japan visa because most cruise ship passengers are exempt, as long as they arrive and depart on the same vessel.

How about Korea? Do you need a Korean visa if the ship stops there? If the port of call is Jeju Island, then no. Jeju is visa-free for many travelers, including Filipinos under certain cruise arrangements. However, if the stop is anywhere else in South Korea, whether that’s Busan or Seoul, then a Korean visa is required.

On our most recent sailing, Busan was our port of call, so we applied for a Korean visa beforehand. We actually met several Filipinos on board who were told by the travel agency they booked with that they didn’t need a Korean visa for Busan. Unfortunately, that information was incorrect. A visa is definitely required for Busan, so they were not allowed to disembark.

Imagine, you’re already there, you can literally see Korea from the ship, but you’re not allowed to set foot in the country. We honestly felt bad for them because we could really sense their disappointment.

So remember, Korea is only visa-free if your destination is Jeju Island. For Busan, Seoul, and other destinations in mainland South Korea, a Korean visa is a must.

QUICK RECAP

Is visa required?

• HONG KONG: NO
• CHINA: If staying for less than 24 hours with exit ticket, NO. Avail of the 24-hour visa-free transit. But if staying for over 24 hours, YES
• JAPAN: NO
• SOUTH KOREA: For Jeju Island, NO. For anywhere else in Korea, YES

Not really. Not all the time. It can be expensive sometimes but it can be affordable, too.

Cruise prices can swing wildly depending on the destination, travel dates, length of the cruise, number of guests, and type of cabin you book. In short, it’s all about finding the combo that works for you (and your wallet).

First up — travel dates. If you do a quick search, you’ll notice that cruises with the exact same itinerary (same nights, same stops) can have wildly different price tags depending on when they sail. It’s basically like booking a flight. The good news? Scoring budget-friendly dates isn’t difficult.

I did a quick search and here are the cheapest sailings for four and five nights.

See? Snagging an affordable cruise is totally doable, especially if you’re ahead of the game. Royal Caribbean just rolled out their 2026 and 2027 schedules, so now’s the perfect time to dive in. Early bird gets the best deals — and maybe even a better cabin view!

In many cases, prices also tend to go cheaper when the sailing date is really close. Cruise companies would rather sell slots at a lower rate than not sell at all.

But note that December and January tend to have the steepest rates because they’re around major holidays — Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year! You’ll also notice the big difference between room types.

Speaking of room types, the most affordable cabin is the Interior state room. I’ll break it down and explain further in the next section.

The rates vary depending on a number of factors.

Again, here are the cheapest sailings.

A 4-night cruise that makes a stop in Busan can cost as low as USD 453 (PHP 28,000) per person (interior room, excluding gratuities) for a March 2027 sailing. This can go even lower if you’re traveling with seniors, who are often eligible for a substantial discount.

I think that’s a fantastic deal considering that it’s inclusive of the following:

• 4-night accommodations (interior)
• UNLIMITED meals
• Entertainment (theatre, movies, etc.)
• Access to amenities (pools, some attractions)
• Stop in Busan (tour not included)
• Taxes

So for me, if you’re able to snag a good deal, going on a cruise is pretty much like your typical land trip budget-wise.

Below are the items not covered in the cruise booking. This means you have to shoulder these expenses separately.

• Visas & Transfers. First, the visa is not included. And yes, you may need a visa depending on your chosen sailing. We’ll discuss this in more detail later.
• Airfare to/from Shanghai. Of course, airfare to and from Shanghai or Hong Kong is also not included, so you’ll need to book your flights separately.
• Philippine Travel Tax. The Philippine travel tax is excluded as well.
• Hotel in Shanghai. Hotel accommodations in Shanghai or Hong Kong are not part of the package either. But, actually, you can book a same-day flight and head straight to the port if you don’t want to stay overnight. You just need to time everything carefully, so you won’t have to spend on a hotel. It can be risky, though, because your flight may get delayed or canceled. That’s why it’s still safer to fly the day before the sailing and stay at a hotel for at least one night. The good thing about this setup is that you also get extra time to explore Shanghai or Hong Kong.
• Tour in Port of Call. Shore excursions incur separate fees. For example, on the Shanghai to Busan sailing, once you disembark in Busan, any tours or activities you want to do there will be at your own expense. You can either join a group tour or explore on your own, DIY style. But either way, those costs are separate from your cruise fare.

We’ll share the estimated total expenses, including all of the costs, in a later section of this article.

YES, most of the time! Senior guests (55 years old and above) can get a 10% discount off the cruise fare. This is equivalent to around USD 58-88 per room (PHP 3574-5422), depending on cabin type.

Royal Caribbean also has several KIDS SAIL FREE promos, which could reduce the cruise fare for 3rd or 4th guests who are 12 years old or below, staying in the same room as the primary guests.

However, these promos are not available year-round and may not apply to certain dates. These discounts also cover the CRUISE FARE only. Taxes and other fees still need to be settled by the guests.

Royal Caribbean has an international website. But if you’re in the Philippines, consider booking via www.cruising.com.ph, which is managed by the official Royal Caribbean partners in the country.

You might notice that prices on Cruising.com.ph is slightly higher. That’s because Cruising already includes the gratuities. If you book through the international website, this amount is excluded from the booking cost. However, it will still be automatically charged to your onboard account and must be settled before disembarkation. With Cruising, you won’t need to worry about this because it’s pre-paid.

One big perk of booking through www.cruising.com.ph is that you get customer service right here in the Philippines. Whether you made a booking mistake, want to tweak your reservation, or need help with payment extensions, there’s someone ready to assist. Most importantly, you have a reliable contact in case of emergencies — a lifesaver, especially these days. The travel scene is still pretty unpredictable. Having a local team on your side can make all the difference in navigating any last-minute surprises.

Plus, cruising isn’t as straightforward as your typical land tour. There’s a ton to juggle—flight schedules, cruise timings, travel requirements, check-ins, boarding processes, activity and dining reservations, shore excursions… the list goes on. A local support team can help keep all these moving parts in sync for a stress-free adventure.

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.

So it’s best to book at www.cruising.com.ph!

Although prices on both sites are almost always the same (if you remove the gratuities), we still encourage you to compare. Sometimes, there are promos that are only available on the Cruising website, and sometimes only on the international site.

Spectrum of the Seas has four main stateroom categories, but not all rooms are created equal. Each category has different configurations and sizes, so it’s not just a “one size fits all” deal. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect in each category, from the most budget-friendly to the splurge-worthy suites, and what makes them stand out from each other.

• Interior Room. No windows. Usually 166 square feet. Some interior rooms have a virtual balcony, which is basically a screen showing some footage of the sea.
• Ocean View Room. Bigger, usually 182 square feet, and with a large window.
• Balcony Ocean View Room. Or simply “balcony rooms”. More spacious, usually 198 square feet. The glass wall facing the sea also makes it look bigger. With a spacious balcony.
   
  You’ll also find rooms tagged “Obstructed Ocean View Balcony“, which refers to those rooms that have a balcony but the view is partially blocked by something. For example, on Spectrum, Deck 6 is where the smaller boats are placed, obstructing the view of many of the rooms here. Because of this, obstructed balcony rooms are often cheaper than non-balcony ocean view rooms.
• Suites. The largest, most luxurious, and most expensive accommodations. They come with a lot of perks, too. Some amenities are open only to suite guests. On Spectrum, here are the different suite types sorted by size and price:
   
  – Silver Junior Suite
  – Grand Suite (1-Bedroom)
  – Owner’s Suite
  – Grand Loft Suite
  – Ultimate Family Suite (a two-level suite that has an indoor slide, an entertainment room, and three bedrooms, good for 11 pax)

Most staterooms (excluding suites) can fit up to four guests—though a few Interior rooms max out at 2–3 people. But squeezing four people into one room doesn’t always give you the best bang for your buck. The price difference between booking two rooms for two guests each versus cramming four into one room is usually pretty small.

Why? Because when you book a cruise, you’re not just paying for a bed to sleep in. You’re also getting access to an all-you-can-eat feast, tons of amenities, and nonstop entertainment. In most cases, cruise pricing works on a per-person basis, not per room—so everyone gets a piece of the action, no matter how many you’re bunking with!

Note that a minor always has to share a room with an adult. You cannot book a stateroom for an unaccompanied minor.

That depends on your personal preferences and budget.

Anything with an ocean view — balcony or no balcony — is always a solid pick. It gives you breathing space, daily dose of sunshine, and the perfect spot to admire those endless blue horizons. If you’re into photography, a balcony is a game-changer, especially when the ship is docked at a picturesque port. Plus, having a window makes it super easy to check the weather before heading out for a shore excursion.

That said, if you’re on a budget, an interior stateroom isn’t a bad deal. I’ve stayed in one a few times before and didn’t mind the lack of a view. I was out exploring the ship most of the time anyway. On our last cruise, we had a balcony room, but to be honest, I barely used it aside from snapping a few photos the coast.

Which brings me to another great option: the obstructed ocean view balcony room. While I haven’t tried it yet, it seems like the perfect middle ground — spacious like a balcony room but priced closer to a regular ocean view. Since I don’t mind a slightly blocked view, it feels like a great compromise for the price.

If you’re eyeing an obstructed ocean view room, here’s a tip: check how much of the view is blocked. While this info isn’t available on the international website, cruising.com.ph makes it crystal clear. You can even pick the room with the least obstruction at the same price. Here’s an example:

Needless to say, if you’re going for an obstructed ocean view room, pick one with the least view blockage.

YES. Each booking comes with complimentary dining.

On Spectrum of the Seas, you have access to seven (7) inclusive restaurants and food spots.

• Main Dining Room, a proper restaurant
• Windjammer Marketplace, buffet-style
• Noodle Bar
• Splashaway Café
• Sorrento’s, Authentic New York Pizzeria
• The Café @Two70®
• SeaPlex Dog House, a “food truck” serving tasty hot dogs!

Dining at any of these spots? Totally FREE — and yes, you can eat to your heart’s content. If I fall in love with a dish, I shamelessly order seconds (or thirds). At the Main Dining Room and I like two dishes, I don’t even bother choosing — I just get both. And guess what? It’s completely allowed. You can even go rogue and ask for something that’s not on the menu. Case in point: I always request a cheese platter, menu be damned (LOL).

With the incredible variety of cuisines available at no extra cost, it’s 100% possible to complete your cruise without spending a single peso more on food.

But if you’re in the mood to treat yourself, there are also specialty restaurants on board that come with an extra charge. Perfect for when you’re feeling fancy or just want to spice things up a bit!

On Spectrum of the Seas, these include:

• Chops Grille, steakhouse
• Teppanyaki, Japanese food prepared and served by entertaining chefs
• Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver
• Wonderland, creative and innovative Alice-in-Wonderland-themed dining
• La Patisserie, pastries and desserts
• Chef’s Table
• Izumi
• Sichuan Red
• The Hot Pot
• Vintages
• Leaf & Bean Cafe

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

Before we answer that, let’s first understand what gratuity is and how it works on a cruise. 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. Here are the rates:

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

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.

If you book with Cruising.com.ph, this will 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.

However, you can request to have this charge waived, but this is generally not advisable and is often frowned upon in the cruise industry. That said, some passengers still choose to do so, saying they prefer to tip staff directly instead.

The downside is that direct tipping usually only benefits only the crew members you interact with, such as waiters, bartenders, and room attendants. It does not necessarily reach the behind-the-scenes staff who also contribute to your cruise experience. Since passengers typically tip only the crew members they meet, many other hardworking staff members may not receive a share of those gratuities.

Do you need to give additional tips aside from the automatic gratuities? In theory, you don’t need to tip the crew members individually, but feel free to do so if you received excellent service and you want to show appreciation.

I asked a few friends who’d never thought about cruising before: “What do you think happens on board?” Unsurprisingly, most of them answered, “Eat, drink, and party.” And that’s it. To be fair, years ago, I thought the exact same thing!

But let me tell you, stepping onto a cruise ship is like entering an entirely different world. There’s a whole universe of activities to explore! With cruise lines in fierce competition, they’re constantly leveling up their game with new features to cater to their audiences. Take Royal Caribbean, for example—they’re experts at packing their ships with fun and exciting amenities. Case in point: Spectrum of the Seas, which is bursting with thrilling attractions and lifestyle spaces. It’s basically a floating adventure park!

Here are some of them:

• RipCord by iFly, simulated skydiving experience (with extra cost)
• FlowRider, simulated surfing activity (FREE, but instructor fees apply if you need one)
• 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!

YES. Children have their own swimming area, 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.

YES, of course. It’s no mystery why people often think cruising is just for retirees — it’s a travel style beloved by the elderly! And honestly, it’s easy to see why.

Despite the ship’s massive size, getting around is a breeze. There are at least 16 guest elevators: 10 between the aft (that’s cruise speak for the back) and midship, and another 6 toward the forward section. From here, most of the ship’s key attractions are just a short stroll away.

For guests with mobility challenges, cabins near the elevators are an option, and some rooms are specifically designed with PWD guests in mind. Talk about accessibility!

The convenience is what makes cruising such a hit with senior travelers. Guests are pampered from start to finish. Take your luggage, for example: once you check it in, the staff takes care of everything, delivering it straight to your room. On your last night, simply leave it in the hallway, and they’ll handle it again. You’ll only see it next when you disembark. Zero hassle, zero stress.

And the best part? Everything you need is on board. Even if you skip exploring the ports of call entirely, you’ll still have an amazing time soaking up all the ship has to offer!

For 2026, the journey almost always starts and ends in Shanghai. But the usual stops, called ports of call, are usually in South Korea or Japan. Here are some of them:

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

• Shanghai – Tokyo – Mt. Fuji (Shimizu) – Osaka – Shanghai

• Shanghai – Jeju – Kyoto – Niigata – Hakodate – Shanghai

• Shanghai – Kobe – Osaka – Nagoya – Tokyo – Shanghai

• Shanghai – Sakaiminato – Kyoto (Maizuru) – Niigata – Hakodate – Shanghai

Note: The routes listed above were available at the time we last updated this article. However, cruise schedules and itineraries may change over time, so it’s always best to check or contact cruising.com.ph for the latest sailing dates and route information.

You’ve got two options for exploring your destination: book a guided Shore Excursion (or SHOREX) with Royal Caribbean or go full DIY and explore on your own.

The beauty of a SHOREX? They take care of everything — from port transfers to perfectly timed schedules. But keep in mind, this convenience often comes with a catch: a pretty fixed itinerary. So, if you’re a “go with the flow” type, it might feel a bit too structured.

If freedom and flexibility are more your style, exploring independently is the way to go! Just make sure to keep an eye on the clock. You absolutely need to be back on the ship before the set departure time. Missing the boat isn’t exactly the kind of adventure you want!

Pro Tip: you can check the ship’s arrival and departure times easily on the Royal Caribbean app.

No, it’s not included.

Some travel agencies offer convenient fly-and-cruise packages, but if you’re planning everything yourself, you’ll need to book the flight separately.

If you’re on a budget, aim for that sweet spot where both the cruise and flights align with lower rates. Easier said than done? Maybe. But trust me, it’s doable, especially if you keep an eye out for airline seat sales!

Here’s how I usually do it: Start by scanning for cheap flights. No need to book yet; just scout. Once you spot affordable flights to Shanghai, check for cruises that match those dates. If the stars align and you find a good deal for both, book them ASAP. Timing is key here. Double-check the cruise departure and arrival schedules before locking in your flight.

Pro Tip: Arrive in Shanghai at least a day before your cruise begins. Booking a same-day flight is risky business. One delay and your ship will sail off without you. Ships wait for no one, babe!

NO. The cruise booking only covers your ONBOARD accommodations (plus meals and amenities).

Anything that is outside when you’re not on the ship, you have to book on your own.

If you decide to spend some nights in Shanghai, you’ll have to take care of independently. Don’t worry, there are plenty of hotel options in Shanghai. Choose one 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 ranked by actual customers:

• SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Grand Central Hotel Shanghai. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Central Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Green Court Residence City Center – Shanghai. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Search for more Shanghai Hotels!

For a Royal Caribbean cruise from Shanghai (or any other cruises), it really depends on a bunch of factors — room type, travel dates, you name it. But let’s say you’re all about snagging the cheapest deal possible: an interior stateroom on a cruise set for an off-peak month, booked months in advance. If you’re a couple flying out from Manila, here’s a ballpark of what you’re likely to spend per person:

• P28,000: 4-Night Shanghai-Busan Cruise (inclusive of meals, gratuities, etc.)
• P15,000: Roundtrip Manila-Shanghai Flight
• P1,620: Philippine Travel Tax
• P3,448: China Visa (Double Entry)
• P2,500: 1N Shanghai Hotel Stay (P5000/night divided by 2 pax)
• P5,000: Shanghai Transfers & Busan DIY Tour
• P1,000: Meals in Shanghai

P56,568 = TOTAL

Let’s round it off to a clean P60,000.

This is the minimum you can expect to spend. But it’s always wise to add some allowance for other possible expenses. You might find yourself wanting a drink, buy a souvenir, try a specialty restaurant or visit an attraction in your free time in Shanghai. Having a wiggle room would allow you to enjoy more!

Of course, if you fail to find flights and sailings at these prices, you’ll end up with a higher total cost, so plan your trip well.

Okay, before anything else, full disclosure: Our most recent cruise was sponsored by Royal Caribbean, so I may have biases. But I have booked with Royal Caribbean at my own expense a few times before, and in my honest opinion, sponsored or not, a SPECTRUM OF THE SEAS cruise is worth it! Especially if you’re able to snag promos and low prices!

It’s a travel experience that I could recommend in a heartbeat for families, friends, and couples celebrating a special occasion. When I was on board, I kept thinking about how much my sister and my senior mother would love the experience.

Book at www.cruising.com.ph, the official website of Royal Caribbean Philippines, managed by Arpan Air, the official representatives of Royal Caribbean in the Philippines.

You can get extra 5% DISCOUNT when you use this promo code:.

By booking on this site, you can get easier access to customer support, which is extremely valuable in case you’ll have to make a change to your booking or you need further help.

And by using this code, you’ll also help us maintain this website because we’ll get a little something at NO EXTRA COST to you. So if this article or this blog in general is able to help you, use this promo code to show your support. Thank you so much!