Best Of Japan Cruise 8 Nights • Shanghai (Baoshan), China • Spectrum of the Seas

When you cruise from Shanghai, your vacation begins before you even set foot aboard the ship. 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.

Your ship departs promptly at 4:30 pm, so plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours early to account for checking in and boarding protocols. During this time, many of the ship's amenities are open and operating, so feel free to start your vacation early.

Sweeping seascapes, mountain vistas and ancient shrines await in Sakaiminato. 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. Then, relax in the hot springs at Kaike Onsen. Or spend your day hiking among the lush forest and volcanic peaks of Daisen Oki National Park.

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.

Start your day learning about the history of Niigata at the Furusato Village's Appeal Hall. 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.

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. Then, check out the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, a series of atmospheric bay side godowns (a style of Asian warehouse) revived as a shopping and dining spot.

Most international flights arrive at Pudong Airport. Take the bullet train into the city; it takes only 8 minutes between the airport and Longyang Road Station. From there, check out Longhua Temple: You'll recognize its two-meter-tall copper bell from Steven Spielberg's "Empire of the Sun." Then, marvel at the modern skycrapers of Pudong — head to the Oriental Pearl Tower with its three distinctive spheres and get a 360-degree view of the city from the observation deck.

The cruise might have ended, but there are still some great activities to enjoy in the area. If you flew into this port, be mindful of your departure flight time and plan accordingly.