Where Is Spectrum of the Seas?

Explore Its Location, Home Ports and Destinations.

By Aleisha White | Published on September 8, 2025

When Spectrum of the Seas® first set sail in 2019, it made quite the entrance — gliding out from Barcelona, crossing continents to Singapore and finally docking at its home port in Shanghai. As the world's first Quantum Ultra Class ship, it combines tech-driven features with itineraries that probe beyond the cultural surface of East Asia’s most popular port cities.

The Spectrum of the Seas® location pales in comparison to what you'll find on board, and its itineraries reveal a lesser-known side of Asia. After spending three years living in and traveling around East Asia, I can promise that you're in for a treat on board and ashore. This guide explores the Spectrum of the Seas® location and how your days at sea (and port) can unfold.

What to Expect in a Spectrum Cruise Package

You might think of Spectrum of the Seas® as a tiny city, at 1,139 feet long and with a capacity to carry over 4,200 guests. It sails under the Cyprus flag and comes equipped with the Quantum Ultra Class's signature combo of next-gen attractions, flexible accommodation options and spaces designed for socializing and solitude.

Effectively, it's a choose-your-own-adventure on the water. Here's what those adventures might look like:

Thrills and Chill

If your perfect day comprises a balance between high-adrenaline discovery and pure, rejuvenating bliss, you'll find both on Spectrum of the Seas®. And skyfaring seafarers can step up into the North Star® — a glass capsule towering 300 feet above sea level — for 360-degree views of the ocean and coastline.

If you're craving more action, ride the FlowRider® surf simulator, and carve up waves without ever hitting the beach. Or, if you're anything like me, you'll make a beeline for the RipCord® by iFLY® skydive simulator, guaranteed to give you an aerial and adrenaline fix.

A quick note — activities like the North Star® and RipCord® book up quickly. Stake your claim in the cruise planner before your sailing to secure your chance for a spin.

No need to fret about missing your fitness routine either. Jump in on a fitness class or spin it out with a cardio burst at the fitness center and follow up with a deep tissue massage at VitalitySM Spa . When you're ready to dial it back and step into hyper-tranquil vacation mode, sink into a whirlpool in the adults-only Solarium or catch a chair on the sun deck and photosynthesize beneath the East Asian sky.

All Ages Activities and Amenities

The Adventure Ocean® Youth Program is a hands-on lineup for ocean explorers between 3 and 12 years old. It's split by age group to keep your little ones engaged while you sneak off for a quiet coffee or spa time. Teens can gravitate toward their own space, while younger kids get involved in science experiments at the Spectrum of the Seas® Adventure Science Lab. You'll find activities for kids and teens on the Cruise Compass — check it daily, as surprise events pop up on the regular.

Those cruising with the whole family  (including multiple generations and extended families) will discover abundant opportunities to share quality time. Blow off some steam in a bumper car in the Sea Plex®, take on a few rounds of table tennis or try out an afternoon dance class. By the way — if anyone in your group is concerned about grappling with new languages ​​on your shore excursions, there's no need. Jump into an onboard language class and brush up on the basics so you can make your way around at port.


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Flavors Worth Traveling For

Spectrum of the Seas® restaurants are destinations in themselves, many of which reflect the highlights and traditions of local East Asian cuisine. If you're craving some fire, head to Sichuan Red® and experience liberal use of aromatic Southwestern Chinese spices.

For a theatrical taste of traditional Japanese cuisine, Izumi Hibachi & SushiSM delivers authentic sizzling dishes accompanied by a side of showmanship. Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver replicates the sea-bound equivalent of Michelin-starred dining, featuring fresh, rustic pasta and antipasti.

Nights That Go Beyond Bedtime

When the sun goes down, Spectrum of the Seas® shifts gears. Bionic Bar® is a futuristic space run entirely by robotic arms (yes, you read that right), serving up your cocktail of choice for the evening. Or, if you prefer to muse over the hazy pinks and golden oranges that grace Asian sunsets, settle in at the North Star Bar for panoramic ocean views.

The mood doesn't end there. Welcome the evening depths in style with transcendent multimedia productions including jazz excursions, techno-inspired cabarets and imaginative productions that stretch far beyond the ordinary. If you feel Lady Luck is on your side, head to Casino Royale℠ to play a few hands at Texas hold 'em, lay a chip at the roulette table or just soak up the energy.

Where Does Spectrum of the Seas® Sail?

Spectrum of the Seas® departure ports are Shanghai and Hong Kong, opening the door to a rich array of East Asian destinations. Each port offers a unique lens into an eclectic display of culture, exotic cuisine and regionally varied coastlines. It doesn't matter where you set sail from — try to arrive a few days early to settle the jet lag and explore the surprises your home ports have to offer.

Here are some destinations to line up for your Spectrum of the Seas® itinerary:

Shanghai, China

Shanghai captures the charismatic slow chaos that makes megatropolises in Asia so exciting — but it's also one of the most pristine, safe and technologically connected cities you'll ever visit. As a local in China's crown jewel city, my advice is to taste your way through every menu you come across: The exquisite and unexpected dishes you'll find in mainland China are a far and welcome cry from the crispy orange duck you may find at a local Chinese restaurant back home.

Immerse yourself in the Yuyuan gardens of old town Shanghai or take an evening stroll along the Bund to watch the skyline dance around in an electric vision. If you want to head further afield, take a train to Suzhou and cruise the 'Venice of the East' canals (and the eccentric pants building). Whatever you do, arrive ready to explore.

Grab a chair on the sun deck and photosynthesize beneath the East Asian sky.

Hong Kong

If Shanghai is slow chaos, the second Spectrum of the Seas® home port, Hong Kong, delivers the same vibes in about a sixth of the space, with 40% of its land area committed to untouched natural parks. Wander a labyrinth of neon-lit markets, hidden Dim Sum joints and dark, smoky temples, all wrapped up in a cinematic montage of “old-meets-new.”

If you want to escape the madness, spend the afternoon lounging on one of Hong Kong's many remote beaches or hiking far away in the hills. You won't even know you're within range of such a kinetic city — or the fantastic destinations that await on your cruise. As you depart, don't forget to kick back with a drink as you watch the spectacular coastal skyline from your private balcony.

Fukuoka, Japan

On Kyushu Island’s northern shore, Fukuoka is the home of Hakata ramen (with a rich pork broth and thin noodles) and Yatai food stalls. Getting from the port to the city center is easily walkable, so even if you're traveling with kids, you can get around easily. Like most cities in Japan, Fukuoka also has a well-connected and reliable public transportation system.

With a short 45-minute train ride, you can arrive at a rural Japanese surf town, Itoshima. From here, enjoy a range of nearby beaches, including Keya Beach and Oguchi Beach (look out for the beachside oyster shacks from October to May — they're pop-up huts where guests can grill fresh local seafood over charcoal). Otherwise, browse the local artisan craft stores and fresh food markets for local treats and keepsakes.

Okinawa, Japan

The next Spectrum port is Okinawa, greeting you with clear aqua waters, tropical blooms everywhere and just-add-cruise relaxed energy. Plunge into it with a mask and snorkel, discovering its diverse coral reefs and meeting the local marine life, ideal for both beginners and experienced divers.

Besides a few bowls of Okinawa soba, other activities worth peeling yourself off the beach for include visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Gusuku Sites in Okinawa. Most of these are within an hour's drive from the port. Here, you'll discover where remnants of the local Ryukyu heritage come from.

Jeju Island, South Korea

Jeju reveals Hollywood-level drama in its landscapes, with volcanic peaks, waterfalls crashing into the sea and black lava cliffs that look like they've come straight from the underworld.

Wander through tangerine orchards, climb Seongsan Sunrise Peak or taste the local shellfish and seaweed solely harvested by Jeju’s legendary female haenyeo divers — known for their free-diving skills and contributing to the region's semi-matriarchal culture.

Explore the Sights of East Asia By Sea

Spectrum of the Seas® delivers the vast cultures, culinary delights and exotic sights of the Far East to your (stateroom) doorstep. Combine that with the comforts and variety of a Quantum Ultra Class ship, and you're set up for more excitement, relaxation and eccentric discoveries than you could possibly exhaust during your Royal Caribbean cruise to East Asia.

Explore our cruises and discover how history, advanced technology, wilderness and curated luxury all come together in an unforgettable cruise vacation.

Written By
ALEISHA WHITE

Aleisha is a travel writer, content creator and photographer who feels most at home when the tides are moving. She’s lived in Paris, New Zealand and is currently based in Shanghai. An appetite for adventure has led her to 34 countries across six continents, and her work has appeared on Stuff. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her sailing the Southeast Asian seas, exploring underwater worlds or flowing through asanas.

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