Kumamoto & Nagasaki Cruise 5 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.

Kumamoto City proudly traces its roots to Japan's samurai age — see these roots on clear display at 15th-century Kumamoto Castle and its cherry-tree-covered grounds. Then, stroll through traditional Suizenji Garden, with its manicured trees and artificial mountain replicating Mount Fuji. Or head outside the city for a dose of nature and climb volcanic Mount Aso, the site of one of the world's largest volcanic calderas.

Explore the mix of east and west in Nagasaki: Start off your day at Oura Church, a Gothic-style church built in 1864 to harken back to Europe's Middle Ages. Then, visit Kofukuji Temple — dating back to 1620, it's the oldest of the Buddhist temples built by the community of Chinese merchants that lived here. Finish the day with a bird's-eye view of the city from the top of Mt. Inasa, and catch a glimpse of the sparkling sea.

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.