Okinawa & Ishigaki 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.

Soak in the splendor of the former Ryukyu Kingdom at the vermillion-red Shujiro Castle. Then, walk around the private garden of a king at the tropical Shikinaen Gardens. Finish your time here by taking in Okinawa's pristine coastline at Okuma Beach, where you can swim, snorkel or kayak in the brilliant waters of the East China Sea.

The iconic Kaibara Bay is the highlight of Ishigaki. Take a glass-bottom boat tour through emerald-green water, and glide over multicolored coral reefs full of tropical fish. Pay your respects at the Tojin Baka Ishigaki Memorial, where intricate carving and calligraphy are dedicated to Chinese workers. Or head to historical Yaima Village, where you can learn Ryukyu crafts or catch a traditional music and dance show at House Ashibi.

Although it's officially part of China, Hong Kong is a world unto itself. This bustling city is full of ancient and modern architecture, lots of people and — of course — the best dim sum around. Head to the Kowloon Peninsula for Golden Mile shopping along Nathan Road. Then, make your way to Hong Kong Island to admire the views from the top of Victoria Peak — you can see the skyscrapers of the financial district as well as the fishing village of Stanley Harbour. Cruise to Hong Kong and trek out to mountainous Lantau Island to see the famous Tian Tan Buddha, standing a full 112 feet tall. Or score some quiet time at Hong Kong Park, full of contemplative rock gardens and tree-lined paths.

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.