8 Night Best Of Japan Cruise

The 8 Night Best Of Japan Cruise is a 8-night Asia & Indian Ocean cruise aboard Spectrum of the Seas, operated by Royal Caribbean. Departing Baoshan (Shanghai) on September 11, 2026, the voyage visits 5 ports. Fares start from $1,463 per person.

Length: 8 nights
Departs: Sep 11, 2026
Returns: Sep 19, 2026
Ports of call: 5
Days at sea: 3

from $1,463

$182 / night per person, incl. taxes & fees

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Itinerary

Day 1 Sep 11, 2026 Baoshan (Shanghai) Departs 16:30 When your MSC cruise brings you to Shanghai it is easy to understand that after years of stagnation, this great metropolis is undergoing one of the fastest economic expansions the world has ever seen. As Shanghai begins to recapture its position as East Asia’s leading business city, a status it last held before World War II, the skyline is filling with high-rises – there are well over a thousand now. Gleaming shopping malls, luxurious hotels and prestigious arts centres are rising alongside, while underneath everything snakes the world’s longest subway system. Shanghai’s 23 million residents enjoy the highest incomes on the mainland, and there’s plenty for them to splash out on; witness the rash of celebrity restaurants and designer flagship stores. MSC Grand Voyages cruises also offer excursions to the Bund – Shanghai’s original signature skyline –, a strip of grand Neoclassical colonial edifices on the west bank of the Huangpu River Pudong on the opposite shore – a backdrop domestic visitors queue up against to have their picture taken. Named after an old Anglo-Indian term, “bunding” (the embanking of a muddy foreshore), the Bund’s official name is Zhongshan Lu but it’s better known among locals as Wai Tan (literally “Outside Beach”). By whatever name, this was old Shanghai’s commercial heart, with the river on one side and the offices of the leading bank and trading houses on the other. Jinmao Tower is a beautiful building, an elegant tapering postmodern take on Art Deco, has an observation deck on the 88th floor. An ear-popping lift whisks you up 340m to the top in a matter of seconds. The spectacle of the city spread out before you is of course sublime, but turn round for a giddying view down the building’s glorious galleried atrium. Shanghai Museum is one of the city’s highlights, with a fantastic, well-presented collection. Baoshan (Shanghai) port guide Search cruises visiting Baoshan (Shanghai)

Baoshan (Shanghai) photo — Day 1 Sep 11, 2026 Baoshan (Shanghai) Departs 16:30 When your MSC cruise brings you to Shanghai it is easy to understand that after years of stagnation, this great metropolis is undergoing one of the fastest economic expansions the world has ever seen. As Shanghai begins to recapture its position as East Asia’s leading business city, a status it last held before World War II, the skyline is filling with high-rises – there are well over a thousand now. Gleaming shopping malls, luxurious hotels and prestigious arts centres are rising alongside, while underneath everything snakes the world’s longest subway system. Shanghai’s 23 million residents enjoy the highest incomes on the mainland, and there’s plenty for them to splash out on; witness the rash of celebrity restaurants and designer flagship stores. MSC Grand Voyages cruises also offer excursions to the Bund – Shanghai’s original signature skyline –, a strip of grand Neoclassical colonial edifices on the west bank of the Huangpu River Pudong on the opposite shore – a backdrop domestic visitors queue up against to have their picture taken. Named after an old Anglo-Indian term, “bunding” (the embanking of a muddy foreshore), the Bund’s official name is Zhongshan Lu but it’s better known among locals as Wai Tan (literally “Outside Beach”). By whatever name, this was old Shanghai’s commercial heart, with the river on one side and the offices of the leading bank and trading houses on the other. Jinmao Tower is a beautiful building, an elegant tapering postmodern take on Art Deco, has an observation deck on the 88th floor. An ear-popping lift whisks you up 340m to the top in a matter of seconds. The spectacle of the city spread out before you is of course sublime, but turn round for a giddying view down the building’s glorious galleried atrium. Shanghai Museum is one of the city’s highlights, with a fantastic, well-presented collection. Baoshan (Shanghai) port guide Search cruises visiting Baoshan (Shanghai)

Day 4 Sep 14, 2026 Maizuru 07:00 – 17:00 10.0 hrs ashore Maizuru is a city in south-central Japan. The Goro Sky Tower has panoramic views over the islands of Maizuru Bay. Maizuru Park contains the ruins of Tanabe Castle, and is known for spring cherry blossoms. East, Brick Park is a group of Meiji-era warehouses, now home to the World Brick Museum. Kongō-in Temple is known for its ornate pagoda and fall colors. On the north coast, Ryuguhama Beach faces the sea. ― Google Maizuru port guide Search cruises visiting Maizuru

Maizuru photo — Day 4 Sep 14, 2026 Maizuru 07:00 – 17:00 10.0 hrs ashore Maizuru is a city in south-central Japan. The Goro Sky Tower has panoramic views over the islands of Maizuru Bay. Maizuru Park contains the ruins of Tanabe Castle, and is known for spring cherry blossoms. East, Brick Park is a group of Meiji-era warehouses, now home to the World Brick Museum. Kongō-in Temple is known for its ornate pagoda and fall colors. On the north coast, Ryuguhama Beach faces the sea. ― Google Maizuru port guide Search cruises visiting Maizuru

Day 5 Sep 15, 2026 Niigata, Japan 08:00 – 17:00 9.0 hrs ashore A sophisticated sake capital, Niigata is an intoxicating, creative place of Japanese traditions and flavours. Learn of the many crafts and creativities that are practised here, from kite-making to alcohol fermentation and ceramic work, and immerse yourself in the beautiful coastline and waterfall-laced mountains of Niigata prefecture. The city evolves with each season, taking on a new appearance - whether it's the thick layers of snow during winter, or the cherry blossoms of spring. View less Look out for the gorgeous curved black roof tiers of Shibata Castle, rising from a picturesque bed of pale-pink flowers. Sitting overlooking the Sea of Japan, out towards the intrigues of Sado Island, where the rare Toki bird - with its scythe-like beak - lives protected. This busy port city is famous for the high-quality and pure taste of its rice. As a result, sake produced here is among Japan's finest, and distilleries will teach you the artistry behind its creation, and to appreciate the subtle flavours. Pia Bandai market is a bustling place to take a stroll and sip a morning coffee. Japan’s first public park, Hakusan Park was built in 1873 and is perfect for whiling away an afternoon, among drifting lotus flowers and swaying trees. Appreciate a magical tea ceremony in the Edo-era Shimizu-en Gardens, or savour the tranquillity of the peaceful Hakusan Shrine - dedicated to the god of marriage.

Day 6 Sep 16, 2026 Hakodate 07:30 – 19:00 11.5 hrs ashore Gaze down over Hakodate, from the heights of its namesake peak - Mount Hakodate - to see the city stretching out spectacularly, with back-to-back twin bays splitting the ocean. Hakodate port was one of the first to open Japan up to the world, and to international trade in 1859 - a fact reflected in the architecture, with its influences from the West and beyond. The port area is a redbrick wash of warehouses turned shopping malls, all observed by the onion domes of the city's Russian Orthodox church. View less Elsewhere, the star-shaped Goryokaku fortress glows with natural colours and a beautiful haze of cherry blossom during the season. Goryokaku Tower, which rises up beside it, offers a sweeping bird's eye view of the green fortress and mountain backdrop. Buses trundle up the 335-metre incline to the top of Mount Hakodate, but the best way to reach the views is to jump on the ropeway, which swings high above downtown's buildings, over a carpet of pine trees. Head up to the mountain's heights as sunset approaches. With darkness sweeping in, and the lights flickering to life, the panorama is one of Japan's most spectacular. Soak it all in, and look out to the horizon, dotted with the shimmering lights of ships hauling in harvests of the city's renowned squid. The plankton-rich waters attract a delicious variety of feasting sea life to Hakodate's coast, which is then plated up in the city's numerous, skilled restaurants. For an eye-opening, whirring morning, see the freshest produce being doled out at Hakodate Morning Market – amid a cacophony of noise and activity. Hakodate port guide Search cruises visiting Hakodate

Hakodate photo — Day 6 Sep 16, 2026 Hakodate 07:30 – 19:00 11.5 hrs ashore Gaze down over Hakodate, from the heights of its namesake peak - Mount Hakodate - to see the city stretching out spectacularly, with back-to-back twin bays splitting the ocean. Hakodate port was one of the first to open Japan up to the world, and to international trade in 1859 - a fact reflected in the architecture, with its influences from the West and beyond. The port area is a redbrick wash of warehouses turned shopping malls, all observed by the onion domes of the city's Russian Orthodox church. View less Elsewhere, the star-shaped Goryokaku fortress glows with natural colours and a beautiful haze of cherry blossom during the season. Goryokaku Tower, which rises up beside it, offers a sweeping bird's eye view of the green fortress and mountain backdrop. Buses trundle up the 335-metre incline to the top of Mount Hakodate, but the best way to reach the views is to jump on the ropeway, which swings high above downtown's buildings, over a carpet of pine trees. Head up to the mountain's heights as sunset approaches. With darkness sweeping in, and the lights flickering to life, the panorama is one of Japan's most spectacular. Soak it all in, and look out to the horizon, dotted with the shimmering lights of ships hauling in harvests of the city's renowned squid. The plankton-rich waters attract a delicious variety of feasting sea life to Hakodate's coast, which is then plated up in the city's numerous, skilled restaurants. For an eye-opening, whirring morning, see the freshest produce being doled out at Hakodate Morning Market – amid a cacophony of noise and activity. Hakodate port guide Search cruises visiting Hakodate

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 90-day span: $1,168 · range $1,168–$1,463

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

from $1,463

$182 / night

Fare rows

Interior Stateroom - Guaranteed

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,463

$182 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Interior

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,490

$186 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Interior

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,490

$186 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Interior with Virtual Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,510

$188 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Oceanview

from $1,511

$188 / night

Fare rows

Ocean View Stateroom - Guaranteed

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,511

$188 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean View

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,541

$192 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean View

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,541

$192 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony

from $1,548

$193 / night

Fare rows

Balcony Stateroom - Guaranteed

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,548

$193 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Obstructed Ocean View Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,560

$195 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Obstructed Ocean View Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,567

$195 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Connecting Oceanview Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,699

$212 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean View Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,709

$213 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean View Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,712

$214 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean View Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,725

$215 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean View Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,725

$215 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean View Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,752

$219 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean View with Large Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,778

$222 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean View with Large Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,782

$222 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean View with Large Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,805

$225 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Suite

from $5,530

$691 / night

Fare rows

Grand Suite - 1 Bedroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,530

$691 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prices verified Jun 23, 2026

Prices come from third-party data feeds via Royal Caribbean and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works

Show all 40 cabin grades

Name	Supplier code	Type
Ocean View with Large Balcony	1C	Balcony
Ocean View Balcony	1D	Balcony
Obstructed Ocean View Balcony	1E	Balcony
Ocean View with Large Balcony	2C	Balcony
Ocean View Balcony	2D	Balcony
Obstructed Ocean View Balcony	2E	Balcony
Studio Ocean View Balcony	2F	Balcony
Ocean View with Large Balcony	3C	Balcony
Ocean View Balcony	3D	Balcony
Ocean View with Large Balcony	4C	Balcony
Ocean View Balcony	4D	Balcony
Ocean View Balcony	5D	Balcony
Sky Balcony	BY	Balcony
Connecting Oceanview Balcony	CB	Balcony
Balcony Stateroom - Guaranteed	XB	Balcony
Ocean View Balcony Quad Gty	XQ	Balcony
Interior with Virtual Balcony	1U	Inside
Interior	1V	Inside
Interior with Virtual Balcony	2U	Inside
Interior	2V	Inside
Studio Interior	2W	Inside
Interior	3V	Inside
Interior	4V	Inside
Connecting Interior	CI	Inside
Interior Stateroom - Guaranteed	ZI	Inside
Interior Quad Gty	ZQ	Inside
Ocean View	1N	Oceanview
Ocean View	2N	Oceanview
Spacious Ocean View	3M	Oceanview
Spacious Ocean View	4M	Oceanview
Ocean View Stateroom - Guaranteed	YO	Oceanview
Ocean View Quad Gty	YQ	Oceanview
Grand Loft Suite with Balcony	GL	Suite
Grand Suite - 1 Bedroom	GS	Suite
Silver Junior Suite	J1	Suite
Silver Junior Suite	J4	Suite
Sky Junior Suite	JY	Suite
Owner's Suite	OS	Suite
Ultimate Family Suite	US	Suite
Suite - Guaranteed	WS	Suite