Royal Caribbean Reveals 2026-27 Spectrum of the Seas Plans for China & Far East

Royal Caribbean International has unveiled its deployment plans for the 2026-27 season in China and the Far East, bringing exciting new cruise options to the region.

The Spectrum of the Seas, which will be operating year-round in this area, will be based in Shanghai and Hong Kong. After a brief winter schedule sailing from Hong Kong in late 2025, the ship will relocate to Shanghai in mid-January 2026 for its full deployment.

This impressive 2019-built ship will primarily offer a variety of short cruises from its homeport in mainland China, with destinations in Japan and South Korea. Passengers can choose from two- to five-night itineraries visiting an array of captivating ports. These include Naha, Ishigaki, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Busan, and Seogwipo-si.

In addition to these short trips, the Spectrum of the Seas will offer longer sailings ranging from six to eight nights, expanding its reach to more of Japan. These cruises will depart throughout the year, with options available in May, July, August, September, and October. Popular destinations on these extended itineraries include Hakodate, Niigata, Maizuru, Kobe, Nagoya, Tokyo, and Sakaiminato, among others.

The ship’s schedule will also include a repositioning cruise to Hong Kong in early November 2026. After this, it will kick off a new series of two- to nine-night cruises from the Hong Kong port. Like its sailings from Shanghai, these voyages will primarily focus on Japan and South Korea, with additional options like two-night cruises to nowhere for those looking for a quick getaway.

Another exciting highlight for the 2026-27 season is the ship’s planned four-night cruises to Vietnam, including a stop in Da Nang. These cruises will feature two days spent cruising in the South China Sea, offering guests a relaxing and scenic journey.

After this, the Spectrum will return to Shanghai in late January 2027 for more sailings geared toward the Chinese market. The ship will be sailing from Shanghai through at least April 2027, with new itineraries ranging from four to eight nights, exploring even more destinations in the Far East.

In addition to the Spectrum’s deployment, Royal Caribbean has big plans for the 2026-27 season across its fleet. These plans include a focus on short cruises in the Caribbean and additional capacity on the West Coast of the United States. There will also be the debut of the Mariner of the Seas in New Orleans and the inaugural season of the newly renovated Legend of the Seas. With all of these exciting developments, the upcoming season promises to be a memorable one for cruise enthusiasts in the Far East and beyond.