Royal Caribbean Unveils 2026-27 Deployment for China & Far East

Shanghai Pudong skyline at dusk
Cruise Industry Asia
By
Updated Published

Royal Caribbean International has revealed its 2026-27 cruise deployment for China and the Far East, with the Spectrum of the Seas sailing year-round in the region.

Spectrum of the Seas to Sail from Shanghai and Hong Kong

The 2019-built Spectrum of the Seas will continue offering cruises from both Shanghai and Hong Kong, providing a mix of short and extended itineraries across Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam.

After completing a short winter season from Hong Kong in late 2025, the 4,200-guest ship will reposition to Shanghai in mid-January 2026. From its homeport in Mainland China, it will operate a selection of two- to five-night cruises to destinations such as:

  • Japan: Naha, Ishigaki, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima.
  • South Korea: Busan and Seogwipo-si.

Additionally, the Spectrum of the Seas will offer six- to eight-night itineraries, featuring longer sailings to Hakodate, Niigata, Maizuru, Kobe, Nagoya, Tokyo, Sakaiminato, and other Japanese ports. These extended cruises are scheduled to depart in May, July, August, September, and October 2026.

Hong Kong Deployment & Vietnam Voyages

In early November 2026, the ship will embark on a repositioning cruise to Hong Kong, where it will launch a new set of two- to nine-night sailings. These itineraries will mirror the Japan and South Korea routes offered from Shanghai, alongside additional two-night cruises to nowhere.

For those looking to explore Vietnam, the Spectrum of the Seas will offer four-night cruises to Da Nang, featuring two days of scenic cruising in the South China Sea.

Return to Shanghai in 2027

Following a four-night repositioning cruise, Spectrum will return to Shanghai in late January 2027, continuing its series of four- to eight-night cruises in the region through April 2027.

Royal Caribbean’s 2026-27 Global Expansion

Alongside its Asia-Pacific plans, Royal Caribbean’s 2026-27 deployment will focus on:

  • Expanding short Caribbean cruises
  • Increasing capacity on the U.S. West Coast
  • Introducing the Mariner of the Seas in New Orleans
  • Launching the inaugural season of the Legend of the Seas

With a strong emphasis on short and regional cruises, Royal Caribbean is set to enhance its global footprint, catering to diverse markets with new and expanded itineraries.