Ni hao, and welcome to your spectacular Chinese voyage! Your adventure begins in the captivating Xi’an, where China’s dynastic legacy stands resolute within the 14th-century city walls.
Make your own way to your hotel and spend the remainder of your day at leisure. Choose to step out and explore this lively locale or rest up in supreme comfort ahead of tomorrow’s activities.
Start your tour of China’s most treasured sites with an expedition to the jaw-dropping Terracotta Army. One of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th-century, this vault of terracotta-sculpted warriors is credited to the rule of unified China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Since its unexpected discovery, archaeologists have pored over the individual faces and assembled masses of these solemn statues in search of historic insights. Learn about the process of creating these statues during a workshop visit and watch as they’re intricately recreated.
Later, return to your hotel for the rest of your day free to spend as you desire.
After breakfast, pay a visit to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, one of Xi’an’s most recognisable Buddhist pagodas. With its striking architectural design, the pagoda was erected during the rule of the Tang dynasty in the early 8th century.
Later, transfer by flight or high-speed train to bustling Beijing, where you’ll be brought to your sophisticated hotel for check-in.
One of the world’s great megalopolises, Beijing packs in millennia of history, distinctive architectural feats and cultural heritage, carefully conserved alongside an ever-evolving global capital that pushes new boundaries by the moment.
Acquaint yourself with the city’s complex past as you visit historic Tiananmen Square – one of the largest public squares in the world – then pass through the southern gate of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Forbidden City for a glimpse at the imperial palace that housed emperors for over 500 years, since the early 15th century. Wander the sprawling complex and study the storied walls of the palaces.
This afternoon, choose to explore Beijing at your own pace, perhaps continuing south to the mesmerising circular structure of the Temple of Heaven. Alternatively, opt to watch the Golden Mask Dynasty show and experience the legends of China’s past (charges apply).
Optional activities:
- Golden Mask Dynasty show (from RMB350 per person).
Leave behind city life as you strike out for the utterly breathtaking Great Wall of China. Travel to Juyongguan Pass, carving an imposing line through the valley of the Changping District. Surrounded by mountains on either side, the Juyongguan Pass is one of the most historically significant and impenetrable segments of the Great Wall. Admire the vast mountain scenery as you walk along this architectural wonder, then continue to a local jade factory for the opportunity to witness a traditional trade and maybe purchase a handcrafted souvenir.
This afternoon, you may join an optional rickshaw tour of Beijing’s thousand-year-old ‘hutongs’ – narrow alleys through the city’s oldest neighbourhoods – offering a path into the daily lives of the locals (charges apply). Along the way, you’ll have the chance to visit the home of a local resident and sit down to a fragrant dinner at their table.
Optional activity:
- Hutong rickshaw tour with local dinner (from RMB 300 per person).
This morning, follow your guide to Tongrentang – the largest producer of traditional Chinese medicine – where you can uncover over 500 years of herbal history.
Later, transfer by plane or high-speed train to Hangzhou, the provincial capital of Zejiang in China’s southeast. Check in at your hotel for an evening spent freely.
Regarded as the tea capital of China, Hangzhou’s beautiful scenery and rich cultural heritage are best enjoyed over a fresh brew at a local teahouse. Sit down for a mindful moment and learn about the region’s tea tradition, then board a boat to cross tranquil West Lake.
This afternoon, travel onward to Suzhou to check in at your hotel and spend the rest of your day as you wish.
Known as the ‘Venice of the East’, Suzhou is a town characterised by idyllic canals and meticulously landscaped gardens. Stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lingering Garden, famed for its picturesque ponds and stone bridges, then relax as you join a cruise along the enchanting Grand Canal.
Later today, weave your way to the Suzhou Silk Factory for a deeper insight into China’s tradition of crafting silk fabric. Continue on to Shanghai – a gargantuan city blending old world character with modern innovation. Check in at your hotel for an evening spent wandering through the thrumming heart of Shanghai, or choose to join an optional trip to an astounding Chinese acrobatic show (charges apply).
Optional activity:
- ERA Intersection of Time acrobatic show (from RMB 320 per person).
Step into the bright morning with a tour of Old Shanghai’s vibrant markets and busy streets, losing yourself in the traditional customs of day-to-day life.
Spend the rest of your day exploring the city on your own terms – perhaps shop for delicate Chinese ceramics or opt to visit the famed Yu Garden then jump aboard a night cruise along the majestic Huangpu River (charges apply). You’ll discover the architectural marvels of the cityscape, witnessing the international buildings that mark the western bank, as well as the eye-catching Lujiazui skyline, defined by its towering trio of skyscrapers.
Optional activity:
- Huangpu River night cruise (from RMB 320 per person).
Bid farewell to Shanghai’s shimmering skyline as you make your way to the Port of Baoshan to commence your spectacular seven-night Royal Caribbean cruise to Japan. Step aboard the awe-inspiring Spectrum of the Seas® and settle into your comfortable cabin as you set sail for farther shores.
Enjoy a day at sea to settle in and get to know your incredible cruiser. Whether you seek an adrenaline rush or total tranquility, your ship has it all. Push your limits while rock climbing, get behind the wheel of a bumper car, or jump into the thrilling skydive simulator to experience flight, all available onboard. Melt away stress with a spa massage (charges apply), build a scrapbook of memories or simply relax by the pool.
Delight in the fascinating history and old-world grandeur of Kyoto as you’re immersed in atmospheric temples and sublime shrines in Japan’s old imperial capital. Wander the cobblestone streets downtown through the historic Gion district and past machiyas (traditional townhouses) where you could catch a fleeting glimpse of a geisha. Slurp down bowls of authentic, steaming ramen, savour the spoils of a hole-in-the-wall izakaya and taste the most delicate tempura in a traditional building.
Easily accessible by train from colourful and bustling Osaka, Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto retains its status as the country’s cultural heart, famous for its well-preserved temples, traditional teahouses and serene Zen gardens. Check out Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), Higashi Hongan-ji and the endless ruby foliage of the Japanese maples (seasonal). When you’re feeling hungry, Kyoto is brimming with Michelin-starred restaurants, old-style noodle stalls, food halls, fresh sushi and so much more.
Yokohama serves as the central gateway to Tokyo – once a humble fishing village, now transformed into one of the world’s largest and most densely populated cities, where a captivating blend of ancient shrines and towering skyscrapers define the illuminated neon-lit cityscape.
In between the ultra-modern skyscrapers, you’ll find pockets of history in the form of ancient temples and tranquil gardens. Be sure to witness a sumo wrestling match, dine at an izakaya or hit the streets and explore on foot, checking out the weird, wacky and wonderful world of Japan’s vending machines.
Relish your final two days onboard and enjoy your ship’s facilities. Take in 360-degree views from almost 100 metres above sea level at the North Star® observation capsule, or simply kick back with a good book and enjoy passing seascapes from the deck.
Dining with the Quantum of the Seas® is about more than just food onboard – think ambience, variety and flexibility. Feast on far-out flavours from far-flung places, like American steakhouse classics at Chops Grille, fresh hand-rolled sushi at Izumi Japanese Cuisine and Tuscan favourites at Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver. Then cap off your meal – or kick off your night – with futuristic, robot-crafted cocktails at Bionic Bar.
Your journey comes to an end today as your ship returns to Shanghai early this morning. Enjoy one final breakfast onboard before disembarkation, making your way from Baoshan Port to Shanghai International Airport (PVG) for your flight back to home.