Guests sailing on Spectrum of the Seas from Shanghai over the next few months, hoping to visit iconic ports in Japan, are now being notified that their itineraries have changed, in some cases just weeks before departure.

With the ongoing tensions between China and Japan, including the travel advisory from China’s Foreign Ministry urging travelers to avoid Japan, the new itineraries avoid the Land of the Rising Sun but offer alternative ports whenever possible.

Impacted sailings are Shanghai departures between May 2026 and April 2027. Royal Caribbean has completely redesigned itineraries and shortened a number of voyages to better meet the regional needs and travel preferences at this challenging time.

Guests are being notified of the changes for impacted sailings.

“As part of our ongoing itinerary planning process, we’ve modified our upcoming sailing,” the notification emails read. “We’re excited to bring you this refreshed experience and appreciate your understanding, as itinerary planning is an ongoing process that requires cruises to have a certain level of flexibility.”

Some sailings are more drastically impacted than others, and guests are posting their letters online. For example, on shorter sailings, a simple port swap may be possible. On some longer, more immersive itineraries to Japan, however, the entire cruise is shifted and may even be cut into shorter sailings.

For alternative ports, the following destinations in Japan are some that are being removed from multiple itineraries:

• Okinawa
• Fukuoka
• Nagasaki
• Kagoshima
• Kumamoto

Instead, Spectrum of the Seas will be visiting ports in South Korea such as Busan, Jeju, Seoul, and Yeosu, depending on the exact sailing date and cruise route.

This is similar to changes made to other itineraries that were adjusted in December 2025, which Cruise Hive reported. It is not uncommon for cruise lines to make such sweeping changes just for a few months at a time in the hopes that tensions ease and the original itineraries can be maintained.

To be clear, not all Japan itineraries are impacted, and some sailings are still keeping their original ports. Which cruises are adjusted likely depends on overall demand and how individual cruises have been booked, as well as what adjustments are possible. It is also possible that additional cruises will be shifted in the coming weeks as additional plans can be made.

The Quantum-ultra-class Spectrum of the Seas can welcome 4,246 guests at double occupancy or up to 4,905 travelers when fully booked with all berths filled. She is based year-round in Asia, offering seasonal sailings from Shanghai and Hong Kong.

Not All Guests Are Happy

While Royal Caribbean, and in fact all cruise lines, has the right to alter itineraries at any time for any reason, not all guests are happy with such drastic changes.

One guest, for example, had planned a surprise cruise for their family, who lives in South Korea. The original itinerary included a visit to Okinawa, Japan, but their now-adjusted cruise is going to Busan, South Korea instead.

“My family lives near Busan. we’ve been there like 100+ times. I even went to university there,” the guest explained on Reddit. “We know the city very well, honestly, we could probably arrange my father’s car at the port and just go home on that day.”

The guest is not arguing about the change, it’s just a particularly ridiculous situation for their specific travel plans and demonstrates that the adjustments may not work for every traveler.

Read Also: Japan Popularity Spurs Cruise Line to Open 2027 Bookings

Many other guests are expressing disappointment and frustration at missing highly-anticipated ports of call, but safety is always the primary consideration.

Compensation Offered for Some Changes, But Not All

On some sailings where the changes are particularly drastic, such as shortened voyages, Royal Caribbean is offering alternatives for guests to consider. This can include prorated cruise fares, onboard credit, and reimbursement for change fees related to flights, trains, or rental cars.

In some cases, rebooking on sailings closer to the original itinerary is also possible, but such opportunities will fill up quickly.

Most of the changes, however, have no compensation available other than the standard refunding of port fees and taxes, which is common for any port cancellation.

Any shore tours booked through Royal Caribbean for now-cancelled ports will be cancelled and automatically refunded. Guests can investigate new tour options at their new destinations through the Royal Caribbean app or website.

More Spectrum of the Seas Sailings Changed Due to Regional Tensions