A series of cruise departures from Shanghai is scheduled for the winter months and into early 2026, providing a range of seasonal and leisure-focused itineraries for both local residents and international visitors. The programme reflects the continued expansion of Shanghai as a cruise homeport, with offerings spanning long-haul world voyages, holiday-themed sailings, and short regional routes.
Among the most significant calls will be MSC Cruises’ World Cruise 2026 aboard MSC Magnifica, which is set to make its first-ever visit to China on March 29th, 2026. Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal will serve as the vessel’s inaugural Chinese port of call. The 132-day voyage, operating from January through May 2026, is scheduled to include 46 ports across 33 countries and regions, covering Europe, the Caribbean, North and South America, Pacific island destinations, Australia, and Asia.
MSC Cruises will further expand its presence in Shanghai with MSC Bellissima, which is due to arrive on 27 January and operate 27 itineraries during 2026. These sailings will include regional routes to destinations such as Jeju and Busan in South Korea. Within this programme, three departures aligned with the Spring Festival period are planned from mid-February, targeting family travel during the holiday season.
Shanghai will also host sailings by China’s first domestically built large cruise ship, Adora Magic City. The vessel is scheduled to operate seasonal programmes oriented toward family reunions, traditional cultural celebrations, and wellness activities aimed at older travellers. Her itineraries will include regional ports such as Busan and Incheon, reinforcing the ship’s role in developing China’s homegrown cruise market.
RCI-Royal Caribbean International will maintain its Shanghai operations with Spectrum of the Seas, offering sailings to destinations including Busan and Okinawa. These voyages will combine a range of accommodation categories with large-scale entertainment venues and expansive sea views, consistent with the ship’s role as a key deployment in the regional market.
Together, these departures underline Shanghai’s position as a central cruise hub in East Asia, with a mix of international operators and domestic brands shaping a diverse winter and early 2026 sailing schedule.