Shanghai Cruise Port Guide
My Futuristic Megacity That Leaves Me Speechless
Quick Answer: Shanghai scores 4.8–5.0 stars as the perfect marriage of 1930s Art Deco glamour and futurism. Must-dos: The Bund at sunrise, Shanghai Tower observatory, Yu Garden, xiaolongbao dumplings, and French Concession.
My Shanghai Day – A First-Person Account
Every time our Royal Caribbean ship sails up the Huangpu River at dawn and the skyscrapers of the Bund and Pudong appear like a scene from Blade Runner, I honestly pinch myself. Shanghai is one of the most mind-blowing Asian ports (4.8–5.0 average 2023–2025) because it's the perfect marriage of 1930s Art Deco glamour and 22nd-century futurism.
My perfect day starts early: I'm off the ship and straight to The Bund for that iconic sunrise photo with the colonial buildings on one side and the rocket-ship skyline on the other. Then across on the ferry (50 cents!) to Pudong and up the Shanghai Tower (world's second-tallest building) to the 118th-floor observatory – on a clear day you can see for 50 km. Breakfast is always xiaolongbao soup dumplings at Din Tai Fung or street jianbing crepes.
Then Yu Garden and the old Chinese city (the nine-turn bridge and teahouse in the middle of the lake is pure serenity), followed by the Propaganda Poster Art Centre (hidden in a residential basement – chilling and fascinating). Nanjing Road pedestrian street for people-watching and bubble tea, then French Concession for plane-tree-lined streets, cute cafés, and vintage shopping.
Lunch is hairy crab in season or spicy Sichuan hotpot. Afternoon options: Zhujiajiao water town (the "Venice of Shanghai") or the Power Station of Art contemporary museum. Nighttime is the Bund again for the neon light show and a rooftop bar at Vue or Sir Elly's with the skyline exploding in color. Shanghai feels like the center of the future – fast, delicious, and impossible to take in all at once.
Getting Around
Spectrum of the Seas and larger ships dock at the brand-new Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal (Baoshan) – about 45–60 minutes by taxi/Maglev + metro to the Bund, or Royal usually runs shuttles. Smaller ships sometimes use the older terminal closer to the city.
A Positively Worded Word of Warning: The sheer scale and energy of Shanghai are exactly what make it legendary – embrace the buzz as your invitation to experience tomorrow today, and you'll leave buzzing with memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from the cruise terminal to The Bund?
The Baoshan terminal is 45–60 minutes from The Bund. Use the ship's shuttle, taxi, or combine Maglev + metro. Download DiDi (Chinese Uber) or have your hotel arrange transport.
Is one day enough for Shanghai?
You can hit the highlights (Bund, Shanghai Tower, Yu Garden, French Concession) but Shanghai deserves more. Focus on 2-3 areas rather than trying to see everything.
Where should I get xiaolongbao?
Din Tai Fung is consistently excellent. For a more local experience, try Jia Jia Tang Bao near Yu Garden. Eat them hot – bite a small hole, sip the soup, then devour.