Have you ever wondered what it feels like to wake up in a floating city in the middle of the ocean? I have to admit: before my first cruise, I had no experience with what to expect and held quite a few prejudices. But after five days on board Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas, I am not only refreshed but surprisingly a real fan of this style of travel.
In this cruise experience report, I’ll take you along on our journey from Hong Kong to Okinawa and Ishigaki. Want the compact version? Then jump straight to our honest review of our first cruise on the Spectrum of the Seas.
Day 1 (Dec 30, 2025): Our First Cruise Experience
It’s incredible how quickly memories begin to blur after just a few days. Today, only 4 days later, I already have to make an effort to correctly recount this cruise experience. One thing upfront: it is amazing how “busy” you are on a cruise. Between eating, sleeping, lying by the pool, shopping, and entertainment, there is hardly any time for a travel diary.
The first day started smoothly. We left our large suitcase at the hotel in Guangzhou and traveled with only two carry-on suitcases. Looking back, a great decision! (Our complete packing list for your cruise). Then it was off by train from Guangzhou to Hong Kong. From the Hong Kong station, we took the organized bus shuttle to the Cruise Terminal, which is located slightly outside the city center and unfortunately not well connected by public transport. I was impressed by the size of the terminal, but even more so by the process: it took less than half an hour, and we were on board!
Our first impression on board was overwhelming. The dimensions are almost unimaginable for a cruise novice. It took us a few moments to get used to it and find our way around. Our first meal at the Windjammer buffet restaurant, however, was a bit of a shock: we were completely overwhelmed by the noise and the chaos of so many people. Fortunately, that was the only time during the entire cruise. Either we got used to it or the guests distributed themselves more evenly over the following days. For the afternoon, we booked the iFly Experience right away. The price was fair and comparable to prices in Europe ($30 USD per person, 1 minute). It is primarily impressive that such a thing even exists on a ship. The activity itself was okay – a nice experience, but not something I would deeply miss on a cruise.
Additionally, we moved into our room today. That was a true highlight! Our balcony cabin is significantly larger and cozier than we expected. The bathroom and shower are more than adequate, there is plenty of storage space, a cozy sofa corner, and the bed is very comfortable! The highlight is the surprisingly large balcony where you can relax very well as a couple and where we will spend a lot of time.
And then it was already time for the ship to set sail. Hong didn’t feel so well right after casting off. I can understand why. Right at the harbor, the ship made a large turn, and although the ship was super stable, the Hong Kong skyline was spinning around us. Hong couldn’t handle it well, and I was worried she’d get seasick. Luckily, it subsided after an hour in a darkened room, and neither of us had any problems after that.
In the late afternoon, we went to the main show “Silk Street” in the ship’s “small” theater. Small, because it’s only the smaller of the two theaters, but still surprisingly large. The technology in that theater and the quality of the performance were simply breathtaking. You didn’t know where to look first. Dancers emerged from platforms under the floor and on ropes from the ceiling. Several screens were installed on robots and positioned themselves perfectly with the dancers. I have never had an experience like it – especially when you consider that this is all happening on a moving cruise, simply magnificent!
In the evening, we had a fixed table in the restaurant. I really like the personal concept of having the same waiter every day. You hardly notice that you are one of 5,100 guests. Unfortunately, in contrast, the food was not convincing at all. We were both disappointed. The taste was very bland, and we went back to the room disappointed. Since I felt I was missing a highlight for the evening, I went back to the buffet restaurant and had two slices of pizza. The evening was saved, and we both fell asleep satisfied.
Highlights of the Day:
iFly Experience: One minute of flight time in the wind tunnel on board the ship.
The Cabin: Our absolute highlight! The balcony cabin is much larger and cozier than expected. Plenty of storage, comfy bed, and a huge balcony.
Show "Silk Street": High-tech in the "small" theater (which is still huge). Dancers jumping on ropes from the ceiling, and screens are dancin on robotic arms. Breathtaking!
Day 2 (Dec 31, 2025): New Year’s Eve Party on the Cruise
We slept wonderfully and surprisingly long. The gentle shaking and the comfortable bed are a dream combination. Our first full day on board is a pure sea day – perfect for exploring the ship before the big New Year’s Eve party.
Breakfast in the Main Dining Room pleasantly surprised us. After yesterday’s disappointment, we were skeptical, but the à la carte breakfast (ranging from classic breakfast dishes to fried chicken and lasagna) was top-notch. A successful start to the day. For the rest of the day, we picked out many activities via the Royal Caribbean app. We only actually used about a third of them, but having the choice was great. Besides classic trivia quizzes, we spent a lot of time reading and relaxing by the pool.
In the early evening, we went to the show in the large theater (Royal Theatre). And large it was indeed! As big as a concert hall on land – just on a floating ship. The show absolutely blew us away again. I have rarely seen such a high number of dancers and such quality. The details and creativity of the costumes were perfect too.
Then it was time for the New Year’s Eve dinner in the main restaurant. This time, the food tasted really good. From there, we moved on to the “small” theater for the Silent Disco, and then to the multi-story shopping promenade where the big New Year’s Eve party took place. First, a party band played, and shortly before midnight, the DJ took over. All guests stood together for the big countdown, and as the year changed, hundreds of balloons fell from the ceiling. A super evening, full program, and yet so relaxed and romantic. Mostly because everything was so well organized that you could just lean back and enjoy the party.
Highlights of the Day:
Adult-only pool area (Solarium): We enjoyed the peace with a cocktail by the pool and had plenty of time to relax and read.
New Year’s Eve Dinner: This time the food tasted very good. The service was excellent as always!
Big New Year’s Eve Party: An eventful evening with many options. From Silent Disco, party band, and DJ to the big countdown.
Day 3 (Jan 01, 2026): First Shore Excursion in Okinawa
Already our third day on board, slept great again, and had another super breakfast. That’s how a day should start. Today was the first shore day in Okinawa. Unfortunately, the weather was cold, windy, and rainy. Many reasons why we weren’t really interested in leaving the ship, especially since it is simply too pleasant on board. Hong wanted to stay on board, but I insisted. Since we weren’t in a hurry, we relaxed in the room for a bit and were the last group to go ashore.
Passport and customs control were surprisingly well-organized and quick. Since the port of Naha is about 5 km from the center and the ship’s shuttle service was frankly overpriced at $20 USD per person, we headed out on our own. However, with all the other passengers going ashore at the same time, it wasn’t easy to get a taxi. After a 1 km walk, we finally managed to snag a taxi via Uber. We shared the ride with a nice German couple who also seemed a bit lost. It was nice to help them out.
Naha itself had little to offer, which we had expected. A few Japanese snacks, a good cappuccino (on board, only brewed coffee is included), and stretching our legs – that was it. After two hours, we were already looking forward to getting back on the ship.
On board, it was very quiet, and we had the pool area almost to ourselves. Even if it was a bit strange “cooking” in the whirlpool alone under the watchful eyes of the lifeguard. There was a lifeguard at every pool, keeping a constant eye on it and us. Dinner today was unfortunately disappointing again – it seems the restaurant only really put in the effort for the New Year’s menu. It was to be our last dinner in the main restaurant. On the other hand, the show by a band from the Philippines was once again an experience in itself.
Highlights of the Day:
Delicious Cappuccino in Naha: We were lucky and found a very cute café in Naha with great coffee. Check it out on Google Maps (external link)
Peace on board: While most guests were on shore, we enjoyed the popular spots of the boat in total tranquility. All services were offered without restriction despite the shore day.
Day 4 (Jan 02, 2026): More Experiences in Ishigaki
Today we docked in Ishigaki. I watched the precise docking maneuver in the small harbor with excitement from the balcony. Luckily, we went ashore in Okinawa yesterday because there is no separate passport control in Ishigaki. Only those who went through control in Okinawa and received a permit had the chance to go ashore today. After leaving our room as one of the last groups again, we were on Japanese soil only 10 minutes later.
Ishigaki was much more pleasant and uncomplicated than Okinawa. The harbor is smaller and closer to the town. Since the weather was good and the shuttle service was again overpriced, we actually enjoyed the walk into town this time. Only 45 minutes later, after a pleasant walk along the coast, we were in the small town of Ishigaki. It was a bit surreal to see our huge ship flooding the little town with people, but we explored local shops in peace and bought Japanese snacks.
We finally gave up on the main restaurant and went to the Windjammer buffet. The only downer: we’ll miss our great waiter. But the food at the buffet was much better! It was a bit more hectic here, but still well organized. Since the biggest challenge was finding an empty table, we took turns getting food. We always brought back two small portions for both of us and surprised each other with the food selection.
In the evening, we went to the show, of course, and it thrilled us for the fourth time in a row. Meanwhile, the ship had left Ishigaki, and the waves were very strong. Therefore, the ship shaked noticeably from side to side. Even walking on board wasn’t always easy. A completely new experience for us on this cruise. While we quickly took our seats in the Royal Theatre, an artist from Singapore had to deal with it on stage. I was all the more impressed that despite the difficult conditions, the magic and acrobatic acts worked perfectly.
Highlights of the Day:
Uncomplicated shore excursion in Ishigaki: Ishigaki is much smaller than Okinawa, and we enjoyed that. The short walk into town was a pleasant change after 3 days on the ship.
New restaurant, new luck: We gave up on the main dining room and were very happy with the large and delicious selection at the Windjammer buffet.
Day 5 (Jan 03, 2026): Our Last Day on Board
Last day on board! The ship rocked heavily under the swell all night. Hong didn’t get seasick, but she wasn’t hungry this morning. So, I had some time to myself and enjoyed an extended breakfast. In the afternoon, I went jogging. For me, a total highlight to find a well-developed jogging track of about 500m per lap on the top deck. It felt good to exercise after days of eating and relaxing. Of course, we were back at the pool, as we are every day, enjoying the ocean view from the whirlpool.
At the end of a very relaxed day, we naturally went to the theater for the last show. The crew went all in, and there was a great Broadway-style musical with many performers, dance, and a great stage set. The finale was a Farewell Party in the “small” theater with virtual fireworks. The theater has a 270-degree screen on the outer walls. A large firework display with effects was played on it. A great experience and a romantic conclusion to this cruise.
Highlights of the Day:
Jogging track on the top deck: Who has ever gone jogging in the middle of the ocean? Thanks to the track, it was possible, and I enjoyed the sport after days of downtime.
Farewell Party with virtual fireworks: Celebrating and dancing together one last time before disembarking tomorrow. The virtual fireworks in Two70 were a worthy finale.
Day 6 (Jan 04, 2026): Back in Hong Kong. Conclusion of our Cruise Experience
Our last morning on board, and we actually don’t want to leave the ship. Since we only had carry-ons, we were able to flexibly delay our departure time and enjoy one last extensive breakfast.
I started out skeptical, but after the experience of this 5-day cruise, Royal Caribbean, the ship Spectrum of the Seas, and the whole concept really convinced me. After a strenuous year 2025 for us, this was the perfect conclusion to recharge our batteries. We will definitely do a cruise again!
If you want to learn more about our ship, Spectrum of the Seas, you can find plenty of information and videos on the official Royal Caribbean website (external link).
How about you? Have you ever thought about a cruise, or are you afraid it might be too crowded? Write your questions in the comments!
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