Royal Caribbean International is removing visits to Japan from its itineraries departing from China onboard the Spectrum of the Seas in early 2026.

According to a statement sent to travel advisors in China, selected cruises departing from Shanghai between January and April had their visits to Japanese ports of call removed.

“Based on recent market conditions and consumer feedback, and in order to continuously enhance the sea vacation experience, enrich itinerary options and further meet consumers’ needs for multicultural exploration, Royal Caribbean plans to adjust some of the Spectrum of the Seas itineraries departing from Shanghai,” the company said in its letter.

Thirteen four- and five-night cruises were changed and now include visits to destinations in South Korea, including Jeju Island, Busan and Incheon.

The cruises were initially set to visit a range of ports in Japan, including Okinawa, Ishigaki, Fukuoka and Nagasaki.

In a statement sent to passengers booked on one of the affected sailings, Royal Caribbean said that the new itineraries reflect its mission to “provide guests with more destination choices and experiences around the world.”

“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; modifications can occur at any time,” the company added.

Of note, seven sailings will maintain their originally announced itineraries to Japan, including an eight-night cruise on April 18, 2026. The itinerary is set to visit Maizuru, Niigata and Hakodate, in addition to Jeju.

In a similar deployment update, Adora Cruises recently removed visits to Japan from its early 2026 itineraries.

According to a press release, the company’s two ships are now scheduled to offer cruises focusing on South Korea and Southeast Asia.