Cruise ships, in my opinion, are a magical travel invention because they have to some extent solved a series of problems such as language barriers, limited mobility, and scattered eating, drinking, and entertainment. Some people may say that these are not problems, but for the generation of parents, these may become obstacles that prevent them from going abroad.

I remember the last time I took my parents on a cruise was during the cherry blossom season last spring. At that time, my mother was very happy standing on the deck of the Royal Caribbean Quantum. It was her first time taking a cruise in her life. At that time, Royal Caribbean did not have the Ocean Spectrum. After returning, my mother was still unsatisfied and said that when the Ocean Spectrum's route opened, she would bring your father to experience it together. A busy year has passed, and the spectral ship that planted grass in my mother's heart has finally set sail. After thinking about it, the most suitable way for the whole family to travel is undoubtedly a cruise ship. So, I settled down on my work, packed my luggage, and this time, I took my mother and father to join the embrace of the ocean spectral ship.

Ocean Spectrum, a journey through the rippling heart sea

It is said that there are a thousand Hamlets in the eyes of a thousand people, and this applies equally to cruise travel. The same destination can be reached by plane or cruise ship, but the difference is that planes only focus on the outcome, while cruise ships pay more attention to the process. Just like life, the outcome may be similar, but each process has its own story. The secret to discovering new things in old places lies in the facilities of the cruise ship. The Ocean Spectrum, which caused ripples in my parents' hearts, is the first Royal Caribbean Super Series cruise ship. We have chosen a 6-day, 5-night flight from Shanghai, passing through Fukuoka and Kumamoto, to experience the charm of autumn during the maple leaf season.

Ocean Spectral is a luxurious upgraded version of Quantum. This masterpiece of ultra quantum cruise ship, built by the Royal with a budget of 1.25 billion US dollars, is a powerful and high-tech behemoth. The cruise ship is 347 meters long and 41 meters wide. If you have no concept of length, you can imagine the length of the next standard track with a 400 meter runway opening, which is almost the total length and width of a cruise ship. If you convert the time spent walking one lap on the runway to the cruise ship, this time is only enough to travel from the bow to the stern of the ship. The total tonnage of the Ocean Spectrum has reached 168666 tons, with 14 out of 16 decks available for passenger use, capable of carrying 5622 people. In terms of size and overall strength, it definitely outperforms other cruise ships of the same class.

This time taking my parents out, I define travel as a journey of relaxing and fulfilling wishes. According to past habits, it is best to spend more money to make their parents live comfortably, so we booked a family room that can accommodate 3-4 people, making it very convenient to live together. Family rooms are actually the main type of room in the spectrum, accounting for about half. Of course, if the budget is sufficient and there are many people, you can book the only perfect family suite on the spectrum with an area of 261 square meters. The suite has three independent bedrooms that can accommodate 11 people from three generations of grandparents and grandchildren. The suite also features an entertainment room with karaoke and a full set of surround sound equipment, providing entertainment activities such as karaoke, movie watching, and games for the whole family. The most surprising thing is that the master bedroom has an unbeatable sea view bathroom. With such an unbeatable sea view bathroom, even bubbles can be created!

Precautions for taking a cruise ship:

The biggest convenience of taking a cruise to Japan is that there is no need for a visa, but you must bring your passport because it needs to be retrieved by the ship after boarding. For shore sightseeing in Kumamoto and Fukuoka, a copy of your passport and a temporary entry card are required. We chose the evening flight after work from Beijing to Shanghai, stayed in a hotel for one night to rest, and boarded the ship the next day. Take a taxi from the hotel to the boarding location at Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal. Here are some practical tips for reference:

1. Just like taking a plane, taking a cruise ship also requires "check-in" before departure, which can be completed on the official website of Royal Caribbean, WeChat official account, and applet, and the boarding pass can be generated and printed. You can board the ship with the boarding pass on the day of departure.
2. Large luggage also needs to be checked in. When checking in, only the cabin number is required, and the staff will deliver the luggage to the door after boarding, which is super considerate!
3. When boarding, the original passport will be handed over to the staff for safekeeping. It is necessary to prepare two copies of the passport in advance, which will be more convenient for shopping or filling out various documents.
4. Just like taking a plane, never bring fruits, meat, dairy products, etc. Non alcoholic and alcoholic beverages are also best avoided. Buying beverage packages on the cruise ship is very cost-effective, and there is also a hot water kettle in the guest room. Drinking water will also be provided on the day of boarding.
5. The room card is very important, it is not only the key to the door, but also the only authentication for identity recognition and consumption. It should be carried with you at all times and kept safe. If lost, go to the service center to report the loss. I strongly recommend using Royal Caribbean's smart app, which allows you to activate access control on your phone without being bound by a door card.

The night before, I took my parents to check in the night view of the Bund, and the next morning I successfully boarded the ship. Transitioning from modern cities to the pristine wonders of nature, the international star rated experience has never been disconnected. From the moment of boarding and ticket checking, we felt the enthusiasm and care of all the crew members. Despite serving thousands of tourists day after day, every departure was full of passion and vitality. My mother took a cruise for the second time and treated herself as an expert, introducing various facilities to my father along the way. It seems that she is full of confidence in going abroad. Successfully found the room, the family room has a balcony. Pushing open the window, you will find a 43 square meter balcony with a sea view, where you can feel the sunshine and the taste of the sea. From cherry blossom season to maple leaf season, the whole family gathers and waits patiently to ride the wind and waves to enjoy autumn.

Sea tour, 24-hour non-stop check-in for delicious food

The main reason why taking a cruise ship has become the best choice for family outings is that there are all kinds of food, drink, and entertainment on board, which eliminates the fatigue and hustle of the journey, and has high quality and a wide variety. You should know that giant ships do not experience any jolts, so there is no need to worry about seasickness or loss of appetite. From the moment you step onto the deck, the pace of life slows down. All you need to do on the cruise is to experience it, enjoy the sense of fulfillment that food, drink, and entertainment bring to your vacation, and experience the unique scenery of sea cruising.

My parents really like the daily updated guide for cruise ships. By following the time on it, you can quickly grasp the highlights of daily activities. Ocean Spectrum has upgraded its dining competition sub account. In addition to expanding the area of the self-service restaurant and returning to the classic three story high main restaurant, it has also added six new dining options, namely Chuan Gu Hui, Japanese teppanyaki, Hai Han hotpot, coffee language tea ceremony, children's water play restaurant, and Wei Hao Mian Bar. Including these six, there are 33 dining options available on the spectral number for 6 days and 5 nights, and staying for 10 days won't result in a repeat.

Since there are so many restaurants and it's only 6 days and 5 nights, I would like to recommend a few restaurants that never get tired of eating based on my two experiences:

Recommendation 1: Chuan Gu Hui - Royal Sichuan Cuisine with Chinese Flavor

On the first day of lunch, the family first chose Chuan Gu Hui located on the 4th deck. Although northerners love spicy food but are not very good at it, they have their own reasons for looking for authentic Sichuan cuisine. Chuan Gu Hui is a new Chinese style decoration style, which instantly immerses the restaurant in a royal atmosphere. We made a reservation in advance, and as soon as the hungry family entered the restaurant, they didn't say much and ordered directly.

Spicy and delicious, no spiciness is unpleasant. My parents said that the spicier the food, the better it will be. So, before I could finish all the other dishes I ordered, they had already cooked tens of thousands of rice. Looking at a table full of steaming Sichuan cuisine, I exclaimed - I'm too difficult to be "spicy"! Dad quickly took over the words and touched his stomach, saying, 'What's so difficult about this? There's plenty of memory here.'.

Recommendation 2: Haihan Hot Pot - A Sea Self Service with Rong Nai Da

Sichuan cuisine had a great start, but hotpot expressed dissatisfaction, so they came to battle on the 14th floor! Haihan hotpot can be said to be the face of the restaurant. Looking at the 270 degree unbeatable sea view at the stern of the ship and eating hot hotpot, my mother joked that this scenery is so exquisite that even eating pickled vegetables doesn't feel aggrieved. Hahaha~Although hotpot is self funded, fortunately it is self-service, with unlimited supply of fresh meat and seafood, and a variety of optional pot bases and seasonings. Hotpot enthusiasts really can't miss it.

Recommendation 3: Teppanyaki - a fever food originating from Japan

Every ship on Royal Caribbean Cruises has an American style steakhouse, which can be considered a classic restaurant of the Royal Caribbean brand. If you're looking to eat meat, then Wall Crack recommends the signature steak. Since getting married, my parents have been eating Western food as many times as they can count on their fingers. If they come out together, they must have something good to reward them.

The teppanyaki in the store is made from top-quality ingredients from all directions, and the chef's exquisite cooking skills meticulously handle the details of the steak. Each piece of grilled meat sizzles and is tender and chewy. If you want a staple food, you can order a Fried Rice and enjoy the chef's iron plate cooking show while eating, which will feast your mouth and eyes.

Recommendation 4: Upgrade the moderator's restaurant - Feast Hall

The price of the cruise ship includes room rates and a free main restaurant. The Spectrum has a 3-story high banquet style free main restaurant that can accommodate up to 1884 people. It offers world-class cuisine every day, with both Chinese and Western recipes for tourists to order from around the world. They can freely choose to split their meals or share with their families.

Don't feel inferior just because it's free. The ingredients are still fresh, and the dishes include European, American, Mediterranean, and Asian fusion dishes. There may be slightly more people, so it is recommended to queue up in advance and dine during off peak hours. The dinner time at the main restaurant is usually from 4:45 pm for the first batch and 6:45 pm for the second batch.

Recommendation 5: Delicious noodles - what you eat is clean and crisp

Dad loves to eat noodles, so he likes the texture and sharpness of noodles. Coincidentally, there is delicious noodles in the free restaurant on the cruise ship, which is really my dad's favorite. I didn't believe it at first, but later when I went to eat it, I realized it was really an unmissable noodle dish. Northerners love to eat noodles, and the demands from the other side are naturally not low. This noodle shop will never compromise on the recipe. The smooth and distinct texture is evident, topped with a clear, white, red, and green soup and side dishes. The steaming hot soup seems to gather a bowl of Qiankun, while the hot soup gives the whole person confidence. Haha~

Recommendation 6: Sailing buffet restaurant - all-weather energy supply station

The biggest and most popular restaurant on board is undoubtedly the sailboat buffet restaurant. This is a full-time restaurant offering breakfast to late night snacks, all of which are self-service. My parents' favorite restaurant is also Sailboat, because they can go in and eat whenever they are hungry. Older people like that kind of unlimited feeling. In terms of the types of meals, in addition to various common Chinese and Western dishes, there are special noodle stalls, pizza, baking, Dim sum, Japanese teppanyaki and Haihan hotpot. It should be noted that the self-service dinner dining time is from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. There were many before 7 o'clock, but there were fewer after.

In addition to the restaurants recommended after check-in above, Da Dong, Quan, and Italian restaurants can all be tried. It can be said that the cuisine on the cruise ship is just like the cruise ship itself, with high standards of internationalization, from desserts to bars, from Chinese to Western, everything is available.

Marine Entertainment - High Tech Flying Corners and Wall Walks

The extraordinary entertainment facilities on the Spectrum can be said to have enabled the audience to follow the big show actors and climb the walls. The quantum symbol is the North Star, and the spectral symbol is the South Pole. This fusion of cutting-edge technology from the north and south has brought traditional projects into a new artistic conception.

Recommendation 1: One South, One North - Play with Gravity

Facing the North Star at the bow of the ship, identify the huge hollow orange sphere with a diameter of 13 meters at the stern, which is the signature facility of the Spectral Number - the South Pole sphere. The inspiration for this design comes from the physical acceleration and deceleration processes that occur during free fall from the North Pole, crossing the center of the Earth, and ultimately reaching the South Pole under the influence of Earth's gravity.

On the inside of the Antarctic ball, there are four bungee jumping beds, which are used to simulate a journey through the center of the earth. The staff patiently imparted knowledge to my parents, but after all, they are older and their physical fitness is not as good as mine. So, the task of experiencing was entrusted to me. Although the security measures are in place, there is still a strong sense of weightlessness, accompanied by the VR visual adventure effect. In a few minutes, see your parents standing and laughing again, like three autumns apart!

Outside the ball is a suspended glass walkway. For those without acrophobia, you can give it a try. There is a feeling of walking on the skytree in Singapore's Sky Garden. Only by walking on the walkway can you feel being on a giant wheel and the endless blue visual impact at a glance.

The North Star is considered an old friend. This is the Guinness World Record for the tallest cruise observation deck, with a height of 88.6 meters. It feels like London has been lifted to the sea, with a 360 degree view of the azure sea and sky. Each glass cabin can accommodate 14 people and is available in two price ranges. The basic experience costs $20 per person per session (10 minutes), while the panoramic experience costs $40 per person per session (16 minutes). The advantages of the Gold Card Suite are once again demonstrated, as you can enjoy a free basic experience once. I prefer the feeling of riding at night rather than during the day.

Recommendation 2: Three Grand Shows - Crafting the Phantom of the Theater with Ingenuity

As a musical enthusiast, what interests me the most is undoubtedly the performances on the Spectrum. The big show on the Spectral Number is completely different from the Quantum Number. The three major shows for viewers are "Silk Road", "Spectral Hero", and "Magic Dance of the Past and Present", mainly performed in the 270 degree Landscape Hall and the Royal Theatre, and require constant attention to the performance time.

The Silk Road "is an original large-scale magical scene show, specially developed for the Chinese market, with top-notch production. The performance incorporates Chinese, Persian, Indian, and Roman cultures, making it easy for Chinese audiences to understand and approachable. I took my parents to watch some musicals before, and they loved them so much. This silk journey has just begun, and the two of them are overwhelmed. I can't even spare the occasional nagging on weekdays. The actors work hard, the stage design is stunning, and the collision of colors and music makes life on the sea extraordinary.

Spectral Hero "is performed at the Royal Theatre and is a highly sought after large-scale show. The story tells of a superhero team showcasing unlimited power, uniting powerful forces to fight against their opponent Crash. Meiwu Past and Present "is an original and brand new song and dance feast, which combines ultra modern choreography with unparalleled vocal performances, as well as high-end and atmospheric lighting and video effects, dancing gracefully with the hot dance audience. Due to copyright protection, it is not allowed to take photos while watching the show. Please show a few official website photos for a preview.

Recommendation 3: Star Moment KTV - I am McDonald's, I am in charge

The enviable family suite mentioned earlier has KTV facilities, but after all, most people still live in the main room type. However, the Star Moment private room on the Spectrum provides exclusive music gathering space for Mac. It's really the first time a family has gathered together to sing. The professional audio equipment beautifies the flaws in the sound, and the singing feels a bit professional. The powerful music library includes both Chinese and foreign music, and surprisingly, there are also era songs that my parents like. You can also order various packages in KTV.

At their age, parents may not be particularly fond of exciting entertainment activities, but they are super fond of the abundant recreational facilities on board. Dad's favorite sport is indoor archery. With the guidance of the staff, it feels a bit like walking through a hundred steps, but it requires a lot of strength. The next day, his arms will be very sore. My mom loves the sunbathing area located on deck 14 the most. The sunshine covers the entire pool, and when she's tired, she can order a glass of water and lie down on a lounge chair. After resting, she can play in the water and even take "elderly photos" wearing beautiful swimsuits. Various middle-aged and elderly poses keep my mom busy and happy.

Go to Kumamoto for an appointment - the historic city of "Fengqing"

After floating on the sea for three days, the whole person was lazy. At 7:00 a.m. on the the fourth day, the cruise ship slowly docked at Kumamoto Port. For Japan, Tokyo, Osaka, and Hokkaido are well-known as popular destinations for independent travel, while niche destinations such as Kumamoto and Fukuoka have become popular destinations for cruise ships.

As one of the three major cities in Japan, Kumamoto is actually a national level historical and cultural heritage site. Here is the world-famous overlapping active volcano Mount Aso and the magical mirage of the eighth generation sea surface, also known as the 'Sea of Unknown Flames'. After the ship docks, tourists will follow the tour guide to visit. Because not having a visa is not a form of independent travel, one cannot leave the group throughout the entire journey. However, the itinerary fully considers the purchasing needs of Chinese people and arranges a certain amount of free time for activities. It should be noted that you must remember to bring a copy of your passport and shipping card, as they will be used for tax refunds when making purchases. That's right, you can also get a tax refund after getting off the cruise ship!

Kumamoto Castle is one of the three famous cities in Japan, along with Osaka Castle and Nagoya Castle. It is currently under restoration after the earthquake and cannot be visited internally. Kumamoto in autumn no longer has the scorching heat of summer, but instead is refreshing. Autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves is the best season. The quaint Kumamoto City Gate Square has also become the first choice for locals to exercise and relax. I walked around the small town with my parents, feeling refreshed. The bus guide agreed on a meeting time, but for me, it was a fixed revisit and there was no sense of urgency.

Experience the legendary 'Water of Longevity' at Shuiqian Temple Chengqu Garden. There is a long-lasting spring water at the Shuijiu Shrine, crystal clear and sweet to the mouth. Originally, the name of Shuiqian Temple Chengqu Garden came from Tao Yuanming's poem "The Garden Day Walks to Become Fun". It is actually based on the fifty-three scenic spots on the Tokaido Road between the Edo Nihonbashi Bridge and the Sanjo Bridge in Kyoto during the Edo period. The spring water brought by the underground flow of Mount Aso complements the scenery in the park, giving a feeling of a Jiangnan courtyard.

It is said that the Myomi Shrine at Yatsushiro Shrine is a very effective place for praying for blessings. Although it is not as large as the Yatsushiro Shrine, its value lies in being quiet and undisturbed. This kind of scenery is also a limited edition for autumn! In just one day of landing, it feels a bit like traveling back to the city from nature, just with a touch of exoticism. If you haven't had enough fun, it's actually okay. Just treat Kumamoto's brief day of meeting as our first meeting, and hope to have a deep experience and take care of you when you come!

Surprises keep coming, the cruise journey is upgraded again

On the way back to Beijing from Shanghai, I always joked with my mom that in the world of rivers and lakes, what we owe must be repaid sooner or later. I have already repaid your wish during the cherry blossom season with the maple leaf season. Next time, let's play with my dad in a new way. As the words fell silent, my mother held her phone and told me that Royal Caribbean had launched a new ship again. Look what it's called, I can't understand the English. I immediately went from surprise to shock, thinking that my mom was going to sit again soon. I only found out after checking my phone that the new ship is promising.

Originally, the fifth cruise ship in the Oasis series under Royal Caribbean will depart from China in 2021 and be named Wonder of the Seas. This will be the latest and largest cruise ship in the world, integrating the most iconic seven community concepts of Oasis sisters cruise ships, as well as a series of novel and interesting experiences, imaginative food, unparalleled entertainment activities and cutting-edge technology, becoming a new milestone in the development of the cruise market in Greater China.

Mom quietly asked: My daughter, there are still 2 years left. Can you make this wish. I can bring others on board by myself then. Looking at my mom's immense excitement, I replied to her, 'This can be done.'.