I chose this cruise as am teaching in Shanghai and thought it would be a good idea to escape the crowds over the national holiday week here and learn more about surrounding areas. Although the ship and my balcony cabin were great - certainly didnt manage to escape the crowds! The embarkation at Baoshan was chaotic with huge long queues and little assistance with priority status or the promised courtesy lounge to wait in.
Although most of the evening entertainment was a good standard, I was disappointed that so many gym activities cost extra and felt there could've been more informative lectures about the destinations we were visiting. The service staff were charming and helpful but found the crowd experience continued at the buffet restuarant and one was left with a very impersonal experience and feeling rather rushed about the all to short port visits.
As a first time cruiser - unsure if I will repeat this in a hurry
Good position in middle of ship so easy to walk either way for dining or theatre. Tasteful decor and loved the balcony!
Kagoshma is a small port so easy to visit on your own. I took the shuttle into town then took the City view bus where you can buy a ticket on the bus and it visits a number of scenic sights around the city. Especially enjoyed the view from the hilltop but in retrospect should have perhaps caught the ferry across to the volcanic island but time in port was short and was worried about geting back.
Shanghai is a huge city and difficult to navigate on your own for short time so better to take a tour. Love the Bund, Jingán temple and Yuan Gardens area. Well worth a visit.