When news first sprung up about the planned resumption of the Shanghai-Nagasake ferry, it was painted more as a bargain boat designed to get you there and back on the cheap. Which made the unveiling of a new(ish) cruise ship on the route’s inaugural run last weekend very exciting indeed. Beginning in January, for only around 800RMB (one way) you can travel over to Nagasaki on a second-hand Greek cruise ship called the Ocean Rose.
The tagline for the journey over in Nagasaki is “Wear your slippers to Shanghai” and we like the ring of it. It has the capacity to carry 1000 people, but only 200 passengers made this first trip. Leisure facilities on board will include shopping and a massage parlor, as well as tea classes, cooking classes, and some bargain Japanese cuisine.
The inaugural trip last weekend took approximately 28 hours, but will likely be somewhat faster when services begin for the public in a few months. Initially, the ferry will run twice a week beginning in January, and hopefully increase from there.
A round-trip quasi-luxurious overnight cruise to Japan for $250? Yes, please. Stay tuned for a Shanghaiist travel review come January.


