Shanghai – June 25, 2026: Royal Caribbean has launched the “Wishes at Sea” programme with Make-A-Wish Shanghai, creating family cruise experiences for children aged three to 17 who are living with critical illnesses.
According to the official press release, the initiative forms part of Royal Caribbean’s continuing efforts to provide meaningful holiday experiences for children and their families. The programme is intended to help fulfil children’s wishes through shared adventures at sea.
The partnership was inaugurated aboard Spectrum of the Seas on June 12, when the cruise line welcomed the first participating child and his family for a three-night voyage from Shanghai to Jeju, Korea.
First wish fulfilled aboard Spectrum of the Seas
The programme’s first wish was granted to 13-year-old Xiao Ze from Nanyang in Henan, China, who travelled aboard Spectrum of the Seas with his family from June 12 to 15.
Xiao Ze, who lives with progressive muscular dystrophy, has limited opportunities to travel. He had hoped to see the open ocean, watch the sunrise at sea and spend time sharing meals with his family during a holiday.
Royal Caribbean volunteers and wish granters from Make-A-Wish Shanghai supported the family throughout the journey.
On the second morning of the sailing, Xiao Ze visited the ship’s bridge and watched the sunrise over the horizon. Make-A-Wish also presented him with an honorary crew certificate to commemorate his time at sea. During the ship’s visit to Jeju, the family explored Snoopy Garden, Fairy Tale Village and Pyoseon Beach. They also sampled local food and experienced the island’s natural surroundings.
Aboard Spectrum of the Seas, Xiao Ze and his family viewed the ocean from the North Star observation capsule and dined together in the ship’s main dining room. They later attended performances of The Silk Road and The Effectors at the Royal Theater.
Royal Caribbean and Make-A-Wish mark programme launch
Representatives from Royal Caribbean and Make-A-Wish Shanghai attended the launch ceremony aboard the ship. Those present included Benjamin Bouldin, President Greater China and Managing Director of Asia at Royal Caribbean; Yang Shuo, Royal Caribbean’s Human Resources Director; Spectrum of the Seas Captain Flemming Nielsen; and the ship’s Hotel Director, Igor Benkovic.
Make-A-Wish Shanghai was represented by Director Gao Feng, Secretary-General Shen Li and Project Manager Zhang Jun.
“Through this partnership, Royal Caribbean can do what we do best: create unforgettable family vacations while bringing joy and connection to children facing critical illnesses and their loved ones. As a leader in vacation experiences, we are proud to turn meaningful journeys into sources of strength and inspiration for families in need,” said Benjamin Bouldin, President Greater China and Managing Director of Asia, Royal Caribbean.
Make-A-Wish provides wish experiences intended to bring hope, strength and joy to children facing critical illnesses and their families.
Voyage provides shared family experiences
The first Wishes at Sea journey combined time aboard Spectrum of the Seas with a shore visit in Jeju, allowing Xiao Ze to experience several elements of the holiday he had hoped for.
Shen Li, Secretary-General of Make-A-Wish Shanghai, said the voyage had provided more than an opportunity to travel.
“We are deeply grateful to see Xiao Ze’s wish come to life. This journey is more than a vacation. It brought comfort, bolstered confidence and offered hope to Xiao Ze and his family, in a time when they need it most,” said Shen Li, Secretary-General of Make-A-Wish Shanghai.
More children expected to join future sailings
Royal Caribbean plans to continue working with its partners to welcome additional children aboard Spectrum of the Seas and other ships.
The Wishes at Sea programme is intended to provide further children and their families with opportunities to travel together, experience new destinations and create lasting memories through shared voyages.
Source: Official Press Releases from Royal Caribbean Press Centre, 2 July 2026, Shanghai.
