We have cruised in China twice and on the second trip (2002) the government played a lot of "games" regarding clearances, schedules and docking locations. Add to that some of the tidal limitation in and out of both the port near Beijing and Shaghai and things get very complicated.

I can't remember where we were (a port between Beijing and Shaghai I think) but the officials cleared the ship then called all the tour busses back - no reason given - the captain was so upset we left as soon as we were able - very disappointing but completely out of control for anyone involved with the cruise line. In one location they made us go through security screening as we were leaving the ship - that caused quite a bit of confusion because the equipment (used for re-entering the ship area) had to be reversed - it was sort of funny how complicated it got!

In China the schedule may be more influenced by government than pods.