Visa issuance, and first entry

I am American. I plan on applying for a ten year Chinese tourist L type in October of 2016. I am to fly to Singapore at the end of November and spend time there till I embark on a cruise out of Singapore on February 17. The cruise does multiple entries to mainland China, first being March 17. My question is if my L type is obtained in November of 2016, and my first entry to Shanghai isn't till March of 2017 will that work? Are the custom officials adamant that my first entry MUST be within 90 days of visa issuance?
Thanks,
Sincerely yours,
Dan