Chinese consulates in North America deny or claim ignorance of the 144-day free travel policy

The Chinese consulates in Ottawa and Vancouver insist that Canadian citizens still require the tourist (L-type), even for a cruise ship stop of 11 hours in Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal (specifically mentioned under Eligible Ports).
Probably as a result, the Cruise company (Princess Cruises) insists passengers will not be allowed to board the ship (in Tokyo, where the cruise starts) unless they have a valid Chinese visa.
Has anybody overcome this obstacle?