Do I need a visa if on October 15, 2016, I will visit Shanghai and on October 18, 2016,

I'll visit Hong Kong both for less for 12 hours each. I'll be on the Diamond Princess Cruise ship. The Princess Cruise line said I must have a visa. I did some research PRC doesn't require a visa if the stay is lease than 144 hours. I contact Princess Cruise Line they agreed with the 144 hours requirement but said they make each passenger have a visa because you never know when the Chinese government will change their application requirements.
Does this make sense to you?
John