Flying from UK early to join cruise ship in Shanghai.

Hi,
There seems a lot of confused people with this subject on the web, but I think I have got my head around it now. The main stumbling block seems that the airlines are not fully aware of this situation and want to play safe by insisting on standard visas before travel on their aircraft is allowed.
Early next year we will be flying from the UK 5 days early to stay in Shanghai before joining a cruise ship bound for its next port of call which is Hong Kong and then westwards outside China. From what I have read, as long as the airlines are aware of the travel situation and I can provide the confirmed travel documents at the dedicated counter/lane at Pu Dong airport, I presume this qualifies us for the visa-free 144hr. Once confirmed here its onto the airline!
Cheers.