We are flying from the USA to Shanghai, spending one night in a hotel,

and boarding a ship for a 6 night cruise visiting Japan, then returning to Shanghai. We will spend one night in a hotel before flying from Shanghai back to the USA. Will the 144 hour free transit work for us? Will we need to apply upon arrival at the airport, and then again upon arrival at the port after our cruise (since the 144 hours will expire before our flight)? Can we get a 15 day transit visa?