We are flying UK to France and on to Dubai in March.

We are staying 3 days in Dubai before joining a cruise around Asia for 24 days, (8 countries) ending in Shanghai. We have booked a 1 night stay in Shanghai and have a flight booked from Shanghai to UK via France. We have a confirmed seat but don't have a seat number until check in.
Do we need a Visa or will the 144 hour free transit cover us?
Do we notify the cruise company when we board?