How do we get our 144 Hour VISA Free destination

Hi, we embark on our cruise in Hong Kong. Our first stop after Hong Kong is Shanghai, where we stay overnight. Then we head to Japan. Based on your information, I believe we qualify for the 144 Hour exemption. My questions are on the procedure: (1) do we advise our cruise ship when we board that we would like to obtain the exemption?, (2) will the cruise ship provide an arrival/departure card for us to fill out? (3) do we take that card and our passport to a 144 visa exemption kiosk in the Shanghai cruise ship terminal? (4) Or will the cruise ship handle getting our exemption for us?
Thanks... Shelley from Canada