Taiwan Emerges as a Premier Cruise Destination in Asia as Strategic Investments and Technological Upgrades Transform Passenger Experiences

Published on December 13, 2025

Taiwan is rapidly re-establishing itself as a key cruise destination in Asia, with passenger volumes forecast to exceed one million for the first time since before the global travel slowdown. The surge reflects a steady return of cruise capacity to the region and highlights Taiwan’s growing role within increasingly complex and far-reaching cruise itineraries.

Across the island, more than 300 cruise ship calls are expected this year, generating over 1.1 million passenger visits. This level of activity represents a notable shift from recovery to renewed expansion, as cruise operators increase their presence and diversify sailing patterns across East and Southeast Asia. Taiwan’s ports are benefiting from this momentum, supported by infrastructure upgrades and policy measures designed to attract sustained cruise activity.

Keelung remains the centerpiece of Taiwan’s cruise operations. Located in the north, the port serves as a natural gateway for voyages connecting Taiwan with major Northeast Asian destinations. Its established cruise terminals, strong transport links, and proximity to urban centers continue to make it the preferred port of call for both turnaround and transit sailings. As cruise deployments grow, Keelung’s capacity and efficiency remain central to accommodating rising passenger volumes.

In the south, Kaohsiung is steadily expanding its influence within the cruise network. The port supports itineraries extending toward Southeast Asia, enabling ships to connect Taiwan with a broader range of regional destinations. Efforts to enhance Kaohsiung’s appeal as a homeport are part of a wider strategy to balance cruise activity geographically and unlock new opportunities for itinerary planning.

Rather than relying solely on its largest ports, Taiwan is actively promoting a distributed cruise model. Secondary ports such as Hualien, Suao, Taichung, Anping, and Penghu are increasingly featured in cruise schedules. These destinations introduce travelers to varied coastal landscapes and regional cultures, offering cruise lines greater flexibility while helping spread tourism benefits beyond major urban areas.

Targeted infrastructure investment is underpinning this multi-port approach. Suao has introduced a purpose-built cruise terminal capable of welcoming luxury vessels, positioning it as a high-end alternative for premium cruise brands. Penghu has completed berth improvements that enhance operational reliability and passenger handling, allowing it to play a more consistent role in cruise itineraries.

Taiwan’s cruise market is also evolving in terms of call patterns. While embarkation and disembarkation operations remain important, there has been a gradual shift toward a higher proportion of transit visits. This change has contributed to a more diverse international passenger base, reflecting growing interest from long-haul markets and reinforcing Taiwan’s visibility within global cruise networks.

Looking ahead, digital transformation is expected to redefine port operations. From 2026, major cruise ports are scheduled to adopt facial recognition and biometric clearance technologies. These systems are designed to streamline processing procedures, reduce congestion, and improve the overall flow of passengers through terminals, particularly during peak cruise periods.

Sustainability measures are advancing in parallel with technological upgrades. Shore power installations are planned at key ports, allowing cruise ships to connect to land-based electricity while docked. This initiative supports lower emissions, quieter port environments, and improved air quality, aligning cruise development with broader environmental objectives.

To maintain growth momentum, Taiwan has introduced a comprehensive incentive framework aimed at cruise operators. Tiered discounts on port-related fees are offered based on call frequency, first-time visits, international passenger ratios, and long-term deployment commitments. These measures are intended to encourage repeat calls and deeper engagement with Taiwan’s port network.

Additional incentives target cruise lines that schedule longer port stays, include multiple Taiwanese ports within a single itinerary, or promote fly-cruise programs combining air travel with cruise departures. Such initiatives are designed to increase onshore spending, extend visitor stays, and strengthen the economic contribution of cruise tourism.

As cruise traffic continues to build, Taiwan’s strategy is shifting from short-term recovery to long-term positioning. Through diversified port development, operational modernization, environmental investment, and targeted incentives, the island is reinforcing its appeal to cruise operators and passengers alike. The outlook suggests Taiwan is well placed to play a more prominent and enduring role in the Asia-Pacific cruise market.