Taiwan Prepares for a Robust Tourism-Driven Cruise Expansion in 2026

Published on December 12, 2025

A strong resurgence in the cruise sector has been anticipated for Taiwan as the destination moves toward a milestone expected for the first time since 2019. A significant rebound in passenger activity has been projected, driven by intensified homeporting, increased international guests, and progressive upgrades across multiple ports. With more than one million travelers forecasted to pass through its harbors, Taiwan’s coastal gateway is being positioned as one of Asia’s most promising cruise regions for the coming year. This revival, propelled by rising deployment from major operators and an expanding mix of turnaround and transit calls, has been supported by new infrastructure, modernized systems and strategic incentives. Key ports such as Keelung and Kaohsiung have become focal points for regional sailings to neighboring Asian nations, while smaller ports including Hualien, Suao, Taichung, Anping and Penghu continue to diversify the country’s itinerary landscape. With new technologies like biometric clearance and shore power systems being readied, Taiwan has positioned itself to provide smoother passenger handling and enhanced sustainability. The year ahead is projected to elevate Taiwan’s status as an appealing cruise destination and a competitive homeport alternative within Asia’s broader travel and tourism network.

Taiwan’s Cruise Sector Anticipates Strong Momentum for 2026

Passenger Growth and Port Performance

Taiwan’s cruise sector has been projected to surpass the one-million-passenger threshold in 2025, a level last observed before global travel disruptions in 2019. According to the Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC), an estimated 1,119,800 guests have been expected to arrive through 304 ship calls. These calls have been divided between 167 turnarounds and 137 transit visits, marking a notable increase in year-round operational activity.

Keelung has remained the anchor of this resurgence, hosting 225 calls and welcoming just over 925,000 passengers. Its strategic location in northern Taiwan has allowed it to function as a hub for itineraries directed toward Japan and South Korea. Meanwhile, Kaohsiung in the south has supported 54 calls, serving as a launching point for voyages to Hong Kong, the Philippines and Vietnam. This geographical distribution has strengthened Taiwan’s connectivity across East and Southeast Asia, giving cruise travelers multiple regional options.

Strengthening a Multi-Port Strategy

Taiwan’s commitment to developing a diversified port network has been evident through ongoing improvements among secondary ports. Hualien, Suao, Taichung, Anping and Penghu have collectively expanded their capacity to host vessels of various sizes. This multi-port approach has been applied to strengthen itinerary flexibility, reduce congestion at primary ports and enrich traveler experiences by offering culturally varied coastal destinations.

Suao has introduced a new cruise terminal designed specifically to cater to luxury ships, enhancing Taiwan’s ability to attract premium travel markets. Penghu has completed pier upgrades in 2024, improving berthing conditions for mid-sized vessels and encouraging more frequent calls. These enhancements have helped Taiwan present itself as a less saturated but highly appealing cruise destination within Asia’s tourism ecosystem.

Shift Toward Transit-Dominated Growth

A significant shift in Taiwan’s cruise landscape has been observed with a transition from heavy homeport reliance to a more balanced model that includes a growing volume of transit calls. This development has diversified the country’s passenger base, with increasing numbers of international visitors, led primarily by American and German travelers. The shift has broadened Taiwan’s exposure to global tourism markets and supported local businesses that benefit from high-spending transit guests.

TIPC representatives have emphasized that international engagement has become a crucial pillar of Taiwan’s cruise strategy. The rise in transit activity has demonstrated strong regional integration, attracting operators seeking versatile Asian routes.

Kaohsiung’s Evolution as a Southern Homeport

Kaohsiung has been envisioned as a long-term strategic homeport in southern Taiwan. With its spacious harbor, modern facilities and proximity to Southeast Asia, the port has offered operational advantages for cruise lines planning regional deployment. The MSC Bellissima has already been scheduled to sail from Kaohsiung in 2026, with itineraries set for Okinawa and Ishigaki. This development has been expected to elevate Kaohsiung’s status and attract additional operators looking for convenient embarkation locations within Asia.

The expansion of Kaohsiung’s role aligns with Taiwan’s goal of distributing cruise traffic more evenly while establishing multiple gateways for international travel.

Technological Upgrades for Enhanced Passenger Processing

New facial recognition and biometric clearance systems have been planned for implementation at both Keelung and Kaohsiung beginning in 2026. These systems have been designed to reduce clearance time, streamline boarding and disembarkation and enhance overall passenger flow. Such modernization has signaled Taiwan’s readiness to adopt global best practices, ensuring smoother travel experiences and a more efficient port environment.

Additionally, both ports have been scheduled to receive shore power infrastructure. This upgrade has supported sustainability by allowing docked vessels to shut down their engines and connect to the local grid, reducing emissions and creating a cleaner environment for nearby communities.

Incentives Supporting Cruise Line Participation

To further stimulate industry growth, the TIPC has introduced a tiered incentive system targeting dockage and passenger service fees. These incentives have been structured around call frequency, maiden calls, the proportion of international passengers and long-term volume commitments. By tailoring discounts to a variety of operational factors, Taiwan has encouraged operators to increase seasonal deployments and explore multi-port itineraries.

Additional incentives have been made available for longer port calls and itineraries incorporating multiple Taiwanese ports. Cruise lines promoting fly-cruise programs out of Taiwan have also been eligible for targeted support, demonstrating Taiwan’s intent to integrate cruise activity with broader aviation-based tourism strategies.

Taiwan’s Broader Tourism Outlook

Taiwan’s investments in port development, infrastructure modernization and international marketing have contributed to a broader objective of strengthening the country’s tourism appeal. With its blend of cultural diversity, urban energy and scenic coastlines, Taiwan has been positioned to offer cruise visitors a distinct and memorable travel experience. The anticipated milestone of exceeding one million passengers reflects not only a recovery but a renewed trajectory toward long-term regional competitiveness.