Taiwan Posts Record Numbers Of Cruise Visitors

Taiwan has posted record numbers of cruise visitors, as more cruise lines continue to add Taiwan to their Asian itineraries, according to Michael Chang, director of the Taiwan Visitors Association, speaking at Seatrade in Miami. Approximately 450,000 cruise passengers are expected to visit Taiwan in 2009, representing a 15 percent increase compared to last year. Forty-two cruise calls are scheduled to visit Taiwan’s international ports in 2009, a 75 percent increase over the prior year. Four international ports are available in Taiwan -- Keelung, Taichung, Kaohsiung and Hualien -- with room for further development. The island nation has a total of 11 ports.

“Asia is what Europe was to cruising 20 years ago -- a new discovery -- and we all know what has happened there,” Chang said. “As they expand their operations globally, Taiwan is getting strong interest from major cruise lines, particularly as relations with China continue to improve. We are taking every opportunity to promote our port facilities and unique attractions to the world’s cruise vacationers.”


In addition to Star Cruises, which primarily serves the Asian market, several international lines and CLIA members now include Taiwan in a variety of cruises in the region. These include Azamara Cruises, Costa Cruises, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line and Silversea Cruises. Key to further growth of Asian cruises is the improving international relations with China, which Taiwan expects to continue, according to Chang. Already, new agreements allow ships to sail directly between Taiwan and China, which will make it easier and more convenient for cruise lines to include both countries in their Asian itineraries. And, with more than 100 flights a week between the two countries, international travelers have added flexibility in creating appealing cruise/land tour packages from Taiwan.


In order to meet the current demands of increasing cruise traffic and to prepare for further growth, Taiwan continues to invest in cruise-related projects. Keelung Harbor, Taipei’s homeport, plans to build a $78 million, multi-functional structure that would integrate cruise passenger traffic, an exhibition center, a shopping mall and port offices. Construction is scheduled for completion in 2013. According to Chang, Taiwan is also taking advantage of every opportunity to increase cargo shipping, particularly with China, which has 63 ports.