Asia’s hottest new cruise destination

By Hannah Edensor

Asia is the fastest growing cruise destination in the world with a record-breaking 24% growth over the past year.

More than two million passengers sailed on 60 ocean ships, cruising between 200 ports across 17 countries. And with its prime position between cruise hotspots like China and Japan, Taiwan is right in the centre of the action.

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Major international cruise lines like Cunard, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises visit Taiwan, making 610 port calls in 2015. In 2016 Princess Cruises, a regular in Taiwanese waters, made the important decision to add Keelung (Taipei) as one of its homeports. That means a Princess ship spent more than 100 days docked at the port and shows the immense potential of the cruise market in Taiwan.

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Diamond Princess

Taiwan has six major cruise ports – Keelung (Taipei), Kaohsiung, Taichung, Anping (Tainan), Hualien and Penghu. The ports are spread around the coastline of the island, meaning cruisers can experience every region of Taiwan just by stepping off their ship.

Keelung, in the far north of the country, is just 25 kilometres from the capital Taipei. Founded in the 17th century, Taipei is an energetic, bustling hub of almost three million people with a rich mix of Dutch colonial buildings, grand Chinese temples and gleaming modern skyscrapers. Hit the shops, climb to dizzying heights at the Taipei 101 tower, wander through historic markets and sample legendary street food. The port city of Keelung is worth a look too. Surrounded by lush green hills and the East China Sea it has a charming harbour and delightfully craggy coastline.

Kaohsiung is the busiest port in Taiwan and cruise ships will dock alongside cargo ships from every corner of the globe. Don’t miss a cruise along the city’s beautifully restored Love River or soak up some culture at art galleries and performance spaces in the revitalised waterfront district. Jump on the MRT metro to see the glorious Dome of Light glass installation at Boulevard Formosa Station.

The port of Anping is the gateway to the historic and cultural heart of Taiwan, the city of Tainan. It’s a city best explored on foot, winding your way leisurely through elegant Old Town, to the 17th century Fahua Temple and Koxinga Shrine, and into the restored Zhonzheng shopping district. The people of southern Taiwan are famed for their hospitality and friendly nature, so you’re sure to receive a warm welcome.

In the west of the island, Taichung is best known for its Art Garden District, a three-kilometre stretch that is the centre of cultural life and recreation in the city. Restaurants, cafes, galleries and shops line the street and the surrounding alleyways, making for an engaging and entertaining day on shore. The east coast port of Hualien is Taiwan’s secret garden. It’s set in a stunning rural environment with rolling rice fields, rugged mountains and jaw-dropping Pacific coastlines. Penghu is the port for the Pescadores Islands, an archipelago off the west coast of the mainland. Many of the islands are linked by bridges and cruisers can take a car or motorbike to discover their breezy beaches, azure waters and gentle countryside.

One of the best things about cruising in Taiwan is that the compact size of the island means many fascinating destinations are just a short distance away. Cruisers can easily venture into the mountainous interior for hiking or trekking, escape to a golden beach for an afternoon of fun in the sun or explore the unique culture of indigenous villages. There’s never been a better time to step onboard.

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To find out more about Taiwan, please visit their website or their Facebook page.

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