The joint TIPC-Taiwan Tourism Administration (TTA) delegation to Seatrade Cruise Global 2026, led by Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC) Chairman Yung-hui Chou, marks another milestone step forward in Taiwan’s cruise industry international expansion strategy. The numerous business meetings held during the exhibition between TIPC and international cruise lines have laid the groundwork for significant new business growth and opportunities across the coming years.
Notably, following up on familiarization trips to Taiwan by Seabourn and Holland America Line in November 2025, jointly organized by TIPC and the TTA, both major cruise lines confirmed during Seatrade that they will increase their Taiwan port calls in 2028 and 2029, providing a major boost to Taiwan’s cruise market.
TIPC Chairman Yung-hui Chou Spearheads Deeper Cooperation with International Cruise Lines
At Seatrade, TIPC Chairman Chou highlighted Taiwan’s strategic position at the nexus of North and Southeast Asian cruise routes, as well as the advantageous geographical location and unique diversity of its various ports. “Taiwan is not merely a stopover for Asia-Pacific cruise voyages, but a destination overflowing with cultural appeal,” he emphasized. Chairman Chou’s profound expertise in both port operations and tourism has been critical to securing Holland America Line’s continuous development in the Taiwan market and driving ultra-luxury cruise brand Seabourn’s pioneering multi-port itineraries centered on Taiwan.
Seabourn’s 2028-2029 Taiwan-Centered Cruise Itineraries to Call at Six Uniquely Memorable Ports
Responding positively to TIPC Chairman Chou’s active promotion, ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn has confirmed plans to make Taiwan a key deployment focus of business development starting in 2028. The cruise line will launch Taiwan-centered itineraries calling at six major ports under the overarching theme - “Unique Experiences and Surprising Discoveries in Every Port.” The featured stops include Keelung (international gateway), Hualien (majestic mountains and Pacific splendor), Taichung (home of culture and art), Anping (Taiwan’s ancient capital city), Kaohsiung (harbor beauty), and Penghu (archipelago vibes). Current plans project the Seabourn Encore to be intensively deployed in Taiwan between 2028 and 2029. With a focus on in-depth all-island routing model, each itinerary will connect multiple Taiwan ports. Specifically, the February 2028 voyage will consecutively call at Hualien, Keelung, Taichung, Kaohsiung, and Anping, while the February 2029 voyage will feature Magong (Penghu) Port, introducing Seabourn’s elite international passengers to the rich cultural and scenic diversity of Taiwan.
TIPC Chairman Chou remarked that the goal of this year’s delegation to Seatrade went beyond increasing the number of cruise ship calls in Taiwan. Even more important was advancing the country’s profile as a key player in the “global elite traveler” market. The high adaptability of small luxury cruise ships to various ports, combined with the premium spending power of their passengers, holds landmark significance for Taiwan’s promotion of high-quality, in-depth cultural travel experiences.
In addition to securing new itinerary and port-call commitments from Seabourn and Holland America Line, Chairman Chou also led his team in one-on-one meetings with executives from several benchmark global cruise lines to actively expand Taiwan’s cruise market. During these meetings, the TIPC team introduced the latest infrastructure upgrades at Taiwan‘s port cluster. Together with representatives from EVA Air and China Airlines, they engaged in extensive exchanges on diverse “Fly-Cruise” travel models. Expressing significant interest, many international cruise lines explored integrating Taiwan more closely into their Asia routes, adding new calls at Taiwan’s port cluster, and developing the potential of other unique and innovative Taiwan itineraries. The preliminary consensus and opportunities raised during these meetings have already been integrated into TIPC’s ongoing cruise sector development plans and are expected to help TIPC better tap existing markets and expand into new cruise passenger market segments.
In the future, TIPC will continue to collaborate with the TTA and local governments. By participating actively in international exhibitions, meeting with industry partners, improving related port infrastructure, offering port fee discounts and other incentives, and strengthening cooperation and partnerships with cruise lines across the world, TIPC aims to expand Taiwan’s visibility in the Asia-Pacific cruise market and increase tangible growth in actual calls at Taiwan’s port cluster.
Provided by：Harbor Operation Management Dept., TIPC
Contact Person：David Wu, Manager
Telephone No.：886-7-521900 ext.3370
E-mail Address：T03159@twport.com.tw
Image 1. Taiwan pavilion, jointly organized by TIPC and the TTA
Image 2. TIPC Chairman Yung-hui Chou speaks to cruise industry representatives on Taiwan’s attractiveness as a cruise destination and TIPC port facilities
Image 3. TIPC discusses industry needs and opportunities in face-to-face meeting with Royal Caribbean Group
Image 4. TIPC’s initiative bears fruit, secures commitment from Seabourn Cruise Line to increase Taiwan port calls in 2028 and 2029
