Taiwan’s cruise sector has entered a period of renewed visibility as recent projections from the Taiwan International Ports Corporation indicate an 8% rise in cruise passenger numbers compared with 2019. The increase is seen as confirmation of the country’s dual-home-port strategy, which has broadened itinerary options and improved operational efficiency across its main terminals.
Statistics from TIPC show that Taiwan expects to handle 1.135 million cruise passengers by the end of 2025, up from 1.055 million in 2019. International cruise ships are forecast to make 567 calls at Taiwanese ports in the same year, signalling both a revival of the national market and a comparatively swift recovery when set against global post-pandemic figures. Officials attribute the rebound to diversified itineraries and the upgraded facilities that have made ports such as Keelung and Kaohsiung more attractive to cruise operators.
A notable aspect of this recovery is the rise in foreign passenger numbers. In 2019, international visitors accounted for 31% of cruise arrivals. By 2024, that figure had climbed to 35%, and by October 2025 the share had reached 38%, representing roughly 360,000 foreign arrivals. TIPC linked this growth to the increasing number of transit passengers and to the success of the dual-home-port model, in which ships embark and disembark passengers at two different Taiwanese ports.
The MSC Bellissima has become the most visible example of this model. Operating seasonally between Taiwan and Japan, the ship carries Taiwanese passengers to overseas destinations while also bringing Japanese visitors to Taiwan. This pattern has supported both inbound and outbound tourism flows and strengthened Taiwan’s position in the competitive Asian cruise market.
Taiwan’s appeal for international lines rests on the variety of its shore excursions and the ease of access offered by its terminals. Travellers can move from metropolitan attractions in Taipei to landscapes such as Taroko Gorge within a day, a combination that has helped the country establish itself as a versatile port of call. Cruise terminals have also undergone upgrades that allow ships to turn around efficiently, further supporting the dual-home-port arrangement.
Looking ahead to 2026, TIPC forecasts 593 cruise calls and approximately 1.045 million passengers. Although this is slightly below the 2025 projection, the agency notes that the decrease reflects a modest reduction in home-port operations rather than any broader decline in demand. Interest from cruise lines in including Taiwan in regional itineraries is expected to remain steady, supported by strong shore-excursion offerings and improved port infrastructure.
Taiwan’s performance mirrors the wider rise of cruise tourism across Asia, where demand is expanding and infrastructural investments continue to reshape regional routes. With foreign arrivals increasing and partnerships with international cruise lines deepening, Taiwan is strengthening its role as a key hub for East Asian cruise activity.
The outlook for the sector remains favourable. As home-port operations expand and customised cruise options develop further, Taiwan is positioning itself to play a more prominent role in global cruise tourism while continuing to build on its growing regional presence.