HAL-Holland America Line and Seabourn are set to increase their presence in Taiwan between 2028 and 2029, introducing additional port calls and a series of Taiwan-focused itineraries that will showcase six of the island’s principal cruise ports.
The expansion follows familiarisation visits conducted by both cruise brands in November 2025, organised jointly by the Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC) and the Taiwan Tourism Administration. The visits formed part of broader efforts to promote Taiwan as a cruise destination rather than solely a transit port within Asia-Pacific itineraries.
According to TIPC, Taiwan is increasingly being positioned as a destination with significant cultural and tourism appeal, capable of attracting a wider range of international cruise travellers.
Seabourn has confirmed plans to make Taiwan a key focus of its regional deployment strategy from 2028 onward. Under a programme centred on distinctive experiences across the island, the cruise line will operate itineraries calling at Keelung, Hualien, Taichung, Anping, Kaohsiung and Penghu.
The new voyages will link multiple Taiwanese ports within a single itinerary. A scheduled February 2028 sailing is expected to include calls at Hualien, Keelung, Taichung, Kaohsiung and Anping, while a February 2029 voyage will additionally feature Magong in Penghu.
The planned increase in calls is intended not only to expand cruise traffic but also to strengthen Taiwan’s position within the premium and luxury cruise market. Port officials indicated that the development reflects growing international recognition of Taiwan as a destination capable of supporting high-end cruise tourism.
TIPC also reported rising interest in fly-cruise operations involving Taiwan. During discussions with industry stakeholders, including representatives from airlines such as EVA Air and China Airlines, several international cruise operators explored opportunities to integrate Taiwan more extensively into regional cruise networks, increase calls across the island’s port system and develop new itinerary concepts tailored to the destination.
Looking ahead, TIPC plans to continue strengthening Taiwan’s position within the Asia-Pacific cruise sector through increased participation in international industry events, expanded engagement with cruise operators, infrastructure improvements, port fee incentives and broader cooperation with global cruise lines. These initiatives are aimed at enhancing Taiwan’s attractiveness as both a homeport and a destination within regional cruise itineraries.