In line with a series of August events such as Father’s Day, the Dadaocheng Fireworks Festival, and Qixi Valentine’s Day, the Taipei City Department of Rapid Transit Systems has coordinated with various shipping companies to launch the “Blue Highway Carnival.” Passengers can enjoy meals, admire the riverside views, and watch fireworks while on board, completely revamping the previous image of “monotonous and unremarkable” cruises.
Since its inauguration in 2004, Taipei’s “Blue Highway” has transported around 800,000 passengers, yet it has primarily functioned as a point-to-point transit service with limited appeal for tourism and leisure. In later years, most cruises were private charters, with very few opportunities for individual travelers, leading to low overall ridership.
This year, the Department of Rapid Transit Systems has teamed up with four operators—China Shipping, Yingfeng International, Changhong Marine, and Haitian—to roll out unique cruise experiences. The “Retro Flavor Cruise” starts in Dadaocheng, heads to Bali for Taiwanese food, and continues to explore the Tamsui Old Street, with a “buy two, get one free” promotion. The “Classic Queen” departs from Guandu and offers an onboard buffet dinner along with live music performances. The “Bike & Boat Fun Cruise” takes passengers to Dajia Riverside Park for a shared family bike ride, followed by a ride on the Taipei Star cruise. Additionally, the “Premium Afternoon Tea” option provides light snacks and beverages.
On August 18th for the Dadaocheng Fireworks Festival, cruises will depart in the evening from Bali Longxing, Dajia, Guandu, and Tamsui piers, allowing passengers to enjoy the fireworks display from the river without the crowds. On August 23rd, special romantic cruises are also available in the afternoon and evening for Qixi Valentine’s Day.
The Taipei City Department of Transportation noted that cities like London’s Thames River and Paris’s Seine River offer popular river cruise experiences that are must-do activities for tourists, and Taipei’s Blue Highway also has the potential to become a top-tier attraction.
The Department of Rapid Transit Systems has set up a dedicated Facebook fan page for the Blue Highway Carnival. Those who take photos during their cruise and submit them can compete for one of fifty spots with the most likes, winning a convenience store gift voucher worth over NT$1,000. For details and registration, visit the official website: www.riverfun.taipei.gov.tw.