Cruise travel is gaining popularity in the Taiwan market, and the age group of travelers enthusiastic about maritime holidays is getting younger year by year. This trend has attracted many internationally renowned cruise companies to enter Taiwan and compete for berthing opportunities. The world-famous Royal Caribbean Cruises’ luxury ship “Legend of the Seas,” after active efforts, will dock at Kaohsiung Port early next year, picking up passengers from Taiwan for overseas travel and vacation. The inaugural voyage is scheduled to depart from Kaohsiung Port on February 11 next year.
In response to the arrival of the “Legend of the Seas” mega-ship, multiple travel agencies including Cola, Phoenix, Masterpiece, and Laureate Travel have jointly formed a consortium center and, together with Royal Caribbean Cruises, have designed and launched the “Legend of the Seas ~ Vietnam, Hainan & Hong Kong Gourmet Journey,” with itinerary options of 5 or 6 days. To encourage travelers to plan their holidays early, several operators have also jointly launched an “Early Bird Special” with pre-order discount promotions to capture the market.
The “Legend of the Seas,” with a draught of 70,000 tons, is currently the “largest cruise ship ever” to depart from Taiwan (Kaohsiung). In the past, the market has seen international cruise ships over 70,000 tons enter Taiwan, but they only made brief stops “en route,” and were not able to receive passengers in Taiwan for outbound travel. Therefore, this “Legend of the Seas” also makes history.
The maiden voyage, scheduled to depart from Kaohsiung Port on February 11 next year, will follow the route Taiwan – Ha Long Bay (Vietnam) – Sanya (China) – Hong Kong, allowing Taiwanese travelers to visit two countries and three destinations in one trip. As the timing coincides with the Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day, travelers can enjoy a seaside New Year’s Eve countdown, celebrate Valentine’s Day romantically with loved ones, and experience both land and sea activities to the fullest, immersing themselves in this vibrant maritime holiday at the start of the new year.
Loretta Lu, General Manager of Royal Caribbean International Taiwan, stated that the Lunar New Year voyage will depart from Kaohsiung, with the first stop being Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, the second stop Sanya, and the third stop Hong Kong, before finally arranging for passengers to fly back to Taiwan from Hong Kong, with options to depart from either Kaohsiung or Taoyuan airports.
Loretta Lu pointed out that the “Legend of the Seas” is an all-inclusive service cruise. Items such as airport tax, fuel surcharge, specified meals
Additionally, the final stop of the cruise is Hong Kong. Originally, the 5-day itinerary would have passengers fly back to Taiwan immediately after arriving in Hong Kong. However, considering that some travelers might want to spend an extra day in Hong Kong for shopping, an optional 6-day itinerary is available. The operator will arrange hotel accommodations, giving travelers ample time to enjoy the vibrant charm and shopping pleasures of this dynamic city.
The three ports of call featured in the Ocean Myth’s itinerary each offer their own unique appeal. Sanya in China is renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches and a relaxing seaside vacation atmosphere. Hong Kong, with its vibrant energy and delicious cuisine, is also a favorite among Taiwanese travelers. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself, pamper your family, or enjoy a romantic getaway, it’s a great travel option. Especially since the cruise itself is like a floating resort, fully equipped with a wide range of leisure and entertainment facilities, it’s naturally one of the best choices for family vacations or romantic trips. For those who don’t want to go to the trouble of arranging separate outings for family or loved ones, the Ocean Myth’s 2010 New Year cruise can indeed solve a big problem for these types of travelers.
Explore Halong Bay in style. Relax in Sanya. Fall in love with Hong Kong.
Vietnam’s Halong Bay is the country’s most attractive destination for international travelers and is often referred to as the “Karst Wonder of the Sea” or the “Inland Ha Long Bay.” Its scenery closely resembles that of Guilin but appears even more expansive and magnificent. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With over 1,900 islands scattered across the sea—some shaped like two facing gamecocks, others like turtles, thumbs, or elephants—the bay is a spectacular sight. Cruising through the islands feels like drifting through an ethereal Chinese ink painting.
Known as the “Oriental Hawaii,” Sanya is located at the southernmost tip of China’s Hainan Province. With year-round summer weather and stunning scenery, its mountain-and-sea vistas and coconut-fringed beaches attract many visitors. Hainan Island has long been a favorite holiday destination for China’s top leaders and is often dubbed the “Chinese Camp David.” Strolling along Sanya’s coastal boulevard, you’ll find many modern, high-end hotels that stand out with their private white-sand beaches, creating an enchanting Southeast Asian island vacation vibe.
Visiting Hong Kong during the Lunar New Year lets you experience the rich festive atmosphere of traditional Chinese New Year celebrations. The famous Lunar New Year fireworks show is held on the second day of the Lunar New Year over Victoria Harbour, adding a joyful touch to the festivities. In addition, the second day is also the birthday of the Che Kung Temple deity, and it’s popular for locals to visit the Che Kung Temple in Sha Tin to spin copper windmills for good luck. Another seasonal activity includes heading to Lam Tsuen in Tai Po, where people write their wishes on paper and toss them onto the Wishing Tree, hoping their dreams will come true soon.