Where to go with your kids this summer vacation? Taking a cruise to Japan or seeing glaciers in Alaska is all the rage.

▲ For Taiwanese travelers, cruises departing from Keelung Port offer advantages such as frequent sailings and convenient transportation. (Photo / Reporter Hsu Wen-pin)

Reporter Chen Jui-chung / Taipei reporting

This year, the cruise market in Asia continues to heat up. In addition to cruise companies extending their sales period in Taiwan year-round and offering more diverse itineraries, travel agencies are also providing cruise travel products through chartered ships, making them a popular choice for family summer trips. Among them, the most popular cruise routes in July and Augustcan be mainly divided into Asian routes departing from Taiwan and long-haul routes to Europe and Alaska.

For Asian routes, cruises departing from Keelung and Kaohsiung Ports are both suitable for family trips. These itineraries mostly focus onJapanandSouth Korea,as well as Okinawa, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Ishigaki Island, and Jeju Island. In addition to cruises in April and May such as theSapphire PrincessandDiamond Princess(both by Princess Cruises), ships including the 140,000-tonExplorer of the Seas(Royal Caribbean International) andSuperStar Aquarius(Star Cruises) are also available for family travel during the summer vacation. Itinerary durations range from 3 to 8 days, with prices varying based on package content. Adult prices generally start from NT$10,000 to NT$40,000.

For families, short- to medium-length Asian cruises are relatively affordable, requiring fewer days off work for parents. There’s also no need to worry about jet lag or adapting to different climates, allowing children to enjoy a hassle-free sea journey. Additionally, brands such as Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Star Cruises offer bilingual services and signage on ships departing from Taiwan, eliminating language barriers while helping children improve their foreign language skills.

▲ The traditional charm of Okinawa makes it a popular stop on Asian cruises. (Photo / Reporter Chen Jui-chung)

According to industry insiders, while cruise prices this year remain similar to last year, there is greater diversity in duration, destinations, and pricing options. With lower entry barriers, more Taiwanese people are now able to experience cruise travel. For example, Royal Caribbean International alone saw 15,000 passengers depart from Taiwan during the summer of 2014, while Star Cruises reported nearly a 30% increase in total passengers in 2014 compared to 2013.

As passenger numbers grow, international cruise lines are more willing to design itineraries specifically for Taiwan. The pleasant climate across Asia during the summer allows travelers to enjoy onboard amenities or explore ashore for water activities and shopping. To enhance product variety, many operators have also introduced“cruise + biking”experiences this year. Travelers can bring their own bikes on board or rent locally, satisfying the dual desires of cycling overseas and cruising.

▲ Princess Cruises’ Taiwan-departing routes this year are mostly concentrated between April and June. (Photo / Provided by Princess Cruises)

Since the summer vacation period doesn’t conflict with students’ academic schedules, long-haul cruise routes have become another great family travel option.

The European cruise market has been well-established for years, resulting in a richer selection and more diverse products. During the peak summer season,AlaskaandEuropeis the most popular. Between July and August, the climate along the Mediterranean coast and in Northern Europe is pleasant, includingEastern Mediterranean, Western Mediterranean, and the Nordic Fjords,where various countries are perfect for taking a cruise to explore the seas.

Compared to traditional travel methods, cruising allows you to experience European ports and coastal cityscapes from a unique perspective. It also saves time by eliminating the need to change hotels, move luggage, or drive every day. In addition to enjoying onboard shows, facilities, and meals, travelers can also plan land excursions during port stops to explore European cities more deeply. Cities such as Greece, Venice, Istanbul, Athens, Italy, Florence… and more can all be enjoyed.

▲ Alaska is a well-established and popular long-haul cruise route. (Photo / from Princess Cruises Taiwan Facebook fan page)

Additionally, the most popularAlaskacruise route is also ideal for visiting during the summer vacation. Travelers can admire glacier wonders up close from the cruise ship, experiencing the power of nature’s craftsmanship, which is why it is often a top choice for tourists taking long-haul cruises. The itineraries are divided into Inside Passage routes or Glacier Bay routes based on routes, offering diverse and mature options for travelers to choose from.

Compared to Asian cruise routes that depart from Taiwan, both Europe and Alaska require an airplane + cruise + airplane model, resulting in longer durations, typically ranging from 11 to 17 days or more. Average prices start at around NT$130,000 to NT$200,000. Cruise lines such as Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and Costa Cruises all offer European and Alaskan travel routes. For travelers with more flexible budgets and travel time, premium brands such as Silversea, Crystal, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises are also available.

▲ Star Cruises this year set up a 3D maritime art gallery on board the SuperStar Aquarius to enhance children's enjoyment on the cruise. (Photo / by reporter Chen Jui-chung)

During long family sea voyages, each family member can plan activities based on their personal interests. For school-aged children, ships often have children's playrooms where kids can entertain themselves. According to industry insiders, parents in Europe and America often let their children explore and discover the ship on their own, while Eastern families tend to supervise their children to prevent accidents. This cultural difference and exchange have become a highlight of the cruise journey.

Due to the stable market this year, expanded customer demographics, favorable euro and yen exchange rates, and the“early bird discount”feature, summer cruise itineraries are already seeing strong demand. Industry sources reveal that since some Asian cruise itineraries were affected by typhoons in 2014, this year's Asian routes kicked off early in the more stable month of April. There are also many options available in June and July.

Industry insiders also say that as more ships sail from Taiwan, the cruise trend has been further driven, sparking curiosity among many who have never cruised before. This year, there are also flight routes departing from Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung to airports in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Japan, and other locations, where travelers can then transfer to cruises to reach popular Asian destinations. This offers greater convenience for travelers across Taiwan. To cater to family groups during the summer vacation, some cruise lines have designed children's activities such as "Little Navigators" onboard, ensuring kids have fun as well.

For first-time families, it is recommended to start with shorter, more affordable Asian itineraries. Families with prior cruise experience may consider larger, more luxurious ships or plan an Alaskan cruise adventure to enjoy the experience together.

▲ Real image of a cruise docked at Keelung Port. (Photo / by reporter Hsu Wen-bin)

2015 Summer Cruise Schedule Departing from Taiwan (June 20 – September 15)

June 20: MS Voyager of the Seas, Keelung, Okinawa, Keelung (4 days) (Departing from Keelung)
June 21: SuperStar Aquarius, Okinawa Double Fun Holiday (3 nights, 4 days) (Departing from Keelung)
June 23: MS Voyager of the Seas, Keelung, Okinawa, Keelung (4 days) (Departing from Keelung)
June 24: SuperStar Aquarius, Ishigaki Island Holiday (2 nights, 3 days) (Departing from Keelung)
June 25: MS Voyager of the Seas, Kyushu – Dogo Onsen Legend, Ippudo Ramen Forest, Nakagusuku Castle Kimono Experience (7 days) (Departing from Taoyuan, fly to cruise return)
June 26: MS Voyager of the Seas, Keelung, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Keelung (6 days) (Departing from Keelung)
June 26: MS Voyager of the Seas, Keelung, Nagasaki, Kumamoto Castle, Eagle Watching Cruise, Ishizaki Tamate Train Sand Bath Hot Springs (8 days) (Departing from Keelung, cruise to fly return)
June 26: SuperStar Aquarius, Happy Ocean Holiday (2 nights, 3 days) (Departing from Keelung)　
June 28: SuperStar Aquarius, Okinawa Double Fun Holiday (3 nights, 4 days) (Departing from Keelung)
July 01: MS Voyager of the Seas, Keelung, Okinawa, Keelung (4 days) (Departing from Keelung)
July 01: SuperStar Aquarius, Ishigaki Island Holiday (2 nights, 3 days) (Departing from Keelung)
July 03: SuperStar Aquarius, Happy Ocean Holiday 3D2N (Departing from Keelung)
July 04: Voyager of the Seas, Keelung, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Keelung 6D (Departing from Keelung)
July 05: SuperStar Aquarius, Okinawa Double Fun Holiday 4D3N (Departing from Keelung)
July 08: SuperStar Aquarius, Ishigaki Island Holiday 3D2N (Departing from Keelung)
July 12: SuperStar Aquarius, Okinawa Double Fun Holiday 4D3N (Departing from Keelung)
July 15: SuperStar Aquarius, Ishigaki Island Holiday 3D2N (Departing from Keelung)
July 17: SuperStar Aquarius, Happy Ocean Holiday 3D2N (Departing from Keelung)
July 19: SuperStar Aquarius, Ishigaki Island, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Jeju Island 8D7N (Departing from Keelung)
July 26: SuperStar Aquarius, Okinawa Double Fun Holiday 4D3N (Departing from Keelung)
July 29: SuperStar Aquarius, Ishigaki Island Holiday 3D2N (Departing from Keelung)
July 31: SuperStar Aquarius, Happy Ocean Holiday 3D2N (Departing from Keelung)
August 02: SuperStar Aquarius, Okinawa Double Fun Holiday 4D3N (Departing from Keelung)
August 05: SuperStar Aquarius, Ishigaki Island Holiday 3D2N (Departing from Keelung)
August 07: SuperStar Aquarius, Ishigaki Island Holiday 3D2N (Departing from Keelung)
August 09: SuperStar Aquarius, Okinawa Double Fun Holiday 4D3N (Departing from Keelung)
August 12: SuperStar Aquarius, Ishigaki Island Holiday 3D2N (Departing from Keelung)
August 14: SuperStar Aquarius, Happy Ocean Holiday 3D2N (Departing from Keelung)
August 16: SuperStar Aquarius, Okinawa Double Fun Holiday 4D3N (Departing from Keelung)
August 19: SuperStar Aquarius, Ishigaki Island Holiday 3D2N (Departing from Keelung)
August 21: SuperStar Aquarius, Happy Ocean Holiday 3D2N (Departing from Keelung)
August 23: SuperStar Aquarius, Okinawa Double Fun Holiday 4D3N (Departing from Keelung)
August 26: SuperStar Aquarius, Ishigaki Island Holiday 3D2N (Departing from Keelung)
August 28: SuperStar Aquarius, Happy Ocean Holiday 3D2N (Departing from Keelung)
August 30: SuperStar Aquarius, Okinawa Double Fun Holiday 4D3N (Departing from Keelung)
September 04: SuperStar Aquarius, Happy Ocean Holiday 3D2N (Departing from Keelung)
September 06: SuperStar Aquarius, Okinawa Double Fun Holiday 4D3N (Departing from Keelung)
September 09: SuperStar Aquarius, Ishigaki Island Holiday 3D2N (Departing from Keelung)
September 11: SuperStar Aquarius, Ishigaki Island Holiday 3D2N (Departing from Keelung)
September 13: SuperStar Aquarius, Okinawa Double Fun Holiday 4D3N (Departing from Keelung)
September 18: SuperStar Aquarius, Happy Ocean Holiday 3D2N (Departing from Keelung)

(Reference sources: Royal Caribbean Cruises, Star Cruises, Princess Cruises, Baiwei Travel Agency)