Taking a cruise abroad during summer vacation is no dream – A complete guide to 7 cruise routes from northern, central, and southern Taiwan

▲ Star Cruises has launched a series of cruise itineraries departing from Taiwan between July and September. (Photo / Provided by Star Cruises)

Reported by Chen Ruizhong / Taipei

As the summer vacation season approaches, many families and students are thinking about where to enjoy an unforgettable holiday. In fact, compared to traditional travel methods, many are also tempted by the idea of “a unique sea voyage.”

With the cruise market in the Asia-Pacific region gradually gaining international attention, more and more cruise lines are listing Taiwan as a departure point.Take Princess Cruisesfor example, which plans to offer nine cruise departures from Keelung Port in 2015; whileRoyal Caribbean Internationalalso announced in mid-June that it has signed an agreement with Taiwan to build the Penghu Magong International Cruise Terminal, scheduled for completion and opening in April 2016. These various plans all indicate a growing trend in cruise tourism from Taiwan.

▲ Princess Cruises has planned nine itineraries for the Taiwan market in 2015. (Photo / Provided by Princess Cruises)

Additionally,Star Cruises, which focuses on the Asia-Pacific market, has also scheduled cruises from July to September aboard its ships SuperStar Virgo and SuperStar Aquarius, offering routes such as Taichung–Hong Kong, Keelung–Hong Kong, Keelung–Okinawa, and Keelung–Ishigaki Island. The durations are mainly 3 to 5 days, providing a new option for those looking to make the most of their summer vacation.

SuperStar Virgo by Star Cruises:
Departing from Taichung to Hong Kong:
July 11; August 8, 15, 22; September 5, 12, 19, 26

Departing from Keelung to Hong Kong:
July 3, 31; August 28

SuperStar Aquarius by Star Cruises
Departing from Keelung to Okinawa (5 days)
August 17

Departing from Keelung to Okinawa (4 days)
July 6, 13, 20, 27; August 3, 10, 21, 24, 31; September 7, 14, 21, 28; October 5, 19

Departing from Kaohsiung to Okinawa (5 days)
October 27

Departing from Keelung to Ishigaki Island
July 9, 16, 23, 30; August 6, 8, 13, 27; September 3, 10, 12, 17, 24; October 1, 8, 10, 15, 22

Departing from Keelung to the waters near Yonaguni Island
July 18, 25; August 1, 15, 29; September 5, 19, 26; October 3, 17, 24