Multiple cruise ships operating at the port in May — Keelung Port: Actively promoting itself internationally

Reporter Chen Tzu-yin / Taipei reporting

Cruise ships are seen by various countries as the future trend in tourism, and due to Taiwan's strategic location as a hub in Asia, international cruise liners have been making frequent port calls this year. Especially at Keelung Port, it is expected that within a four-day window in mid-May, more than four large passenger ships will arrive simultaneously. These include the SuperStar Aquarius, Norwegian Voyager, Costa Cruises, and Princess Cruises, all of which will be conducting homeport operations at Keelung Port, allowing passengers to embark and disembark. The scene is sure to be spectacular.


▲Keelung Port has been actively attracting international cruise ships, with at least four days in May featuring the simultaneous docking of four or more vessels. The photo shows a Princess Cruises ship. (Photo / Provided by operator, archival image)

Lin Hsin-wei of the Keelung Harbor Branch stated that the port has been actively promoting itself internationally, resulting in 294 sailings so far this year, a 10% increase from last year. This will significantly enhance Keelung Port’s profile. Together with the existing services of the China Europe Star and the Taiwan-Matsu Ferry, the port is bustling with activity.

The busiest day is expected to be May 18, when three international cruise ships—the SuperStar Aquarius, Sapphire Princess, and Norwegian Voyager—will dock alongside the China Europe Star and the Taiwan-Matsu Ferry, making a total of five large passenger ships at Keelung Port. It is estimated that this will set a record for the highest single-day passenger traffic through the port.


▲When the Norwegian Voyager docks at Keelung Port, its massive hull contrasts with the harbor center. (Photo / FromKeelung Harbor Passengers ServiceFan Page)


▲The sight of multiple cruise ships docking simultaneously is spectacular, and the nightscape is equally beautiful. (Photo / FromKeelung Harbor Passengers ServiceFan Page)

In addition, Lin Hsin-wei mentioned that due to the increasing number of cruise passengers arriving at Keelung Port, some operations have been moved from the East Wharf to the West Wharf. A new shipping center at the West Wharf is expected to be officially completed by mid-May, capable of handling the movement of 2,000 to 3,000 passengers through Keelung Port daily.

Keelung Port Homeport Operation Sailings in 2014 (Data source: Keelung Harbor Branch)
1. SuperStar Aquarius — 85 sailings: All SuperStar Aquarius sailings are included (Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays).
2. Royal Caribbean (Norwegian Voyager) — 4 sailings: 5/9, 5/16, 5/18, 5/23
3. Costa Cruises (Costa Victoria) — 5 sailings: 6/25, 7/1, 7/7, 7/12, 7/17
4. Princess Cruises — 5 sailings: Sapphire Princess on 5/10, 5/15, 5/18; Sun Princess on 9/27, 10/1