Diamond Princess to Arrive in Kaohsiung on the 22nd – Capture Stunning Views of the Mega Cruise Ship Entering Port from Elevated Vantage Points

Reported by You [Name] / Taipei

The international cruise market continues to grow, following the maiden visits of “VOYAGER,” “HENNA,” and “VOYAGER OF THE SEAS” to Kaohsiung, the globally ranked 15th most luxurious cruise ship, the “DIAMOND PRINCESS,” will also make its first visit to Kaohsiung Port on the 22nd. It will carry 2,600 Japanese tourists visiting Taiwan, offering the public a chance to capture spectacular views of the massive vessel entering port.


▲ Diamond Princess makes its first visit to Kaohsiung Port on the 22nd. (Photo / Provided by Kaohsiung City Tourism Bureau)

Hsu Chuan-sheng, Director of Kaohsiung City Tourism Bureau, said that the Asia-Pacific region is a popular route for international cruises, with Taiwan located at the midpoint of these routes. Kaohsiung Port’s geographical position places it at the hub between Southeast and Northeast Asia, attracting more and more international tourists who prefer to travel to Kaohsiung by cruise. To position Kaohsiung as the top choice for travelers visiting Taiwan, the bureau promotes the “Sun, Sea, and Smile” 3S tourism concept: the summer-like sunshine year-round, abundant mountain, sea, river, and harbor sightseeing resources, and the warm, friendly smiles that create a unique Kaohsiung charm.

As one of the world’s top 15 most luxurious cruise ships, the massive “Diamond Princess” with a displacement of 116,000 tons has undergone a $30 million full renovation, featuring the largest Japanese-style onsen bath and sushi restaurant at sea. This year, it will make four port calls at Kaohsiung, bringing an estimated 10,400 tourists and potentially generating over NT$62 million in cruise tourism revenue. The ship is scheduled to arrive in Kaohsiung at 8 a.m. on the 22nd, with about 80% of its passengers being Japanese tour groups, along with some independent travelers.


▲ Facilities aboard the Diamond Princess. (Photo / Provided by Kaohsiung City Tourism Bureau)

The Kaohsiung City Tourism Bureau has specially arranged Indigenous drum performances to welcome visitors, showcasing Kaohsiung’s vibrant energy. Kaohsiung shares deep historical ties with Japan, with the city’s heritage reflecting rich integration with Japanese culture. The Old Port area connects to the nearby Pier-2 Art Center, forming a cultural tourism corridor that links Cijin, Gushan, and Yancheng districts, as well as the culturally significant Hamasen Railway Cultural Park — recognized as an international livable city destination. These are perfect for Japanese tourists seeking nostalgic journeys through Kaohsiung’s historic and emotional landmarks.

To make travel easier for independent tourists visiting Kaohsiung, the Tourism Bureau has designed half-day and one-day tour brochures aligned with the cruise schedule. These include suggested itineraries such as “A Pleasant Stroll Through Beautiful Moments,” “A Romantic Trip to True Kaohsiung,” “Relaxed Art Walk in Kaohsiung,” “Meinong Hakka Countryside Tour,” and “Blessings and Shopping Leisure Trip.” For those hoping to capture the ship entering port, it is recommended to head to Kaohsiung’s Hongmaogang’s High Tower at 6 a.m. on the 22nd. Those with camera equipment can shoot from elevated vantage points such as Qihou Mountain Lighthouse, Shoushan Martyrs’ Shrine area, and skyscrapers like the 85 Sky Tower from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.