How Italians Are Conquering Taiwan’s Cruise Scene – Even the Japanese Are Loving It

Most Costa Cruises passengers are retirees or seniors aged 40 and above, followed by children under 12, catering mainly to families with a wide range of entertainment options for all ages. (Photo / Jian Yixin, shot with Sony A6500)

The refined and fashionable boutique style of Costa Cruises’ new ship, the Costa neoRomantica, has earned it the nickname “a floating fashion hotel,” offering a relaxing cruise experience full of Italian charm. (Photo / Jian Yixin, shot with Sony A6500)

In recent years, cruise tourism has surged in Asia, attracting several international cruise lines to expand into the region. In addition to Princess Cruises’ Majestic Princess, which will make its first voyage to Taiwan next year during the Japan-Korea cherry blossom season, Costa Cruises’ neoRomantica, based in Japan since this April, will also arrive in Taiwan for the 228 Holiday next year. Having promoted “Italy at Sea” in Japan for half a year now, how has the Italian-style cruise incorporated elements of Japanese culture, and how does it allow Taiwanese travelers to experience a rich foreign atmosphere even before arriving in Japan?

Costa Cruises is renowned for its exciting and diverse entertainment activities, featuring a variety of themed parties that get both kids and adults dancing and having fun. (Photo / Jian Yixin, shot with Sony A6500)

%Queue matters, but facilities aren’t compromised

Since April this year, the neoRomantica has been based in Japan. With a tonnage of just 57,000 tons, it is currently one of only two international cruise ships in Asia able to dock directly at Ishigaki and Miyako Islands, eliminating the hassle of shuttle boats and making shore excursions more convenient. The ship’s interior decor continues the glamorous “Italy at Sea” style, and it is one of only three ships in the Costa fleet to bear the “neo” designation.

Although the neoRomantica lacks a large theater compared to other cruise ships, its self-service dining areas, deck pools, and entertainment facilities remain fully equipped—“what’s meant to be big, stays big.” Additionally, the paid wine lounge, open only at night, offers six types of red and white wines for less than NT$1,000, paired with Italian cheeses. The relaxing evening has even led Asian guests to remark, “It really feels like Italian time,” enjoying the mildly tipsy nightlife at sea.

Costa Cruises is home to the world’s only Italian pizzeria on a cruise ship that uses an open-flame oven. (Photo / Jian Yixin, shot with Sony A6500)

The Italian pizzeria on Costa Cruises uses an open-flame oven, and all ingredients are imported from Italy, ensuring passengers enjoy the most authentic Italian pizza. (Photo / Jian Yixin, shot with Sony A6500)

Continuing the Japanese service style, the ship employs multiple Japanese-speaking staff and has added more Japanese-style breakfast options and miso soup, allowing travelers to enjoy refined Japanese cuisine even before reaching Japan. (Photo / Jian Yixin, shot with Sony A6500)

%Frozen balls are deceptive, but the real fun is yet to come...

For dining, the ship not only offers classic Italian cuisine and desserts, as well as the world’s first wood-fired pizza cooked in an open-flame oven, but the Italian cruise has also increased the proportion of Japanese dishes in response to the Japanese clientele. These have been adjusted by Asian chefs to suit local palates, including Japanese breakfast, miso soup, and mustard-flavored mushroom cold appetizers.

Moreover, when it comes to cruising, hunger is the least of your worries—unlimited meals are available from morning till night, and late-night options include hot Japanese dishes such as pork bone ramen and udon, with broth strength and noodle texture nearly tailored to Taiwanese tastes.

Cruise-themed activities are diverse, creating a joyful atmosphere with Italian enthusiasm. (Photo / Jian Yixin, shot with Sony A6500)

The Asian cruise boom is not just a travel trend but has also led Taiwanese travelers to learn about the unique features of different international cruise brands. (Photo / Jian Yixin, shot with Sony A6500)

%The service is surprisingly good, and the food is genuinely delicious

The Asian cruise boom is not just a travel trend but has also led Taiwanese travelers to learn about the unique features of different international cruise brands. For example, Costa Cruises is a mid-range option, but the service quality remains top-notch. The Italian warmth of the staff is contagious, with some even performing lively dances in the main dining area.

“Now this is what a cruise is all about!” During the voyage from Okinawa to Keelung, sunlight broke through the clouds, drawing crowds back to the previously rainy deck. Passengers quickly changed into swimsuits to enjoy sunbathing on the deck loungers or danced joyfully to the crew’s music. The infectious energy of Italian hospitality even changed the initial impression of the Italian cruise’s hotel director, who had thought Japanese tourists were reserved.

★Newsletter cares: Excessive drinking is harmful to health!