The Return of the "Double Tourism Boom" on the High Seas》Luxury Cruise Travel – How Taiwanese Travelers Stand Out

The "Majestic Princess" recently made a flash stop at Keelung Port, generating buzz as it officially enters the Asian market. It is also the largest and newest cruise ship ever to dock at Keelung Port. (Photo by Jian Yixin, shot with Canon EOS M6)

Taiwanese enthusiasm for cherry blossom tourism rivals that of Lunar New Year travel. Coupled with the rising trend of cruise tourism in Asia, local travel agencies have capitalized on this "double boom." For next year’s cherry blossom season, they are launching cherry blossom-themed cruise itineraries under the “Cruise+” concept, offering travelers a chance to visit the top cherry blossom spots in both Japan and South Korea in one trip. Compared to past trends dominated by Western tourists, Taiwanese travelers also show three major differences in their luxury travel preferences.

Just how popular is the Asian cruise tourism boom? Princess Cruises, a 52-year-old American cruise company, has established six direct branch offices in Asia since 2013, with Taiwan being its second stop after Japan. This year, its first flagship ship designed specifically for the Chinese market, the "Majestic Princess," has also arrived in Asia, marking its official entry into the market.

To capture the Asian market, Princess Cruises, a 52-year-old American cruise company, has its latest flagship ship adorned with Chinese characters reading "Majestic Princess," and its onboard facilities are marked with Chinese instructions. (Photo by Jian Yixin, shot with Canon EOS M6)

To cater to the Chinese market, the Majestic Princess has allocated up to 80% of its cabins as balcony ocean-view rooms. (Photo by Jian Yixin, shot with Canon EOS M6)

The Asian cruise market is not only a highly contested prize for international cruise companies but has also spurred a rush among countries to build cruise terminals, boosting inbound tourism. According to Princess Cruises, Taiwan’s cruise market has grown exponentially over the past two years. Last year, it operated 28 sailings in Taiwan, attracting 75,000 passengers – a 280% increase from the previous year. This year, the number of sailings has increased to 49, with an estimated 130,000 passengers expected to board.

Cruise travel is not just about luxury; Taiwan’s Lion Travel, the first domestic agency to offer exclusive chartered cruises starting in 2014, attracts customers not only with longer sailing durations and themed onboard lectures but will also launch its fifth exclusive chartered cruise next year. Tapping into the popularity of Japanese and South Korean cherry blossom tours and the inaugural sailing of the "Majestic Princess" in Taiwan, the cruise is expected to recreate the maritime luxury boom.

The Majestic Princess’ brand-new "Wonderful Journey" sea musical show combines high-tech elements such as drones, costing over $6 million to produce. The stunning visual and auditory effects left the audience cheering at its sold-out premiere. (Photo by Jian Yixin, shot with Canon EOS M6)

In addition to daily entertainment and shows, cruise travel also features theme days during the voyage to celebrate important holidays in various countries, such as the widespread display of national flags on Canada Day. (Photo by Jian Yixin, shot with Canon EOS M6)

Moreover, this wave of luxury cruise tourism in Asia has also transformed the traditional Western cruise travel model, giving rise to three distinct characteristics:

● Luxury Travelers Spare No Expense – High-End Cabins Sell Out First

Cruise cabins generally range from budget to premium, including interior, balcony, and suite categories. However, compared to the Western cruise market, You Guozhen, General Manager of Lion Travel’s Themed Tours, noted that Taiwanese cruise travelers prioritize high-end cabins, with demand ranking from suites and balcony cabins to budget options.

● Younger Demographic Than Western Markets – More Family Travel

The Western cruise market primarily caters to older age groups, with travelers over 70 not uncommon. In contrast, Taiwanese cruise travelers tend to be younger, mostly aged 40 to 50. The convenience of cruise travel has also led to a rise in family travel this year, spanning all three generations – elderly, middle-aged, and young.

● More Engaging Entertainment for Asian Passengers

A key feature of cruise travel is that it allows passengers to enjoy diverse onboard entertainment and activities without the hassle of transportation. However, unlike Western travelers who prefer reading or sunbathing, Asian passengers are more enthusiastic about participating in the various daily activities offered on cruises.