Sun Princess Adds Northeast Asia Route, Covering Kaohsiung and Keelung in Taiwan

Reported by You T-Ru / Kaohsiung

With the start of the summer vacation and the global holiday season in full swing, Princess Cruises, part of the world’s largest cruise company Carnival Corporation & plc, has officially entered the Asian market. Xu Jingqi, General Manager of Princess Cruises Taiwan, stated that with 17 world-class ships offering 115 unique itineraries visiting more than 350 ports worldwide, this year sees the launch of the “Sun Princess”’s first Northeast Asia route, covering Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Russia, aiming to offer Taiwanese travelers an entirely new travel experience.


▲ The Sun Princess offers a variety of onboard facilities. (Photo / Reporter You T-Ru)

The Sun Princess, which sails the new Asia route, was launched in 1995, weighs 77,000 tons, and can carry nearly 2,000 passengers. It is 261 meters long and was upgraded in 2010 with features such as a Starlight Cinema for stargazing and ocean views, as well as the exclusive Sanctuary adults-only retreat. Xu Jingqi noted that the Sun Princess exudes the noble elegance and refined luxury reminiscent of royal collections. The ship is equipped with a casino, library, amphitheater, outdoor Starlight Cinema, duty-free shops, fitness center, spa experiences, and various international cuisines. For the newly added Asia route, it also offers an Eastern cuisine option — made-to-order Japanese ramen service.


▲ Passengers enjoy onboard facilities and beverage services. (Photo / Reporter You T-Ru)


▲ Made-to-order Japanese ramen service. (Photo / Provided by CC)


▲ Spa experience. (Photo / Provided by CC)

To demonstrate its emphasis on the Asian market, Princess Cruises has focused on Northeast Asia and neighboring regions, launching innovative cruise itineraries with the Sun Princess operating the first Asian route. Xu Jingqi explained that the new Asia route is designed based on the consumption habits of the Asian market. Therefore, the itinerary includes not only popular Japanese ports such as Tokyo, Kochi, Nagasaki, and Hakodate, but also stops at South Korea’s Jeju Island and Busan, along with including Taiwan. Xu pointed out that Taiwan is not only a key hub in Asian transportation, but also that major ports such as Keelung and Kaohsiung feature distinctive local attractions rich in culture and charm. In the future, regardless of planning additional Asia routes, Taiwan’s Keelung or Kaohsiung ports will likely serve as essential transit hubs. Once the Taiwan market matures further, Taiwan may even be considered as a home port, although this would require a comprehensive assessment of factors such as port facilities, customs efficiency, reception capacity, and air connectivity.


▲ % Instant? Consultation and Application. (Photo / Provided by Strong)



▲ Sun Princess Lobby. (Photo / Reporter You T-Ru)

Founded in 1965, Princess Cruises originally focused primarily on routes in Alaska and Europe. In mid-June this year, it also invited the British Princess Kate Middleton to name its new ship, the Royal Princess. The fleet currently includes 17 ships such as the Blue Diamond Princess, Diamond Princess, and Royal Princess. Xu Jingqi stated that besides introducing the innovatively designed “Sun Princess” Japan itinerary product this year, a larger and more luxurious ship, the 116,000-ton Diamond Princess, will also be stationed in the Northeast Asia region next spring. Products for 2014 will also include stops at Hualien Port, and the company plans to gradually roll out offerings targeting emerging markets such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore, hoping to enhance Asian travelers' familiarity with cruising.