Taiwan's cruise passenger count exceeds one million annually; Star Cruises sets precedent with three ships docking

Star Cruises’ "SuperStar Gemini" is equipped with two adult pools, one children’s pool, and an outdoor hot tub. (Photo / Star Cruises)

　The Star Lounge on board Star Cruises’ "SuperStar Gemini" can accommodate over 600 people, often featuring performances by popular Asian bands or renowned magicians. (Photo / Star Cruises)

To further tap into Taiwan’s cruise tourism market, Mr. Liu Xiaoning, Vice President of Star Cruises Taiwan, announced today (the 10th) that Star Cruises, which has been operating in Taiwan since 1997, will for the first time in 2018 deploy three ships of varying sizes — the "SuperStar Gemini," "SuperStar Aquarius," and "SuperStar Virgo" — with Keelung as their home port. These ships will offer a variety of itineraries ranging from 2-night/3-day to 4-night/5-day trips to destinations such as Naha, Motobu Port, Ishigaki Island, and Henza Island in Japan, thereby significantly increasing its market share.

According to statistics from Taiwan International Ports Corporation, cruise passenger numbers in Taiwan exceeded one million last year (2017), reaching over 1.14 million, a year-on-year growth of 32% compared to 860,000 in 2016, setting a new all-time high. To sustain last year’s robust growth in Taiwan’s cruise market, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications has set a target of 1.24 million cruise passengers for 2018. Mr. Liu Xiaoning emphasized that Star Cruises remains optimistic about the future development of Taiwan’s cruise tourism industry. Hence, during the maintenance period of the "SuperStar Aquarius," the company deployed the "SuperStar Gemini" to Taiwan for the first time, using Keelung Port as its home base to serve Taiwanese travelers.

From now until February 2nd, the Star Cruises "SuperStar Gemini," departing from Keelung, has a displacement of 50,764 tons, features 766 cabins, and can accommodate 1,532 passengers. Cabin types include ocean-view rooms, deluxe suites, and executive suites. Onboard facilities comprise Chinese, Asian, and international dining options, open-air barbecue, performance venues, karaoke, spa and wellness center, beauty and hair salon, children’s play area, and swimming pools.

Following the "SuperStar Gemini," the "SuperStar Virgo" will launch 6-day/5-night sea vacation journeys from March to May, taking passengers on voyages from Taiwan to the Philippines and Japan. As for the "SuperStar Aquarius," in addition to maintaining year-round sailings, Mr. Liu noted that the ship will introduce new routes this year, adding destinations such as Yeosu in South Korea, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, and Amami Oshima in Japan.

(Commercial)