Published on
October 9, 2025
From 17 Feb 2026 to 11 Dec 2026, StarCruises is expanding its business to include new, three to four-night cruise offerings to Japan and South Korea. Additionally, the cruise operator is adding a new seven-night summer cruise to Tokyo, which departs from and calls at Osaka, Kochi, and Shimizu. The expansion will also include the Star Navigator, which will begin servicing the cruise port in the city of Keelung for a period of ten months, alongside the port of Star Sailor.
Given the currently increasing cruise travel demand in Asia, the region is expected to grow with local and international travellers. Star focuses primarily on the local and international cruise market, conveniently scheduling Star Navigator quick, weekend-friendly itineraries to appeal to the increasing number of cruise travellers.
Increasing the appeal of Keelung’s Cruise Port for Foreign and Domestic Travellers
Keelung’s relative closeness to the bustling capital city is a convenience to both international and local travellers, and coupled with the relatively easy access to tourist hotspots in Japan and South Korea, makes for an ideal cruise port in the region. The port city has been quickly developing a reputation as a bustling cruise port, the latest of which was noted in 2026.
The retention of Keelung as the port of call for the Star Navigator during the 2026 sailings confirms the port’s increasing importance for the regional cruise industry. Keelung is the first cruise port for Taiwan and has state-of-the-art installations and infrastructure, which, in conjunction with how Taiwan’s tourism is marketed, has attracted many cruise passengers disembarkations from around the world.
With the rise in demand for short and long duration cruises in Asia, the Star Navigator’s return brings great potential for Taiwan as it positions itself to increase inbound tourism.
Convenient weekend cruises to Japan and South Korea
The most exciting aspect of the 2026 season is the introduction of short cruises that have been cleverly scheduled over weekends for busy travellers. StarCruises has confirmed the new 2 and 3-night cruises to Japan and South Korea with sailings that return on Sunday afternoons. These cruises are a great addition for travellers who want to do more on their weekends, as they provide quick and accessible paths into some of the most interesting and lively cities in Asia.
The three and four-night sessions will provide travellers with the chance to visit notable landmarks in Japan and South Korea, including Osaka and Busan, where one can enjoy the sights, customs, and flavours these locations have to offer. For example, Osaka has stunning modern architecture, rich culture, and extravagant nightlife, while Busan has amazing beaches, delicious seafood, and ancient temples. These brief trips will allow travellers to navigate South Korea and Japan without the need to travel for long periods.
In addition to the brief trips, the seven-night summer cruise to Tokyo, Osaka (Wakayama Port), Kochi, and Shimizu brings to light the further understanding of Japan’s legendary cities and landmarks. This cruise will appeal to individuals looking for more cultural exposure and the ability to enjoy the beautiful art and delectable food of Japan.
Meeting the Needs of an Expanding Market for Fly-Cruise Packages
The need for cruises in 2025, as reported by Michael Goh, president of StarDream Cruises, speaks to the need for fly-cruise packages with increased popularity, that has travel of foreign passengers flying to Keelung to board the cruise. With Taiwan emerging as a popular departure point for cruises to Japan and South Korea, the expanded 2026 program is designed to provide cruises for both domestic and international travellers.
International accessibility from major airports, including Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, adds further appeal to Keelung as an embarkation port city for cruise travellers. Foreign travellers from China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan who wish to cruise visit Keelung, and with a quick flight, they can start their cruise trip seamlessly. By expanding its sailing frequencies and offering a wider range of itineraries, StarCruises meets the needs of the increasing number of tourists interested in multi-country trips to Asia.
Enhancing the country’s tourism economy
Taiwan is anticipating the return of Star Navigator with extended itineraries to positively impact tourism. Taiwan’s tourism strategy hinges and operates on the premise of cruise tourism which is a vital component. The cruise business attracts tourists who spend limited time in the city and contributes to the city’s hospitality, retail, and service sectors.
The spending by visitors on lodging, food, and recreation provides an economic advantage for the region. Often, cruise travellers are found in port cities where they participate in various activities, dine, do some shopping, and savour the local food. This helps augment the earnings of businesses operating in the region and catering for tourists. Along with various other tourism boards, the government of Taiwan promotes the island to attract overseas tourists. The government is keen to attract cruise ships and is mindful of their impact on tourism. For example, the Star Navigator cruise ship helps with promotional activities.
The development of cruise ship tourism adds to Taiwan’s aspirations to consolidate and enhance its position as a global tourist destination in Asia. With developed cruise tourism, Taiwan intends to strengthen its tourism resources. The cruise tourism along with targeted initiatives will ensure the tourism sector of Taiwan’s economy grows and the country as a whole prospers. New Horizons: Bright Future of Keelung and Taiwan’s Activities in the Cruise Business
Conclusion
The inclusion of Keelung as a destination by Star Navigator for the 2026 sailings is something that shows how cruise tourism is becoming vital for Taiwan’s economic growth. The convenient embarkation point alongside the cruise expansion in the region makes Taiwan a favourable embarkation and disembarkation point for the region and international travellers. Taiwan and Keelung are poised as the cruise market in Asia continues to expand.
Taiwan’s tourism authorities in the next few years will concentrate on providing a hassle-free and friendly international visitor experience. This will guarantee that the island is a highly sought-after attraction for travellers wanting short and long-haul travel to Asia.
