Keelung Cruise Traffic Surges From Historic Lows as Taipei Emerges With a Stronger Tourism Gateway in 2026

Keelung Cruise Traffic Recovery

[Keelung, July 2026] — International cruise passenger traffic through Keelung has surged to record levels, with 993,020 movements recorded in 2025, effectively erasing the total collapse of the sector seen during the pandemic. This milestone represents a 26.2% year-on-year increase over 2024 and surpasses the previous pre-pandemic benchmark established in 2019.

The recovery is continuing into 2026, with the port recording 672,425 international cruise movements between January and July. July 2026 emerged as the strongest month of the current year, contributing 149,288 passengers. This growth is being driven by a combination of increased cruise calls, the arrival of maiden vessels, and strategic infrastructure upgrades managed by the Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC).

The Catalyst for Growth

The resurgence of Keelung as a maritime hub is the result of a targeted effort to reposition the port as the primary sea gateway to Taipei. Following a period of near-total suspension—where passenger numbers plummeted to just 487 in 2022—the port has aggressively expanded its offerings.

A primary driver has been the diversification of cruise operators and the introduction of new ships. In 2025 alone, Keelung welcomed 19 maiden cruise-ship visits. New arrivals included vessels from Scenic Cruises, Mitsui Ocean Cruises, Duwon Cruise & Ferry, and Villa Vie. Notably, the Villa Vie Odyssey established a new national record for the longest multiday stay in Taiwan, remaining docked at Keelung for four days.

Furthermore, the port is seeing a rise in "fly-cruise" tourism, where international travelers combine aviation with sea voyages. In 2025, Keelung recorded 61,000 foreign fly-cruise passengers, shattering the previous 2018 record of 38,000. This trend allows the Taiwan Tourism Administration to capture higher spending as passengers often extend their stays in northern Taiwan before or after their cruise.

Market Distribution and Impact

The recovery is not uniform across all demographics; specific markets and operators are driving the bulk of the volume. Japan remains the dominant source of foreign passengers, while South Korea has shown the most aggressive growth.

Foreign Passenger Market Share (2025):

• Japan: 32.1%
• United States: 16.0%
• South Korea: 11.4%
• Germany: 6.5%

The South Korean market experienced a dramatic shift, jumping from a 2.9% share in 2024 to 11.4% in 2025. This was largely fueled by seven Costa Cruises charter sailings specifically between Keelung and South Korea, which transported approximately 31,000 passengers.

Dominant Cruise Operators (2025): Three companies now control 81.6% of the total market activity at the port:

• StarCruises: 79 calls / ~312,000 passengers
• MSC Cruises: 30 calls / ~229,000 passengers
• Costa Cruises: 42 calls / ~229,000 passengers

Practical Traveler Advisory and Strategic Insights

For passengers booking cruises to Taiwan in 2026, the experience is shifting from simple port-of-call visits to integrated tourism packages. The surge in traffic is coinciding with a move toward "cruise-and-cycling" itineraries.

Travelers arriving on ships like the AIDAdiva (which recently made its maiden visit with 1,977 passengers) can now access curated rail and bicycle programs. These itineraries link the Keelung docks directly to Taipei's cultural landmarks, including the Grand Hotel, the Lin An Tai Historical House, the Taipei Confucius Temple, the Ching-Kuo Chi-Hai Cultural Park, Dalongdong Bao’an Temple, and Martyrs’ Shrine.

From a logistics standpoint, the passenger experience is improving. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications and TIPC are doubling the number of immigration e-gates at the West Passenger Terminal from four to eight during 2026. This is intended to reduce bottlenecks during the mass disembarkation of large vessels.

Infrastructure and Future Timeline

The port is currently undergoing physical transformations to sustain this momentum. To meet the demands of modern, larger ships and environmental regulations, TIPC is installing a high-voltage shore-power system at East Wharf No. 4. Scheduled for completion in 2026, this system allows ships to plug into the local electrical grid rather than running diesel engines while berthed, reducing local emissions.

Looking toward the remainder of 2026, both StarCruises and MSC Cruises have announced plans to increase their number of calls to Keelung. This suggests that the total passenger movements for 2026 could challenge the 2025 record of 993,020, provided the trend seen in July continues.

The shift in data is stark:

• 2019: 946,372 (Pre-pandemic)
• 2022: 487 (The low point)
• 2025: 993,020 (The new record)
• Jan-July 2026: 672,425 (Current trajectory)

FAQ: Keelung Cruise Travel 2026

How long does it take to get from Keelung port to Taipei city? With the new integrated rail and bicycle programs, transit is streamlined. Most passengers use the rail link to reach central Taipei attractions, though transit times vary based on the specific cultural itinerary chosen.

Are there faster ways to clear customs at Keelung in 2026? Yes. The West Passenger Terminal is expanding its immigration capacity by adding four new e-gates, bringing the total to eight to speed up the entry process for international arrivals.

Which cruise lines are most active in Keelung right now? StarCruises, MSC Cruises, and Costa Cruises are the primary operators, collectively handling over 80% of the port's traffic. However, new lines like AIDA Cruises are also beginning to make maiden calls.

What is a "fly-cruise" and is it available in Taiwan? A fly-cruise involves flying into Taiwan and then boarding a ship, or vice versa. This is a growing trend in Keelung, with 61,000 foreign passengers using this method in 2025 to extend their stay in Taipei.

Keelung has transitioned from a dormant dock to a record-breaking gateway.

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