What's so appealing about cruising from Taiwan to Japan?

Fly and cruise offers many advantages: (1) Only need to apply for a Taiwan multiple-entry visa, (2) Optimize the experience, travel to many places, (3) Diversify the experience: From land to sea, on a cruise ship.

Video of a cruise trip from Taiwan to Japan:

Apply for a single-entry visa

For cruises departing from Taiwan, you only need a multiple-entry visa. Upon arrival in Japan, you will receive assistance with immigration procedures. The process is quick and easy, taking only 2-3 minutes if no issues arise. After completing the procedures, you can enjoy your 7-day trip to Japan before returning to the cruise ship.

Where can I go?

Tourists from Vietnam wishing to visit two countries can depart from Keelung Port (Taiwan) and arrive at Naha Port in Okinawa Prefecture (Japan). In Taiwan, you can combine a visit to both Taipei, the capital city, and New Taipei City, as they are less than 30 km from Keelung. Each location is suitable for a 1-1.5 day trip.

Northern Taiwan boasts distinctive features such as modern urban landscapes, vibrant night markets, picturesque nature, a rich spiritual life, and a unique blend of Chinese culture and Taiwanese modernity, infused with a touch of Western influence.

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A relaxing trip from the northernmost point of Taiwan to the southernmost point of Japan.

What should I keep in mind when applying for a Taiwan visa?

On the cruise to Naha, Okinawa, travelers can stop at Ishigaki Island and Kemara Island to experience diving and the centuries-old traditional pottery craft. Later on the main island of Okinawa, visitors can learn about the land's history before it became part of Japan, the origins of karate, the eisa dance that brought Japan to the world, and a more relaxed and comfortable pace of life compared to the bustling cities like Tokyo or Osaka.

Why choose a cruise ship?

With a cruise, you don't waste time just traveling. Instead, while the ship glides smoothly across the waves to new lands, you can rest, relax, and have fun.

The Norwegian Spirit departs from Keelung and has a capacity of up to 2032 people. It is the most compact cruise ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, yet its amenities and services are on par with its sister ships.

The ship offers a full range of amenities including a cafe, lounge, bar, theater, swimming pool, free restaurant, fine dining restaurant, gym, spa… catering to the diverse needs of large groups of friends or families. With ocean views, every experience is elevated, even when you're simply sipping tea on your bedroom balcony.

Cruise tourism in northern Taiwan is booming, particularly in Keelung. In 2019, it welcomed 1 million global visitors, with 600 ships docking or utilizing its ports for significant economic value. With its rich tourism resources, Taiwan has become a popular transit point for Asian fly-cruise routes in recent years.

You can choose a Norwegian Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean cruise to China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong (Northern Vietnam), Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand (Southern Vietnam).

According to the Cruise Line International Association, the largest international cruise industry association, the number of Vietnamese tourists choosing cruises is quite low compared to other countries in the region. On average, from 2016 to 2019, this number reached approximately 7,300 people per year, but the customer base is getting younger. The 2019 annual report indicates that the average age of tourists decreased from 42 to 41 (between 2016 and 2019) and seems to be continuing to get younger. Specifically, data from 2018 shows that the highest proportion of tourists are aged between 30 and 39, accounting for 23%.

The length of time Vietnamese people choose to spend on cruises ranges from 3 to 6 days, and this trend is gradually decreasing. In 2016, the majority of tourists chose to stay for 4-6 days, accounting for 62%, but this decreased to 46% in 2019. This trend aligns with fly-and-cruise itineraries, where time spent on the ship is typically only 1.5-2 days, corresponding to the travel time between tourist destinations.

Currently, Taiwanese authorities are also offering attractive incentives to boost the cruise market. The Taiwan International Port Corporation (TIPC) has implemented programs offering free berths and at least a 30% reduction in passenger service fees for eligible groups.

Phuong Thao is an editor at Travellive magazine. She is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing moments with her camera in every place she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are Phuong Thao's favorite writing topics.

Text and photos: Minh Anh