Growing opportunities for elevating cruise programmes in Hong Kong, Korea, the Philippines and Xiamen were laid out to excite global cruise companies in the industry luncheon held on the opening day of Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 yesterday.
Themed “Connect & Discover • Asia’s Destinations Await”, the highly anticipated annual gathering for industry leaders and media highlighted the enormous resources of the four prominent cruise destinations to enrich cruise programmes, as well as supportive measures including favourable visa policies and seamless processes to smooth cruise visitations.
From UNESCO-honoured gems in Hong Kong to K-culture in Korea, new cruise attractions in the Ilocos Region of the Philippines and the imminent launch of new theme park and cruise terminal in Xiamen, these leading cruise destinations continue to enrich destination offerings and collectively empower cruising with a difference.
Hong Kong mesmerises with hidden gems and new development near cruise terminal
In Hong Kong, cruise visitors are spoilt for choice for onshore experiences, from city charm to UNESCO-honoured historical buildings and landscapes, and from greeting six pandas including the twin cubs born at Ocean Park Hong Kong to feeling the magic through the 20th Anniversary extravaganzas at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.
The neighborhood around Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is increasingly vibrant, with the recent launch of Kai Tak Sports Park, designed to stage world-class events like Hong Kong Sevens and world tours at its magnificent 50,000-seat stadium. Cruise passengers can also immerse in novel “sportainment” shopping in the adjoining retail hub, or take a stroll in the Kowloon Walled City Park to see relics of the famed Walled City, and explore mindfulness at Buddhist sanctuary Chilin Nunnery and the adjacent classical Chinese garden, Nan Lian Garden.
Joanne Chu, Deputy Commissioner for Tourism from the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said, “Beyond enhancing visitor onshore experiences, the HKSAR government is committed to expediting the adoption of shore power and green maritime fuels. This dovetails with the future-proof directions and long- term sustainable growth of the global cruise trade.”
Korea unveils “K-Harmony Wave” and enhanced tourism convenience
Blending tradition with modernity, Korea delivers a wave of K-culture in harmony – from K-Tradition embodied in grand palaces and traditional markets, to K-Modern converging trendy lifestyles and innovative technologies, K-Gourmet presenting the essence of Korean cuisine, and K-Wellness offering mental and physical rejuvenation.
While Korea is gearing up to host the 12th Asia Cruise Forum, to be held in Jeju from 10 to 12 July, Jeju cruise port will be the first port in Korea to adopt 38 units of new unmanned immigration checkpoints this year, enabling smooth and comfortable immigration procedures to maximise cruise experience. Korea also plans to renovate the Busan Yeongdo Cruise Terminal to significantly enhance convenience for cruise visitors and operational efficiency..
Jae Min Park, Deputy Director, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of Korea, said, “We will continue to improve port facilities and systems so that tourists visiting Korea can enjoy cruise travel more conveniently in the future. We strive to ensure all cruise visitors enjoy a special cruise trip that combines Korea's unique vibe, living traditions and modern charm..”
The Philippines woos luxury cruise lines and expands available destinations and cruise infrastructure
The Philippines is gearing up for regional cruise tourism development. With the Ilocos Region in the north of the archipelago rapidly becoming a key cruise tourism destination, the Philippines is ramping up the region’s ports, including Salomague, Currimao, and Hundred Islands National Parkas major gateways to attract luxury cruise lines. Already, the region received over 6,000 international passengers in the first two months of 2025.
In the south of the multi-island country, following the recent the completion of the US$10.57 million Jubang Port cruise ship terminal in Dapa in Surigao del Norte last year, new terminals are under development in Alegria, Coron, Puerto Galera and Balbagon, to boost the capacity for welcoming international cruise ships.
Dr. Paulo Benito Tugbang, Director for Product Development, Philippine Department of Tourism, said, “Cruise tourism has achieved remarkable growth, with 300% increase in cruise passenger arrivals in the first five months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.The government has introduced a cruise visa waiver program, allowing foreign tourists arriving via cruise ships to enter the country without a visa for a limited period, as an initiative to streamline entry processes and attract more international cruise lines.”
Xiamen presents immersive cultural theme park and new cruise terminal
Showcasing immersive Minnan culture indigenous to Xiamen, “Time Meets Island” within the cruise terminal zone is the world’s first cultural theme park to take visitors on a journey through the thousand-year history and culture of the region. Themed areas showcasing Minnan history and culinary culture are complemented by museum-style performances and a stylish night market. The theme park is set to open in the first half of this year.
Meanwhile, the new Xiamen International Cruise Terminal 2, opening in April this year, will offer seamless security screening that will clear passengers within an average of about 10 minutes. The Xiamen International Cruise Homeport is conveniently located in the bustling heart of the city, offering cruise visitors easy access to city attractions, airport and the high- speed rail station to enjoy richer shore experiences.
Wang Guodi, Deputy Director of Xiamen Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism said, “We have implemented a 144-hour visa-free transit policy, offering visa-free treatment to nationals from 54 countries and eligible tourist groups arriving in Xiamen via cruise ships. Cruise passengers can enter China visa-free through Xiamen and stay for up to 10 days, providing ample time to explore cities across the country.”
The synergy between the four key destinations in Asia – Hong Kong, Korea, the Philippines and Xiamen, complete with conducive measures to deliver seamless experiences and logistics for global cruise companies and their passengers, promises diverse culturally rich experiences to make every cruise journey a once-in-a-lifetime expedition.
