Kaohsiung Cruise Terminal is super easy to get to – just hop on the LRT Green Line to C09 station and you’re practically there! Trains come by every 10-15 minutes.
For other Taiwan Cruise destinations check out our Taiwan Cruise Ports Guide page.
Once inside, you’ve got 22 immigration counters, some decent duty-free shopping, places to grab a bite, and the pretty Haiyun Art Plaza.
If you’ve got time to explore, check out the artsy Pier-2 district, hit the beaches on Cijin Island, or take a stroll along Love River – they’re all close by.
Big cruise companies like Azamara and Norwegian dock here regularly, with the busiest season running from October through December.
Map of Kaohsiung Cruise Ship Port
Getting to Kaohsiung Cruise Terminal: Transportation Options
Arriving at Kaohsiung’s cruise terminal? No worries – you’ve got plenty of ways to get around this buzzing port city.
The LRT Green Line practically drops you at the door, with Cruise Terminal Station (C09) just a minute’s walk away. Trains zip by every 10-15 minutes and tickets will only set you back about $1 USD. Need to get to the airport? Just hop off at Kaisyuan or Sanduo Shopping District and switch to the Metro Red Line.
Taxis are always hanging around, day or night. Expect to pay between $9-11 USD for an airport trip. If you’re more of an app person, try Tripool – they’ve got fixed prices and English-speaking drivers, which is a nice bonus.
Watching your wallet? Grab a YouBike near the terminal and pedal your way around. Or just stretch your legs with a waterfront stroll to check out the nearby sights – it’s pretty stunning along the harbor.
Terminal Facilities and Passenger Services
Kaohsiung’s cruise terminal is a real showstopper – its wave-inspired roof houses everything travelers need in one spot. You’ll zip through immigration thanks to the 22 counters equipped with facial recognition tech that gets you in and out in no time.
Once inside, you can hit up the duty-free shops, grab a bite at various restaurants, or sample local treats at the food court. For a killer view of the harbor, head up to the Haiyun Art Plaza on the third floor.
The terminal offers free Wi-Fi everywhere, staff who speak multiple languages to help you out, and is fully accessible. Getting around is a breeze with the light rail connection right at the terminal – perfect for checking out Kaohsiung’s sights after you’ve dropped off your bags.
Must-Visit Attractions Near the Port
Beyond the impressive terminal facilities, Kaohsiung’s port area puts you right next to some of the city’s coolest spots. Just a stone’s throw away, you’ll find the buzzing Pier-2 Art Center and Dayi Warehouses, where old industrial buildings now house all sorts of cultural goodies.
Want something more modern? The futuristic Kaohsiung Music Center and waterfront Banana Pier Mall are barely a 5-minute walk. History nerds will dig Martyrs’ Shrine, which serves up gorgeous harbor views less than a mile away. If you’re craving some nature, hop on a quick ferry to Cijin Island’s beaches or take a leisurely walk to Love River where you can cruise around on a gondola.
Dining and Shopping Around the Terminal
Dining and Shopping Around the Terminal
Hungry? You’ve got tons of food options right by Kaohsiung’s cruise terminal. Grab a quick bite at the terminal’s food court with handy AI translators to help you order, or wander over to Pier-2 Art Center where you can munch on creative dishes while checking out cool art installations until 10 PM.
If you’re craving the real local stuff, hop on the quick ferry to Cijin Island for fresh seafood at Ya Jiao, or take a 25-minute stroll to Kings Uen-Jon Wonton, where they’ve been dishing up killer beef noodles since 1954. Want something fancy? Head up to Sky Tower’s 39th floor for Teppanyaki with knockout harbor views.
Need to shop? The terminal has duty-free shops, or you can hit up Horizon City Marina Mall (open 24/7) for pretty much everything. For unique souvenirs, Pier-2’s design shops have tons of local crafts and cool stuff you won’t find back home.
See what’s on offer from the Port of Taipei (Keelung) for a different Taiwan Cruise destination.
Cruise Lines and Seasonal Itineraries
Since they expanded the terminal in 2023, Kaohsiung has pulled in quite a few big-name cruise lines. You can hop on fancy ships like Azamara’s cozy 781-passenger Onward or Seabourn Quest, or go bigger with Norwegian and AIDA’s vessels.
October through December is when things really heat up – more than 8 ships dock each month. January to April is quieter with mostly Asian routes. Looking to visit? Check out Norwegian Spirit‘s round trips between Taiwan and Japan, or catch the Resorts World One, which sails weekly to Penghu and Hong Kong from March through November.
Trips vary from quick 3-day hops across the Taiwan Strait to legs of those massive Asia tours everyone talks about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Luggage Drop-Off Service Before Official Check-In Time?
Yes, you’ll want to double-check with your cruise line since they all have their own rules about this. Many do let you drop off your bags early, before the official check-in starts. Just give your booking agent a call or take a quick look at the cruise’s website before you head out to be sure.
What Accessibility Features Are Available for Passengers With Mobility Issues?
Our entire terminal is fully accessible for passengers with mobility issues! We offer complimentary wheelchairs, express lanes, elevators that meet all ADA standards, and tactile walkways throughout the port. We’ve designed the space so you can get around easily and independently, no matter your mobility needs.
Are There Any Cultural Etiquette Tips for First-Time Visitors to Taiwan?
When visiting Taiwan, it’s a good idea to hand over business cards with both hands, and definitely kick off your shoes when entering someone’s home. For shared meals, try to use the serving chopsticks instead of your own. Avoid sticking your chopsticks straight up in rice (it reminds people of funeral incense), and if someone compliments you, being modest goes a long way – Taiwanese folks appreciate humility!
What Emergency Medical Facilities Are Available at the Terminal?
We’ve got medical help available around the clock with duty rooms and emergency teams right at the terminal. If needed, there are isolation areas, ambulances on standby, and we’ve worked out the fastest routes to get you to a hospital within 15 minutes flat.
Can Cruise Passengers Obtain Taiwan Transit Visas Upon Arrival?
Transit visas aren’t available on arrival, unfortunately. If you’re from a country that isn’t visa-exempt, you’ll need to get temporary entry permits ahead of time. Just hop online to apply before your cruise sets sail – that way you can explore Taiwan with everyone else without any headaches.
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Hualien Cruise Ship Port.
