Taiwan offers four awesome cruise ports, each with its own cool perks.
Keelung (Taipei) is the main northern entry point with beefed-up facilities that can handle huge ships.
Down south, Kaohsiung boasts a fancy 15-story terminal packed with the latest tech.
If you’re into nature, Hualien on the east coast gets you close to the breathtaking Taroko Gorge.
Taichung mixes working harbor vibes with easy access to cultural spots.
Every port comes with solid transportation options, free Wi-Fi, and genuine local experiences.
Each stop shows off a different slice of Taiwan’s magic.
Taipei (Keelung) Cruise Ship Port Guide
Keelung sits about 16 miles northeast of Taipei’s busy center and works as Taiwan’s main cruise port. It’s the country’s biggest, handling around 370,000 passengers each year between its two terminals.
Both the East Coast and West Wharf terminals are just a 10-minute stroll from downtown. Since the 2018 upgrades, even those massive Oasis-class ships can pull right up to the dock.
Once you’re off the ship, you’ve got options. Head to Miaokou Night Market for some killer braised pork rice, hop on a train to Taipei (takes less than an hour), or join a trip out to Zhengbin Fishing Port – a spot that’ll definitely upgrade your Instagram feed.
Kaohsiung Cruise Ship Port Guide
While Keelung handles the north, Kaohsiung is definitely southern Taiwan’s maritime star. You’ll step off at the impressive Penglai Terminal, where that 15-story tower can dock two huge cruise ships at once.
Thanks to their slick immigration setup with facial recognition, you’ll breeze through and start exploring in no time. The location is spot-on – hop on the Light Rail to check out Pier-2 Art Center or head up to Haiyun deck for some killer views.
Make sure to hit the Shoushan Monkey Mountain trails or grab a ferry to Qijin Island’s cool black-sand beaches. It’s all right there waiting as your jumping-off point to Taiwan’s lively southern scene.
Hualien Cruise Ship Port Guide
Eastern Taiwan’s hidden gem awaits at Hualien port – a totally different vibe from what you’ll find on the west coast. The indigenous Sakiraya people called this place “Kiray” long before it became a cruise stop that can handle massive ships up to 225,000 tons at Wharfs 23 and 24.
Got a car? No worries – park for free in one of 400+ spaces. Taking the bus? Jump on a direct route to downtown, just 6km away. The passenger terminal spans 4,800m² with free Wi-Fi and helpful locals at the tourist desk who can point you toward the breathtaking Taroko Gorge (40km up north) or suggest how to squeeze in a day trip to Taipei (about 2.5 hours by train).
Taichung Cruise Ship Port Guide
Taiwan’s second-largest port welcomes cruise visitors to a working harbor that juggles cargo operations alongside tourism. The Cruise Passenger Terminal in Wuqi District handles all immigration and customs needs with English-speaking staff and can accommodate massive ships up to 225,000 tons.
You’ll dock about 165km from Taipei, with day trips running to Longshan Temple, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, and bustling seafood markets where local restaurants will cook whatever you just bought. If you’ve got some time, check out Gaomei Wetlands (just 20 minutes away) or the charming Lukang Old Street (40 minutes). Independent explorers can hop on the 308 bus from Shalu Station to discover this jumping-off point to central Taiwan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Seasons for Cruising Around Taiwan?
Heads up: a whopping 60% of typhoons slam Taiwan during August-September! For smooth sailing, you’ll want to hit the waters during spring (April-June) when temps are just right, or autumn (October-November) when the weather’s dry and steady with barely any typhoon worries.
Are Visas Required for Cruise Passengers Visiting Taiwan?
Coming from one of the 65 visa-exempt countries? Lucky you – no visa needed for your cruise stop in Taiwan! Everyone else will need to grab a temporary entry permit before sailing over, which needs to be green-lit by immigration officials ahead of time.
What Currency Is Accepted at Taiwan Cruise Ports?
Grab some New Taiwan Dollars (TWD) before hitting Taiwan’s cruise ports. Local vendors, markets, and transportation mostly deal in TWD. Your credit cards might work in bigger shops, but don’t count on them for street food or smaller spots. Cash is definitely king in the local scene.
How Reliable Is Wi-Fi Availability at Taiwan’s Cruise Terminals?
Need Wi-Fi at Taiwan’s cruise ports? No worries! Both Keelung and Kaohsiung terminals hook you up with free connections. Keelung even boasts super-fast gigabit Wi-Fi with 1,100 hotspots scattered throughout. You won’t miss a beat online when cruising through Taiwan!
Are There Any Cultural Taboos Tourists Should Avoid in Taiwan?
When you’re in Taiwan, steer clear of the number four (it sounds like “death” in Chinese), don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice (resembles funeral incense), and skip giving clocks as gifts (suggests counting down someone’s life). Pointing with your finger is rude – use your whole hand instead. Remember to kick off your shoes when entering homes, keep your voice down in public, and cover up when visiting temples. Nothing ruins a trip faster than accidentally offending the locals!
