Asia's Top Cruise Destinations Showcase Diverse Experiences

Hong Kong, Korea, the Philippines, Shanghai and Xiamen highlight their latest offerings to global cruise companies

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:30am

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A conceptual illustration in the Art Deco style, featuring towering, geometric cruise ships and port buildings in a sweeping, airbrushed composition, capturing the grand scale and romance of international cruise travel.Cruise destinations in Asia showcase their world-class infrastructure and diverse cultural experiences to attract global travelers.Today in Miami

At the annual Seatrade industry luncheon, top cruise destinations in Asia - Hong Kong, Korea, the Philippines, Shanghai, and Xiamen - collectively presented their latest infrastructure upgrades and diverse tourism experiences to global cruise companies. The destinations highlighted their world-class hospitality, new port additions, expedition cruise offerings, streamlined customs processes, and unique cultural experiences to inspire one-of-a-kind cruise programs.

Why it matters

As the cruise industry continues to recover from the pandemic, these leading Asian destinations are positioning themselves to attract more cruise lines and passengers by showcasing their enhanced cruise infrastructure, unique shore excursions, and immersive cultural experiences. By collaborating and highlighting their collective strengths, they aim to make Asia a premier cruise destination for global travelers.

The details

Hong Kong promised world-class hospitality and year-round events, with attractions like the world's top-ranked bar and hotel, Michelin-starred restaurants, and premium shore excursions. Korea expanded its cruise ports to nine major destinations, offering smoother immigration processes and passenger services. The Philippines is focusing on expedition cruises to remote islands, emphasizing sustainability and cultural immersion. Shanghai upgraded its Baoshan cruise hub with an intelligent clearance system and diverse onshore experiences. Xiamen opened a new cruise terminal within its 'One-Hour Tourism Circle' concept, allowing easy access to key attractions.

  • The new cruise ports in Korea were added in 2026.
  • Xiamen's new cruise terminal opened in April 2025.
  • The annual Seatrade industry luncheon where the destinations presented their offerings took place on April 13, 2026.

The players

Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB)

The government organization responsible for promoting Hong Kong as a top travel destination, including for cruise tourism.

Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of Korea

The government agency in Korea that oversees the country's cruise industry and infrastructure development.

Philippine Department of Tourism

The government agency responsible for promoting the Philippines as a tourist destination, including for expedition cruises.

Baoshan District, Shanghai

A district in Shanghai that is home to the city's main cruise hub and is working to enhance its cruise-related infrastructure and offerings.

Xiamen Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism

The government agency responsible for overseeing the cultural and tourism development of Xiamen, including its cruise industry.

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What they’re saying

“As cruise lines are assured of top-notch shore experiences in Hong Kong, more and more are picking the city as the destination for staging memorable gala events.”

— Marilyn Tham, General Manager, Mega Events, MICE & Cruise, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB)

“As Korea aims to continuously improve cruise-related policies and infrastructure, with the expansion to nine major cruise ports as well as a wide range of attractive destinations and tourism content, cruise passengers are encouraged to enjoy a more convenient and comfortable travel experience.”

— Jong-geun Lee, Deputy Director, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of Korea

“In support of this direction, the Philippines is strengthening its destination readiness, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and promoting sustainable tourism practices to ensure that expedition cruise development is both environmentally responsible and economically beneficial to host communities.”

— Paulo Benito S. Tugbang, Director for Product Development, Philippine Department of Tourism

“Baoshan will continue to enhance cruise-related infrastructure, enrich its portfolio of vacation offerings and expand itinerary options for international cruises. We are committed to building Baoshan into China's top cruise destination with high-quality services and distinctive experiences for an unforgettable cruise journey.”

— Qi Xin, Secretary, Party Working Committee of Youyilu Sub-district, Baoshan District

“With its first-class hardware facilities, unique cultural and tourism offerings and signature homeport cruise itineraries, Xiamen is rapidly emerging as one of the most culturally distinctive international cruise ports in China.”

— Wang Guodi, Deputy Director of Xiamen Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism

What’s next

The destinations will continue to enhance their cruise infrastructure, expand their tourism offerings, and promote their unique experiences to attract more cruise lines and passengers to Asia.

The takeaway

By collaborating and showcasing their collective strengths, the leading cruise destinations in Asia are positioning the region as a premier global cruise destination, offering world-class hospitality, diverse cultural experiences, and streamlined operations to appeal to the growing cruise industry.