Hong Kong, Korea, the Philippines and Xiamen deliver next-level cruise infrastructure and support measures to enable seamless cruising

With cruise growth accelerating across the region, Asia’s leading destinations came together yesterday for a luncheon at Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 to spotlight the developments shaping what’s next for cruising in Hong Kong, Korea, the Philippines and Xiamen.

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 programs, as well as supportive measures including favorable visa policies and new processes to ensure seamless cruise visitations.

From UNESCO-honored 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 mesmerizes with hidden gems and new development near cruise terminal

In Hong Kong, cruise visitors are spoiled for choice for onshore experiences: from the bustling charm of the city and UNESCO-honored historical buildings and landscapes, to greeting the pandas including the twin cubs at Ocean Park Hong Kong or feeling the magic through the 20^th Anniversary extravaganza 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 concert 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 Chi Lin Nunnery and the adjacent classical Chinese garden, Nan Lian Garden.

“Beyond enhancing visitor onshore experiences, the HKSAR government is committed to expediting the adoption of shore power and green maritime fuels,” said Ms. Joanne Chu, Deputy Commissioner for Tourism from the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). “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 July 10-12, 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 maximize cruise experience. Korea also plans to renovate the Busan Yeongdo Cruise Terminal to significantly enhance convenience for cruise visitors and operational efficiency.

Mr. 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 Park as 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 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.

“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,” said Dr. Paulo Benito Tugbang, Director for Product Development, Philippine Department of Tourism. “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 later 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.

“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,” said Ms. Wang Guodi, Deputy Director of Xiamen Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism. “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.

Source: BUSINESS WIRE