[Taiwan Immigrants’ Global News Network] The biggest port in Taiwan, the Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal, was formally inaugurated on March 6. The largest and most expensive luxury cruise ships in the world, "Seven Seas Explorer" and MS Westerdam arrived in Taiwan on the same day. This gave Kaohsiung Port the chance to receive foreign cruise ships, as well as more international visitors to Kaohsiung and the chance for Taiwanese citizens to see foreign luxury cruise ships.
There are two luxury cruise ships in Kaohsiung Port arrive at the same time.Photo provided by Taiwan International Ports Corporation, LTD. (TIPC)
Kaohsiung Port is the core of Taiwan’s port affairs and shipping. It is also part of the Asia New Bay Area plan. The goal is to expand Kaohsiung’s international visibility. The building’s shape uses 3D curved surfaces to design a streamlined appearance like a whale. The main body is as high as 15 floors and can berth two large cruise ships of 225,000 tons at the same time. There is a harbor view area on the third floor, where you can have a glimpse of the urban style of Kaohsiung Harbor and Kaohsiung City. There are restaurants and duty-free shops for international passengers on the first and second floors.
Read more: Overstayers self-report for reduced penalty! Let NIA help you home!
The architectural structure of Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal resembles a whale.Photo provided by Taiwan International Ports Corporation, LTD. (TIPC)
Other nearby attractions include Singuang Ferry Wharf (新光碼頭), the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center (高雄展覽館), and others. There are also a range of activities available, such as booths in the cultural and creative market. Buses and ight rail transitare two ways to get there.
Market stalls near Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal.Photo provided by Taiwan International Ports Corporation, LTD. (TIPC)
The Seven Seas Explorer (七海探索者號) and the pop-up event on the Nautica (諾蒂卡號) are the two most noteworthy highlights of this cruise ship's arrival. The Seven Seas Explorer is the world's biggest and priciest luxury cruise ship. The entire suite is 360 square meters. This 600–700 passenger cruise leaves Thailand, travels via the Philippines, Kaohsiung, Keelung, and then makes a transfer to Japan before the Nautica’s arrival. It is projected to fetch more than 600 foreign passengers.
A group photo of foreign tourists with the welcoming team from Taiwan.Photo provided by Taiwan International Ports Corporation, LTD. (TIPC)
The opening period of the two-day pop-up event is only limited on March 6 and March 9 from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm in order to avoid the busiest times for cruise operations and to make visitors feel more comfortable. The open area is the coastal walkway on the first and third floors of the Kaohsiung Port Travel Center which tourists can see the most beautiful sea view in southern Taiwan. However, there is no parking service on the day of the visit, and cars are not allowed to enter, public transportation are advised.
