Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal Overview and Guide

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View of traffic signs and terminal bridge at Marseille Provence cruise port under blue sky.
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Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal is a modern and convenient hub for cruise passengers in southern Taiwan. It's located on the southern coast of Taiwan, near the city of Kaohsiung.

The terminal has a total of 5 berths, with a maximum capacity of 5 cruise ships at the same time. This allows for a smooth and efficient embarkation and disembarkation process.

The terminal is equipped with modern facilities, including a large waiting area, restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.

History and Development

The Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal has a fascinating history. The engineering and architectural competition for the facility was completed on December 10, 2010.

The design was a collaborative effort between Taiwan's Zong Mai Architects and Reiser + Umemoto from the United States, who won the bid.

Construction on the terminal began on November 9, 2013, after Chunyuan Construction won the first bid for the main project in the fourth public bidding.

It took nearly a decade for the project to reach completion, with the terminal finally opening its doors on March 6, 2023.

Transportation to Kaohsiung

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Getting around Kaohsiung is a breeze. The cruise ship terminal is within walking distance of the Kaohsiung Metro's Cruise Terminal light rail station, making it an easy and convenient option.

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.

Taxis are always available, day or night, and can be a good option if you have a lot of luggage or prefer not to walk. Expect to pay between $9-11 USD for an airport trip.

If you're on a budget, consider grabbing a YouBike near the terminal and pedaling your way around.

Onboard Experience

The Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal offers a smooth and efficient onboard experience for passengers.

The terminal is equipped with a variety of amenities, including restaurants, cafes, and shops, to cater to different tastes and preferences.

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Passengers can enjoy a range of dining options, from traditional Taiwanese cuisine to international flavors.

The terminal also features a spacious waiting area with comfortable seating and ample natural light.

In terms of accessibility, the terminal is designed to be wheelchair-friendly, with ramps and elevators connecting the different levels.

The onboard experience is further enhanced by the terminal's state-of-the-art navigation system, ensuring a safe and timely departure.

Accessibility and Safety

Our Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal is designed with accessibility in mind. We offer complimentary wheelchairs for passengers with mobility issues.

The terminal is fully accessible, with elevators that meet all ADA standards, allowing everyone to move around easily. Tactile walkways are also available throughout the port.

We've made it easy for passengers to navigate the terminal, with express lanes to help you get where you need to go quickly and efficiently.

Accessibility Features for Mobility-Impaired Passengers

Our airport terminal is designed with accessibility in mind, making it easy for passengers with mobility issues to navigate.

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We offer complimentary wheelchairs for those who need them, so you can get around the terminal with ease.

Express lanes are available to help you get to your gate quickly and efficiently.

Elevators throughout the terminal meet all ADA standards, ensuring a safe and smooth ride.

Tactile walkways are also available to help guide you through the airport.

We've thoughtfully designed the space to allow you to get around easily and independently, no matter your mobility needs.

Emergency Medical Facilities

At the terminal, you'll find medical help available around the clock. Medical facilities include duty rooms and emergency teams right at the terminal.

If you need immediate attention, there are isolation areas available to ensure your safety and comfort. Ambulances are on standby, ready to transport you to a hospital if needed.

You can get to a hospital within 15 minutes flat, thanks to the fastest routes that have been worked out for emergency situations.

Practical Information

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Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal is located on the southern coast of Taiwan, specifically on the island of Meinong. It's easily accessible by car or taxi.

The terminal is open daily from 8am to 6pm, with extended hours during peak season. Visitors can plan their day around these hours to make the most of their time.

Getting to the terminal is relatively straightforward, with a 10-minute drive from the city center. However, parking can be a challenge, especially during peak season.

Dining and Shopping

If you're looking for a quick bite near the Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal, you've got plenty of options. Grab a quick bite at the terminal's food court with handy AI translators to help you order.

The terminal's food court has a variety of food options, but if you're craving something local, hop on the quick ferry to Cijin Island for fresh seafood at Ya Jiao.

For a unique shopping experience, head to Pier-2 Art Center, where you can find local crafts and cool souvenirs. The center is open until 10 PM, so you can shop and enjoy the art installations under the stars.

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If you're looking for something fancy, head up to Sky Tower's 39th floor for Teppanyaki with knockout harbor views. The harbor views are simply stunning, and the food is top-notch.

For duty-free shopping, the terminal has plenty of options, or you can hit up Horizon City Marina Mall (open 24/7) for pretty much everything.

Cruise Lines and Itineraries

Kaohsiung has become a popular cruise destination, especially since the terminal expansion in 2023. Big-name cruise lines like Azamara and Seabourn now call at the port.

October to December is the peak season, with over 8 ships docking each month. You can hop on a fancy ship like Azamara's cozy Onward or go bigger with Norwegian and AIDA's vessels.

January to April is a quieter time, with mostly Asian routes. If you're looking to visit, consider Norwegian Spirit's round trips between Taiwan and Japan.

Trips vary from short 3-day hops across the Taiwan Strait to longer legs of Asia tours.

高雄港旅運中心 觀海新地標

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The Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal is a must-visit destination in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. It's the biggest port in Taiwan and a key part of the Asia New Bay Area plan.

The terminal's architectural structure resembles a whale, with a streamlined appearance and 3D curved surfaces. This design gives it a unique and eye-catching look.

You can reach the terminal by bus or light rail transit. Buses and public transportation are advised, as cars are not allowed to enter the area on the day of the visit.

The terminal itself has a range of amenities, including restaurants and duty-free shops for international passengers on the first and second floors. There's also a harbor view area on the third floor, where you can take in the sights of Kaohsiung Harbor and Kaohsiung City.

Some of the nearby attractions include Singuang Ferry Wharf, the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center, and other cultural and creative market stalls.

Credit: youtube.com, (旅見步閑NO:99)最近的高雄港旅運中心終於可以進去參觀了!讓我們一同前往有高級感的旅運中心,目前二樓為入出境管理所以一般參觀還未開放,應該為往後出國旅行更加方便。#高雄市#旅運中心#郵輪#景點

Here's a list of some of the nearby attractions:

  • Singuang Ferry Wharf (新光碼頭)
  • Kaohsiung Exhibition Center (高雄展覽館)
  • Cultural and creative market stalls

The terminal has hosted several notable cruise ships, including the Seven Seas Explorer, which is the world's biggest and priciest luxury cruise ship. This ship has a total suite area of 360 square meters and can accommodate around 600 passengers.

Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal

The Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal is a game-changer for Taiwan's port affairs and shipping.

Located in Kaohsiung, it's the biggest port in Taiwan.

The terminal was formally inaugurated on March 6, and it's part of the Asia New Bay Area plan to expand Kaohsiung's international visibility.

The building's shape is designed to resemble a whale, with 3D curved surfaces giving it a streamlined appearance.

It's a massive structure, with a main body as high as 15 floors, capable of berthing two large cruise ships of 225,000 tons at the same time.

The terminal has a harbor view area on the third floor, offering a glimpse of the urban style of Kaohsiung Harbor and Kaohsiung City.

Credit: youtube.com, 高雄港旅運中心賞夕陽看燈光秀|Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal

You can also find restaurants and duty-free shops for international passengers on the first and second floors.

There are plenty of nearby attractions to explore, including Singuang Ferry Wharf, the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center, and more.

Some popular activities include booths in the cultural and creative market, and you can get there by bus or light rail transit.

Here are some ways to get to the Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal:

  • Buses
  • Light rail transit

The terminal was inaugurated with the arrival of two luxury cruise ships, the Seven Seas Explorer and MS Westerdam, which brought over 600 foreign passengers to Taiwan.

The Seven Seas Explorer is the world's biggest and priciest luxury cruise ship, with a suite of 360 square meters.

A two-day pop-up event was held on March 6 and March 9, allowing visitors to see the beautiful sea view in southern Taiwan from the coastal walkway on the first and third floors of the Kaohsiung Port Travel Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time should I get to the cruise terminal?

Arrive at the cruise terminal at least 3 hours before departure for a smooth boarding process. However, arriving later in the day (before the cut-off time) can also speed up boarding

Felicia Larson

Writer

Felicia Larson is a seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for logistics. Her work focuses on the intricate world of shipping companies, where she delves into the complexities of global logistics and supply chain management. Through her articles, she aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, from the latest technological advancements to the challenges faced by shipping companies.

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