The cruise vessel Star Navigator/fka Resorts World One, operated by Star Cruises, commenced her inaugural voyage from the Port of Keelung on March 28th, 2025.
Deputy Keelung Mayor Chiu Pei-lin boarded the vessel to engage with cruise operators and tourism industry representatives, underscoring Keelung's strategic position as a home port for domestic cruises. Chiu noted that the ship, formerly known as SuperStar Virgo since 2008, was rebranded as Star Navigator in 2025, describing it as "an old friend with a new name" and highlighting its readiness to strengthen connections with Keelung.
Star Navigator is expected to play a significant role in promoting cruise tourism for both Keelung and Taiwan. The vessel's procurement of substantial quantities of local produce and seafood is anticipated to benefit the city's agricultural and fisheries sectors.
Keelung's port offers unique geographical advantages, with convenient railway and highway connections to Taipei, New Taipei City, and Taoyuan. This infrastructure facilitates international travelers' transit from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport to Keelung via public transportation for cruise embarkation.
Keelung Mayor George Hsieh emphasized the harbor's role as a key hub for cruise routes in Asia. The city government, in collaboration with Taiwan International Ports Corp, plans to promote Keelung's cultural tourism, introduce port rate discounts, and organize familiarization trips to attract more international cruise lines to call at Keelung. Additionally, the city is considering hosting large-scale events to coincide with cruise ship arrivals, inviting passengers to participate and enhancing the events' international appeal.
Deputy city government spokesman Tseng Kuan-cheng reported that Keelung has renovated the East District Visitor Center, West Passenger Terminal, and several pier facilities, creating a more modern, spacious, and welcoming environment. These upgrades have significantly enhanced the capacity and quality of cruise services at the port.
In 2024, the Port of Keelung welcomed 787,000 cruise passengers, with 266,000 being foreign visitors, demonstrating strong growth potential in the post-COVID market.
Taiwan International Ports Corp stated that Star Navigator will homeport in Keelung from March 28 through November 14, 2025, with plans for 71 dockings. Up to 325,000 international cruise passengers are expected to arrive this year, surpassing last year's record of 266,000.
Taiwan International Ports Corp President Wang Chin-jung indicated that 572 international cruise ships are expected to visit Taiwan this year, bringing in approximately 980,000 passengers, with Star Navigator projected to account for about 30% of the total.
Wang expressed hope that Star Cruises, Asia's largest cruise operator, would deploy more vessels to ports around Taiwan, enabling residents in central, southern, and eastern regions to access cruise experiences more conveniently.