Port of Hualien, Taiwan International Ports Corporation, Ltd.

Amidst the strong overall growth of Taiwan’s cruise industry, the relatively small Port of Hualien stands out for its exceptional beauty and the high quality of its comprehensive services. Service quality has continued to earn high marks from both domestic and international travel reviewers in recent years.

The port currently expects to welcome 12 international cruise ships voyages and 40,000 cruise ship passengers to Hualien this year (2016). Included on this list are Asia’s largest cruise ship, Quantum of the Seas (168,666 tons, 4,180 passenger capacity), and Asia’s newest cruise ship and Quantum sister ship, Ovation of the Seas. These state-of-the-art, luxury cruise liners underscore the industry’s continuing trend toward larger vessels with greater passenger capacities.

As part of ongoing efforts to upgrade service quality, the Port of Hualien will invest NT$20 million to renovate and expand the port’s immigration service station, with floor space planned to double from the current 360m² to 720m². Plans are optimized to swiftly process passenger entry and exit procedures and to support the provision of world-class visitor services.

Integration of the original and new immigration buildings will increase significantly the space available for passenger immigration services, departure waiting lounges, and specialty gift shopping. Once completed, this new immigration facility will enhance the international image of the port as well as further enhance service quality. Normal ship and wharf services will not be affected by related construction work, which is scheduled for completion at the end of 2016.