Asian Cruise Destinations Highlight Market Growth in Miami

Five cruise destinations from Asia presented the latest developments in the cruise sector during a luncheon with cruise line executives held this week in Miami Beach.

The event was organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, alongside representatives from Korea, the Philippines, Xiamen, and Shanghai. According to the organizers, the gathering highlighted “A Journey Through Asia’s Finest Moments,” focusing on new cruise experiences, port developments, and broader industry updates.

“This event is very typical and good example to showcase how Hong Kong works together with other Asian destinations as a great team to cultivate cruise tourism in the Asia region,” said Marilyn Tham, general manager, mega events, MICE and cruise at the Hong Kong Tourism Board.

Hong Kong reported strong tourism figures overall, welcoming 15 million visitors in 2025. Its cruise sector has also seen notable momentum.

“Last year, we recorded a double-digit growth in both passenger arrivals and number of calls,” she said, adding that the increase exceeded 20 percent.

Looking ahead, Tham expects continued growth in 2026, with more cruise calls anticipated from both domestic Chinese vessels and international operators. She also pointed to new visitor experiences, including access to 77 Michelin-starred restaurants and premium shore excursions such as helicopter tours.

Elsewhere in Asia, Korea is also seeing strong expansion in its cruise market, with expectations to host more than 1.8 million cruise passengers in 2026.

“That number was based on our previous estimates, but we are getting even more cruise call requests, so I think the final figure will be even larger than that,” said Lee Jong-Geun, Deputy Director of the Marine Leisure Tourism Division at Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.

He explained that this growth is being driven by global interest in K-culture and K-pop, as well as shifting travel patterns linked to relations between China and Japan.

“There were many more cruisers that were going to Japan that are now going to Korea,” Lee explained.

Korea has also expanded its port network by adding Masan and Saemangeum, joining existing ports such as Incheon, Seosan, Yeosu, Jeju, Busan, Pohang, and Sokcho.

The Philippines is likewise experiencing steady growth in cruise tourism. The country recorded 136 cruise calls and welcomed over 240,000 passengers, representing a 26 percent increase compared to the previous year.

“We had a pretty good year in the Philippines numbers-wise,” said Dr. Paulo Benito S. Tugbang, director for product development at the Philippines Department of Tourism.

More cruise operators are also including the Philippines in their itineraries, particularly in the expedition and luxury segments, with brands such as Swan Hellenic, Ponant, and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

“This year we are expecting their return, along with the debut of Noble Caledonia,” he told Cruise Industry News.

In China, Shanghai’s Baoshan District has upgraded its cruise services by introducing a new clearance system that reduces customs processing times to just seconds.

“Baoshan will continue to enhance cruise-related infrastructure, enrich its portfolio of vacation offerings and expand itinerary options for international cruises,” said Qi Xin, Secretary, Party Working Committee of Youyilu Sub-district, Baoshan District.

“We are committed to building Baoshan into China’s top cruise destination with high-quality services and distinctive experiences for an unforgettable cruise journey,” he added.

Xiamen has also improved its port efficiency, cutting customs clearance times by more than 50 percent. The city has launched new initiatives such as the “One-Hour Tourism Circle,” enabling cruise passengers to quickly access major attractions like Gulangyu Island, as well as “Meet Minnan – Time Fantasy,” an immersive marine cultural tourism project.

“With its first-class hardware facilities, unique cultural and tourism offerings and signature homeport cruise itineraries, Xiamen is rapidly emerging as one of the most culturally distinctive international cruise ports in China,” said Wang Guodi, Deputy Director of Xiamen Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism.