Taiwan is an increasingly popular cruise destination in East Asia, thanks to its mix of modern cities, dramatic coastline, mountains, night markets and family-friendly infrastructure. While Keelung is the main cruise gateway, it is not the only port in Taiwan capable of welcoming large cruise ships.
Below is a full breakdown of the Taiwan cruise ports that can accommodate large vessels, what type of port each one is, and where you can explore from each stop.
Keelung Port (基隆港)
Port type: Full cruise terminal
Serves: Keelung City and Taipei
Keelung is by far the most common cruise port in Taiwan and acts as the main gateway to Taipei, the capital city. The cruise terminal is modern, well organised, and located right in the city, meaning you can walk straight into Keelung or connect easily to trains, buses, taxis and private excursions.
From Keelung, popular day trips include Taipei, around 30 to 40 minutes away and ideal for Taipei 101, night markets and museums.
Read: Taipei with autistic children
Jiufen is a well known hillside village with lantern-lit streets and teahouses. Shifen is known for sky lanterns and waterfalls, and Yehliu Geopark offers dramatic coastal rock formations.
Keelung is excellent for independent exploration as well as ship-run excursions, making it one of the easiest Asian cruise ports to navigate.
Read: Keelung with autistic children
Kaohsiung Port (高雄港)
Port type: Full cruise terminal
Serves: Kaohsiung City and southern Taiwan
Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s largest port city and the main cruise hub in the south. The port can easily accommodate large cruise ships and is close to public transport links, including the MRT and light rail.
From Kaohsiung, you can explore Kaohsiung city itself, including art districts, night markets, Lotus Pond and harbourfront parks. Fo Guang Shan is one of Taiwan’s most important Buddhist monasteries. Tainan, Taiwan’s former capital, is around one hour away and offers temples and historic streets.
Kaohsiung offers a very different feel from Taipei, with a warmer, more laid-back atmosphere and fewer crowds, making it a great contrast stop on a Taiwan itinerary.
Taichung Port (台中港)
Port type: Full commercial port with cruise capability
Serves: Taichung City and central Taiwan
Taichung Port is a large industrial port that can accept large cruise vessels, although it is used less frequently than Keelung or Kaohsiung. It is located some distance from the city centre, so transport or organised excursions are recommended.
From Taichung Port, cruise passengers often visit Taichung city for museums, parks and food markets. Rainbow Village is a colourful former military village, and Sun Moon Lake is one of Taiwan’s most famous scenic spots, although it is a longer excursion.
This port suits cruises that want to showcase central Taiwan rather than the north or south.
Hualien Port (花蓮港)
Port type: Often a tender port for cruise ships
Serves: Hualien and Taiwan’s east coast
Hualien sits on Taiwan’s dramatic east coast and is best known as the gateway to Taroko Gorge. While cruise ships do call here, tendering is common, particularly for larger vessels, due to port limitations.
From Hualien, the standout excursion is Taroko National Park, known for its marble canyons, tunnels and hiking trails. You can also explore Hualien city, which is smaller and quieter, or visit Qixingtan Beach for coastal views.
This is one of Taiwan’s most scenic cruise stops but tends to be more excursion-focused than independent wandering.
Taiwan Digital Arrival Card for Cruise Passengers
All travellers entering Taiwan are normally required to complete the Taiwan Digital Arrival Card online before arrival.
Read: The Taiwan Digital Arrival Card
However, cruise passengers are usually handled differently. Most cruise lines collect passport details in advance, and immigration is often completed as a group at the port. Some cruises issue paper landing cards instead of requiring the online form.
It is still a good idea to check with your cruise line before sailing, as requirements can change depending on nationality and itinerary. If you are asked to complete the digital arrival card, it is quick and free to do online.
Strict Biosecurity Rules: Food Restrictions in Taiwan
Taiwan has very strict biosecurity laws, and this is especially important for cruise passengers to understand.
You must not bring fresh fruit, meat products including cured meats, sausages, jerky and sandwiches with meat, dairy products, or plants, seeds or agricultural products.
Cruise passengers are routinely screened, and fines for bringing prohibited food items into Taiwan can be extremely high, even if the item was forgotten in a bag. The screening I have experienced is thorough, and staff will ask you multiple times in different languages if you have any of these items in your luggage – failing to notify them can result in hefty fines.
If your ship allows you to take food ashore, it is safest to leave all food on the ship, dispose of any fruit or meat products before disembarking, and only carry sealed, permitted items if explicitly allowed. Just because the ship allows it, it does not mean that Taiwan allows it.
This is enforced seriously, and not knowing the rules is not accepted as an excuse.
Is Taiwan a Good Cruise Destination?
Taiwan offers efficient ports and transport, excellent accessibility and infrastructure, and a mix of city, culture, nature and food. It is easy to explore independently from major ports, while still offering well-organised excursions.
Explore: Accessible transport in Taiwan
Whether your cruise docks in Keelung, Kaohsiung, or ventures to Hualien, Taiwan is a rewarding and well organised stop that works well for families, independent travellers and first-time visitors to Asia.
Ready to plan a trip to Taiwan? These guides will help:
