Hong Kong, Korea, the Philippines, and Shanghai and Xiamen in China are investing to improve port infrastructure, terminal facilities and shore experience programmes for cruise guests.
Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has developed premium experiences for cruise guests, including horseracing parties in private boxes, VIP helicopter rides and private docent tours at Hong Kong Palace Museum and contemporary art museum M+. Cruise travellers can also participate in events and festivals throughout the year, visit award-winning bars, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.
“As cruise lines are assured of top-notch shore experiences in Hong Kong, more and more are picking the city as the destination for staging memorable gala events,” said Marilyn Tham, general manager of cruise, mega events, and meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions at HKTB. “The HKTB also collaborates closely with cruise lines to integrate local events into guests’ onshore experiences, putting together fresh and novel ideas for elevating shore visits.”
Korea is to open two ports for boutique and luxury vessels – Masan and Saemangeum – taking the total number of cruise ports in the country to nine. Existing cruise ports include Busan, Incheon, Jeju, Pohang, Seosan, Sokcho and Yeosu.
All ports offer pre-arrival screening to expedite embarkation and disembarkation processes, as well as pilot-operated terminals that are open 24 hours. The country has also increased port fee discounts and improved passenger services.
“As Korea aims to continuously improve cruise-related policies and infrastructure, with the expansion to nine major cruise ports as well as a wide range of attractive destinations and tourism content, cruise passengers are encouraged to enjoy a more convenient and comfortable travel experience,” said Jong-geun Lee, deputy director of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of Korea.
In the Philippines, the department of tourism is opening up an increasing number of its 7,000 islands to offer a wider range of remote, less-travelled destinations for small and expedition-style cruise ships.
Since 2025, cruise ships have been able to visit 10 new destinations: Busuanga, Caramoan National Park, Divilacan Bay, Higatangan Island, Jomalig Island, Malapascua Island, Polilio Island, San Vicente Palawan, Tapuitan, Underground Caverns of Palawan. The department will open up seven more destinations over the next two years: Corregidor Island and Flower Island in 2026, Basco, Batan Island and Cagayancillo in 2027, and Malcapuya Island and Mantigue Island in 2028.
“In support of this direction, the Philippines is strengthening its destination readiness, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and promoting sustainable tourism practices to ensure that expedition cruise development is both environmentally responsible and economically beneficial to host communities,” said Dr. Paulo Benito Tugbang, director for product development at the Philippine Department of Tourism.
In China, Shanghai Baoshan District has implemented an “intelligent clearance system” to streamline customs procedures at its cruise hub. It now takes between three and ten seconds to complete this process.
The district has also improved the onshore experience for cruise guests. In addition to upgrading the 6.8-kilometre waterfront with new paths for cycling and jogging, it has built Sea World, Shanghai’s first cruise-themed integrated complex, which offers surfing experiences, an indoor snow park and premium hotels. It also hosts events such as the Shanghai Cruise Culture and Tourism Festiva and the UIM F1H2O World Championship.
“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 of the party working committee of Youyilu Sub-district in 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.”
Elsewhere in China, the city of Xiamen has created a ‘One-Hour Tourism Circle’, which is designed to give cruise guests easy access to notable tourist attractions including Gulangyu Island and ‘Meet Minnan · Time Fantasy’. The latter is China’s first Minnan-themed immersive marine cultural tourism project, which showcases 84 pieces of ‘intangible cultural heritage artistry’.
The city also continues to improve cruise services and has boosted customs clearance efficiency by more than 50 per cent since opening the Xiamen International Cruise Center in April 2025. It will open a new international airport in 2026 too.
“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’s Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism.