174 ASIA: INTERVIEW Dickson Chin managing director of Wallem Ship Agency (third from left) with (from left) Gauderic Harang and Captain Thomas Roth, and Seb Seward, from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Ready for a resurgence in Asia Following a successful 2025, Wallem Ship Agency’s Dickson Chin predicts renewed momentum for Asia’s cruise sector in 2026 and beyond T he diversity of destinations in Asia will help the region to attract new cruise ships in 2026, predicts Dickson Chin, managing director of Wallem Ship Agency. Chin’s forecast comes on the back of the company’s Asia cruise port calls business achieving record levels of success in the first three quarters of 2025. Although activity slowed in the final quarter, Chin says easing geopolitical tensions and multiple newbuilds joining the global cruise fleet are supporting renewed optimism for growth in 2026. “Japan took the lion’s share of growth last year, followed very closely by Singapore and Hong Kong,” says Chin. “Thailand and Vietnam met expectations while Malaysia and the Philippines did well too. The only place to fall short was China, but I think it will return to its previous growth path, not only as a major source market but also as a crucial component of the Asia cruise map.” Chin highlights China’s regional diversity and cruise infrastructure projects across multiple provinces as factors that will drive new business. “Normally you have to go from country to country to find the same level of difference, and many regional governments have already invested huge amounts in new infrastructure, which is waiting to be re-accessed,” he says. Asia’s cruise outlook is being strengthened by the arrival of several new cruise brands to the region in 2026. Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Adventure is scheduled to begin regional operations, while The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has introduced Luminara, reflecting growing interest in luxury Asia-based itineraries. Chin points out demand for cruise berths is, at times, already exceeding capacity in Singapore and Hong Kong. Wallem is supporting regional destination development through partnerships with authorities. For example, it is involved in developing Hong Kong’s tourism blueprint, which aims to expand shore experiences and potentially reopen anchorages to improve access to eco-tourism attractions. The company will also support cruise terminal development at South Korea’s Saemangeum port and work with Japanese port authorities to promote new itinerary opportunities. To capitalise on this potential, Chin advises destinations to prepare themselves to meet the needs of international operators who can find Asia a complex region to navigate due to differing regulations and operating practices. “As we start 2026 with renewed optimism for market growth, we see opportunities for Wallem to serve as a trusted industry partner providing solutions based on our experience of engaging with and advising authorities around the region,” says Chin.
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