Five Asia cruise destinations shared the latest updates on the cruise market during a luncheon with cruise line executives this week in Miami Beach.

The event was hosted by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, along with representatives from Korea, the Philippines, Xiamen and Shanghai.

According to organizers, the event showcased “A Journey Through Asia’s Finest Moments”, with updates related to new experiences, new ports and developments related to the cruise industry.

“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.

While the general number of tourist arrivals at the destination reached 50 million in 2025, the cruise market is also experiencing significant growth.

“Last year, we recorded a double-digit growth in both passenger arrivals and number of calls,” she told Cruise Industry News, noting that the growth surpassed 20 percent.

Growth is expected to continue in 2026, Tham added, with projections for more calls from both Chinese and international ships.

Hong Kong is also inviting guests to discover new experiences, she continued, with attractions that range from 77 Michelin-starred restaurants to VIP shore excursions that include helicopter rides.

Other destinations in Asia are also undergoing significant growth, including Korea, which is expecting to welcome over 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,” added Lee Jong-Geun, Deputy Director of the Marine Leisure Tourism Division of Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.

The growth is driven by the public’s interest in the K-Culture and K-Pop, but also by the diplomatic relation between China and Japan, he told Cruise Industry News.

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

The country also introduced two new ports of call to its lineup, Masan and Saemangeum, which complement the offerings in Incheon, Seosan, Yeosu, Jeju, Busan, Pohang and Sokcho.

The Philippines is also experiencing positive developments in the cruise industry, with the arrival of more ships and passengers.

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

The Philippine destinations welcomed 136 cruise ship calls, which brought over 240,000 passengers to the country, marking a 26 percent increase compared to last year.

More cruise lines are also visiting the destination, including additional expedition and luxury lines, 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.

The Shanghai Baoshan District recently updated its cruise services with the introduction of a new clearance system that streamlines customs procedures 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.

A similar improvement was carried out in Xiamen, where customs clearance efficiency was enhanced by more than 50 percent recently.

The city also introduced the “One-Hour Tourism Circle,” which allows cruise passengers to reach key scenic attractions such as Gulangyu Island, and “Meet Minnan – Time Fantasy,” China’s first Minnan-themed 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.

Photo: From left to right: Qi Xin, Secretary, Party Working Committee of Youyilu Sub-district, Baoshan District; Lee Jong-Geun, Deputy Director, Marine Leisure Tourism Division, Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries; Marilyn Tham, General Manager, Mega Events, MICE and Cruise, Hong Kong Tourism Board; and Dr. Paulo Benito S. Tugbang, Director for Product Development, Philippines Department of Tourism.