Cruisia Releases Star Navigator Cruise Schedule for Taiwan and Japan

Travelers can now book cruise itineraries that pair urban tourism in Taiwan with beach getaways in Japan, following a schedule release by the booking platform Cruisia, thetravelnews.co.kr reported. The platform introduced short and medium-length voyages aboard the large ship Star Navigator, operated under Genting Cruise Lines’ Star Cruises brand, for a season running from December 11, 2026, to September 1, 2027.

Star Navigator Cruising Schedule and Itinerary Options

The newly announced schedule features 13 round-trip itineraries ranging from two to seven nights. The primary homeport is Keelung in northern Taiwan, though certain winter departures set sail from the southern port city of Kaohsiung. Travelers can select short-duration Okinawa routes based on individual preferences. Two-night sailings visit Ishigaki or Naha, three-night options cover Naha exclusively or combine Naha with Ishigaki or Miyakojima, and four-night routes incorporate Miyakojima, Naha, and Ishigaki.

For passengers seeking time at sea without intermediate stops, two-night cruises offer an onboard holiday experience featuring a swimming pool, theater performances, and dining options. Special itineraries include a three-night Naha New Year cruise departing from Keelung on December 31, 2026, and a seven-night voyage departing August 1, 2027, that visits Kochi, Yokohama for Tokyo access, Shimizu for views of Mount Fuji, and Osaka.

Booking Logistics and Cost Considerations

Independent travelers departing from South Korea typically fly into Taoyuan International Airport or Taipei Songshan Airport before traveling to Keelung port. Passengers frequently combine pre- or post-cruise sightseeing in Taipei, such as visits to Taipei 101 or Shilin Night Market, with their voyage. The ship functions as a floating base, eliminating the need to pack and unpack between destinations. However, cruise operators enforce strict return times at ports of call.

Prospective travelers must account for expenses beyond the base cruise fare, including port taxes, fuel surcharges, and onboard service charges. Round-trip airfare from South Korea, shore excursions, and paid onboard amenities are billed separately. Planners recommend arriving in Taiwan at least one day prior to departure to mitigate potential flight delay risks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Which ports serve as the primary departure points for the Star Navigator?
  The main homeport is Keelung in northern Taiwan, while select winter departures set sail from Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan.
• What are the dates for the announced cruise season?
  The operating schedule runs from December 11, 2026, to September 1, 2027, offering 13 different round-trip itineraries.
• Are port taxes and crew tips included in the initial ticket price?
  No, basic fares exclude port taxes, fuel surcharges, and onboard service charges, which are billed separately alongside airfare and shore excursions.