China's SkySea branches out to five homeports including TaiwanChina's SkySea branches out to five homeports including Taiwan

Branching out from Shanghai, its regular base, SkySea Cruise Line will sail seasonally from Xiamen, Qingdao, Shenzhen and Taiwan's Keelung. More than 10 destination ports in four countries will be visited throughout the year, catering to the markets of eastern, southern and northern China as well as Taiwan.

Ken Muskat, ceo of SkySea Cruise Line, announced the bevy of developments at a news conference Wednesday morning in Shanghai.

Being able to operate from five seasonal homeports is a great indication that SkySea Golden Era has been well-received by Chinese cruise guests, Muskat said. And with a number of sailings from Keelung aimed mainly at Taiwanese, it is a 'solid step forward in the implementation of the greater China strategy of local cruise brands,' he added.

Next year SkySea will also visit Vietnam for the first time, calling at Halong Bay, Da Nang and other ports. New destinations in Japan and the Philippines introduced this year, such as Sasebo, Okinawa, Manila and Boracay, will continue to be offered.

With the increase in overnight and late-night stays, the line is rolling out new themed evening excursions and activities called 'SkySea Nights.'

Even some short sailings of three or four nights will offer overnight calls. In Okinawa, for example, this gives SkySea passengers time to stroll around Naha the first day, and then take excursions to Okinawa Aquarium and Shuri Castle the following day.

More than 10 cruises will schedule ports stays until 10 p.m. or later. So, in a place like Kagoshima, passengers will have time to climb the hill overlooking the city for a spectacular night view.

Plus, SkySea will continue to promote 'Cruise+' sea and land programs on its repositioning cruises to accommodate the growing number of passengers from central and western China. These six voyages will feature themes and special activities with the opportunity to extend the vacation on land.

Bookings for 2018 open Aug. 8. Through year's end, travelers can take advantage of early bird discounts.