Hakata Port's new terminal welcomes increase turnarounds

Around 2,000 passengers will start/end their cruise at Hakata this year including a week round trip cruise to Taiwan by Costa Victoria end April/early May and several sailings by domestic ship, Nippon Maru.

Earlier this month the Japanese ship undertook a three day spring voyage sailing the Seto Inland Sea and Wakayama starting and finishing in the port. On April 1, Nippon Maru undertakes a weekly ‘cherry blossom’ cruise to Hachijojima Island and Seto Inland Sea, followed by a cruise to Amamioshima Island and Naha.

The port is well connected with JR Hakata Station served by bullet trains and Fukuoka Airport with many international flights.

On March 29 L’Austral is departing Tianjin, cruising to Incheon and Jeju island with a partial turnaround in Hakata on April 2.

A weekly sailing by Voyager of the Seas to Jeju Island and Nagoya arriving in Yokohama departs Hakata on April 27.

Hakata Port has been welcoming international cruise ships since 2008 and demand is rapidly increasing as ex-China cruising expands.

This year more than 200 ships are scheduled to visit.

The number of premium and luxury class is also on the rise. This season sees maiden visits by L’Austral, Seabourn Sojourn and Crystal Serenity. Celebrity Millennium called for the first time on February 19, 2015.

Hakata Port & Harbor Bureau informs Crystal Symphony is booked for April 2017.