The luxury cruise liner Resorts World One is set to significantly increase its operations from Keelung in 2025, offering a variety of itineraries to several Japanese destinations. With plans to double its cruises, the ship will operate three, four, and six-day trips to Okinawa and to the main Japanese islands of Kyushu, Honshu, and Shikoku. Among its most anticipated routes is a six-day Osaka (via Wakayama) to Kochi itinerary, which coincides with the highly anticipated World Expo 2025 in Osaka. With a projected attendance of around 28 million visitors at the Expo, Resorts World One is gearing up to meet the demand from travelers looking for unique cruising experiences combined with cultural excursions in Japan.
World Expo 2025: A Central Attraction for New Cruises
One of the standout features of the 2025 cruise season will be the ship’s alignment with the World Expo 2025, set to be held in Osaka from April through mid-October. Resorts World One will be the first cruise line to depart from Keelung on Sundays, offering 15 departures for six-day Osaka-Kochi cruises. These sailings will offer passengers an exclusive opportunity to visit the Expo, with pre-arranged tickets available for shore excursions to the 155-hectare Expo site. Passengers traveling during the peak holiday season in July and August will have the chance to take their children to explore the exhibits from 161 countries at the Expo, making these cruises particularly attractive to families.
Given the massive influx of tourists expected in Japan during the Expo, this strategic itinerary offers a unique opportunity for travelers to combine a cultural event with the luxury of cruising. The convenient cruise schedule allows passengers to explore Japan’s historical and natural sites while also participating in a globally significant event.
A Rich Array of Shore Excursions
Resorts World Cruises plans to offer a wide variety of shore excursions for travelers, focusing on the cultural and historical richness of the regions they visit. The six-day Osaka-Kochi itinerary includes stops at Kyoto and Wakayama, where passengers can explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the sacred Koyasan, known for its 50 temples, and Wakayama Castle, a historic landmark. The area’s famous onsens (hot springs) and exceptional seafood cuisine, particularly in Wakayama’s renowned restaurants, are key highlights.
In Shikoku, Kochi, a lesser-known gem, offers a diverse set of attractions. Located in the Shimanto River Valley, Kochi is famous for its historic Kochi Castle, the Chikurin-ji Temple, and Ryugu Shrine. The local cuisine, especially Katsuo no Tataki (sliced and seared bonito fish), is another notable attraction for food lovers.
These itineraries reflect Resorts World Cruises’ efforts to offer more than just leisure at sea, creating an immersive cultural experience that provides passengers with deep insights into Japan’s historical, religious, and culinary heritage.
Expansion of Okinawa and Kyushu Cruises
In addition to its Osaka-Kochi itineraries, Resorts World One will expand its offerings to Okinawa and Kyushu in 2025. On eight Sunday departures, the six-day cruises will include visits to Kumamoto, Kagoshima, and Naha, while another route will stop at Nagasaki, Kagoshima, and Naha. Both itineraries allow passengers to explore a variety of destinations in southern Japan, with an emphasis on nature, history, and regional specialties.
Okinawa remains a perennial favorite for many cruisers due to its unique island culture, picturesque beaches, and warm climate. These itineraries will also include a series of four-day cruises departing on select Sundays, calling at both Naha and Miyakojima, two of Okinawa’s most beautiful locations. For travelers seeking a shorter trip, weekend getaways with three-day cruises to Ishigaki or Miyakojima will depart from Keelung on Fridays, with additional Wednesday sailings planned during the busy season.
Increased Inbound Fly-Cruise Numbers from Across Asia
The expanded itineraries are expected to increase inbound fly-cruise numbers from across Asia. As cruise travel continues to grow in popularity among Asian tourists, Resorts World One’s new offerings from Keelung provide international travelers with the chance to pair a stay in Taiwan with a three-, four-, six-, or eight-day cruise to Japan. This flexibility will likely appeal to tourists seeking a combination of cultural experiences, relaxation, and convenience.
The ability to link Taiwan with Japan through these cruises opens up new possibilities for multi-destination trips. Tourists from across Asia, particularly from China, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, are expected to take advantage of this unique opportunity, given the accessibility of flights to Taiwan and the appeal of exploring multiple Japanese islands in a single journey. These fly-cruise packages could become an attractive option for travelers who wish to experience both urban and rural aspects of Japan, combined with the comfort and luxury of cruise travel.
Global Impact on the Cruise Industry and Travel
The doubling of Resorts World One’s cruises from Keelung in 2025 highlights a growing trend in the cruise industry: the shift toward culturally immersive and event-driven itineraries. By aligning its schedules with major international events such as World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Resorts World Cruises demonstrates an ability to adapt to evolving traveler preferences that prioritize unique experiences over traditional routes.
This focus on tailoring itineraries around significant events and cultural landmarks is expected to influence the cruise industry globally, as more operators may begin to design trips that coincide with major international festivals and exhibitions. This approach enhances the appeal of cruising by offering travelers a chance to participate in events they might not otherwise be able to access.
Moreover, the global cruise industry can expect an increase in demand for Japan-bound cruises, especially during the Expo period. As Japan prepares to welcome millions of visitors for World Expo 2025, the country’s ports will likely see a surge in cruise traffic, placing Japan at the center of a global trend in tourism-driven events.
New Horizons for Asian Cruises
The 2025 expansion of Resorts World One’s operations from Keelung marks a significant development in the Asian cruise market. By offering diverse itineraries to Japan, including destinations aligned with World Expo 2025, the cruise line is well-positioned to attract travelers from across Asia and beyond. The combination of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and family-friendly excursions ensures that these new cruises will appeal to a wide range of passengers.
As the global cruise industry continues to evolve, Resorts World One’s focus on event-driven itineraries and unique shore excursions signals a shift toward creating more meaningful and engaging travel experiences. This approach not only strengthens the appeal of cruising but also redefines what modern cruise travel can offer, making it an increasingly attractive option for international travelers seeking both adventure and cultural exploration in one seamless journey.
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