Cruise Ship Calls at Incheon Port Expected to Double This Year... First Arrival of 'Dream'

The number of cruise ships calling at Incheon is expected to increase significantly this year.

The Incheon Port Authority (IPA) announced on January 6 that 64 cruise ship calls are scheduled for Incheon Port this year, double the 32 calls (with 79,455 passengers) recorded last year. The number of passengers is also expected to reach around 190,000. As cruise lines continue to inquire about docking at Incheon, the number of calls is likely to keep increasing.

Additionally, the number of cruise lines using Incheon Port as a home port (the port where passengers board for departure) is set to rise from three last year to eight this year. IPA explained that this reflects global cruise companies increasingly recognizing Incheon Port as a key hub in Asia.

The 'Dream,' a 77,000-ton cruise ship operated by China's Tianjin Dongfang International Cruise Company, docked at Incheon Port Cruise Terminal for the first time this year on this day. The Dream, which departs from Tianjin, China, first called at Incheon Port in September last year and is scheduled to visit Incheon Port 11 times during January and February this year.

The 'Dream' ship of Tianjin Dongfang International Cruise Company is docking at Incheon Port Cruise Terminal. Provided by Incheon Port Authority

In response to growing cruise demand, IPA plans to improve facilities at the Incheon Port Cruise Terminal, host welcome and farewell events, and enhance passenger transportation options. The authority aims to create a passenger-centered operating environment to boost customer satisfaction and actively support repeat visits.

Last year, Incheon Port operated a total of 32 cruise ship calls, recording 79,455 passengers. This was the highest figure since the resumption of international cruise passenger transport in 2023, following the suspension caused by COVID-19.

Lee Kyungkyu, President of IPA, stated, "We will continue to ensure safe cruise operations this year by actively cooperating with all relevant agencies, including customs, immigration, and quarantine (CIQ) authorities."