10/03/2025
Victoria Cruises Line (VCL) cruises call at ports in many major East Asian cities, where accessibility infrastructure is a key focus. In the following blog post, we describe the facilities available to our residents/prospective residents in these ports, their distance from the city and airport, and the amenities they offer.
Asia is a vibrant, spiritual and fascinating mosaic, all in one. Each of our ports offers new surprises and exciting discoveries. Travel with an open mind, ready to be amazed by the wonders.
Visit Sapporo, one of Japan's most beautiful cities, for snowy landscapes, famous beer and unique cultural experiences. Discover Tokyo, the dynamic capital of Japan, where modern technology meets traditional culture in an exciting mix. Osaka is known for its exciting gastronomic experiences, vibrant street life and amusement parks. Busan, South Korea's coastal city, will enchant you with its beautiful mountains, beaches and fresh seafood.
Shanghai, the cosmopolitan centre of China, with its futuristic skyscrapers, vibrant markets and rich history, is waiting for you. In the tropical island of Okinawa, Japan, you can relax and unwind while enjoying the beautiful beaches and local culture. Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, offers a unique blend of modern life and traditional Chinese culture, while delicious local cuisine awaits.
The rhythm continues in Hong Kong, where iconic vistas, protected natural landscapes, world-class cuisine and duty-free shopping will enchant all your senses. All these experiences await you on this Asia cruise, where every port of call offers a new adventure. Discover Asia aboard a Victoria Cruises Residential Ship!
Shanghai (Baoshan) Port
Shanghai (Baoshan) Cruise Port Culture and History. Shipping and trade have played a key role in the city's life for centuries. Although Shanghai lost its global role during the rise of communism, it has now regained its position in the international economy and is experiencing significant growth.
With a population of nearly 24 million, Shanghai is one of the largest cities of our time, masterfully combining vast size and deep cultural heritage. Nicknamed the "Paris of the East", the city has a modern yet refined elegance, full of light and centuries of history just waiting to be discovered.
Shanghai (Baoshan) Port Facilities and Location. This bubble-shaped terminal is one of the most spectacular cruise ports in the world, and you certainly won't easily miss it. Before you set off, enjoy duty-free shopping in the terminal or change money if you need to. If you're in the mood for a bite to eat, there are a number of restaurants in the port area to quickly and conveniently refresh yourself before continuing your adventure.
Distance from the city: Located about 25 kilometers from downtown Shanghai.
Distance from the airport: Approximately 40 km from Pudong International Airport.
Infrastructure:
- Modern, bubble-shaped terminal building, fully accessible.
- The terminal is fully accessible, with lifts and escalators.
- Toll-free shops and restaurants are available.
- Easy access by taxi and metro (nearest metro station is Baoyang Road, about 15 minutes by car).
Tokyo (Shibaura or Yokohama) Port
One of the highlights of the Victoria Cruises Residential Ship Tokyo Port is the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, which opened on 10 September 2020 to provide access to the city for the world's largest cruise ships. The terminal is located in the Odaiba district, south of Tokyo, and is easily accessible from major transport hubs, including Shinkansen stations and two international airports.
The cruise terminal is ideally located for easy access to Tokyo's attractions and is an ideal base for exploring the city's rich history and culture. The famous cities of Kamakura and Nikko, as well as other major tourist sites, are within easy reach for day trips.
The Tokyo International Cruise Terminal is located on the artificial island of Odaiba, a popular shopping and entertainment centre. The terminal's location allows easy access to major railway stations such as Tokyo, Shinagawa, Ueno, Shinjuku and Shibuya, all directly connected to the Shinkansen network, providing quick access to the rest of the city.
The cruise terminal has four floors and is designed for maximum flexibility. The spacious areas on each floor can be easily adapted to the needs of cruise ships, making it ideal for receiving passengers or even hosting events. Visitors can enjoy Tokyo's stunning cityscape, harbour events and cruise ships from the fourth floor's open-air observation deck and boarding/ disembarkation lounge.
Free Wi-Fi allows you to stay in touch with the outside world.
There are a number of small shops, ATMs, currency exchange and pharmacies in the area, just a few minutes' walk from the terminal. In addition, the variety of restaurants and shopping options around Odaiba ensure that visitors return to their exploration aboard Victoria Cruises Residential Ship with a rich experience.
Distance from the city: Shibaura is about 10 km and Yokohama is about 30 km from central Tokyo.
Distance from the airport: Haneda Airport about 15 km, Narita Airport about 70 km.
Infrastructure:
- Lift and ramp network for disabled persons.
- Spacious waiting rooms and accessible toilets.
- Direct bus and taxi services from the port to the city.
- Easy access to the Shinkansen high-speed train station from Yokohama.
Kobe/Osaka Port
Two separate terminals for passenger vessels are available for Victoria Cruises Residential Ship in Kobe Port: the Naka Pier Passenger Terminal and the Kobe Port Terminal, the largest terminal in Western Japan. Both terminals are equipped with CIQ (Customs, Immigration and Quarantine) services to ensure a smooth and secure entry for passengers. Boarding bridges ensure that passengers can board and disembark comfortably and safely, even in rainy weather.
The Kobe Port Terminal is located on Shinko No. 4 pier, which has a total of six berths with 12-metre-deep berths on both sides, making it ideal for passenger vessels of various types and sizes. The new Port Liner transport system provides a direct link between the terminal and Kobe city centre in just five minutes. Victoria Cruises Residential Ship passengers will have easy access to city centre attractions, shopping and restaurants while enjoying a convenient port and modern transport facilities.
Distance from the city: Approximately 3 km from downtown Kobe, 30 km from downtown Osaka.
Distance from the airport: Approximately 30 km from Kansai International Airport.
Infrastructure:
- Accessible entrances, elevators and ramps ensure convenient access for all passengers.
- Direct transport links to the city centre, easy access to local attractions, restaurants and shopping.
- Kobe Port Terminal is directly connected to the rest of the city and is just 30 minutes from downtown Osaka.
- The Shinkansen train provides quick access to Osaka, Kyoto and other major cities, and makes it easy to explore the region's cultural and historical attractions.
Busan Port
Busan, which has been a trading centre in Korea since the 15th century, has developed into a major port city over its long history. The city's strategic location on the southeastern tip of the Korean peninsula has made it an attractive destination for many colonialists over the centuries. It continued to develop under Japanese rule and has remained a key trading hub ever since. The fishing industry has played a key role in Busan's economic success and growth.
Today, Busan is South Korea's second largest city, and its subtropical climate makes it an attractive year-round destination. The city has mild winters, making it an ideal place for visitors, and although the summer typhoon season occurs in the region, it does not prevent Busan from becoming a favourite summer holiday destination for Koreans. Year after year, the Busan International Film Festival, which attracts some of the biggest stars of the Korean film industry, draws many visitors to the city.
For the Victoria Cruises Residential Ship, Busan is the perfect location for visitors to enjoy the city's rich history, subtropical climate, dynamic cultural events and stunning beaches. The city is easily accessible and offers a wealth of attractions for those interested in both historical and modern culture.
Distance from the city: Just 2 km from the city centre.
Distance from the airport: Gimhae International Airport is approximately 17 km.
Infrastructure:
- Accessible ramps and lifts throughout the terminal.
- Taxis and buses are easily accessible from the port.
- Extra transport is available during the Busan International Film Festival.
- Jagalchi fish market and Gwangalli beach are within easy reach.
Okinawa (Naha) Port
The island of Okinawa has played a key role in shaping Japan's trade relations throughout history, linking Japan with China, Korea and the West. The port city of Naha has built its economy around tourism and trade as the island's central hub, while preserving its unique cultural heritage. Okinawans are known for their longevity, living longer on average than anyone else in the world.
For Victoria Cruises Residential Ship, Okinawa is an exceptional destination that offers visitors the opportunity to explore this historically and culturally rich island while enjoying beautiful scenery, fresh seafood and a healthy lifestyle. In addition to the island's stunning natural beauty and historical significance, Okinawa is an ideal place to relax and explore, conveniently accessible to passengers on board Victoria Cruises Residential Ship.
Distance from the city: Approximately 5 km from the centre of Naha.
Distance from the airport: Naha International Airport approximately 7 km.
Infrastructure:
- Free Wi-Fi in the terminal area.
- Accessible ramps and lift connections.
- Nearby ATMs and gift shops in the terminal.
- Direct taxi rank at the port and buses to the city.
Taipei (Keelung) Port
In the 18th century, Chinese immigrants arrived in Taiwan and founded Taipei, which soon became a trading hub between China and the rest of the world. In 1886, Taiwan became a Chinese colony, but by 1895 it was occupied by the Japanese. Taipei's population grew rapidly after the Second World War and by the mid-20th century it had become one of the largest and most livable urban areas in the world. Food and gastronomy play a key role in Taiwanese culture and you can always find fresh food wherever you go. When visiting Taipei, the focus is on enjoying food and having fun.
Today the official language of Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese, but many local dialects are also spoken. Taipei's culture is influenced by Chinese and Japanese colonialism and Confucianism. When arriving in Taiwan and visiting Taipei, exchanging business cards is a courtesy and local tradition. It is worth bringing a business card to greet the locals respectfully.
For Victoria Cruises Residential Ship passengers, Taipei is the ideal place to explore history, culture and gastronomy. Dining, a deeper understanding of local traditions and cultural experiences make Taipei a true experience, while the city's modern, dynamic features impress travellers.
Distance from the city: Approximately 25 km from downtown Taipei.
Distance from the airport: Approximately 70 km from Taoyuan International Airport.
Infrastructure:
- Accessible waiting halls, ramps and lifts.
- ATMs, gift shops and restaurants in the terminal.
- Direct train and bus connections to Taipei (approx. 40 minutes).
Hong Kong Harbour
Ocean Terminal is located in Hong Kong's thriving Kowloon Peninsula in the Tsim Sha Tsui district and is known as the city's tourist hub. Many of the area's attractions such as hotels, restaurants, parks, world-class shops, museums and markets are easily accessible from here.
More than just a cruise terminal: the Ocean Terminal, which began operations in 1966, is 380 metres long and can accommodate two large cruise ships of up to 50 000 tonnes or four smaller vessels. The terminal not only serves as a port for cruise ships, but is also part of the Harbour City complex, Hong Kong's largest shopping area. The complex offers a wide range of retail shops, restaurants and entertainment facilities.
For Victoria Cruises Residential Ship passengers, the Ocean Terminal provides a convenient and easily accessible base from which to explore Hong Kong. Its central location and the variety of amenities in the area make it ideal for travellers to enjoy Hong Kong's rich culture, dining experiences and fascinating sights.
Distance from the city: Approximately 7 km from downtown Hong Kong.
Distance from the airport: Approximately 35 km from Hong Kong International Airport.
Infrastructure
- Modern terminal with accessible lifts and ramps.
- One of the largest roof gardens in the world inside the terminal.
- Free Wi-Fi, currency exchange and restaurants on site.
- Excellent public transport connections to the city (MTR and buses).
On board the Victoria Cruises Residential Ship, you'll have a real adventure as you explore some of East Asia's most exciting ports. Each location - whether it's Shanghai with its rich history, bustling Tokyo, colourful Busan, magical Okinawa or modern glamour Hong Kong - offers unique experiences and unforgettable moments.
This lifestyle is not just about exploring different countries and cultures, but also about gaining insights into local lifestyles. From food culture to shopping, from local markets to historic landmarks, each port adds a new dimension to the travel experience.Victoria Cruises Residential Ship not only provides luxury and comfort for travellers, but also offers the perfect platform to explore while relaxing in comfortable cabins and preparing for the next adventure. The rich history, culture and vibrant cities of East Asia will enrich every traveller's experience as the ship continues its journey to the next wonderful destination.
Author: VCL team
10/03/2025
