China-led Cruises Reroute to Incheon as Travel to Japan Shrinks
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
Chinese restrictions on travel to Japan known as the “limit-Japan order” (한일령) have led many China-origin cruise lines to increase calls at Incheon Port. After 15 calls in 2024, Incheon recorded 32 calls last year and 64 confirmed so far this year; about 68.8% (44) of this year’s calls originate from China, mainly Shanghai and Tianjin. Sudden bookings in December reflect political pressure driving cruises away from Japan toward nearby, well-equipped Incheon. As a result, ‘overnight’ (overnight stays where passengers spend 1+ nights ashore) itineraries and lines based in Incheon have risen—overnight cruises increased to 12 this year from 7 last year, and homeporting cruise companies at Incheon grew from 3 to 8. Major ships expected include Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas and Tianjin-based Dream and Vision vessels. Port officials expect more bookings as operators continue to reroute previously Japan-bound sailings.
