TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The maiden voyage of the Penghu cruise liner operating a regular route from Kaohsiung Port to Magong Port is scheduled to take place at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday (Sept. 6), per Liberty Times.
The new ship replaces the Tai-Hwa, a mixed-use cargo and passenger ship that plied a similar route for 34 years before being decommissioned on Aug. 23. The Penghu's maiden voyage was delayed by Typhoon Haikui, though the operator, Taiwan Navigation, expressed confidence the voyage would take place this evening.
Comfortable cabins aboard the Penghu. (Taiwan Navigation photo)
Taiwan Navigation Chair Liu Wen-ching (劉文慶) thanked the Cabinet for their support of the new cruise liner and gave special thanks to Penghu's DPP Legislator Yang Yao (楊曜) and Ministry of Transportation and Communications Maritime Port Bureau Director-General Yeh Hsieh-lung (葉協隆) for allowing the Penghu cruise liner to operate after just two years of planning.
Taiwan Navigation released photos of the new ship, showing off minimalist designs for first class, business class, and economy class cabins. Many cabins resemble hotel accommodations and are outfitted with beds, tables, chairs, and other amenities.
Liu noted that the Penghu is the first passenger ship in Taiwan to introduce aesthetic design, which was overseen by JC. Architecture & Design, who is also known for Taiwan Railways "Tomorrow" train, which won multiple international design awards.
New cruise ship is ready to make maiden voyage. (Taiwan Navigation photo)
The launch of the Penghu is also a major step in the government’s promotion of the Taiwan Hi tourism campaign, attracting more visitors to outlying islands such as Penghu, Lanyu, and Green Island through improved tourism facilities such as upgraded marine passenger terminals at major ports.
Liu said the launch of Penghu will not only benefit Taiwanese with more convenient travel between Kaohsiung and Magong, but will also stimulate Taiwan's tourism, ushering in a new era of comfortable and enjoyable marine transportation.
Specious seating areas aboard the Penghu. (Taiwan Navigation photo)
