The Oceanic Fuji visits Penghu for the first time, and a rainbow during the water spray ceremony is considered a good omen

The Oceanic Fuji visited Penghu for the first time, and a rainbow auspicious sign appeared during the water spray ceremony. (Photo by reporter Liu Yuqing)

The Oceanic Fuji, owned by Mitsui Cruises in the Bahamas, visited Penghu for the first time today (4th), bringing 291 passengers. It is the 13th cruise this year and the last cruise ship. The Magong Office of the Kaohsiung Port Branch followed the usual practice and held a water spraying ceremony to welcome the first-time cruise ship. During the water spraying period of the pilot ship, it once towed a beautiful rainbow scenery, which was regarded as an auspicious sign by the outside world. It is hoped that more cruise ships will visit Penghu’s Magong Port in the coming year.

The Ocean Fuji carried 291 passengers, only 13 of whom were Taiwanese, and the rest were Japanese passengers. It departed from Naha, Japan, on October 1, arrived at Keelung Port on October 3, entered Magong Port in Penghu today, entered Kaohsiung Port on October 5, and returned to Naha, Japan on October 7. Affiliated to Mitsui Cruises, the ship is registered in the Bahamas, with a gross tonnage of 32,477. It was built in 2009 and has a maximum capacity of 458 passengers.

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In fact, the Oceanic Fuji was formerly known as the Sea Cruises Odyssey and visited Penghu in March 2024. This is the first time to arrive in Penghu after the name change. Therefore, as usual, a port tugboat was sprayed with water and entered the port. A live performance by the Juzhi Music Band was arranged. Chung Weicheng, director of the Magong Office of the Kaohsiung Port Branch, Guo Zhenling, director of the Penghu Management Department, and Chen Meiling, director of the Penghu County Government Tourism Department, boarded the ship to exchange gifts. It set sail for Kaohsiung Port at 5 pm today.

According to statistics, there were 13 cruise ships visiting Penghu, carrying 16,081 passengers, and the Oceanic Fuji was the last one this year. Two ships have been confirmed for next year (2027), including Xibao Cruise in March and Bird 3 in May. As for the Star Cruises Navigator, the time has not yet been determined. People from all walks of life in Penghu hope that in addition to increasing the number of cruises, they also hope to be able to park at night in Magong Port, so as to truly drive tourism business opportunities.

The Oceanic Fuji was the last cruise ship to visit Penghu this year, carrying 291 passengers. (Photo by reporter Liu Yuqing)