Institute of Transportation, MOTC

       In recent years, the Asian cruise market is increasing rapidly. This study analyzes the cruise network in order to investigate the cruise ports in the Asian cruise shipping market. First, the characteristics and importance of cruise hub ports are identified. Then this study calculates the centrality and hub index of cruise ports by applying social network analysis and HITS algorithm. Moreover, with the real itineraries, this study proposes non-weighted and weighted hub and authority centrality to choose the hub ports in Asian cruise network by ranking their hub index. Finally, the attractiveness of cruise ports is quantified in order to analyze the potential of ports which are not selected as hub ports.
Empirical study implies that Shanghai, Fukuoka, Hong Kong, Nagasaki, Keelung, Naha, Singapore, Kobe, Yokohama, Busan, Tianjin, Kagoshima, Hiroshima, Ho Chi Minh City and Sasebo reflect particulars of cruise hub ports in non-weighted cruise network. In addition, Miyakojima, Halong Bay, Klang, Shimonoseki, Laem Chabang, Manila, Da Nang and Xiamen have potential to be hub ports. In weighted cruise network, Singapore, Klang, Phuket, Penang, Laem Chabang, Ho Chi Minh City, Ko Samui and Langkawi are classified as hub ports while Hong Kong, Bali and Da Nang are the potential hub ports.