Hong Kong’s cruise industry is making a strong comeback, with a record number of ships docking in the city as it reclaims its status as a top cruise destination in Asia.
According to the Hong Kong Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, 30 cruise companies have sent ships to Hong Kong so far this year – a 67% increase from just 18 vessels last year. This marks a return to pre-pandemic levels, as the city works to expand its appeal to global cruise lines and their passengers.
“By leveraging Hong Kong as the home port for starting or completing their cruise voyages, passengers from all around the world may take the opportunity to stop over in the city for sightseeing before or after,” the bureau said in a recent social media post.
Officials say the total number of non-local cruise passengers has already reached last year’s full-year level of 220,000, and they expect the year-end figure to exceed that by around 50% as the peak cruise season approaches.
In the coming months, Hong Kong is slated to receive over 100 ship calls, with several mega-ships from major lines like Costa Cruises, Holland America, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International scheduled to berth at the city’s Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. Smaller and medium-sized vessels will also dock at the Ocean Terminal.
Authorities say they are collaborating with cruise companies to develop new itineraries and tap into emerging source markets, with voyages departing from mainland China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand all making stops in Hong Kong.
“We will endeavor to continue collaborating with stakeholders in the industry to drive the development of Hong Kong’s cruise tourism,” the bureau added, as the city positions itself as a premier regional hub for the resurgent cruise sector.
