Hong Kong has done much to improve the attractiveness and infrastructure for cruising over the last few years, with new attractions in the West Kowloon Cultural District,” said Managing Director Bent. The Government wanted to seek lawmakers' approval to fund the site formation works and facilities required for the provision of government services in the fourth quarter of 2008. At that time, the estimated cost ranges from $1.8 billion to $2 billion. Hong Kong's Secretary for Economic Development, Stephen Ip, said Hong Kong needs an additional berths between 2009 and 2015, and one to two more berths beyond 2015 to capture the growth of the regional cruise market.
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A steadily replenished taxi stand also ensured queues were no longer than five or six groups of people, while a nearby screen showed public bus waiting times ranging from five to 35 minutes. Led by Peter Kollar, CLIA’s head of international training and development, the seminar included a ship tour of Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Solstice, which was docked at the terminal. The transportation upgrades are expected to boost choices for pre- and post-cruise excursions in the city’s Greater Bay Area. The port’s final number of ship calls in 2023 is largely due to the home-porting of one ship, Resorts World One, an 1,856-guest ship chartered in early 2023 by Resorts World Cruises.
Hong Kong Cruise Terminal Makes a Strong Recovery - Cruise Hive
Hong Kong Cruise Terminal Makes a Strong Recovery.
Posted: Fri, 26 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
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Covering an area of 23,000 square metres, the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Park features a central lawn, a water garden, a fountain plaza and a viewing platform from which to take in the incredible views of both Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. In fact, the territory of Hong Kong provides many hotspots where you are able to use their free Wi-Fi for a certain period of time. To celebrate the occasion, a special event was held on March 10 on the cruise ship attended by more than 400 people including local travel and business partners and the media. Representatives of Resorts World Cruises, president Michael Goh, and Chief Operating Officer Raymond Lim officiated the maiden sailing of the ship. Designed by renowned British architect Sir Norman Foster, this is the first facility to open as part of the redeveloped Kai Tak Airport. You don’t have to wait for your ship to come in to visit, it makes the most of its location at the tip of the old runway.
Cruising’s back and getting bigger at Kai Tak
Located at the heart of the Victoria Harbor, the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is one of the world’s foremost cruise facilities which was built over the former runway of Kai Tak Airport. This state-of-the-art terminal provides a modern, remarkable cruising, dinning and entertaining experience for passengers, locals and travelers as well as meets the demands of the newest super cruise liners. Bent said shuttle buses were the preferred transport mode for visitors who arrived on ships making short transit stops at Kai Tak, such as the Spectrum of the Seas, as many were only there for day trips and did not have luggage on them. But when asked who should pay for the bus services in the long run – the government, cruise companies or terminal operators – the managing director pointed out that air and seaports in the city were currently not responsible for transport arrangements. We recommend local cruise visitors to take a taxi or public transportation to the terminal, in case a parking space is not available when you arrive.
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He also called on authorities to consider developing the area near the terminal to include hotels, car parks and shopping centres so tourists could choose to stay there once they disembarked. Bent stressed that the buses, especially the free shuttles between the Kai Tak MTR station and the terminal, were a “basic” necessity worth keeping. There are some shops within the terminal for picking up quick gifts and souvenirs before you sail. If you’re looking for a shopping experience accompanied by flashing neon signs and the chaos of the city all around you, Causeway Bay is a popular shopping district.
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Yau Ma Tei Wholesale Fruit Market is a spot for fresh, wholesale fruits and vegetables. For boutique shopping and malls, head over to the Central District, where more upscale brands have shops in Hong Kong. When you’re ready to go shopping for souvenirs and antiques, look no further than the massive Temple Street Night Market, which is one of the largest markets in the city. If you’re feeling daring, haggle with your vendor to snag a great deal on a souvenir. Board a nighttime ferry boat at Victoria Harbour for a ride across the port of Hong Kong, where a stunning lightshow will amaze you. Laser lights dance across the skyline from the city’s tallest skyscrapers while synced up with music, similar to light shows in Singapore and other metropolitan destinations.
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According to Jeff Bent, WCT's managing director, these developments are significant, signaling a positive resurgence for both the cruise industry and Hong Kong. Bent expressed satisfaction in resuming ship visits after a year and welcoming back international vessels and tourists after 3 years. Notably, ship calls during 2023's 10 active months reached 75% of pre-pandemic levels, with around 90% of cruise passengers retained within the local market.
A walk along Victoria Harbour is a must for travelers itching to experience the magic of Hong Kong. Walk along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade for an afternoon stroll on the way to cultural attractions like the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Hong Kong Cultural Center. Singapore is one of the most sophisticated and modern cities on earth, with a culture that seamlessly integrates western and eastern traditions. You’ll find world-class luxury shopping on Orchard Road, authentic local cuisine in Chinatown or Little India, and impeccably manicured garden spaces and parks.
Fifty Hong Kong travel agents were hosted to full-day cruise selling seminar at KTCT to help rebuild the local travel trade, a Travel Industry Council sponsored event fronted by CLIA trainer, Peter Kollar from Australia. Hong Kong has diverse ethnic communities that have brought a range of cuisines to the city with plenty of authentic dishes to try. Kowloon City is known as ‘Little Thailand’ and here you’ll not only be spoiled for restaurant choices, but can also shop for tasty snacks in the numerous Thai grocery stores.
On board Celebrity Solstice, you can treat yourself to blissful days at sea in the world-class spa, bask around the shimmering pool, or enjoy some sun at The Lawn Club. For an exclusive, premium experience, book The Retreat, where exquisite dining, concierge service, and stunning all-suite accommodations are waiting for you. Tourist information Find a tourist information point at the exit of the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.
“We were delighted to host cruise ships again for the first time in a year, and welcome international ship calls and visitors back for the first time in three years,” added Bent. Make sure you are on the outside deck 2 hours before arrival and the first 2 hours after departure. You will have a great view over the Hong Kong Skyline and all of its famous landmarks. Check out the full Hong Kong cruise port guide underneath to learn about the different docking locations in this city.
Arrive a little early before your departure time to explore the largest rooftop garden in the city, conveniently located within the cruise terminal. If you need to exchange currency, there’s a station within the terminal as well as ATMs and complimentary WiFi. Shuttle bus service to Diamond Hill metro station The port often offers a free shuttle bus service from the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to the nearest MTR station which is Diamond Hill / Kwum Tong. Here you can hop on the green line of the metro system which can take you to many places in Hong Kong is little time. More information about the shuttle is usually given by the tourist information at the exit of the cruise terminal. Bent said that the total ship calls in 2023 represented 75% of annual pre-pandemic levels, and enabled the terminal to retain 90% of the local market share of cruise passengers.
