HONG Kong has long been recognised as one of the world’s most
dramatic ports. Embraced by towering hills, the vast stalk-like
cityscape rises high into the low clouds along the narrow edge of
foreshore that supports a population of around 7 million.
With the imminent opening of the gleaming new Kai Tak cruise
terminal on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong harbour, Australians
will soon have a new way to experience one of their all-time
favourite travel destinations.
Opened in 1966, the current Ocean Terminal is limited to ships of
around 100,000 Gross Tonnage and 10m draft, while the new Kai
Tak cruise terminal will permit two 360m vessels of up to 220,000
Gross Tonnage to disembark and clear 5,400 passengers and 1,200
crew at a rate of 3,000 per hour.
In a test of the terminal’s capability, Royal Caribbean’s 311m,
138,279 Gross Tonnage Mariner of the Seas was the first mega
luxury cruise liner to dock at the two-berth terminal in June this
year, with the event hailed as a success.
“Kai Tak was the site of our legendary airport (closed in 1998)
and is now turning a historic page by connecting Hong Kong with
the rest of the world through the seven seas,” Commissioner of
Tourism Philip Yung said to AFP.
“With the addition of this new facility, Hong Kong is in full gear to
receive mega cruise ships”
Ships’ masters should also be pleased with the simplified berthing
procedures at Kai Tak, which is much closer to the harbour exit.
The terminal will deliver passengers directly to the East Kowloon
waterfront and commands spectacular views of Victoria Harbour.
It is within easy reach of a number of key attractions including Sik
Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple, Kowloon Walled City Park, Chi Lin
Nunnery / Nan Lian Garden and Lei Yue Mun Seafood Bazaar. Also
located nearby is Festival Walk.
This shopping complex is just 10 minutes away and houses many
of the world’s best-known brands.
Quickest airport access is 10 km by road to Kowloon Station
Airport Express Line where departing passengers can also check-in
for their cruise.
Currently, around 50,000 Australians visit HK every year,
cramming into the city’s busy hotels, running at an occupancy rate
approaching 90 per cent.
Cruise passengers from all markets spent almost HK$75million
in 2012, up nearly 6 per cent from 2011, not counting those who
embarked or disembarked their cruise in HK.
It is likely that HK’s overall tourism arrivals will exceed 50 million
in 2013 if the current 16% growth rate is maintained.
The opening of the new terminal signals HK’s intention to
transform the city into a major regional cruise hub which will likely
spike the city’s tourism figures yet further, so it remains to be seen
whether HK’s already near capacity hotel market will cope with the
new influx.
The next arrival at Kai Tak is RCCL’s Voyager of the Seas on 15th
October, followed by Diamond Princess and Superstar Aquarius.
For more information on attractions and idea for visiting Hong
Kong, see the Hong Kong Tourism Board Travel Site.
