Overview
It’s arguably the most popular cruise destination in the world, and Hong Kong has an overwhelming effect on the senses. Walk the streets in the shadows of its surreal skyline and a unique energy takes hold: you could be on the set of an epic drama in a city which is as inspiring and enchanting as it is overwhelming. From a ride on the Star Ferry, to the views of its spectacular skyscrapers from Victoria Peak, and its unstoppable market life, Hong Kong slows down for nobody and it's also a city where past and present fuse comfortably.
Details
Location: Off the coast of Southern China.
Language: Cantonese and English.
Currency: Hong Kong dollar.
Docking/anchoring: Ocean Terminal is located right next to the heart of the shopping and entertainment district of Kowloon, while Kai Tak is located in the heart of Victoria Harbour in east Kowloon.
Transport: Shuttles are not necessary if you’re docked at Ocean Terminal, as you literally just step out of the terminal and right into the heart of Hong Kong, however, taxis are available and the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station is a few minutes walk away. If you’re docked at Kai Tak, shuttles are usually provided, however, taxis are also available and there’s public transport including buses, and a new ferry service which just started in December 2016.
Don’t Miss
To truly get a sense of perspective of Hong Kong and its surrounds, head for "The Peak" for jaw-dropping views of the city. Victoria Peak is on Hong Kong Island and the tram ride to get to the top is a must-do in itself. The tram station on Garden Road is at the bottom of the Peak.
It’s the most dramatic five-minute boat ride in the world, and taking a ride across Victoria Harbour on a Star Ferry is the most authentic way to take in the Hong Kong skyline. The most popular route is from Central to the tourist district of Tsim Sha Tsui or the reverse.
The Tsim Sha Tsui pedestrian promenade offers a leisurely walk on the southern tip of Kowloon overlooking Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island. Apart from the stunning vistas, the walk takes in the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Science Museum, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the Space Museum and Space Theatre, colonial architecture in the form of the Kowloon Clock Tower, the Star Ferry terminal and the "Avenue of Stars" honouring the film greats of Hong Kong including Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee.
Best Photo Op
At the top of Victoria Peak is a viewing platform which gives you uninterrupted views of the Hong Kong skyline, and gives you an idea of the scale of this vast metropolis.
Shopping
Hong Kong’s reputation as the world’s foremost shop-till-you-drop destination is well deserved. Although not the bargain centre it used to be, prices on most goods are tax-free and are still pretty cheap. It’s okay, and expected, to bargain in market stalls and the best results are achieved if you shop around, and are good natured and smile. Most first time visitors head to Nathan Road which is one of Hong Kong's most famous streets where the best buys are gold, jewellery and watches. But there’s also plenty of good markets all over Hong Kong, including Temple Street Night Market (if you’re in port overnight), Hollywood Road, the Jade Market, Ladies Market and Stanley Market.
Eating and Drinking
Chinese food is the very essence of Hong Kong culture, and eating out is the favourite past-time for locals. The only real problem is the overwhelming choice. From wonton noodle soup at a wooden bench at the side of a road, to dim sum to gourmet seafood, Hong Kong has it all. Dim Sum is a quintessential Hong Kong experience and there are plenty of places to enjoy them from hole in the wall joints to lavish restaurants. For a night out, if you’re overnighting, or ending/beginning your cruise in Hong Kong, the best place to go is Lan Kwai Fong on Hong Kong Island, a collection of funky pubs spread over several pedestrian blocks.
Excursions
Lantau is the largest outlying island in Hong Kong and home to the world’s largest seated bronze Buddha in the Ngong Ping plateau at an elevation of 520m, which overlooks the beautiful Po Lin Monastery. This is usually a full day tour which also includes a visit to a traditional fishing village and a vegetarian lunch at one of the monasteries.
Full day tours also go to Macau from some ships, where you take a one hour jet cat ride to the former Portuguese colony for an all-encompassing tour of the city. Tours often go the the ruins of St Paul Cathedral, Macau’s most famous building which was built in the early 17th century, along with the Museum of Macau, the A Ma Temple which was built in the 15th century and the Macau Tower.
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