Hong Kong's cruise terminal is modern, efficient and sits on the pretty East Kowloon waterfront. // Photos courtesy Hong Kong Tourism Board
By John Roberts
We have just started to explore Asia in recent years, taking amazing river cruise trips in Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam.
It was so enlightening to visit this part of the world that we can't wait to return to see much more and engage with the friendly people and enjoy all the foods and adventures you can find.
We have a particular spot in mind, too: Hong Kong.
Ocean cruising in this most-fascinating region is also high on our list because you can get to so many incredibly exotic places by sea. At the hub of it all is Hong Kong, which is at the forefront of the exploding growth of cruise travel in Asia. Hong Kong is a perfect mix of modern meets ancient, where East meets West.
Here are our top reasons to cruise from Hong Kong.
Pre-Cruise Wonders
Book at least a couple days in Hong Kong ahead of your cruise to fully immerse yourself in all the city has to offer. With the extra time, you can easily explore Hong Kong like a local. The enchanting and lively city is home to the popular Wine and Dine Festival in November, and Hong Kong is filled with culinary delights, from Michelin-starred restaurants to cooking classes and small eateries.
You can also delve into the vibrant shopping scene or visit a fishing village, take a day cruise in Victoria Harbor, or explore temples. Take a city tour to learn about Hong Kong's colonial heritage. The annual Dragon Boat Carnival brings the harbor to life in early summer.
Families with youngsters and the young at heart (like us!) might want to check out Hong Kong Disneyland or the marine-life theme park Ocean Park Hong Kong.
I am also pumped to venture out into the wild spaces at the edge of the bustling city . . .
We have just started to explore Asia in recent years, taking amazing river cruise trips in Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam.
It was so enlightening to visit this part of the world that we can't wait to return to see much more and engage with the friendly people and enjoy all the foods and adventures you can find.
We have a particular spot in mind, too: Hong Kong.
Ocean cruising in this most-fascinating region is also high on our list because you can get to so many incredibly exotic places by sea. At the hub of it all is Hong Kong, which is at the forefront of the exploding growth of cruise travel in Asia. Hong Kong is a perfect mix of modern meets ancient, where East meets West.
Here are our top reasons to cruise from Hong Kong.
Pre-Cruise Wonders
Book at least a couple days in Hong Kong ahead of your cruise to fully immerse yourself in all the city has to offer. With the extra time, you can easily explore Hong Kong like a local. The enchanting and lively city is home to the popular Wine and Dine Festival in November, and Hong Kong is filled with culinary delights, from Michelin-starred restaurants to cooking classes and small eateries.
You can also delve into the vibrant shopping scene or visit a fishing village, take a day cruise in Victoria Harbor, or explore temples. Take a city tour to learn about Hong Kong's colonial heritage. The annual Dragon Boat Carnival brings the harbor to life in early summer.
Families with youngsters and the young at heart (like us!) might want to check out Hong Kong Disneyland or the marine-life theme park Ocean Park Hong Kong.
I am also pumped to venture out into the wild spaces at the edge of the bustling city . . .
Great Outdoors
Hong Kong offers a lot for active travelers who like to get outside for some fun and physical challenges. Top destinations around the city include the Hong Kong Global Geopark of China (50 square kilometers of interesting volcanic landforms), the Dragon's Back (one of best urban hiking trails in Asia), Lamma and Lantau islands (with rustic villages, quaint beaches and beautiful forests). There are numerous other hiking trails in and around the city, as well as scenic parks and gardens to walk, run or join in a tai chi session. Fully 40 percent of the city's land is designated for 24 national parks.
Incredible Itineraries
Hong Kong is the homeport for Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas from May to June and Voyager of the Seas from July to August this year. The two cruise ships sail on a variety of epic itineraries from Hong Kong. Asia's newest luxury cruise ship, Genting's World Dream, which was christened in Hong Kong in November 2017, is homeporting at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal year-round, offering two- to seven-day sailings in Asia.
Cruises from Hong Kong take you on amazing voyages to explore destinations such as mainland China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam.
Ease of Access
Hong Kong features more than 1,100 daily flights to over 220 destinations and a visa-free policy for more than 170 countries (including U.S. citizens). Hong Kong also offers efficient and affordable public transportation like ferries, rail service and buses to get around the city on tours or to reach spots you want to visit such as surrounding islands or the mainland.
Have you been to Hong Kong? Tell us some other highlights we shouldn't miss.
Thanks for reading,
JR
Hong Kong offers a lot for active travelers who like to get outside for some fun and physical challenges. Top destinations around the city include the Hong Kong Global Geopark of China (50 square kilometers of interesting volcanic landforms), the Dragon's Back (one of best urban hiking trails in Asia), Lamma and Lantau islands (with rustic villages, quaint beaches and beautiful forests). There are numerous other hiking trails in and around the city, as well as scenic parks and gardens to walk, run or join in a tai chi session. Fully 40 percent of the city's land is designated for 24 national parks.
Incredible Itineraries
Hong Kong is the homeport for Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas from May to June and Voyager of the Seas from July to August this year. The two cruise ships sail on a variety of epic itineraries from Hong Kong. Asia's newest luxury cruise ship, Genting's World Dream, which was christened in Hong Kong in November 2017, is homeporting at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal year-round, offering two- to seven-day sailings in Asia.
Cruises from Hong Kong take you on amazing voyages to explore destinations such as mainland China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam.
Ease of Access
Hong Kong features more than 1,100 daily flights to over 220 destinations and a visa-free policy for more than 170 countries (including U.S. citizens). Hong Kong also offers efficient and affordable public transportation like ferries, rail service and buses to get around the city on tours or to reach spots you want to visit such as surrounding islands or the mainland.
Have you been to Hong Kong? Tell us some other highlights we shouldn't miss.
Thanks for reading,
JR
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