Hong Kong in focus, departure port for cruises to China
Since the conversion of the former Kai Tak airport into a cruise terminal, Hong Kong welcomes the world's largest ships and has become a favorite destination for cruise enthusiasts wishing to visit China.
Since the conversion of the former Kai Tak airport into a cruise terminal, Hong Kong welcomes the world's largest ships and has become a favorite destination for cruise enthusiasts wishing to visit China.
A few words about the Kai Tak maritime station
Inaugurated in 2013, Kai Tak is a Hong Kong maritime gateway that opens to the world through large cruise ships. The site is managed by the Worldwide Cruise Terminals Consortium, a joint venture formed by 3 companies: Worldwide Flight Services, Royal Caribbean and Neo Crown Ltd.
The infrastructure spans 4 levels and can accommodate 8,400 people during peak hours. It offers passengers a waiting room 56 meters wide, decorated with triangular bay windows. 15 check-in counters and 7 express gates are also available to vacationers for various controls.
On the roof of the terminal is a public garden of 23,000 m², allowing you to breathe fresh air and enjoy spectacular views of Kowloon, Victoria Harbour, and the entire port infrastructure. The garden is surrounded by buildings housing shops and restaurants. Sipping a drink while shopping before boarding would be delightful.
Discovering essential Hong Kong
Hong Kong stretches across an endless chain of skyscrapers. At night, these illuminate the city while emanating a subtle scent of the Orient, and by day, they serve as a backdrop to Asian life overflowing with activity. Asia's culinary capital, Hong Kong is the city where food is a way of life.
This city rooted in its customs and traditions invites you to visit Wong Tai Sin Temple, a Taoist temple where visitors can ask Wong Tai Sin's healing and benevolent spirit to fulfill their wishes of happiness or heal them.
After this detour, ascending Victoria Peak by peak tram is one of the essential stages of visiting the city. This summit features a panoramic platform with views over all of Hong Kong's skyscrapers, Victoria Harbour and the surrounding hills. A mini-cruise to the Kowloon Peninsula or a junk ride in Hong Kong Bay would also be an option.
For shopping, Ladies' Market lets you find souvenirs at bargain prices. Hong Kong's urban park, for its part, offers some greenery. It also houses a museum, where you can taste traditional Chinese tea.
And why not end your city visit with an escape to Lantau Island, where you can encounter a giant Buddha and enjoy a hiking adventure on the island's trails?
Domande frequenti
The Kai Tak cruise terminal is located in the Kowloon City district. You can reach it by taxi, bus or via shuttles provided by cruise companies. Allow approximately 20 to 30 minutes from central Hong Kong Island.
Several major cruise lines operate from the Kai Tak terminal, including Royal Caribbean International, Costa Cruises, Princess Cruises and Dream Cruises. Itineraries typically include stops at Chinese ports such as Shanghai, Tianjin or Xiamen.
A Hong Kong stopover can be used to visit Wong Tai Sin Temple, ascend Victoria Peak by peak tram for panoramic views of the city, shop at Ladies' Market or explore Lantau Island and its famous giant Buddha. The Kai Tak terminal's public garden also offers beautiful views of Victoria Harbour.
The Kai Tak cruise terminal has a capacity of 8,400 people during peak hours. Spread over 4 levels, it features a 56-meter-wide waiting room, 15 check-in counters, 7 express gates and a 23,000 m² public garden on its roof.
The best time to depart from Hong Kong is generally between October and April, when the weather is cooler and less humid. Summer (June to September) corresponds to typhoon season, which can disrupt cruise departures.
