Mainland cruise ship 'Piano Land' set to bring 80,000 visitors to HK annually

The mainland cruise ship "Piano Land" is set to operate from Hong Kong as its homeport starting in April and is anticipated to bring around 80,000 visitors to the city annually.

Featuring international routes that include stops in Japan and Vietnam, the cruise ship will operate 70 voyages every year.

The vessel docked at Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui on New Year's Eve to allow 1,500 passengers to enjoy the countdown fireworks display and departed for Sanya, Hainan this evening.

Commissioner for Tourism Angelina Cheung Fung Wing-ping said the central government will relax transit rules for mainland travelers to visit Hong Kong in transit to join all sorts of cruise itineraries starting in March.

She added that the measure is expected to attract international cruise companies to launch routes that include both Hong Kong and the mainland.