Hong Kong welcomes surge in cruise visits during Lunar New Year holiday

Hong Kong saw strong growth in cruise tourism in 2025 with 189 ship calls, up 26 percent year-on-year, and expects over 50 calls in the first two months of 2026, including 12 during the nine-day mainland Spring Festival golden week.

The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau reported robust cruise activity last year and continued momentum this Lunar New Year. From the first to the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, cruise ships will berth daily at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, with some days featuring double or triple berths.

Notable vessels include Diamond Princess, Costa Deliziosa, Star Voyager, Piano Land, Le Jacques Cartier and Norwegian Sun, bringing continuous waves of passengers to celebrate the festival in Hong Kong.

To enhance the festive welcome, the Hong Kong Tourism Board arranged for “God of Wealth” mascots to distribute Lunar New Year souvenirs to arriving cruise passengers.

Tourism Commissioner Angelina Cheung Fung-wing-ping visited Kai Tak Cruise Terminal this morning to personally greet travellers and residents, spreading New Year blessings and showcasing Hong Kong’s hospitality.

The bureau pledged ongoing collaboration with the industry to drive cruise tourism growth, deliver fresh experiences and encourage repeat visits by highlighting the city’s unique appeal.