HK cruise passenger throughput jumps 20pc in 2025 with 189 ship calls

Hong Kong's total cruise passenger throughput grew by 20 percent year-on-year in 2025, amid efforts to fortify the city’s position as Asia’s cruise hub, according to Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui on Tuesday.

A throughput of 630,000 cruise passengers was recorded last year, with 430,000 being inbound visitors, the tourism chief said.

The city also saw 189 cruise ship calls in 2025, including vessels from 22 global cruise brands, marking a 26 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Law made the remarks at a welcoming ceremony for Luminara, the newest superyacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, which made its maiden call in Hong Kong today.

The yacht entered Victoria Harbour and docked at Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui this morning following the launch of its Asia-Pacific itineraries from Singapore in December last year. 

Law highlighted that the arrival of such a high-end vessel shows Hong Kong’s appeal not only to large mainstream cruise lines but also to super-luxury brands targeting affluent international travelers, reflecting the diversity of the city’s cruise tourism offerings.

The yacht will use Hong Kong as a turnaround port for Asia-Pacific routes throughout the first quarter of 2026.

It will operate trips between Hong Kong and Singapore or Tokyo, with port calls including Osaka in Japan, Bangkok in Thailand, Incheon in South Korea, and Ha Long Bay and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

Launched in July 2025, Luminara spans 242 meters and has a gross tonnage of 46,750. It accommodates up to 452 guests across 226 spacious suites, each featuring a private terrace.