Smooth sailing seen as cruise tourism picks up

Tourists are suddenly heading back to Hong Kong on holiday cruises - and there's no need to worry about transportation snafus, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung assured.

Two cruise ships - Mein Schiff 5 and first-time visitor Royal Caribbean International's Serenade of the Seas - docked at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal yesterday, while Artania and Seabourn Odyssey are set to arrive today at Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Together they are expected to bring in more than 10,000 tourists, and Yeung is confident the improved transportation at the terminals can cope with the demand.

Visiting Kai Tak yesterday morning, Yeung said the taxi and bus services at the terminal can meet the needs of tourists.

"The relevant industry has been busy catering for tourists coming with the cruise ships, striving to provide considerate and efficient services and present Hong Kong's diverse and exciting charm to tourists," he said in a Facebook post.

Mein Schiff 5, Serenade of the Seas, Artania and Seabourn Odyssey are among 20 cruise ships worldwide that will have visited the city this month, bringing in some 100,000 visitors, Yeung said.

He said the terminal and transport operator and travel agencies have provided "tailor-made" services to access different attractions. "Tourists are generally satisfied with the transportation arrangements at the terminal," he said.

Citybus and Kowloon Motor Bus provided six bus routes to and from destinations, including West Kowloon high-speed rail station, Kai Tak MTR station and Kowloon Tong station, as well as one-way service to Tsim Sha Tsui.

Kai Tak terminal also provided a free coach to apm mall in Kwun Tong every 15 to 30 minutes while a minibus route was set to and from Kowloon Bay MTR station.

Tourists can also take paid shuttle buses from the terminal to attractions, including Airside mall in Kai Tak, Mong Kok and West Kowloon Cultural District, Causeway Bay and Central.

This came after the government drew heavy fire last August due to the poor transportation at Kai Tak that left tourists waiting for 40 minutes for a taxi to go downtown.

The government has spent about HK$1 million on improvements such as providing free shuttle buses and distributing fuel coupons to taxi drivers.

The four cruise ships will leave the city through Victoria Harbour enjoying the beautiful night views and several giant art installations under the Art March campaign, Yeung said.

Hong Kong Cruise and Yacht Industry Association chief executive Kara Yeung Tsz-ching said the number of cruise ships visiting the SAR has increased to 70 percent of pre-pandemic level. She suggests more long-term cultural events to attract cruises.