Hong Kong drew world-wide attention on June 12 for its new cruise terminal, Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, was officially launched in Kowloon City! More than 3000 passengers mainly from Australia, the United States, Britain and Singapore on Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas disembarked in Hong Kong at around 7:45 p.m. local time, and received a warm welcome with dragon and lion performances. As the cruise’s debut at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, Hong Kong ushered in a new era of luxury cruise.
(Mariner of the Seas)
The site of Kai Tak Cruise Terminal 15 years ago was one of world’s most terrifying airports located right in the city with a runway all the way down into the sea, exceptionally difficult for pilots to fly into and out of. Now the old airport has got a new life, and reopens its gate to travelers as an awesome cruise terminal. The terminal is reported to cost HK$8.2 billion ($1 billion), and has two berths that is able to accommodate the biggest cruise ships in the world.
(The old airport, a real challenge for pilots)
Currently 19 ships have been scheduled to dock at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in the following 12 months, while Royal Caribbean first called Kai Tak Cruise Terminal its home port. With a great market potential and cruise activity picking up in Asia, it is believed that Hong Kong will see a huge increase in traffic when it was actually finished.
(Passengers on Mariner of the Seas)
Travelers on Mariner of the Seas were full of praise, and thought Kai Tak Cruise Terminal was even more luxury than Singapore’s Marina Bay Cruise Centre opened last year, nevertheless, much remains to be settled. Subsidiary facilities at the terminal including the façade, hotes, restaurants and shuttle buses system will be ready no earlier than October this year. But when completed, it will be one of the biggest public roof gardens in Hong Kong, as well as a well-appointed commercial center.
(Dragon and lion performances)
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