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SCMP Editorial

Cruise industry hopes rose higher last week when the Spectrum of the Seas returned for the first time since the city’s fifth wave of Covid-19 infections.
But the arrival of the ship exposed problems at the main cruise terminal, including transport issues, which must be addressed to avoid damaging the recovery of the sector.
The 16-deck vessel, which can accommodate up to 5,622 guests, arrived on Friday with the news that Hong Kong would be its home port from December 2024.
Operator Royal Caribbean International moved the ship to Singapore in early 2022 when all sailings, including local “cruises to nowhere”, were suspended.
Hong Kong to offer perks for taxis, shuttle buses to pick up tourists at Kai Tak
The city’s status as a cruise hub in Asia is being restored, according to the Tourism Board, which said at least 166 arrivals were secured for the year.
Spectrum of the Seas alone will make six international trips featuring Hong Kong stopovers, bringing some 20,000 visitors to the city from August until October.
But passengers disembarking at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal over the weekend had reason not to be impressed. Those heading to the city were greeted by huge queues for taxis and long waits for buses and minibuses.
The situation somewhat improved by Sunday when vessel Resorts World One, operated by Resorts World Cruises, also docked at Kai Tak.
The development of commercial and tourism-related facilities at the former airport site has been delayed by economic setbacks related to the 2019 social unrest as well as the pandemic. A scrapped plan to build a monorail for the area was another recent casualty.


The terminal’s operator has warned that transport links in the area are poor, with no train stations, only a single access road and insufficient taxis.
Worldwide Cruise Terminals managing director Jeff Bent told a radio programme the government should step up the frequency of ferry services, among other measures.
Commissioner for Tourism Vivian Sum Fong-kwang admitted there was “room for improvement” after she met the dock operator as well as officials from the Transport Department and Tourism Board.
Sum said taxi drivers could be tempted to the area by offering sweeteners such as discount coupons for tunnels.
How to manage cruise ship tourists in an overrun US state capital?
New bus routes are also being considered. However, it is unclear if any steps are being considered to draw retailers back to the terminal’s underutilised commercial areas.
A clear plan of action is sorely needed soon. The city will host the Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific Conference in October, and the schedules of vessels are assembled years in advance.
While pandemic setbacks are understandable, there is no time to waste to ensure cruise terminal facilities are at their most welcoming.


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Hong Kong

Hong Kong must ensure it is plain sailing at cruise terminal for arrivals

A cruise ship is seen at Hong Kong at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in January 2022. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hong Kong to offer perks for taxi drivers and shuttle buses to pick up tourists from Kai Tak Cruise Terminal

Authorities have promised to improve transport for passengers arriving at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. Photo: May Tse

A view from Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas while berthed at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. Photo: Jonathan Wong

3 ideas for making a Hong Kong cruise terminal tourist-friendly

A view from a cruise ship docking at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal on August 4. Photo: Jonathan Wong 

Hong Kong buoyed by return of Royal Caribbean cruise ship after lengthy hiatus

Hong Kong remains an important port due to its international hub status and its accessibility, according to the company’s senior vice-president and chairman for Asia. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Spectrum of the Seas can house up to 5,622 guests. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Between this month and October, the 16-deck ship will make six international sailings featuring Hong Kong as a stopover. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Opinion

Comment

Recovery of sector at risk of being damaged if passengers from vessels are only to be greeted by huge queues for taxis and long waits for buses and minibuses


Recovery of sector at risk of being damaged if passengers from vessels are only to be greeted by huge queues for taxis and long waits for buses and minibuses.


Tourism

Hong Kong economy

Luxury cruises

Hong Kong tourism

Hong Kong transport

Expresses the views, ideas and conclusions of the author. (Eg. Enough of Crazy Rich Asians, think of crazy poor Hongkongers.)


Column

Editorial

Editorial | Hong Kong must ensure it is plain sailing at cruise terminal for arrivals

Recovery of sector at risk of being damaged if passengers from vessels are only to be greeted by huge queues for taxis and long waits for buses and minibuses