A Star Ferry sunset tour of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour aboard converted vessel the World Star – what’s it like?

Starting in Victoria Harbour from Tsim Sha Tsui and looping around Tsing Yi island, the two-hour tour takes in some of Hong Kong’s most stunning bridges

The ferry has been specially adapted for viewing pleasure, giving unhindered views of the city without passengers having to fight for space to take photos

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A sunset tour of Victoria Harbour aboard a Star Ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui is an experience to savour. Photo: EPA

Published: 5:15pm, 3 Jul 2022

Colourful flags flutter from its mast as the ferry pulls away from the pier. Hong Kong Island’s Ferris wheel, skyscrapers and mountain peaks to the port side contrast with the weathered Tsim Sha Tsui dock to starboard, the breeze a welcome balm from the hot, humid air of “Asia’s World City”.

Pre-pandemic, the Star Ferry was a “must-do” for many tourists visiting the city. However, this Hong Kong icon – best known for its short, regular sailings between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon – is struggling financially, and is in danger of following the Jumbo floating restaurant into the history books.

The Star Ferry Company, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, has taken a major financial hit from the coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing lack of tourists. According to a statement made by the company in March, it had accumulated losses of more than HK$70 million (US$8.9 million) over the past two years alone.

Star Ferry began offering extended cruises in 2017 to expand its appeal to visitors and locals alike. Passengers can choose between a 90-minute afternoon tour of the eastern part of Victoria Harbour or the two-hour Sunset tour, which loops around Tsing Yi island, passing under many of the city’s most stunning bridges at twilight.

Tourists enjoy a Star Ferry Sunset Tour. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

We have chosen the second option.