Hong Kong Cruise Port is the gateway to a vibrant, cosmopolitan city, where a unique fusion of East and West creates a fast-paced and fascinating culture. It is also the starting point for many cruise itineraries, a key reason why the port of Hong Kong is important for the cruise industry.
Sailing into the harbour is an incredible experience as Hong Kong’s iconic skyline comes into view, so be sure to be out on deck to take it all in. Once docked, working out how to make the most of your time here can be tricky. But don’t worry- our guide to Hong Kong Cruise Port is here to help.
We’ll share all you need to know when visiting here, answering frequently asked questions, such as:
– Where do cruise ships dock in Hong Kong?
-How far is Hong Kong from the cruise port?
– Is there anything near the Hong Kong cruise port?
– And, what are the best activities by Hong Kong cruise port?
Where do cruise ships dock in Hong Kong, China?
There are two terminals where cruise ships generally dock when arriving at Hong Kong Cruise Port: Ocean Terminal and Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.
Ocean Terminal
Ocean Terminal is Hong Kong’s cruise terminal used by many leading cruise lines, including Cunard Cruises, Fred. Olsen Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas and Royal Caribbean Cruises. At an overall length of 381 metres, it has the capacity for two large cruise ships up to 50,000 tons or four smaller ones.
Ocean Terminal is situated in the Tsim Sha Tsui District on the Kowloon Peninsula. Despite being the older of Hong Kong’s cruise terminals, Ocean Terminal is popular due to its central location and ease of access to many of the city’s highlights.
It is also part of the Harbour City complex, the largest shopping mall in Hong Kong, where you’ll find an impressive variety of shops, restaurants and entertainment.
Kai Tak Cruise Terminal
The newest of Hong Kong’s cruise terminals is Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, which opened in 2013. It comprises two berths, which can each handle much larger ships of up to 220,000 tons and 360 metres in length.
Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is located in Victoria Harbour, further from the main tourist attractions. Its terminal building has been converted from the old Hong Kong airport.
Here, you’ll find a shopping mall, restaurants, tourist information and money exchange. There is also a rooftop park, which offers stunning city views.
How to get to Hong Kong from the cruise port
From Ocean Terminal to the city centre
If your cruise ship docks at Ocean Terminal, getting from Hong Kong Cruise Port to the city centre is effortless. The buzzing tourist area of Tsim Sha Tsui is just a 15-minute walk from here.
To explore more of Hong Kong’s districts and attractions, we recommend using the metro system or MTR. It’s easy, accessible and relatively inexpensive.
The nearest MTR station to Ocean Terminal is East Tsim Sha Tsui, a 10-minute walk away. You can also take nearby ferries to the Central and Wan Chai districts.
Taxis are available, too. To give you an idea of fares, you can expect to pay HK$22 (US$3) for a 5-minute journey to MTR Kowloon Station or HK$28 (US$4) for Hung Hom Train Station.
From Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to the city centre
If your cruise ship docks at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, the distance from Hong Kong Cruise Port to the city centre is somewhat further.
Hong Kong Cruise Port usually provides a free shuttle bus service from Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to the nearest MTR station, where you can then access connections to discover the rest of the city. Most cruise lines also offer shuttle services.
Taxis are also available to transport you to the places you wish to see. A taxi to Hung Hom Train Station, around 10 km away, costs around HK$65 (US$8) while getting to The Peak via taxi would cost approximately HK$165 (US$21).
What to do in Hong Kong Cruise Port
With Ocean Terminal conveniently located in the dynamic tourist district of Tsim Sha Tsui, there is plenty to explore nearby when looking for what to do in Hong Kong on port days.
Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and the Avenue of the Stars
Strolling along Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and taking in Hong Kong’s spectacular skyline has to top the list as one of the best activities by Hong Kong cruise port.
Starting from Star Ferry Terminal, where an eclectic mix of wooden sampans, luxury yachts and local ferries dock, you can wander along the waterfront, passing landmarks like the Clock Tower and Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
As the palm tree-lined promenade extends, you can walk along the Avenue of the Stars, which celebrates the illustrious names in Hong Kong’s movie industry. Take time to pause and witness the breathtaking views of the city’s harbour and towering skyscrapers.
Hong Kong Space Museum
The Hong Kong Space Museum is also close to Hong Kong Cruise Port.
Showcasing some of the most advanced facilities in the world, the museum provides engaging interactive experiences of all things space- and astronomy-related.
Tian Tan Buddha (The Big Buddha)
As one of Hong Kong’s most legendary attractions, the Big Buddha sits at 34 metres high on Lantau Island. It is around an hour’s drive from Hong Kong Cruise Port, but undoubtedly worth the visit.
This imposing bronze statue took over 12 years to design and build and is found next to one of the world’s most treasured Buddhist sanctums, Po Lin Monastery. You’ll need to be feeling energetic to come face to face with Big Buddha, as visitors must climb over 200 steps to admire it.
Hong Kong Disneyland
If you are travelling with family and looking for what to do in Hong Kong on port days, Hong Kong Disneyland never fails to delight. Expect plenty of magical fun, from jolly attractions for the little ones at Fantasyland to exhilarating thrills at Tomorrowland and colourful musical parades around the castle.
Hong Kong Disneyland is also located on Lantau Island, but within a 30-minute drive, so it is slightly closer to Hong Kong Cruise Port.
If you have any questions about Hong Kong Cruise Port or would like to book a cruise holiday that stops there, please get in contact with our cruise specialists.
