Hong Kong

Embark on a journey to discover heavenly hiking, dynamite dim sum and a soaring heritage in the cruise hub of Asia – Hong Kong. As a city built upon lavish designer shopping, Michelin-starred restaurants and a diverse art scene, it is only natural that the top tier of luxury cruising starts and ends here. From its locale along the South China Sea, this glittering city is the gateway to greater Asia, offering short voyages and multi-stop destination cruises to some of the most spectacular sights and experiences in the world.

Dock for ancient temples that rub shoulders with cutting-edge art centres, where sprawling volcanic parks hide traditional fishing villages, and antique junk boats mingle with cruise liners in Victoria Harbour’s emerald waters. Where ‘have you eaten?’ is considered a greeting, huge swathes of rambling hinterland beckon explorers, and every neighbourhood promises new adventure (and a Michelin-star restaurant or two!).

There’s something spellbinding about seeing the Hong Kong sunrise from the deck of a luxury cruise ship as the city skyline is cast in hues of red and gold. A drawcard to Hong Kong cruising is the promise of a culturally immersive experience for travellers and vast diversity in cruise offerings. Start with a traditional Hong Kong breakfast at a local cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style cafe) for a fast-paced introduction to how British flavours mix with innovative Cantonese cuisine. We recommend a local’s breakfast of a pineapple bun (with no pineapple), slathered in butter and washed down with plenty of Hong Kong milk tea.

Spend the day on land, specifically on Central’s renowned slopes, where heritage buildings unfurl majestically across the city’s garden-filled heart. Explore Ice House Street’s countless hidden bars and storied teahouses, before discovering the heavy aroma of sandalwood incense as you move towards Hollywood Road, passing Man Mo Temple, the city’s oldest existing Taoist place of worship. To get your culture fix seek out Tai Kwun – a heritage and arts centre housed within the restored former Central Police Station compound.

Go from ship to rail on the iconic Peak Tram, offering visitors the perfect chance to witness Hong Kong’s spectacular panoramas in unrestrained splendour. Venture from sea to sky atop the sheer face of Victoria Peak, the funicular railway travels to the island’s summit, ambling almost vertically up for nearly 400 metres. There’s no better way to cross the harbour than via the world-famous Star Ferry. Head to West Kowloon Cultural District and cycle through spacious boulevards flanked by luscious greenery and framed by magnificent views of Victoria Harbour. Alternatively, take a picnic to the open lawns of Art Park which showcases the city’s emerging artists scene. Then, head towards the brand-new Hong Kong Palace Museum – an architectural triumph inspired by Beijing’s own Forbidden City.

A day spent exploring Lantau affords travellers a glimpse into the islands as they stood centuries ago. Vast strips of tropical jungle hide some of Asia’s best hiking trails, while sprawling beaches reveal countless secret coves to intrepid explorers, and tiny villages dot the coasts like pearls. A cable-car journey to the island’s mighty Big Buddha is a must, and a visit to the adjoining Po Lin Monastery gifts visitors a moment of serenity. Continue to Tai O fishing village for an authentic immersion into Tanka culture and marvel at the traditional stilted houses, or enjoy a day of family fun at Hong Kong Disneyland. Wherever Hong Kong takes you, you’ll find the perfect cruise to ignite the imagination and stir the soul.