Hong Kong Cruises

Cruise ship docked in Hong Kong © caspermoller

Cruises meander through calmer Asian ports before locking onto the bright lights of Hong Kong's scenic skyscrapers. Below these, the four districts of Hong Kong are a boiling hotpot of activity.

Cruise liners dock in Ocean Harbour, on the Kowloon Peninsula, one of the unique regions that make up a lively city. Here, passengers can experience one of the city's best known traditions: shopping! There are Tsim Sha Tsui and Yuen Po markets, and shops selling birds, clothes and jewellery are set amid the scenic cityscape. The port itself has Harbour City and Ocean City shopping complexes, which can prepare the most fashionably tragic cruiser for a glitzy night on the city.

Kowloon offers great nightlife on Nathan Road, although many wish to mix among the night lights of Hong Kong Island. Getting there from Ocean Harbour is easy; Star Ferry connects Hong Kong Island with the peninsula on frequent and hassle-free routes.

On the island travel is easily navigable with English signs, readily available taxis and tourist buses. Stanley Market provides shoppers with even more choices in an endless shopping paradise. A tram line takes visitors to the most popular attraction, Victoria Peak, which gives a view of Hong Kong's towering skyscrapers and far districts. From Kowloon, the New Territories are visible, as are the Outlying Islands.

If views aren't enough, visitors can tour the islands by quick ferry rides. Lamma and Lantau islands are calm reprieves from the bustle of the city area. Here, cruise goers can visit monasteries and quiet beaches.

To save time and hassle, it is worth joining tours provided by the cruise line. They will provide transportation and guides to see the most in a short time at port. Hong Kong is often the first or last port of call from Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam, which allows passengers to have the option of coming earlier, or staying later, to see more of the endless ingredients that create Hong Kong.