Hong kong port sees cruise boom with packed schedule

Hong Kong's cruise industry is experiencing a major resurgence in March 2025, with 17 international cruise ships scheduled to visit the city.

The port authority in Hong Kong is having a busy March, managing the arrival of numerous cruise ships as the city experiences a surge in cruise tourism. Photo: Bernard Spragg. NZ, Flickr CC BY 2.0

This wave of arrivals highlights Hong Kong's growing importance as a key destination in the global cruise sector.

Between March 8 and 9, the city welcomed four notable vessels: Celebrity Millennium, Costa Serena, Silver Whisper, and Seabourn Encore. These ships docked at Hong Kong's main cruise terminals—Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui—bringing approximately 5,400 visitors.

One of the standout voyages is the Seabourn Encore, which offers a 14-day ultra-luxury cruise from Hong Kong to Singapore. The itinerary includes stops at Halong Bay, Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Sihanoukville, and Bangkok, giving passengers a diverse Southeast Asian experience.

8.4 million visitors in 2025

​In the first two months of 2025, Hong Kong welcomed approximately 8.4 million visitors, marking a 7% increase compared to the same period in 2024.  This upward trend indicates a positive trajectory for the city's tourism sector.

98 cruise calls in 2024

Regarding cruise tourism, Hong Kong is set to receive 17 international cruise ship calls in March 2025.  

Additionally, the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, a key facility in Hong Kong, welcomed 98 cruise calls in 2024, including seven inaugural visits.  This indicates a growing interest among cruise operators in including Hong Kong as a port of call.

The surge in cruise activity not only reinforces Hong Kong’s strategic location in Asia but also supports efforts to revitalize its tourism industry. The steady flow of cruise liners is expected to boost the local economy and solidify the city’s status as a premier cruise hub.