Hong Kong buoyed by return of Royal Caribbean cruise ship after lengthy hiatus
- Spectrum of the Seas docks in city for first time in 18 months, after authorities scrapped all cruise journeys during fifth wave of Covid-19 infections
- Tourism Board upbeat on return of ship, which will make city its home port from end of next year
Cruise ship Spectrum of the Seas returned to Hong Kong on Friday after more than a year away, with operator Royal Caribbean International confirming the vessel would use the city as its home port from December 2024.
The announcement came 18 months after authorities scrapped all cruise journeys, including services “to nowhere”, as the city entered its fifth wave of Covid-19 infections in January last year.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board said it welcomed the return of the vessel, adding 166 cruise ship dockings had been secured this year.
“[The vessel’s return] reflects Hong Kong’s readiness to welcome more international cruise ships to the city, thus further consolidating Hong Kong’s position as a cruise hub in Asia,” the board said.
The arrival of Spectrum of the Seas marks the first of its six international sailings from this month until October featuring Hong Kong as a stopover. Royal Caribbean said the trips would bring about 20,000 visitors to the city.
The vessel will make seven voyages from Hong Kong to Japan and Vietnam between December 6 next year and January 7, 2025, with destinations including Okinawa, Ishigaki, Chan May and Nha Trang.
