Hong Kong reopens to international...

Easing of restrictions sees first cruise ship carrying international passengers into Hong Kong since the pandemic

Hong Kong has welcomed its first cruise ship carrying international passengers since pandemic restrictions began.

The Silver Spirit, a Silversea cruise ship, arrived in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, last week after a 14-day round-trip voyage from Singapore. The two-day port call was timed to coincide with the Lunar New Year celebrations.

The Ocean Terminal, positioned on the north side of Victoria Harbour close to Kowloon Park and a wide variety of tourist destinations, accommodated the cruise ship.

GET 50% OFF CRUISES WITH NCL'S NEW YEAR CRUISE SALE

The 39,500-gross-ton ship was repositioned by the line to operate from Asia as part of the industry’s return to the market. She will remain in the region till March, when she begins her repositioning to Europe for the summer season.

Silversea managing director Adam Radwanski said: “Cruising throughout Asia is not complete or entirely satisfied without stopping or calling in Hong Kong; hence Hong Kong is an extremely critical point and port in this part of the region.”

Greeting visitors at the port, Hong Kong minister of culture Kevin Yeung said: “It’s a significant milestone for us on our road to recovery.”

Cruise lines with scheduled stops in Hong Kong in the coming months include Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, Oceania Cruises, AIDA Cruises, Azamara Cruises, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Cunard.