Cruise ship Celebrity Solstice recently commenced her inaugural voyage to Hong Kong, choosing the city as her home port for the next 5 months. Celebrity Cruises, the ship's operator, has expressed the need for increased local flight capacity to enhance bookings.
Adrian Au Ka-lun, Director of Sales and Marketing in Asia for Celebrity Cruises, pointed out that limited aviation capacity constrains options for visitors flying to Hong Kong, leading to increased competition with tourist attractions. He emphasized the challenges posed by high airfares, making land-based holidays more appealing to potential travelers.
Au stated that certain sailings for the vessel were nearly fully booked, and an improvement in reservations could be achieved with increased flight options. The struggle of airlines, including those based in Hong Kong, to return to pre-pandemic operating levels has been a significant factor.
Celebrity Solstice, part of Royal Caribbean Group's Celebrity Cruises brand, arrived at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal with 2,700 guests on board. Hong Kong and Singapore have been selected as the ship's two home ports from November to March.
Au highlighted the city's international recognition and its status as a global aviation hub as factors influencing the cruise operator's decision. Celebrity Solstice is one of two vessels deployed by the company in Asia, with the other, Celebrity Millennium, making a port call in Hong Kong during its relocation from Yokohama to Singapore.
Assistant Commissioner for Tourism Henry Lai, during a ceremony marking the maiden voyage, mentioned that the 12 trips between Hong Kong and Singapore, along with two port calls by Celebrity Millennium, would bring in 25,000 to 30,000 international visitors. Hong Kong aims to develop cruise tourism, and Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu addressed this in his recent policy address, emphasizing the need to spur demand in source markets, enhance offerings, and improve supporting infrastructure near the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. An action plan on developing cruise tourism is expected to be announced in the first half of the coming year.