Hong Kong cruise operations as normal despite escalated protests

A 'welcoming cruise destination'

'At present, the operation of cruise terminals and the tourist activities in Hong Kong continue as usual,' Hong Kong Tourism Board's Kenneth Wong, general manager, MICE & cruise and regional director, Europe, told Seatrade Cruise News. 'Hotel and tourism operators stand ready to provide necessary assistance to minimize disruption to travelers in case of any public events taking place.'

Wong added his assurance that 'Hong Kong remains a welcoming cruise destination for travellers.'

Dream Cruises, Star Cruises and Royal Caribbean ships

Genting Cruise Line’s World Dream had last called at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Cruise Terminal on Sunday and is due back on August 9, when Voyager of the Seas is also expected. Genting's Star Pieces is scheduled for daily sailings from Hong Kong’s older, smaller Ocean Terminal.

In a statement, Genting Cruise Lines said its two brands, Dream Cruises and Star Cruises, have 'not been affected by the events of the recent weeks and are currently operating as normal from their respective ports at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and Ocean Terminal.'

Royal Caribbean in Hong Kong told Seatrade Cruise News sailings were operating as normal, with no impact.

Flights resuming, ground transport restored after 'citywide rampage'

Hong Kong’s airport, one of the busiest in the world, listed flight activity Tuesday, while some flights remained cancelled. Airlines advised passengers to check their websites or social media pages for updates.

Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported rail and bus transport networks in Hong Kong gradually returned to normal on Tuesday morning, after an unprecedented 'citywide rampage' last night with clashes near police stations in multiple districts.

Protestors are demanding an inquiry into police actions over the handling of demonstrations and that the Hong Kong government fully withdraw its proposed Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation Bill, which has been shelved for now.

Under the terms of the 1997 handover deal with Britain, Hong Kong has rights and liberties unseen on the Chinese mainland, including an independent judiciary and freedom of speech. Then British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher signed an agreement committing Britain to surrender Hong Kong to China in 1997 in return for terms guaranteeing a 50-year extension of its capitalist economic system.

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