Kai Tak retains over 80% market share of cruise calls in Hong KongKai Tak retains over 80% market share of cruise calls in Hong Kong
Hong Kong's Kai Tak Cruise Terminal received almost 100 calls in 2024 and expects the number to increase in 2025.

Kai Tak Cruise Terminal recorded nearly 100 cruise calls last year and Jeff Bent, MD for Worldwide Cruise Terminals which operates the facility, believes 2025 will prove even more successful.
80% market share
In 2024, the terminal hosted 98 calls, including seven inaugural calls, which it described as greater than the sum total of the remaining three Greater Bay Area cruise terminals combined. ‘I am glad to report that we maintained over 80% market share of cruise ship calls in Hong Kong,’ said Bent.
Bent also said of last year, ‘There are many things to be thankful for in 2024, for example, we successfully worked with the disciplined forces to streamline security procedures for transit calls.’
The number of calls was nevertheless lower than in 2023 when the terminal received 138 cruise calls.
2025 outlook
As for 2025, Bent stated, ‘We anticipate an increased number of ship calls, passengers, and visiting cruise lines in 2025, including seven inaugural calls, the first of which was Astro Ocean’s Piano Land on January 6.
‘Going forward, we look forward to cooperating with the new Kai Tak Sports Park which is located about 3km away from the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, by providing information about KTSP events taking place to disembarking cruise passengers, so they get a chance to participate in other exciting activities around town.’
Bent said Kai Tak Cruise Terminal will continue to lobby for the provision of basic transport facilities envisioned in the 2012 and subsequent Outline Zoning Plans for the district, including an adjacent hotel, rail connection, bus terminus, large car park, overhead walkway to Kwun Tong, waterfront bicycle paths, and more.
‘We believe that as nearby residential complexes commence population intake over the coming year, and as parks and promenades in the district are provisioned, the former runway precinct will bloom, bringing ever more visitors to the terminal’s rooftop garden and shops,’ the MD added.
The year’s major achievements
Last year, the Hong Kong government approved the development of the Smart and Green Mass Transport System: ‘We look forward to its construction here at Kai Tak,’ said Bent.
Kai Tak sought out related parties, such as the government, legislators, and engineering consultants to educate them to the needs of cruise passengers. ‘We shared passenger throughput data and profile information with the consultants working on the SGMTS, as well as operational flows, which they are taking into account for the station design. We also have made suggestions regarding additional buffer areas and exits from the building to better disperse passengers,’ explained Bent.
Plus, for the second year in a row, Worldwide Cruise Terminals sponsored, hosted and jointly organised with Cruise Lines International Association, the Hong Kong Travel Agents Owners Association and Norwegian Cruise Line a full-day's training workshop for nearly 100 travel agents at the terminal.
CLIA’s Australia-based head of international training & development, Peter Kollar, led the in-person training, giving participants an opportunity to enhance their cruise knowledge and sales techniques.
The occasion included a training in the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal facilities and an onboard tour of Norwegian Spirit, allowing agents to gain first-hand experience of modern cruise offerings.
‘The workshop demonstrates the growing interest in cruising among Hong Kong travel agents,’ remarked Kollar. ‘By providing comprehensive education and practical experience, we're equipping these professionals to better serve their clients and capitalise on a thriving cruise sector.’
Bent noted, ‘...The number of attending travel agents nearly doubled this year and further highlighted Hong Kong’s growing importance as a major international cruise hub. Having a large body of qualified travel agents able to recommend the right cruises for the right guests is critical to the success of the market in the long run, and CLIA’s industry-leading training gave participants a solid introduction plus access to ongoing learning opportunities to help them, and their guests, on their journeys.’
The popularity of Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, which stepped into its eleventh year of operations in June, extends beyond the travel industry. It is open daily, hosting many tour group visitors from mainland China and last year saw increased foot traffic to its restaurants and shops by members of the public.
‘Every day, around 1,000 mainland Chinese visitors come to the large restaurant and adjacent shop at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal,’ Bent stated. ‘Tour groups that once blocked and congested the narrow streets in adjacent districts can now enjoy a beautiful view at the HK Cruise Terminal Banquet Centre and visit the lovely 23,000m sq rooftop garden after their meal.’
Worldwide Cruise Terminals additionally hosted several major events at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, including a luxury marque car launch and experience days, a show by a prestigious jewelry brand, and a Bitcoin Asia event. It was also the backdrop for multiple films and commercial shoots.
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