The new Ovation of the Seas made her inaugural call to the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Hong Kong on June 17.

“We are excited to welcome one of the biggest and most technologically advanced cruise ships in the world to the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, and look forward to receiving her again for a series of turn calls later this year,” said Jeff Bent, managing director of Worldwide Cruise Terminals, which operates the Kai Tak facility.

Royal Caribbean arranged for the Ovation of the Seas to visit Hong Kong and stay for one night en route her 52-day maiden voyage from Europe to Tianjin, China for a naming ceremony officiated by the first ever Chinese Godmother Fan Bing Bing.

The grand entrance of the Ovation of the Seas into Hong Kong was marked with a ceremony graced by senior government dignitaries and key industry stakeholders. These included the Honorable Gregory So Kam-leung, GBS, JP (Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development); Mr Philip Yung, JP, (Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development – Commerce Industry and Tourism); Miss Cathy Chu Man-ling, JP (Commissioner for Tourism); and Mr. Anthony Lau (Executive Director, Hong Kong Tourism Board). They were joined by executives from the cruise line including Mr. Michael Bayley (President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International) and Mr. Henrik Loy, Captain of the Ovation of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean also presented trophies to five Hong Kong celebrities who have achieved regional or global acclaim in the five areas, according to a statement. For Technology the trophy went to science whiz Chan Yik Hei, dubbed “Son of the Star”; for Art it went to music prodigy Wong Ka Jeng, for Culinary it went to the esteemed chef, Ricky Cheung; for Entertainment it went to dance producer Mak Chau Shing; and for Sports it went to speed climber Lisa Cheng, Hong Kong’s very own ‘Spider Girl’.

Photo: Hong Kong Tourism Board