Royal Caribbean is set to double its presence in Hong Kong in 2025, according to a press release, as the company will have 10 sailings from the Spectrum and Quantum of the Seas.
The news comes on the same day the Spectrum of the Seas arrived in port with 4,800 guests aboard, according to a statement.
The Spectrum is sailing from Hong Kong five times this December and there are additional 10 sailings in 2025, ranging from two to 11 nights.
The 11-night cruise is unique, heading to Japan on Nov. 23 and calling in Sakaiminato, Kanazawa, Maizuru, and Sasebo.
In addition to the Spectrum, the Ovation will sail from Hong Kong on Eastern Monday.
Departures for 2025 include Jan. 3 and Jan 7. sailings on the Spectrum, an April 21 departure on the Ovation, and then cruises on Nov. 23, Dec. 4, Dec. 9, Dec. 14, Dec. 19, Dec. 21 and Dec. 30 on the Spectrum.
To mark the news, a ceremony was held aboard the Specturm. The Honourable Michael Wong, GBS, JP, Deputy Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, presided over a ceremony together with Ms. Angelina Cheung, JP, Commissioner for Tourism, Mr. Dane Cheng, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Royal Caribbean executives Mr. Benjamin Bouldin, President of Royal Caribbean International, China and Mr. Kevin Fung, Managing Director of Royal Caribbean International, Hong Kong as well as Captain Flemming B. Nielsen and Hotel Director Joni Gevriye from Spectrum of the Seas. Their collective presence marked a occasion that highlights collaboration and industry excellence in driving growth and prosperity in the cruise industry.
Hon Michael Wong, GBS, JP, deputy financial secretary of the government of the Hong Kong special administrative region, said: “We welcome the return of Royal Caribbean International and will provide full support. Various government departments, coordinated by the Tourism Commission, have been working closely with the cruise terminal operator and Royal Caribbean International to put in place measures to help passengers onboard Spectrum of the Seas to quickly and conveniently travel into town.”
Wong said that Hong Kong welcomed 34 million visitors last year. And, in the first 10 months of 2024, there were close to 37 million. The number of visitors to Hong Kong will continue to increase and a year on year growth of over 30 percent is expected. The outlook for 2025 is even more positive.
Benjamin Bouldin, president of Royal Caribbean International, China, added: “Hong Kong stands as a captivating destination in its own right, attracting global visitors with its unique East meets West culture. The city offers a myriad of experiences, from being a renowned shopping and culinary paradise, to being home to world-class cultural heritage conservations and international mega events throughout the year. Moreover, Hong Kong’s advantageous geographical location, coupled with its visa-free access to citizens of some 170 countries and regions, positions the city as the prospective Asian cruise hub. We are committed to Hong Kong, and we look forward to bringing in our newest and best ships to this market in the years to come.”
Cheng, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) executive director, said: “We’re very pleased to welcome the return of two Royal Caribbean International ships to Hong Kong as homeports, and the doubling of Hong Kong homeport sailings. This not only reflects the cruise line’s confidence towards the future of Hong Kong’s tourism industry, but also helps attract more international travellers to Hong Kong with the diversified cruise itineraries. The HKTB will continue to maintain close liaison with the major cruise companies to promote Hong Kong’s advantages as an ideal cruise destination and join hands with the industry to promote the development of Hong Kong cruise industry.
