Royal Caribbean Expands Hong Kong Cruises in 2025
Royal Caribbean International, the longest-standing homeporting cruise line in Hong Kong, is set to double its sailings from the city in 2025, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a premier Asian cruise hub. In an ambitious expansion, the line will offer an extended season of 10 roundtrip sailings, showcasing a variety of itineraries designed to appeal to both local travelers and international visitors seeking a gateway to Asia’s most captivating destinations.
Two of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Ultra Class ships, Spectrum of the Seas and her sister ship, Ovation of the Seas, will lead this effort. Spectrum of the Seas is slated to offer five Hong Kong departures as early as December 2024, followed by 10 homeport sailings in 2025. These voyages, ranging from 4 to 11 nights, will explore scenic locales in Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Meanwhile, Ovation of the Seas will feature an especially popular Easter Monday sailing, poised to become a highlight of the season. Marketed as an ideal option for families, reunions, and special celebrations, this voyage underscores Royal Caribbean’s commitment to providing diverse experiences suited for travelers of all interests and backgrounds.
The recent arrival of Spectrum of the Seas in Hong Kong on December 6th brought in more than 4,800 international guests, signaling strong inbound tourism potential. Robust early bookings for the 2025 season confirm the brand’s successful strategy and affirm Hong Kong’s evolving role in the regional cruise landscape. These developments align with the city’s upward trajectory in tourism, as noted by Michael Wong, GBS, JP, Deputy Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. He revealed that Hong Kong welcomed 34 million visitors last year, and close to 37 million in just the first 10 months of 2024. Projections indicate that the number of visitors will continue to rise, with a year-on-year growth of more than 30% expected.
Benjamin Bouldin, President of Royal Caribbean International, China, highlighted Hong Kong’s unique appeal. Positioned as a cultural crossroads where East meets West, the city attracts travelers drawn to its renowned shopping districts, world-class culinary offerings, and robust calendar of cultural and entertainment events. Hong Kong’s strategic geographic location and visa-free access for citizens of around 170 countries and regions further enhance its potential as a premier cruise homeport. These advantages ensure that both repeat cruisers and newcomers will view Hong Kong as an enticing embarkation point for voyages throughout Asia.
With future plans to bring more advanced and innovative ships to the region, Royal Caribbean remains dedicated to investing in Hong Kong’s cruising future. The company’s latest move underscores its confidence in the city’s infrastructure, its capacity to host larger and more sophisticated vessels, and its strategic importance as a hub connecting travelers to a myriad of Asian destinations. As cruising continues to rebound and evolve, Hong Kong’s expanding role in Royal Caribbean’s network is poised to enrich the vacation experience for guests and contribute significantly to the city’s vibrant tourism economy.
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