Cruise operator in 'constructive' talks with tourism chief
A leading cruise operator has expressed interest in the government's proposal to build a cruise terminal at Kai Tak, following a meeting between visiting company executives and Tourism Commissioner Au King-chi yesterday.
After the meeting, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises president Adam Goldstein was quick to comment on the design and infrastructure of the terminal, which will be in operation as early as 2011 under a government proposal unveiled last month. It will have two berths for ships of over 50,000 tonnes.
'We had a good and constructive conversation over the cruise market and Hong Kong's new terminal,' said Mr Goldstein.
The company is involved in at least four cruise terminals around the world - St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, Barcelona, Miami and Venice.
Asked whether Royal Caribbean was interested in operating or investing in the cruise terminal at the former airport site, general manager Joseph Lam said it was too early to comment.
Mr Goldstein said the government was heading in the right direction with the Kai Tak plan and that 2011 was not too late for the city to have a new terminal.