Junk catering is taking a step up. Elaborate menus now include fresh pasta dishes, Mediterranean classics and onboard barbecues. Those sailing out in the evening can even try squid fishing and have their catch barbecued for them.
Whatever the menu, junk trips are a quintessentially Hong Kong experience and have an enduring appeal.
For Rose Torrance, who receives about 10 junk trip invitations over a typical summer, such cruises represent 'a small part of a decadent lifestyle that's affordable'.
Kiri Sinclair has her own take on why junk trips are so popular. 'Hong Kong has the unique advantage of being a mega city surrounded by natural beauty. Junks allow easy and fun access to the outer reaches [or even inner reaches] of the countryside, with spectacular views and a day on the water,' she says.
Cruising to a picturesque spot where the water is clear, the wine and beer are flowing and the company is enjoyable are the key to junk trips' appeal.
But between the swimming and sunning, there's eating. For Sinclair, the food should be easy to nibble on.
'Lots of finger food is essential. People like to nibble all day. Dips with healthy dippers like carrots are a treat. Pre-prepared sandwiches and pasta are easy to eat. I also love a seafood barbecue.'