Cruise liner adds Kaohsiung and the Penghu Islands to Hong Kong route in anticipation of uptick in passenger demand
- Resorts World One will make its inaugural journey from Hong Kong to Taiwan’s main port next month
- The liner offers resort-style amenities including a spa, pools, sports facilities and entertainment, as well as 18 dining outlets
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Post-pandemic international tourism is well under way. As Hong Kong returns to normality, Asian-based cruise liner company Resorts World Cruises is hoping to entice travel-hungry vacationers in Hong Kong and Macau with a new route to Taiwan.
The cruise liner Resorts World One will depart from Hong Kong for the first time next month as a destination cruise on a new itinerary to Taiwan. The options for passengers will include port calls at Kaohsiung, on the southern tip of Taiwan, and the Penghu Islands, an archipelago to the west of Taiwan. The sailing, which departs Hong Kong three times a week, is expected to help boost the cruise sector and its related industries. The new itinerary is in addition to the liner’s “cruise to nowhere” two-day round trips into international waters, which gained popularity during the Covid-19 travel bans and will continue to operate.
The international cruise sector is making a good recovery following the end of travel restrictions. According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the industry’s largest trade association, the number of cruise passengers is expected to surpass the 2019 pre-pandemic level by the end of this year, estimating the recovery will exceed 12 per cent of 2019 levels within three years. Meanwhile, a report by Future Market Insights suggests ocean cruise passenger numbers are expected to exceed 39 million by 2027, compared with almost 30 million in 2019.
Asia was among the top three cruise destinations in 2018, and the Asia-Pacific region is likely to see growing demand for cruise tourism. As cruise liners have begun to resume operations, more than 5 million passengers have sailed to over 85 countries. And, indicating that enthusiasm for this form of tourism remains strong, almost 80 per cent of travellers who had taken a cruise before the pandemic said they would do so again.
Resorts World Cruises is a regional brand with two rebranded ships, Resorts World One and Genting Dream, that began sailing out of Singapore and Malaysia last year. The company is an extension of Singapore-based Resorts World, which has more than 45 luxury properties in Europe, North America and Southeast Asia. The introduction of Resorts World Cruises follows the group’s strategy to bring the resort experience to seafaring passengers in the Asia-Pacific region.
Resorts World One weighs more than 75,300 tons and has 13 decks which can accommodate 1,856 guests in various room types including interior, ocean-view and balcony cabins, as well as suites. There is also “The Palace”, a “luxury ship-within-a-ship” concept with its own private facilities, including a European-style 24-hour butler service exclusive to suite guests. The private enclave has its own restaurants and pool, aiming to create the ambience of a boutique hotel.
Leveraging its experience in hospitality, the company aims to bring the resort experience to its cruises at sea. Amenities include a spa, fitness facilities including a fully equipped gym, and a children’s entertainment club. Adding to the resort-style experience is the Roman-themed Parthenon pool deck, which includes a stage for live musical entertainment.
Thematic zones host recreational activities such as Latin dance, foam parties and cultural workshops, while other experiences include virtual and augmented reality at the ESC Experience Lab. In addition, the Zodiac Theatre hosts performances by international acts. The vessel also presents movie nights at sea, with international films on rotation.
Adding to the holiday atmosphere are a range of Asian and international cuisines to be experienced in the vessel’s 18 restaurants and bars, which include the Dream Dining Room serving Western and Chinese cuisine, and The Lido and Lido Grill serving an international-style buffet. Other restaurants offer Italian, Japanese and fusion fare.
Resorts World Cruises says the experience will appeal to Hongkongers looking for a resort-style holiday with a destination, as an alternative to land or air travel.
Upon docking at Kaohsiung Cruise Terminal – a new shopping, dining and entertainment area – passengers can hop ashore to explore the port area. Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second-largest city, is set on a long stretch of coast famous for its fishing and seafaring traditions. The region has 16 fishing ports including Yancheng, which takes its name from its salt pans and is close enough to the terminal for passengers to explore.
Passengers arriving at the Penghu Islands will enjoy the area’s striking scenery with its hexagonal basalt columns. The islands are also well known for their white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and the quality of their seafood.