Worlds collide on this tour of Hong Kong. From Aberdeen, a village on the water, to the soaring heights of Victoria Peak, experience Hong Kong from every vantage point. Gain a deeper understanding of Hong Kong’s culture and traditions by visiting key attractions such as Stanley Market and the Western District, riding a tram to Victoria Peak and cruising through a fishing village by sampan.
Day 1
Following disembarkation from the ship, you will drive to Hong Kong Island. For the ultimate view of the surroundings, you will ride the tram up to Victoria Peak. The world’s steepest funicular railway, the Peak Tram opened in 1888 and has been providing spectacular panoramas ever since. As you ascend, you may notice that the steep slope causes an optical illusion in which the skyscrapers seem to be standing at impossible angles.
After pausing for photos at the peak, you will drive on to Aberdeen fishing village and board a sampan boat. While on the water, you can expect to see fishing boats, Chinese junks and villagers doing chores. The experience offers a candid look into daily life, as does your next stop—a tour of a gem factory where you will learn how the craftsmen process the stones for sale or to be set into jewelry.
Then following lunch, it’s on to vibrant Stanley Market, a highly popular shopping destination for merchandise such as silk garments, Chinese costume jewelry and art. As an alternative in Stanley, you might explore Tin Hau Temple, which once stood at the edge of the sea, and the Murray House, an early 19th-century building that was moved from its original site to the seaside.
Your next destination will be the Central district before embarking on a short cruise on the renowned Victoria Harbor.
Following your cruise, you will return to the hotel and spend the evening as you please.
Day 2
After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Tung Chung, a city on Lantau, Hong Kong’s largest island. The landscape is lush and mountainous, and you will enjoy a wonderful view of it while riding a cable car to Ngong Ping village.
Nearby, you will find Po Lin Monastery. Once a rather remote monastery, it gained prominence in 1993, when a Big Buddha statue was erected here. More than 100 feet high, it attracts pilgrims from all over Asia. Be sure to have your camera ready for photos of the iconic Buddha.
After a vegetarian lunch at the monastery, you will explore Ngong Ping village on your own. The large Buddha here is also impressive, as is the teahouse with its intricate architectural carvings and curved roof.
In time, you will return to Tung Chung and on to your hotel to enjoy the remainder of the day and evening on your own.
Day 3
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and then the remainder of the day will be at your leisure. Feel free to simply relax or contact the Hospitality desk staff for suggestions on how to spend your day in Hong Kong.
Lunch and dinner are on your own today.
Day 4
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out and settling any incidental charges you may have.
12:00pm is the official check out time. You will be transferred to the Hong Kong International Airport per the flight details received. Should you have a late flight, luggage storage is available at the hotel or you may wish to book an extra night so that you can keep the room until your transfer.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.
DAY 1
AM Disembark the ship and proceed to Baggage Reclaim area to identify your baggage
Baggage will be transferred to your hotel by truck
9:00am Depart the ship for a full day sightseeing tour
9:45am Peak tram to Victoria Peak
10:15am Photo stop at Victoria Peak
10:40am Drive to Aberdeen
11:10am Board a sampan boat to explore the unique floating village
11:30am Short drive to Gem Factory outlet
11:35am Gem talk and visit the outlet
12:15pm Scenic drive to Stanley
12:50pm Buffet lunch at King Ludwig Restaurant or similar
2:15pm Free time for souvenir shopping at the renowned Market or visit the famous Tin Ha Temple and Murray House
3:15pm Drive to Central District
4:00pm Cruise on renowned Victoria Harbor
4:45pm Return to your hotel, evening at leisure
Dinner on own
Overnight at Kowloon Shangri-La or similar hotel
Day 2
7:00am Breakfast at your hotel
9:30am Scenic drive to Tung Chung on Lantau Island
10:10am Cable car ride to Ngong Ping (including waiting time)
11:10am Visit Po Lin monastery and photo stop of the Big Buddha
12:30pm Vegetarian lunch served at the Monastery
1:45pm Explore Ngong Ping village on your own
2:45pm Drive back to Tung Chung
3:30pm Inter-change to city coach for drive back to hotel
4:15pm Return to your hotel, evening at leisure
Dinner on own
Overnight at Kowloon Shangri-La or similar hotel
*Should cable car not operating, it will be replaced by coach ride
Day 3
7:00am Breakfast at your hotel
Free day at leisure for self-exploration or contact the hospitality desk staff at the hotel for suggestions on what to do in and around the city for the day
Lunch and dinner on own
Overnight at Kowloon Shangri-La or similar hotel
Day 4
7:00am Breakfast at your hotel
12:00pm Check out room & settle incidental charges if any
Free at leisure until your transfer to the Hong Kong Airport for your flight home. For guests with late flights, luggage storage will be available at the hotel.
Extra Nights: If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 12:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of your program.
Transfers: All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.
Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 12:00pm. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
Expected Weather:
The average temperature in Hong Kong in February ranges from about 57°F to 66°F (14-19°C)
The average temperature in Hong Kong from March until June ranges from about 75°F to 82°F
There is an average high temperature of 24°C (75°F) and an average low temperature of 19°C (66°F) in November
What to Bring:
Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, cameras, chargers, umbrella, jacket for cooler days.
Currency:
The Hong Kong dollar (HKD) is the currency of Hong Kong. US Dollars are widely accepted but subject to the discretion of each shop.
Electricity:
The standard electrical voltage in Hong Kong is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Most hotel bathrooms also have outlets for 100 volts, but if not, you will need a transformer for any appliance or electrical equipment. The majority of electrical outlets in Hong Kong take a three-pronged UK-style plug. Adaptors are available on limited supply at the hotel therefore we advise you bring your own for any electric devices.
Documentation:
In general Hong Kong is visa free for most of the countries worldwide. Please check with your local embassy for visa requirements for your nationality. A valid passport is required.
Accommodation:
Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel or similar hotel
64 Mody Road, Tsimshatsui East, Kowloon
Phone: (852) 2721 2111
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of changes before departure, then the hotel(s) listed in this program will be used
Program Includes for guests:
•Hotel accommodation as stated above in a deluxe room- Shangri –La or similar hotel
•All transportation by mini-coach or coach and English-speaking local guide
•Meals as per itinerary specified with one drink per person during meal i.e. local beer, soft drink or local mineral water
•Breakfast at the hotel daily
•Entrance fees to sites visited in the itinerary
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests:
•Incidental charges at hotel including mini bar and room service
•Gratuities to the drivers and guides
•Personal expenses
•Any meals/drinks not listed above
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
