The half-day experience on October 27 kicked off with a stroll through serene Hong Kong Park to admire its rich, perfectly maintained greenery and resplendent water features. The urban oasis is a habitat for butterflies, with 200 of China’s 1,300 species found in Hong Kong – from Swallowtails and Nymphs to Skippers and Blues. The Edward Youde Aviary can also be found inside the grounds – closed until the end of the year for improvement works – plus a Tai Chi Garden veiled by foliage and a monument to frontline workers who died during the 2002–2004 SARS virus outbreak.
Hong Kong Park
Hong Kong Park
A sheltered botanical garden harboring brightly coloured exotic plants as well as cactuses of various shapes and sizes was a welcome spot for cooling off before ascending the park’s lookout tower for views of the city’s futuristic skyscrapers.
Botanical garden 
Peak Tram
A short walk away the entrance to the Peak Tram takes visitors back in time, showcasing the earliest example of the funicular railway which was first adopted in 1888 and used as transport to reach the upper levels of Hong Kong Island.
Views of the city spread out below as the tram climbs the island’s tallest hill in six minutes, and a well-stocked shop and the entrance to Madame Tussauds greets visitors on disembarkation.
A shopping centre, various restaurants and cafes can be found on the 552 mtr tall Victoria Peak, but the view is the star of the show, offering unbeatable panoramas of the ultra-modern metropolis, iconic Victoria Harbour and lush hills on the horizon.
A panoramic view of the city
Reaction from TUI Cruises
Marcus Puttich, director destinations, fleet operations & newbuild at TUI Cruises, described the tour as ‘a great experience’ and ‘a perfect opportunity in getting to know the beauty of Hong Kong in a quick and immersive way.’
He said, ‘A walk on foot brought us to the quiet and peaceful Hong Kong Park. After spending some relaxing time between the Conservatory and the Tai Chi Garden, we were very fortunate to experience a ride on the famous Peak Tram all the way up to the well-known Victoria Peak. We enjoyed the panoramic view over Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the Victoria Harbor – a perfect experience for every Hong Kong visitor.’
TUI Cruises’ Marcus Puttich in Hong Kong Park
Wine and Dine Festival
The fam trip was preceded by the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival on the evening of November 26. Hong Kong Tourism Board invited attendees of Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific to join the festivities, supplied with tokens that would allow them to sample the various culinary delights while watching theatrical performances.
Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival
Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival
To read the highlights from Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific in Hong Kong – the first Seatrade Cruise event in Asia since 2019 – check out the December issue of Seatrade Cruise Review coming soon.
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