Dreaming At Sea

Akanksha Maker sets sail on the recent offering by Genting Hong Kong

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According to CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) and CHART Management Consultant’s analysis of 2016, passenger cruise trends in Asia have seen monumental changes. An annual increase of 29.3 per cent has been observed in passenger capacity of commercial ships. While there were 43 liners in Asia in 2013, last year this number rose to 60. The report also claimed that eight out of ten Asian passengers preferred to travel within Asia itself.

In terms of emerging outbound markets in Asia, China, India and Hong Kong are estimated to be the top players. In 2014, India had around 18 million cruising tourists. This number is predicted to reach 50 million passengers by 2020, implying an upward trend in India’s cruising interests. “Asians enjoy holidays that bring them to several destinations, allowing them to experience different food and cultures all in one go,” says Michael Goh, senior vice president of sales at Star Cruises. “Cruising offers them the most convenient way of exploring multiple exotic destinations in a single holiday.”

EMBARKATION

The opening of Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Terminal in 2013 has been instrumental in catalysing Asia’s cruising industry. Formerly Kai Tak International Airport, it was pulled to the ground in 1998. The stretch of land remained unused until it was refurbished by Foster and Partners into a state-of-the-art terminal managed by World Cruise Terminals. The three-storey colossal terminal can accommodate two cruise ships of up to 2,00,000 tonnes each. Since its opening, Kai Tak has welcomed 18 cruises, carrying 7,30,000 travellers.