Harbour Cruise Bauhinia Explained

Harbour Cruise Bauhinia is a sightseeing and dining cruise in Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong. It is named after Bauhinia, the City Flower of Hong Kong and the regional emblem of Hong Kong. The brand is a member of the Hong Kong Ferry Group.

Overview

The company's vessels are one of the operating tourist boat fleets in Hong Kong, tourist boats have been an integral part of the history of Hong Kong public transportation.[1] They are the only company in Hong Kong that owns a ferry fleet with Marine Restaurant License, Liquor License and Entertainment Licenses.[2]

The cruise leaves from North Point and Hung Hom Pier, and offers a 2 hour long journey around Victoria harbour. While on board, passengers are treated to a Dinner buffet, as well as a panoramic view of the laser show A Symphony of Lights. In addition to sightseeing, the fleet also hosts services such as charter cruises, product launches, classic vehicular (transport) services, cocktail parties, conferences, religious ceremonies, wedding ceremonies and banquets.

In a brief period during 2016, the company used offered vehicular ferry services from North Point Ferry Pier and Kwun Tong Ferry Pier. The service was part of the celebration of the 83rd anniversary of Hong Kong Ferry's historic vehicular ferry service, which ceased operation in 1998.[3] [4] [5]

During 2023, the Hong Kong Tourism Association launched a trial program which increased Harbour Cruise Bauhinia's services to accommodate a sudden surge of tourists from mainland China.[6] The program was deemed popular among mainland Chinese budget tour groups, plans were submitted to the government to expand operations to include more piers in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hung Hom, Wan Chai and Central.[7]

Fleet

The fleet consists of four repurposed retired vehicular transport vessels, originally owned by Hong kong and Yaumati Ferrry. They feature an air-conditioned banquet floor and outdoor upper deck.[8]

NameTypeSeatsBuilderYear BuiltNotes
Man On3781981
Man Lok4021982
Man Kim5601975
Man Foo5001982

See also

External Links

Notes and References

  1. HK History - Transportation, TVB, 27 Jan 2018, http://programme.tvb.com/news/hongkong50years0001/episode/3/
  2. Web site: Harbour Cruise - Bauhinia (MICE) . 25 October 2024 . Hong Kong Tourism Board.
  3. News: Yuen . Chental . 15 April 2016 . Cross-harbour car ferry to return for limited rides in May to mark 83rd anniversary .
  4. News: 梁 . 立勤 . 3 April 2016 . 【港人回憶】18年後汽車渡輪「復辦」記者親試遊維港 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20180421030737/https://hk.lifestyle.appledaily.com/lifestyle/car/daily/article/20160503/19595441 . 21 April 2018 . Apple Daily . zh.
  5. Hong Kong Culture - Vehicular Ferry, Now TV, 3 June 2016, https://news.now.com/home/local/player?newsId=181241
  6. News: 5 April 2023 . “Harbour Cruise – Bauhinia” launches 3-day trial meal options for Mainland tourists starting today, with per head cost ranging from HK$60 to HK$160 . Dim Sum Daily Hong Kong.
  7. News: Lin . Edith . 6 Apr 2023 . Hong Kong cruise company seeks more piers for its on-board dining services proven to be a hit with mainland Chinese budget tours . South China Morning Post.
  8. Web site: Our Fleet . Harbour Cruise Bauhinia.