Published on
October 16, 2025
Royal Caribbean’s expanded sailings are playing a key role in driving Hong Kong’s tourism recovery in 2025, with a surge in international cruise arrivals from Mainland China, Japan, Singapore, and Qatar. As the city becomes a major hub for global cruise travelers, airlines like Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways are also ramping up their services, bringing passengers from around the world to Hong Kong’s vibrant airport. This growth in both air travel and luxury cruise tourism is fueling Hong Kong’s economic revival, boosting the hospitality industry and local businesses. With more tourists flocking to the city, Hong Kong is solidifying its place as a prime destination for both leisure and business travel.
Royal Caribbean’s Expanded Sailings Drive Hong Kong Tourism
After the International Cruise Travel restrictions, Royal Caribbean began expanded cruise sailings for the Hong Kong and China areas. With the increase in Royal Caribbean cruise capacity, more and more cruise ships visit the iconic Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. The increase in flight availability by Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airwais is working hand in hand with the recovery and opening of the tourism and hospitality industries in Hong Kong After the COVID-19 Pandemic. Local Hotels and Luxury Hospitality during the recovery of the pandemic has had a steady increase worldwide.
In this article, we will focus on how Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s expanded sailings has impacted the Hong Kong tourism industry shaped light by Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways increased flight operations as tourism grows in the region. Travel through Hong Kong offers a distinctive combination of contemporary services, cultural monuments, and hospitality of the highest caliber for cruise passengers. As we embark on this journey and discover Hong Kong as one of the best places to visit, we encourage you to share your impressions.
The New Sailings from Royal Caribbean: Re-establishing Tourism in Hong Kong.
The Royal Caribbean International cruise line, largest in the world, has taken action to restore Hong Kong’s tourism. The company’s increase in the number of sailings from 12 to 16 for the 2026-27 season from Hong Kong adds value to the local economy. Starting November 2025, the mega cruise ship Spectrum of the Seas will make Hong Kong its home port. Spectrum of the Seas will offer 12 sailings in 2025-26 season, which is an increase from the 7 offer has from the previous year. This cruise ship is perfect for customers looking for an adventurous and luxurious cruise. This is a big part in the recovery of tourism for Hong Kong and increasing the value of the expected international cruises in Asia.
Royal Caribbean is expanding its business in Greater China and adding to its regional itineraries including Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam. As demand continues to grow, Royal Caribbean intends to station more ships in Hong Kong, meaning more opportunities to experience their top-notch service while being able to see and appreciate the exquisite culture and beautiful city.
With each port visit and stop by Royal Caribbean’s ships, an expected 20million HKD (roughly 2.5million USD) is spent for these stops. These amounts really serve to the indicated so that additional spending while in port to the local economy includes shopping, eating, excursions, and just about anything in the services realm.
Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways: Boosting Air Traffic to Hong Kong
In the post-covid world, Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways have increased their service volumes as Hong Kong is reopening, bringing in more foreign visitors. These airlines are also key players for Hong Kong’s aviation, and the two of them has been especially vital for the recovery of tourism in Hong Kong.
Incredible service every time and every passenger is indulged and catered to to their every whim.
The company is preparing for the anticipated increase of demand in business and leisure travel. Singapore Airlines is aware of the increasing demand and for the upcoming travel season. Singapore Airlines will continue to travel to Asia every day with the collaboration of Royal Caribbean cruise and Singapore Airlines cruises.
The popularity of air travel and the cruise industry is expected to grow significantly. Travelers can enjoy cruises out of Hong Kong and connect with different Singapore Flights with Singapore Airlines.
Qatar Airways
Yet another recognized operator in the world has increased its flights to Hong Kong as Qatar Airways has opened new airline routes. Qatar Airways opened new airline routes for existing flights to Hong Kong and as a result, Qatar Airways has expanded services in Asia. This is a growing trend, as more travelers visit Hong Kong.
To ease the flying experience, Qatar Airways has increased offers for multiple weekly flights to Hong Kong from Doha. Qatar Airways is known for its premium travel experience, making the airline a luxury operator for Hong Kong flights. While flights to Hong Kong are available with most airlines, they are not as comfortable as those offered by Qatar Airways.
Impact on Hong Kong’s Hospitality Industry
More international flights and the resumption of international cruises drove the traffic to Hong Kong hospitality. The hospitality industry is seeing positive shifts especially for luxury hotels: The Peninsula, Four Seasons, and The Ritz-Carlton. With new airline routes for flights connecting to Hong Kong, the hospitality industry for Hong Kong is booming with new guests.
The Peninsula Hong Kong
The Peninsula Hong Kong is a historic luxury hotel. As more people come to the city from the Middle East and Asia by cruise and plane, The Peninsula is also getting more cruise and fly-in guests. It is located at the famous Tsim Sha Tsui, and owners of the hotel take pride in its world class hospitality.
The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong
The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong is also located in the West of the city and is the only hotel in the city that overlooks the beautiful Victoria Harbour. With more people traveling from Japan and mainland China, The Ritz is getting a lot of international guests. The hotel has also added special cruise packages for cruise ship guests.
Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong
Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong is another luxury hotel serving high-end international travelers. Its location on the waterfront of the Victoria Harbour is a big attraction to customers who arrive in Hong Kong by cruise. Since cruise arrivals to Hong Kong are resuming, Four Seasons is likely to continue being on the top of the list of customers looking for luxurious and restful accommodations.
The expansion of international travel and the rental of budget and mid-tier accommodations are also including boutique hotels and hostels to capture younger travelers. The entire Hong Kong hospitality industry is experiencing positive effects of the tourism influx including the growing tourism economy.
Flight and Travel Tips for Hong Kong Tourists
To prepare for your cruise, and flights to Hong Kong in 2025, consider travel plans for a seamless experience. Here are a few recommendations for travel.
Flight Connections
- Singapore Airlines: Singapore Airlines has daily flights that are less than 4 hours to Hong Kong. Make sure to look for deals and fare promotions to help save money for your flight.
- Qatar Airways: Qatar Airways does multiple flights to Hong Kong weekly from Doha. Their flights take about 8 hours to reach to Hong Kong. Qatar Airways is considered one of the best airlines to take for long-haul flights due to its luxurious in-flight services.
- Cathay Pacific: As Hong Kong’s flagship airline, it provides several direct flights to every city across the world which helps travelers access the city more conveniently.
Cruise Departures
- Royal Caribbean: The Hong Kong Kai Tak Cruise Terminal will have the Spectrum of the Seas for 12 sailings for the 2025-2026 season. This will include cruises to Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam!
- Carnival Cruises: Carnival is enlarging its cruise offerings from Hong Kong to include more cruises to Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
Entry and Visa Requirements
Travelers should check to see Visa requirements for Hong Kong before travelling. 90 days Visa exemption is for citizens of the US and the EU. It’s best to check the entry requirements for your nationality.
Best Time to Visit
From October to December is the coolest and best time to visit Hong Kong. This is the most pleasant time of the year with multiple festivals to attend. Due to the holiday season, international visitors arrive in Hong Kong in large numbers so make sure to book your flights and accommodation well in advance.
Transportation in Hong Kong
Public transportation in Hong Kong, including the Mass Transit Railway (MTR), buses, and ferries, is very convenient. You can purchase an Octopus Card, which allows for cashless payment for all transportation options and many shops and restaurants.
Mainland China, Japan, Singapore, and Qatar are driving Hong Kong’s tourism recovery in 2025, as international cruise arrivals and airline traffic surge. Royal Caribbean’s expanded sailings and increased flights from global carriers are boosting the city’s hospitality and economy.
A Bright Future for Hong Kong’s Tourism
Tourism in Hong Kong is recovering in 2025 and will be even stronger due to the expansion in Royal Caribbean’s cruise sailings and increased international flights from Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways. Along with the growing hospitality, these advancements will help Hong Kong bounce back to its position as a top travel destination in Asia. You can expect brilliant and unrestricted access to Hong Kong’s rich culture, delicious food, and excellent hospitality whether visiting for a cruise, business, or just holidaying.
Tourists can discover the heart of Asia with smooth flight connections, luxury cruise options, and exciting experiences that Hong Kong has to offer. With the city recovering, it will make it rewarding to travel to Hong Kong for the first time, which means the future of Hong Kong tourism is bright for the first time in a long time. Now is the time to plan your next trip.
