Hong Kong, China - Far East Cruises

Your first stop will be at the Sam Tung Uk Museum which provides an authentic and fascinating insight into the lifestyles of villagers in the New Territories before modern development completely transformed this once entirely rural area.

The next visit is to Chuk Lam Sim Yuen (Bamboo Forest Monastery) which is one of the most impressive temple complexes in Hong Kong. The temple was completed in 1932 when, legend has it, Tou Tei, the earth god, told an elderly monk to build it. The temple contains three of the largest golden Buddhas in the territory.

An unexpected delight in this district is the Wishing Tree outside the Tin Hau Temple in Lam Tsuen. An ancient banyan, it is festooned with red and gold incense papers and other offerings thrown into its branches by the faithful - and the hopeful. Adjoining trees, thought to be equally lucky also bear their share of colourful wishing papers. According to tradition, at Chinese New Year, people pray for year-long peace by scribbling their dreams on slips of red paper tied to an orange with string. They then toss them into the air and if the lucky paper charm catches on the tree, it is said that the wish will be granted.

The Man Mo Temple is a dedicated temple to the gods Man (Literature) and Mo (Martial Arts). It was built a century ago to serve as a centre of worship for the community. Also situated here is the Tai Po Market which sells all kinds of fresh products, dried herbs and seafood.

The fortified village of Tsang Tai UK was built in the mid-19th century as a stronghold for the Tsang Clan. The corner towers feature curved gables topped with tridents. The fortifications kept human threats at bay, while the 3 pronged spikes deterred evil spirits.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately one hour of walking on this tour.

Your walk begins at the Man Mo Temple. Afterwards, stroll down to Hollywood Road, famous for its curio and antique shops. Hollywood Road is the perfect place to find wood-block prints, china, porcelain, Buddha statues, snuff and perfume bottles, Chinese furniture and a host of other items.

The lively district of Soho is home to the Mid-Levels Escalator, currently the Guinness World Record holder of the world’s longest covered escalator. This one-direction escalator carries almost 34,000 people daily and is 800 metres long. Soho is an area packed with bars and restaurants and is a particular hot spot for nightlife.

The huge, grey building of the Central District Police Station features Doric-style columns and stands as a testimony to Hong Kong's colonial heritage.

The compact narrow alleys of Li Yuen Street East and West are packed with stalls and shops selling casual wear, leatherwear and knick-knacks to local housewives, visitors and commuters alike.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Please wear comfortable, non-slip shoes and take a raincoat or umbrella in case of possible downpours. Guests are advised that there is an extensive amount of walking involved during this tour.

One of the city’s most popular spots is Victoria Peak, where visitors from all over the world come to see the spectacular views. Weather permitting, take the tram ride for a wonderful panorama of the city’s skyscrapers, harbour and the hills of Kowloon in the distance.

The first store selling artefacts was opened at Stanley Market in 1973. Since then, the site has developed into a busy tourist area selling clothing, handicrafts, leather, silk, cashmere, watches and souvenirs. As well as shopping, the village of Stanley offers an attractive waterfront, lined with small bars and restaurants.

The renowned fishing village of Aberdeen is home to hundreds of people who spend their entire life on the water. The renowned fishing village of Aberdeen is home to hundreds of people who spend their entire life on the water. Take this wonderful opportunity to take a short sampan boat ride, taking in the fascinating sights by water. A quick stop will be made at a Jewellery factory to freshen-up and browse the collection of hand-made jewellery.

One of the first traditional-style temples built 100 years ago, Man Mo has a great canopy dominating the temple with huge hanging coils of incense. The incense is donated by those making offerings to the Taoist gods of literature (Man) and war (Mo).

During your tour, you will also see modern high-rise skyscrapers, a busy harbour and traditional ways of life on the water.


This excursion will operate by coach, sampan boat and on foot. This tour involves approximately two hours of walking in total, including visits.

Your scenic drive will take you uphill to Victoria Peak for a photo stop of the famous concrete jungle, including the high rise buildings and the harbour. Victoria Peak is visited by millions of tourists and locals every year and offers unforgettable views.

Continue onto the beautiful Repulse Bay via the low block houses towards the southern side of Hong Kong Island. Sit back and relax in the comfort of the coach as you pass by views of the South China Sea and stunning beaches adorned with luxury apartments.

Return to Kowloon via the Western Tunnel and the highway to the New Territories and across the incredible Tsingma Bridge. A photograph stop will be made at Tung Chung town for the Ngong Ping 360 Skyrail before the return drive.


This excursion will operate by coach. This tour is designed for those who prefer no walking and the coaches will be filled to ensure that everyone has a window seat if they require one.

Step aboard a traditional Chinese junk to enjoy a leisurely harbour cruise through the bustling Victoria Harbour, with coffee or tea served on board. The cruise sails out to the Eastern harbour area of Hong Kong, along the waterfront of Central, Wanchai, Causeway Bay and North Point before viewing the Shau Kei Wan Typhoon Shelter - home of the fishing families and their deep sea fishing junks.

A brief rest stop will be made at one of the city’s jewellery factories for you to see the wonderful craftsmanship of the goods. Continue to the small village of Stanley and Stanley Market, famous for its clothes, furniture, oriental souvenirs and great shopping.

Enjoy the sights and scenery as you travel up the famed Hong Kong Peak by funicular tram. Built in 1888, the impossibly steep tram is a ‘must do’ in Hong Kong and will provide you with wonderful views on your way up. At 1,308 feet it offers a great perspective of the city (weather permitting).

Aberdeen fishing village is home to hundreds of water people. Enjoy a brief sampan boat ride before taking a short walk to the renowned Aberdeen Marina Club, where you’ll be served a delicious, typical Chinese Dim Sum luncheon.


This excursion will operate by coach, junk, sampan and tram. There is approximately two hours' of walking during this tour including your visits. Please note this is a fast-paced and comprehensive tour and the order of highlights may vary.

Few cityscapes are as spellbinding as the view of Hong Kong from the Peak, the green-swathed mountain that looms above Central’s tight-packed ranks of skyscrapers. Cool, clear and removed from the city's bustle, the area has long been one of the city's most exclusive retreats. Ride up on the famous Peak Tram, built in 1888, a wonderful way to reach the Peak Tower, a small complex of shops, cafés and other minor attractions at the tram's upper terminal.

After returning to ground level, proceed to the Peking Garden Restaurant where your traditional eight course Beijing duck dinner will be served in a bustling and lively atmosphere.

The multimedia spectacle Symphony of Light Show employs coloured lights, lasers, holograms and searchlights synced to music to transform 33 buildings along Victoria Harbour. Hailed as the World’s Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show by Guinness World Records, the show commemorates the energy, spirituality and diversity that is Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is one of the world’s great movie capitals, and the Avenue of Stars is the island’s answer to Hollywood’s famous Walk of Fame. The Avenue also features a towering Hong Kong film awards statuette and a life-size statue of the legendary Bruce Lee. Temple Street night market is lined with row after row of brightly lit stalls hawking inexpensive goods. The wares range from clothing, jewellery and accessories to CDs, electronic gadgets and luggage.


This excursion will operate by coach, tram and on foot. There is approximately two hours of walking on this tour.Guests may be required to queue at the Peak Tram station and the order of sights may operate in reverse to avoid congestion. One soft drink or local beer will be included.

See the sights of Hong Kong from the unusual perspective of an open-top bus. By travelling in this unique way, you will be able to take in the highlights from a completely different angle.

The tour will cover Des Voeux Road, Hong Kong Island's principal street. The street contains many company headquarters, as well as numerous prestigious shops and offices. The Central District is the heart of Hong Kong and it forms the city's financial, business and administrative core, with its high-rise buildings making up the most dramatic portion of the city's fabled skyline.

The Happy Valley is a residential suburb of Hong Kong, located in the north of Hong Kong Island. It is one of the early communities of Hong Kong, part of Wan Chai District and home of Happy Valley Racecourse, one of the two race tracks of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

The tour takes you through the famous Wan Chai district and you will see the Cross-Harbour Tunnel, the first tunnel in Hong Kong built under water. Since its construction, traffic has increased, making it one of the most congested roads in Hong Kong and the world. Nathan Road is the main thoroughfare in Kowloon and Shanghai Street was the major business corridor in the area.


This excursion will operate by open top bus and on foot.Due to height restrictions within the port guests will be transferred to the open top bus by regular coach. There is minimal walking with about ten steps to reach the top deck of the bus. It is recommended that you bring a light jacket at the temperature tends to drop in the evening.

Board a traditionally-styled Chinese Junk and cruise out to the Eastern Harbour of Hong Kong, passing the shimmering waterfronts of Central and the main banking and commercial area. See the pristine skyscrapers, lit up against the night sky, including the Bank of China, the HSBC headquarters and the International Finance Centre, the tallest building in Hong Kong.

The famous world of ‘Suzy Wong’ has now evolved into a prominent commercial district, adorned with giant neon signs along the rooftops and harbour-front buildings. During your cruise, you’ll see many sights of Kowloon’s bustling harbours.

Enjoy unlimited refreshments from the bar as you watch the sights and city lights pass by and witness the incredible Symphony of Lights Show.


This excursion will operate by junk and on foot. Guests are advised that there will be a walk of around 10-15 minutes to reach the junk if the ship is berthed at Ocean Terminal, therefore the duration of the tour may vary. Guests must be able to access a few steps onto and off the boat. Some sea swells may be experienced within the harbour and delays may be encountered due to water traffic. There is no meal or snacks served on the boat so guests are advised to have dinner before leaving on this tour.

Few cityscapes are as spellbinding as the view of Hong Kong from the Peak, the green-swathed mountain that looms above Central’s tight-packed ranks of skyscrapers. Cool, clear and removed from the city's bustle, the area has long been one of the city's most exclusive retreats. Ride up on the famous Peak Tram, built in 1888, a wonderful way to reach the Peak Tower, a small complex of shops, cafés and other minor attractions at the tram's upper terminal.

After returning to ground level, proceed to the Peking Garden Restaurant where your traditional eight course Beijing duck dinner will be served in a bustling and lively atmosphere.

The multimedia spectacle Symphony of Light Show employs coloured lights, lasers, holograms and searchlights synced to music to transform 33 buildings along Victoria Harbour. Hailed as the World’s Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show by Guinness World Records, the show commemorates the energy, spirituality and diversity that is Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is one of the world’s great movie capitals, and the Avenue of Stars is the island’s answer to Hollywood’s famous Walk of Fame. The Avenue also features a towering Hong Kong film awards statuette and a life-size statue of the legendary Bruce Lee. Temple Street night market is lined with row after row of brightly lit stalls hawking inexpensive goods. The wares range from clothing, jewellery and accessories to CDs, electronic gadgets and luggage.


This excursion will operate by coach and helicopter. Your helicopter ride will last approximately 15 minutes and will operate subject to weather conditions. There is an overall weight limit for the helicopter which must not be exceeded due to safety reasons; therefore you may be contacted on board to ensure regulations are met. The helicopter is subject to availability and may be taken out of service at short notice. The tour may begin with afternoon tea followed by your helicopter ride. Capacity is extremely limited so early booking is recommended. There are four seats at the back of the helicopter, so not all guests will have a window seat.

The bustling street market in Stanley is ideal for those shoppers who like to practise their bargaining skills. Stanley Market has an array of shops and stalls, ranging from brand name clothing to sports shoes, art, woodcarvings, ornaments and leather goods. This is an ideal place to pick up some souvenirs for friends and relatives and you can also wander along the waterfront lined with bars and restaurants. At the western end of Stanley’s main street also lies Tin Hau Temple, one of the oldest in Hong Kong.

Your next destination will be a jewellery factory in the harbour-side area of Aberdeen, where you can see how pieces of hand-made jewellery are put together. You will, of course, have an opportunity to purchase any of the gems which take your fancy.

Visit Hollywood Road and Cat Street, small lanes filled with stalls selling curios and antiques - it’s a perfect place to find woodblock prints, china, porcelain, Buddha statues, snuff, perfume bottles and much more. Even if you decide not to purchase any of the unusual and interesting items on sale, the experience and atmosphere of being in amongst Hong Kong’s bustling streets and markets is sure to enthral you.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Guests are advised to take care of personal possessions whilst in crowded areas. The authenticity of designer clothing cannot be guaranteed and Cunard cannot be held responsible for the quality of items purchased during this tour. Walking is involved at all stops.

Board your coach for a short transfer to the Hong Kong Ferry Terminal and join the jetfoil for a fast crossing to the ‘Las Vegas’ of the East – Macau. Macau is a stunning new metropolis where UNESCO sites are nestled amongst sparkling new casinos.

Discover the history of this former Portuguese trading post as you visit some of the most significant sites in Macau’s history. St Paul’s Cathedral was built in the early 17th Century by an Italian Jesuit. Only the facade remains of this exquisite cathedral after the interior was ravaged by fire during a typhoon in 1835.The Museum of Macau is a must, it charts Macau’s history from its colonial heyday to the present day with a vast collection of cultural and historic art and memorabilia. Enjoy some free time at St Pauls and the Museum to browse amongst the local vendors and gift shop for souvenirs.

Jump back to the 21st Century with a trip to the Macau Tower. This 1,109 foot tower features glass elevators and an observation deck which delivers a breathtaking 360 degree view of Macau and beyond. A delicious buffet luncheon will be served in the Tower Revolving Restaurant on the 60th floor where you can take in the stunning views as you dine.

Finally visit A-Ma Temple, built in the 15th Century by Chinese fishermen as a shrine to the goddess A-Ma this is considered to be Macau’s oldest temple. The temple consists primarily of four halls which sit in perfect harmony with the natural environment. Sit back and relax as you leave the glittering city of Macau behind and join your return jetfoil transfer back to Hong Kong.


This excursion will operate by jetfoil, coach and on foot. There is approximately two hours of walking on this excursion. Entrance to the observation deck is not included.

Head away from the hustle and bustle of Kowloon's waterfront to the island retreat of Lantau. Cross the world's longest road and rail suspension bridge, Tsing Ma Bridge, and stop at the viewing platform for some incredible views and a further insight into this amazing structure.

Visit Tai O fishing village, the largest settlement on the island. Built on stilts on the river, the village still retains its ancient history and traditional houses and customs, providing a glimpse of how Hong Kong used to be.

The island's main attraction is Po Lin Monastery, which houses three magnificent Buddhas. It is also home to the largest outdoor bronze Buddha in Asia, weighing in at over 2,800 lbs and measuring more than 85 feet high. The Monastery was built in 1924 and remains one of the most popular Buddhist temples in the territory. Enjoy a traditional vegetarian luncheon at the Monastery and visit the grounds before returning to Lantau island by cable car.

The final visit of the tour will be to Ngong Ping, this village has been architecturally designed and landscaped to reflect the cultural and spiritual integrity of the Ngong Ping area. Attractions include walking with Buddha, Monkey's Tale Theatre and Ngong Ping Tea House.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. A traditional Chinese vegetarian luncheon will be served; a western option is not available. A substantial amount of walking over even ground will be required at Tai O Village and at Po Lin Monastery.