The Hong Kong government has extended Worldwide Cruise Terminals'
(WCT) operating lease on Kai Tak Cruise Terminal for another five years
till May 2028.
Vivian Sum Fong-Kwang, commissioner for tourism, said at a virtual
Legislative Council meeting on 12 April that the authorities decision to
extend the lease was to ensure operational continuity. This extension
would also allow more cruise lines to use the terminal should they wish
to sail to Hong Kong.
"We look forward to assisting the industry comeback in the coming
years, and building on past achievements," wrote Jeff Bent, managing
director of WCT in a LinkedIn post.
Earlier
in the year, Hong Kong imposed a two-week ban on air and sea arrivals
until 21 January. When more Omicron outbreaks followed, the country extended its cruise suspension to 21 May.
After the suspension was announced, Royal Caribbean International
cancelled its existing Spectrum of the Seas sailings in Hong Kong,
choosing to sail to Singapore instead.
Princess
Cruises' Sapphire Princess which was initially scheduled for deployment
from Hong Kong to various ports in Australia in late August also
shifted course and redirected the ship to Los Angeles for summer.