A Hong Kong New Year Celebration With Crystal

Anyone looking for the ultimate New Year's Eve celebration this year may well be tempted to consider Hong Kong, which is rapidly establishing itself as THE go-to destination for memorable end-of-year celebrations.

The most recent occasion was marked by ‘shooting stars’ whizzing over Victoria Harbour as hundreds of thousands of spectators gathered on the harbour-side to make wishes and see in he midnight hour - when the city positively erupted in an eight-minute pyrotechnic display that started on the waters of the harbour and moved landwards, enveloping the skyscrapers around the iconic Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Now, for New Year's Eve 2014, Crystal Cruises are offering perhaps the ultimate NYE opportunity with the chance to be in Hong Kong from December 30 through January 1, as Crystal Symphony will be docked at the Ocean Terminal in Kowloon for a grandstand view of the famously elaborate countdown celebration and musical pyrotechnics display in Victoria Harbour.  

The prime spot also provides the perfect vantage point for viewing the massive skyscrapers specially illuminated for the holidays and the nightly Symphony of Lights – the largest permanent light show in the world. 

The “China Sea Holiday Spectacular” Asia cruise also boasts several celebrations. Christmas and Hanukkah will be celebrated with traditional feasts, parties, holiday shows and religious services amidst Crystal’s lavish seasonal décor. On New Year’s Eve, besides taking in Hong Kong’s holiday festivities in luxurious comfort onboard, Crystal guests can  enjoy a multi-course gourmet dinner, champagne, live music and a festive balloon drop. 

The 15-night voyage round-trip from Bangkok departs December 21 and sails to Ho Chi Minh City (overnight), Chan May, through Halong Bay, to Hanoi’s port of Hongai and Hong Kong (two nights). All-inclusive cruise-only fares start from £5,085 per person if booked before February 28.

More info: call 020 7399 7601 or www.crystalcruises.co.uk

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Hong Kong for Beginners.

By guest blogger Steve Newman.

Hong Kong is one of the world’s great cruising destinations. At the moment, Ocean Terminal is the port's sole cruise terminal and accommodates many luxurious and elegant vessels. Placed on the south of Kowloon, you get a stunning view of Hong Kong Island with its skyscrapers and mountains across the harbour.

From Ocean Terminal it is just a short walk to a network of excellent public transport, including buses, taxis, the MTR (underground mass transit railway), rail and the Star Ferry, which all take you across to the Island. If you do this at night, it’s an amazing sight and you can get a taxi back via the road tunnel that connects the island with Kowloon.

Kowloon is just as vibrant as the island; indeed, the flower market (above) is fascinating, as is Temple Street night market where you can buy just about anything. The watch I’m wearing whilst I write this cost £2 there and is still going strong!

One thing you must do in Hong Kong is go to the terrace beside the Star Ferry terminal at 8pm each night to watch the Symphony of Lights. This spectacular multimedia display, already named the "World's Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show" by the Guinness Book of World Records, includes 44 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour.

The show creates an all-round vision of coloured lights, laser beams and searchlights synchronised to music and narration that celebrates the energy, spirit and diversity of Hong Kong. It is simply stunning - but remember to look at the buildings behind you as well as those across the harbour!

The only problem with Hong Kong is that there is SO much to see and do. I would strongly advise that if you have limited time here, plan your itinerary before you go, otherwise you will simply get sidetracked.

All the major cruise lines come here, so why not got to the Cruise Line Ltd website for the latest offers or make sure to visit the Singapore stand at the next Cruise Show to see what’s on offer?

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