Hong kong

My ship (RCI Mariner) docks in HK at 10:00pm the first night....should we get off the ship then...what's there to do that late :confused:

That's about the time that the nightlife in Lan Kwai Fong or SoHo starts to get going!

That's about the time that the nightlife in Lan Kwai Fong or SoHo starts to get going!

Not really looking for club type nightlife...but thanks some on our cruise might :D

My ship (RCI Mariner) docks in HK at 10:00pm the first night....should we get off the ship then...what's there to do that late :confused:

Yes, HK is very vibrant at night. No harm going on shore to take a look.

OP, you didn't provide your port of call dates for RCI-MOTS but I assumed it's next month, so your arrival is 22:00 and depart 16:00 the next day (all abroad by 15:00 or sooner) so time is precise.

Your ship will be at the new Kai Tak Cruise Terminal with RCI have partial ownership interest, HK Immigration & Customs are very efficient so you should be cleared to be off the gangway in 30 to 60 minutes if you wish to exercise sea legs on dry land, after dinner - for perhaps some midnight snacks (sweets, for which HK is good for, among other things - being from CA (profile)) Or, maybe, a nice bowl of hot Wonton Noodle Soup w. crispy slices of Roast Duck.

http://www.kaitakcruiseterminal.com.hk/location/

There is a Public Mini Bus (16 seaters) payable in local currency or Octopus Card that run until 23:00 to the nearby MTR (subway) station to get you into the heart of Kowloon's TST or Central District (subways end around midnight & resume at 6 am) Key bus routes run 24/7 on night schedule but, I would recommend using metered taxi at those hours, inexpensive & fast, efficient and mostly honest & reliable (up to 4 adults, maybe 5 can fit with no extra surcharges) for about $10 USD including a small tip (10% of good) to TST to see the Victoria Harbor, ride the famous Star Ferry across as it run all night to catch the sea breeze, etc. Returning to the pier/terminal would definitely be with a taxi.

It depends on what your plans are, whether you plan to sightsee on your own (easy to do, bilingual English signage at most/all popular tourist destination) joining RCI's overpriced escorted tours on the next day since it's a short visit.

There is a licensed money/currency exchange in the terminal that's supposed to be open when ships are docked but lines can be long, there should be HSBC ATM's as those would be easy to use (with a nominal conversion, exchange & service fees) as taxi drivers much rather deal with cash in HKD (Citi, Chase & BOA bank cards issued in the US will work with PINS) Or, if you can get some HKD ahead of departure in Los Angeles or San Francisco, etc. before leaving, it will save you time & a faster start if you plan to eat, shop & buy inexpensive gifts.

Other questions, please feel free to ask if you don't come up with anything here already answered.

The last time we were in HK, we took taxis to several places. I recall that the taxis were inexpensive.

This was before the new Kai Tak cruise terminal was in operation. On this evening, the Voyager of the Seas was docked quite far out and we had to take a ferry back to the ship. We got a complimentary harbour cruise!

[YOUTUBE]PdCfH-hfY8Y[/YOUTUBE]

OP, you didn't provide your port of call dates for RCI-MOTS but I assumed it's next month, so your arrival is 22:00 and depart 16:00 the next day (all abroad by 15:00 or sooner) so time is precise.

Your ship will be at the new Kai Tak Cruise Terminal with RCI have partial ownership interest, HK Immigration & Customs are very efficient so you should be cleared to be off the gangway in 30 to 60 minutes if you wish to exercise sea legs on dry land, after dinner - for perhaps some midnight snacks (sweets, for which HK is good for, among other things - being from CA (profile)) Or, maybe, a nice bowl of hot Wonton Noodle Soup w. crispy slices of Roast Duck.

http://www.kaitakcruiseterminal.com.hk/location/

There is a Public Mini Bus (16 seaters) payable in local currency or Octopus Card that run until 23:00 to the nearby MTR (subway) station to get you into the heart of Kowloon's TST or Central District (subways end around midnight & resume at 6 am) Key bus routes run 24/7 on night schedule but, I would recommend using metered taxi at those hours, inexpensive & fast, efficient and mostly honest & reliable (up to 4 adults, maybe 5 can fit with no extra surcharges) for about $10 USD including a small tip (10% of good) to TST to see the Victoria Harbor, ride the famous Star Ferry across as it run all night to catch the sea breeze, etc. Returning to the pier/terminal would definitely be with a taxi.

It depends on what your plans are, whether you plan to sightsee on your own (easy to do, bilingual English signage at most/all popular tourist destination) joining RCI's overpriced escorted tours on the next day since it's a short visit.

There is a licensed money/currency exchange in the terminal that's supposed to be open when ships are docked but lines can be long, there should be HSBC ATM's as those would be easy to use (with a nominal conversion, exchange & service fees) as taxi drivers much rather deal with cash in HKD (Citi, Chase & BOA bank cards issued in the US will work with PINS) Or, if you can get some HKD ahead of departure in Los Angeles or San Francisco, etc. before leaving, it will save you time & a faster start if you plan to eat, shop & buy inexpensive gifts.

Other questions, please feel free to ask if you don't come up with anything here already answered.

Sorry I didn't give details...yes our cruise is next month and we'll be in HK Mar 11-12 ...Thanks so much for taking the time to provide so much info.

OP,

 

Other questions, please feel free to ask if you don't come up with anything here already answered.

Hi mking8288,

wonder if you can help me with a query please.

We are on Millennium arriving into Hong Kong 7th November.

We have a flight leaving at 8 45am on 8th, so I think we would need to leave the ship at around 5 30am.

I presume we will be too early for airport buses etc and will need a private transfer.

Would you have any recommendations for reliable taxi transfers that I can pre -book?

Many Thanks

Anne

... on Millennium arriving into Hong Kong 7th Nov ... flight leaving at 8 45am on 8th, so I think we would need to leave the ship at around 5 30am.

I presume we will be too early for airport buses etc and will need a private transfer. Would you have any recommendations for reliable taxi transfers that I can pre -book? Anne

Hello, Anne - per port schedule, ship overnighting @Kai Tak (Ocean Terminal is the other truely in-town on the harbor) and assumed will be 2 or more of you, with luggage to checked for your homebound flight - here's my thinking, assumed that unfamiliar with HKG's reliable & efficient mass transit & airport transport system.

Let's start with the simple one that I would consider - direct ride from the cruise terminal to the airport, about 42 km (25 miles) away - metered fare & toll, space for 3 or 4 pax plus trunk space for 3X 25" luggage & small cabin bags, plus small tip (10% is fine) in local currency for about $350 to $400 HKD (converted, 7:75 to 1 @ $45 to $50 USD all inclusive - driver will give you a printed receipt, keep it in case of problems & to report to police via 999) Taxi drivers would cheerfully take your to airport on early Sunday morning as it's slow, 45 minutes travel time on average - and a scenic ride via Ching Yi Bridge onward to Lantau Island.

Typical "private" transfer hotel-or airport-hotel is usually on a shared mini-van or mini-airporter bus on a per-person, per ride basis, a little less for 2 than riding the taxi but likely to be slower (about $15 USD p/p each way) with pickup stops - unless everyone is going from the cruise pier to the airport. Luxury ride via M. Benz sedan or Rolls Royce (typicallly by 5 stars hotel) are available at obvious prices - if you wish to book it, probably about $100 USD & up and IMO, save the money. Compare that to any offers from cruiseline but your early flight might be a problem with availability.

Next - if you wanted to be frugal - use the popular train to the plane used by many business travelers on the go. MTR's Airport Express has 2 in-town station, closeout is Kowloon Station (10 km/6 miles) with free porter service & free in-town luggage check-in, boarding pass issued. First train to HKIA leave every 10 minutes on Sundays, starting at 6:03 @Kowloon Sta. & arriving by 6:30 -then, a short walk directly inside the airport T1/T2 concourse to go thru security, exit immigration & custom formalities for your airline's boarding gate all in 20 to 30 min. In general, leave for the airport 2 hours from popular city locations before international departure is considered good enough, I would add 15 minutes and you will not feel rushed.

http://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/services/airport_express_index.html

There is a discount for 2 or more traveling together, so same day fare on one-way trip would be $70 x 2 or $140 HKD instead of $90 x 2 @ $160 HKD as the "regular" fare, purchased together at the AE station's service center/ticketing counter.

If you arrive by taxi from the terminal, keep that printed receipt (the fare would be about $10 USD or about $75 HKD, so you qualify being above the $60 miniumum) & get 50% off AE fares for up to 5 travelers - AE fares would be $45 HKD p/p or $90 for 2 plus cost of the taxi to Kowloon Sta. from Kai Tak. (Not sure if they would double stack discounts for the fares with the taxi promo, as you would pay even less for AE)

From the pier, taxi driver would probably tried to offer to take you to the airport directly as it's faster & really not that much more expensive, all things consider and mostly hassle free, unlikely to hit any traffic at 6 am on a Fall Sunday - sometimes with a discount to the riders if business is slow (worth considering as long as you are comfortable with the offer & clear on the agreed upon final costs) Otherwise, it's about 20 minutes to Kowloon AE Station, going below ground to purchase ticket & complete check-in (about 20 minutes) and (free fast 3G/4G WiFi in station & on the train) wait/catch the next AE Train for the quick ride with only hand luggage & arrive HKIA in about 25 to 30 minutes ...

Link for MTR with AE and all the details here - http://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/tickets/more_airport_express.html

My "apology" :D ;) for tons of info here for you to make informed decisions on what to choose from - I don't think you need to worry about pre-arranging a private transfer ahead of arrival, there will be taxi waiting for fare pickup in the morning & I doubt that there will be a long line at 6 AM. This new pier is about one years old & transport issues have been a problem on ship dates, so leaving the ship at 5:30 would be a wise move, in case you need to wait for a taxi - check for any update here as it closer to your sailing and your ship's Roll Calls & similar ships docking just before your sailing, as HK government has promised enhancement & a more seamless process for cruise passengers as they wanted to attract tourism dollars locally.

Arrival on the 7th. - might want to checkout the pier & location of taxi stand, and see what the taxi availability is like - maybe copy down some of the taxi's phone #'s to call for one in the morning in case there's a shortage, since you will likely do some local sightseeing tour first during the day.

# Also, some airlines will do in-town airport check in with luggage dropped off as you get your BP also and then not worry about heavy bags on the 8th.

Good morning mking8288,

thank ýou so much for taking the time to write such an extensive reply, much appreciated.

My main concern was that there would be no taxis at the pier at that time of the morning.I will take your advice and check it out the day before and note down a few taxi numbers just in case.

I think that will be the easiest and most hassle free way to go.

thank you again

Anne

Where is the best place to exchange money on H.K. We are staying at the JW Marriott ?? and is it better to pay with cash for things or credit card in H.K.??

Where is the best place to exchange money on H.K. ... and is it better to pay with cash for things or credit card in H.K.??

The cash/credit card question does depend on what you're buying, but credit cards are widely accepted. Thinking about what I do myself, most of the cash that I draw in Hong Kong gets handed over at the betting windows at the racecourse; most of the rest goes on taxis.

Where is the best place to exchange money on H.K. We are staying at the JW Marriott ?? and is it better to pay with cash for things or credit card in H.K.??

Some of the smaller merchants may tack on a "convenience fee" for using a credit card; which at best is the same % as the processing fee the card company charges them. Here in the US its that Cash or Credit price at some gas stations.

I use Fidelity card to take money out of ATM and it has no fee's ..

On the issue of currency exchange (HKD) while visiting HK overnight or 36 hours - use any of the major bank-owned ATM's all over this city, based on official inter-bank rates plus the usual small foreign-exchange transaction fee.

We used our Citi(bank) ATM card in HK to withdraw cash, at the local Citibank branches and paid the small fee - very convenient & far better than dealing with traveler's check and/or prepaid debit cards, etc.

The fees is comparable, if not better, than the CE counter at the HK airport inside the arrival hall (and most likely, same for the exchange counter with limited hours at the KT cruise terminal)

Licensed currency exchange shops are all over the city at popular tourist area, including TST and Central; and, all of the HSBC, Hang Sang & Bank of China, Citibank, etc. branches do offer currency exchange - and, ALL of them charge a fee these days with proper ID/passport or travel documents at the teller's window (HSBC/HS used to be free, many years & moons ago - not anymore !!) Loose changes are still being returned to you in the form of coins in different sizes & shape, and can be confusing - plus the assorted paper bill sizes.

For those planning to ride around town & sightsee on your own, get to a MTR subway station & used the automated machine to get an Octopus Card, it will allow you to take the subways, trains, buses, ferries and PMB (public mini buses) etc. - often with free transfers. AND, you can use it to pay for purchases at loca 7-11's, McDonalds (for coffee :D ) and local pharmacy stores for bottled water & thick paper napkins (trust me, you NEED to buy some & have them around, especially if using some public restrooms & for meals as NOT all restaurants provide free paper napkins) - simplify & reduce the need to exchange local money. Just swipe, beep & purchases PAID and deducted. Google the info related to the Octopus Card in HK to learn more.

On the issue of currency exchange (HKD) while visiting HK overnight or 36 hours - use any of the major bank-owned ATM's all over this city, based on official inter-bank rates plus the usual small foreign-exchange transaction fee.

We used our Citi(bank) ATM card in HK to withdraw cash, at the local Citibank branches and paid the small fee - very convenient & far better than dealing with traveler's check and/or prepaid debit cards, etc.

The fees is comparable, if not better, than the CE counter at the HK airport inside the arrival hall (and most likely, same for the exchange counter with limited hours at the KT cruise terminal)

Licensed currency exchange shops are all over the city at popular tourist area, including TST and Central; and, all of the HSBC, Hang Sang & Bank of China, Citibank, etc. branches do offer currency exchange - and, ALL of them charge a fee these days with proper ID/passport or travel documents at the teller's window (HSBC/HS used to be free, many years & moons ago - not anymore !!) Loose changes are still being returned to you in the form of coins in different sizes & shape, and can be confusing - plus the assorted paper bill sizes.

For those planning to ride around town & sightsee on your own, get to a MTR subway station & used the automated machine to get an Octopus Card, it will allow you to take the subways, trains, buses, ferries and PMB (public mini buses) etc. - often with free transfers. AND, you can use it to pay for purchases at loca 7-11's, McDonalds (for coffee :D ) and local pharmacy stores for bottled water & thick paper napkins (trust me, you NEED to buy some & have them around, especially if using some public restrooms & for meals as NOT all restaurants provide free paper napkins) - simplify & reduce the need to exchange local money. Just swipe, beep & purchases PAID and deducted. Google the info related to the Octopus Card in HK to learn more.

If you have extra money on it when you leave H.K. could you get it back ??

If you have extra money on it when you leave H.K. could you get it back ??

Octopus Card, yes, absolutely - unused balance stay with the card (don't recall if they ever expire, unlike typical US/Euro gift cards) and you can exchange it at any MTR Station with a service counter at operating hours (AND, at the airport before you depart for your int'l flights) including the $50 HKD deposit for the "smart" card - minus a very small handling/processing fee. Thus, we leave with very few loose coins & change with us except that we keep some local currency for future visits - since the HKD is tied to the USD and the exchange/conversion rate has basically been unchanged for decades at 7:75 to 1.

The special tourist Octupus card for souvenir keeping doesn't add or deduct the $50 deposit at the initial time of purchase - if there are unused balance toward the end of a short visit, just finish it up at the 7-11 or even bakery chains and newstands inside all those MTR stations, etc.

Here's another creative way of using it - give them away to your friendly stateroom steward or favorite dining room crew member, as they will most likey find a way to use it on their next port visit - if and when they get a few hours of time-off for shore leaves.

Guide to / FAQ to HKG's Taxis - (3 types of taxis in HK, red ones are what most of you will be riding in/hailing - to/from the airport or HKIA)

The official "bible" as published by the HK Tourism Board - with a list of taxi companies and their telephone numbers to call for one/pre-book one ahead (a 1 or 2 hour should be sufficient to get one, except in poor weather under typhoon warning signal flags.

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/ca/plan-your-trip/practicalities/transport/getting-around/taxi.jsp

Bookmark the guide as it has extensive & detailed info on to make the most out of your upcoming 24 to 36 hours calling upon HK as one of the port stopover. Enjoy !

MKING 8288 thanks for all your help..

Guide to / FAQ to HKG's Taxis - (3 types of taxis in HK, red ones are what most of you will be riding in/hailing - to/from the airport or HKIA)

 

The official "bible" as published by the HK Tourism Board - with a list of taxi companies and their telephone numbers to call for one/pre-book one ahead (a 1 or 2 hour should be sufficient to get one, except in poor weather under typhoon warning signal flags.

 

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/ca/plan-your-trip/practicalities/transport/getting-around/taxi.jsp

 

Bookmark the guide as it has extensive & detailed info on to make the most out of your upcoming 24 to 36 hours calling upon HK as one of the port stopover. Enjoy !

mking8288,

thank you so much for taking the time to post this taxi information, very helpful.

Anne

On the subject of luxury, limo style, meet-n-greet (English-speaking driver) car service to/from HK Airport, there is a ---- ---- Shuttle with web/online advertising and a staffed service counter at the airport (HKIA)

It is quoting one-way, a flat fee, except tipping of $119 USD for up to 3 pax + luggage using a M. Benz sedan. Ride for 5 or 6 pax + luggage with a Toyota MPV minivan is $179 USD to airport (less to the pier, due to tolls & pier parking fees) - current rates, approximate & subject to change. Once booked & confirmed with credit card - no refund whatsover. If flight is delayed inbound, they will adjust pickup time with no additional "waiting" fees or surcharges.

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This is NOT an approved taxi service & insufficient info on licensing & goverment regulatory approval for me to comment further on to recommend or not, proceed at one's own risk.

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Checked with our TA for oversea bookings, quoted flat rate for airport shuttle (shared) via mini-buses or 36 pax coaches to/from hotel is $16 USD per person, round-trip.

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In short, using taxi whenever possible & coming from airport to hotel pre-cruise, use the Airport Express train with free connecting shuttles & free porter services. All taxis in H.K. are licensed/approved & covered by commercial insurance for 5 passenger per vehicle, no exceptions including mini-vans - actual pax capacities are less with luggages.