Hong Kong tailors Wine & Dine Festival programmes for cruise lines, delivering one-of-a-kind land experiences that allow food and wine enthusiasts to indulge in sensory delights against the breathtaking backdrop of Victoria Harbour. This marks Hong Kong Tourism Board’s (HKTB) commitment in supporting global cruise lines to leverage the unique synergy between Hong Kong’s signature events and cruise programmes.
Three cruise ships visit Hong Kong on 24-25 October, coinciding with the five-day Wine & Dine Festival: Silver Nova, Costa Serena and Coral Princess berth at Hong Kong on those dates, bringing in about 8,000 passengers from the Mainland China and short- and long-haul destinations.
The HKTB takes the initiative to cooperate with cruise lines to create shore excursion programmes for passengers, as the annual Wine & Dine Festival takes place at the Central Harbourfront on 23-27 October, promises an even grander experience this year. Cruise passengers get to indulge in a feast of wines and delicacies from around the globe, presented across more than 300 booths. The experience is further spiced up by the picturesque vistas of Victoria Harbour and pulsating live entertainment.
To go further beyond, HKTB also partners with Silversea Cruises and rolls out the red carpet for its most loyal cruisers with an exclusive stage programme tailored for the Venetian Society Reunion voyage during Silver Nova’s port call on 24-25 October at The Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival.
The festival’s main stage comes alive for Silver Nova guests in the early evening of 24 October with an energetic performance by the China Hong Kong Youth Symphony Orchestra, followed by a specially curated wine-pairing programme that distinctively pairs award-winning Chinese wines with Michelin-starred dim sum. The guests are also treated to a sumptuous tasting menu complemented by a free flow of selected drinks and wine.
Bert Hernandez, President of Silversea Cruises, was excited about visiting Hong Kong, “Staging an exclusive culinary experience activity with Hong Kong characteristics at the ‘Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival’ on shore for our guests of Silver Nova is one of the major highlights of the year of Silversea Cruises. We are grateful for the support from the HKTB, and are delighted to visit Hong Kong.”
Dane Cheng, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) Executive Director, said, “Silversea Cruises is a globally renowned ultra-luxurious cruise brand. We are delighted that it has chosen Hong Kong as one of the destinations for Silver Nova, and is staging an exclusive activity for cruise passengers at the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, HKTB’s annual signature gastronomic event. This not only marks the biggest collaboration between the HKTB and the cruise sector, but also allows visitors to experience the city’s unique wine and dine ambience, contributing to the development of Hong Kong’s cruise tourism.”
The annual Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival is a scrumptious fixture in the city’s vibrant schedule of festivities and special events year-round. These unmatched bonus experiences can enrich cruise programmes for international cruises visiting Hong Kong, the Events Capital of Asia, any time of the year. The HKTB is keen to collaborate with cruise companies to create exclusive experiences tying in with the local events.
