The magnificent Hong Kong Convention Centre.
Hello Everyone,
How exciting to be in Hong Kong - the City that really does never sleep! Since 1 July 1997, HK has been an autonomous territory of mainland China. This is a thriving community dedicated to business with wonderful contrasts, mirrored skyscrapers, luxurious shopping malls, corner stores, local restaurants, colourful street markets and opulent Hotels.................the weather was kind to us on Thursday and made for a great start to our two day call. This being the first over nighter since Sydney on this Round World Cruise.The excitement begins to build long before we arrive with people talking over what they plan to do ashore - where to go - where is best - we don't want to miss that - and so on and on......then all of a sudden we are here and it is like Christmas!!! When the ship is in port for an overnight stay the mood is really relaxed as everyone, passengers and ship's company can relax a little more and savour the delights of the destination..........aren't we lucky to be in the Far East??!!
P&O Cruises offers no less than twelve shore excursions in Hong Kong using every mode of transport possible.
Arcadia is alongside her berth at HIT - Hong Kong International Terminal. The Queen Victoria was berthed opposite us so we got a chance to say hello to some of our CUNARD friends.
Shuttle Buses all lined up and ready to go - so much atmosphere on the dockside.
A huge logistical operation that ran so smooth....................
Mo Harrison our Shore Excursions Manager and Janice from our Agents who coordinated all the transport on the dockside. Thank You Janice and all your team. 
Customs Officers were keeping a watchful eye.
Australian friends from Brisbane who joined ARCADIA at Sydney and who have been following Arcadia on this blog since departure Southampton.
Shipmates - Alan Clark and John Samson from Queen Victoria called over to say Hello!Hello to Chief Engineer Martyn Elliott and all on Queen Victoria.......
Jackie Bott see that all is in order for special transport arrangements. Nice car Jackie - you like the style.............
Meet Shevanee Adalla who works in The Orchid Restaurant. Shevanee tells me that all her family and friends back home in the Philippines are reading this blog - so Hello to Mum!
Harbour City - a Luxurious Shopping Mall......
A typical Hong Kong Taxi - loads of them - you will never have to go far to catch a cab.
So much to see............a feast for your eyes..................everywhere...............
Stunning architecture - still many old building among all the new builds........
Quality Brands everywhere.................................!!
I like a good entrance with symmetry. 
The bus station adjacent to the Star Ferry Terminal.
The famous old Clock Tower on Kowloon's waterfront - a perfect meeting point. 
The Cultural Centre comprising of Concert Halls, A Grand Theatre and Restaurants.
A view across to Hong Kong.
Everywhere is spotless and well taken care of.
Enjoy these Harbour Views.......................... 
All buildings are designed with a 'gateway' so as when the Dragon comes down from the hills it has access to the sea.
Many new buildings going up............................no recession here. 
A very busy harbour with shipping and junks both for pleasure and transportation of goods. 
What a lovely afternoon to be on a Harbour Tour...............................................
See - I was there.......and took these photos for you! 
This is now the tallest building in HK.
This building with it's circular windows used to be the tallest.............
Waterfronts and more waterfronts.........
Central Pier near to the Convention Centre.
This building is designed to look like a bird...........
Local Apartments...................Oh no - the lift has broken down..........imagine that.......!!
The building in the middle is The Peninsula Hotel. This Hotel is known as the 'Grand Dame of the of the Far East'. This Hotel is one of Hong Kong's most prestigious and well - established Hotel. It continues to offer an elegant blend of eastern and western hopsitality. I am booked for Dinner!
More interesting architecture housing reputable brands!
Love it love it love it!
Another reputable brand and hello to my twin Sister!
A perfect way to explore the Harbour..............
What did you do today?
The Tsing Ma Bridge linking lining the new Hong Kong Airport. This is presently the longest suspension bridge in the world, capable of carrying both trains and vehicles.
Adam Sharp from Southampton Operations who was in town on our behalf to see that all would run smoothly, along with Janice from our Agency. We built this Marquee especially for check in!
Back on board the Hong Kong Immigration Officals work at processing all our passports for departure clearance - don't worry - I got special premission to take this photo.
Jackie Bott see that all is in order for special transport arrangements. Nice car Jackie - you like the style.............
Meet Shevanee Adalla who works in The Orchid Restaurant. Shevanee tells me that all her family and friends back home in the Philippines are reading this blog - so Hello to Mum!Harbour City - a Luxurious Shopping Mall......
A typical Hong Kong Taxi - loads of them - you will never have to go far to catch a cab.
So much to see............a feast for your eyes..................everywhere...............
Stunning architecture - still many old building among all the new builds........
Quality Brands everywhere.................................!!
I like a good entrance with symmetry. 
The bus station adjacent to the Star Ferry Terminal. 
The famous old Clock Tower on Kowloon's waterfront - a perfect meeting point.
The Cultural Centre comprising of Concert Halls, A Grand Theatre and Restaurants. 
A view across to Hong Kong.
Everywhere is spotless and well taken care of. 
Enjoy these Harbour Views.......................... 
All buildings are designed with a 'gateway' so as when the Dragon comes down from the hills it has access to the sea. 
Many new buildings going up............................no recession here. 
A very busy harbour with shipping and junks both for pleasure and transportation of goods. 
What a lovely afternoon to be on a Harbour Tour...............................................
See - I was there.......and took these photos for you! 
This is now the tallest building in HK.
This building with it's circular windows used to be the tallest.............
Waterfronts and more waterfronts.........
Central Pier near to the Convention Centre.
This building is designed to look like a bird...........
Local Apartments...................Oh no - the lift has broken down..........imagine that.......!!
The building in the middle is The Peninsula Hotel. This Hotel is known as the 'Grand Dame of the of the Far East'. This Hotel is one of Hong Kong's most prestigious and well - established Hotel. It continues to offer an elegant blend of eastern and western hopsitality. I am booked for Dinner!
More interesting architecture housing reputable brands!
Love it love it love it!
Another reputable brand and hello to my twin Sister!
A perfect way to explore the Harbour..............What did you do today?
The Tsing Ma Bridge linking lining the new Hong Kong Airport. This is presently the longest suspension bridge in the world, capable of carrying both trains and vehicles.Whether you want to take a Grand Tour of Hong Kong, Scenic Highlights, Walk the old and New, Shopping Trip, Bridge Harbour Cruise, Helicoptor and Peninsula, Hong Kong by Night, Ocean Park, Lantau Island or do as you please..........there is one thing for certain you cannot do it all. That is the beauty of it! Always a good reason to plan to return to this vibrant City that is the one and only Hong Kong!
When I was thinking about this blog I jotted down a few words that came to mind - enjoy, life, hope, optiomism, speed, quality, instant, safe, future, past, youth, growth, clever, style, best, food, top of the range, culture, friendly, smiley!
Adam Sharp from Southampton Operations who was in town on our behalf to see that all would run smoothly, along with Janice from our Agency. We built this Marquee especially for check in! Back on board the Hong Kong Immigration Officals work at processing all our passports for departure clearance - don't worry - I got special premission to take this photo.Signing off now to get on with some more business. Tomorrow we will be arriving in Nha Tran - Vietnam and it will be Mothering Sunday!! This is a new port for me. I have been to Vietnam before and have wonderful memories of happy people. So much to see on this Round World Adventure.
Have a great weekend wherever you are and don't forget to spoil your Mum!!
All good wishes or as they say in Hong Kong.........
M goi & joy geen ( thankyou and goodbye)
James.
I feel very adventurous. There are so many doors to be opened, and I'm not afraid to look behind them.
Elizabeth Taylor, 1932 -
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17 comments:
Morning James
It's a lovely sunny Saturday here in leafy Bedfordshire!
Not got quite the same ring to it as Hong Kong mind!
The photo's are fab - I see you've pointed out all the expensive designer shops in your photo's (Rolex and Mont Blanc)! Did you buy anything?
Say Hi to Mo and Sophie in tours and Jackie for Natalie and I. Nice to see them in the photos. Talking of Natalie she is now back from Las Vegas. They had a wonderful time - even though Tom and her brother, Craig, dragged her to sports bars! She went to Nha Tran last year on Oriana James and she loved it. She would like to do another trip to the far east but this time spending some time in Vietnam.
Hey I've never heard of Joyce. What do they sell? Your twin sister and my Mum share something in common. Mum's middle name is Joyce. I see they have the body shop in HK. They have that shop everywhere don't they ;-0)
Gosh I wouldn't want to live in those apartments - far too many neighbours (Lol).
I see it was a lovely day for you in Hong Kong this year. Last year when Natalie was there it was quite foggy! No sign of fog in your photos.
One day James I will be there experiencing it for myself. I am pretty determined about that!
Hey, we've got a great programme on tomorrow night with some P & O faithfuls in it!!!! It's a celebrity come dine with me, with Claire Sweeney (from earlier in your blog and now Nat's new BFF
;-0) - Lol) and the legend Mr Tom O'Connor - Along with that Kim woman from Kim and Aggie - the cleaning duo (how clean is your house) and I think the other person who they don't show much of in the advert for the programme is Darren Day. Of course I will be rooting for either Tom O'Connor or Clare Sweeney to win the £1000 which goes to charity.
Well better get to the gym. I've only been once this week. I've not felt too good over the past couple of days and my blood pressure has been playing up so think I may have a virus of some kind. But feel a little better today, so it's off to the gym I go!
Looking forward to the next lot of photos from Nha Tran. In the meantime you take care. xx
Elaine (aurorabore)
Hi James,
good evening to all on Arcadia.
Great blog with fantastic photo's as usual, cant wait to get back to HK my Favourite city. There is so much to see and do in HK, we are spending two days there prior to our cruise then two days post cruise. There is nothing better than looking at the skyline of HK Island from Kowloon side, especially at Xmas as all the building are lit up like Xmas trees with great neon lights. I rave about HK but my family don't hold the same enthusiasm as i do.They did not seem to find the lights as thrilling as i do.
Take care, is the HIT now where most overseas passengers ships go to.They used to tie up near Harbour City.
Enjoy your next port.
Regards to all on Arcadia.
Geoff Witts Perth
Hello Eliane,
Thanks for your news - glad to hear DD enjoyed the holiday - what a life! Did not make too many purchases but made up for it with Dinner at the Peninsular!! Something I always wanted to do and now I have done it. Worth every penny. JOYCE is a upscale Ladies Fasion Brand, as far as I can remember! So much to see so little time - one day I shall return.
Have a great weekend and Happy Mother's Day!
James.
Hi Geoff,
I had not been to HIY before. Passengers and crew got a complimentary city tour on the way in on the shuttle bus! HIT would prefer to be handling Container Ships however they are under pressure to accommodate more Cruise ship to boost the Tourist Trade. Ships still do tie up at the Ocean Terminal - as we did last year on Arcadia. I share your love of HK - not much wonder my Christmas Lights never really please me!!!
Best wishes to all in WA,
James.
Hi Elaine,
Let me know about the Come dine with me! Claire Sweeney did tell me about this when we had dinner together. I bellieve it will be good viewing.
James.
Hi James,
Thanks for the reply,enjoy Nha Trang tomorrow.
Have been searching the internet for nice hotels in HK, probably will opt for the Kowloon Hotel, as it is near all the facilities.
We had 41c yesterday, but a mild 32c today so much more bearable.
Regards to all on Arcadia.
Hope you are feeling better now Elaine.
Geoff.
Hi James
It's more than 10 years ago now since Paul and I did the RWC on the old Arcadia, had a fantastic time.
Your brilliant blog and photo's bring it all back and make me so envious. Well one day we will God willing and bank account do it again.
Kindest regards hope to meet up with you later in the year.
Eunice & Paul Meeus
Hi James,
Fantastic photos again. Another place on my wish list.May I take this opportunity to wish you and all on Arcadia a fantastic St Patrick's day as we'll be in Geneva with Cerys and her family on that day.No too many Irish Whiskeys before lunch!!!
Peris & I went to Lord John's memorial service in the House of Lords last Monday, and met up with Tony & Freda and George and Maureen. A really nice service. He was such a lovely gentleman.
Have a great time in Vietnam, pleanty of bargains apparently.
Have received my Mothers day gifts today as Siwan will not be with us tomorrow as she has choir practice all day!!!
Hope the weather stays good for you.Take care.
Norma
Looks an amazing place.
I think that Nautica was in HK as well the other day. My second fave ship (Arc is 1st!)
Best wishes
Hazel
Hi James!
After many years as sea staff and passenger on P&O ships looking for that elusive "Green Flash", I finally saw it on a Caribbean cruise, a few years ago. It exists, just a flash, but green.
Roll on 15th April on Arcadia for a second shot.
My regards to Sally.
Quis nos separabit.
Doug Skyrider, Brecon
Hi Doug
I really didn't believe my daughter when she told me to look out for it and not to take my eyes off the sunset or I'd miss it! Glad I did as I was told or I'd never of believed her if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes!
Elaine (aurorabore)
Wow that is really interesting post, i never gone hongkong but from your post just like im in hongkong really really impressive
Hi
Thanks for all the photo's it is a great way to keep up with where my parents, Henry and June Moulding, are. For some reason communication from them is a little thin, I can only assume they are too busy enjoying the sights and pampering. From what we have heard you have slowly won Henry over, his favourite ship for many years has been Oriana and I am sure he was very excited when it was along side you in the Panama locks.
I see you are in Nha Trang today, anchored close to the cable car. I visited there in 2007 to collect a yacht for delivery to Thailand. We caught the tail end of a hurricane on the trip which made for a very rough passage, I hope your journey down the coast is less eventful.
Ian Moulding
James,
You port blogs are great but could we have some information about those wonderfull sea days.
Richard
Hi James, I have followed your blog since Liz told me about it. My absolute favourite is Hong Kong. It's a place I never really considered going but having read your blog it's a place I cant wait to go. Maybe on a P & O Cruise? It looks absolutely fantastic. My friends Debbie and Tony have touched base via email and tell me you are an absolute hoot!! Regards Avril x
I am very much enjoying your blogs and your latest one from Hong Kong has brought back great memories of our visit on Canberra back in 1996. I disembarked Aurora in Dubai seven weeks ago and a week later was asked to go to Barbados to work for 3 months so it's been a hectic but wonderful start to 2010. I've had chats with several Ventura passengers whilst shopping in Bridgetown on Saturday and look forward to seeing Arcadia at the end of April. I must take up your recommendation on an earlier blog and visit Champers for lunch soon as I only live a few minutes walk away!
Look forward to many more interesting blogs from the World Cruise.
hi james
watched claire sweeney last night on come dine with me she did well came 2nd but did a great meal Tom OConner won but he was fun to watch and a great scouser as is Claire, good dinning.
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