Aqualuna Hong Kong Cruise 2026: Star Ferry Comparison & Guide
Deciding between the iconic Star Ferry and the luxurious Aqualuna for your Hong Kong cruise? This guide covers booking, prices, and an honest comparison for 2026.

Thinking about a Hong Kong cruise trip?
While researching how to ride the Hong Kong ferry,
did you get confused about whether to take Aqualuna or the Star Ferry?

When I first started searching for Hong Kong cruise trips,
that's how I ended up booking Aqualuna Hong Kong.
There's the Star Ferry,
do I really need to take a Hong Kong cruise?
I've ridden the Hong Kong Star Ferry, the king of value for money,
many times, and
initially, I wondered if I really needed to take Aqualuna.
But in the end, I absolutely recommend it!

Today's Key Takeaways
✅ Hong Kong Cruise Trip: Value-for-money Hong Kong Star Ferry vs. Luxurious Aqualuna Comparison
✅ How to Book and Price for Hong Kong Aqualuna
✅ How to Ride the Hong Kong Ferry
Sweet Kong's Hong Kong Cruise Travel Contents |
1. Why You Must Take a Hong Kong Cruise Trip |
2. How to Book Hong Kong Aqualuna (Dim Sum Included) |
3. How to Ride the Hong Kong Ferry |
4. Honest Review and Comparison of the Hong Kong Star Ferry |
Official Website Booking Link👇
1. Why You Must Take a Hong Kong Cruise Trip

A Hong Kong cruise trip isn't just an option; it's a must!
Hong Kong is a city surrounded by the sea,
so the view from the water feels completely different!

While the view from Tsim Sha Tsui's Avenue of Stars is great,
the view of Hong Kong Island from a cruise is far more beautiful.
Especially on a day with great weather and a cool breeze,
taking a Hong Kong cruise will make you feel like you own the world!

Having lived in Hong Kong for a month more than 10 times,
considering the cheap Hong Kong Star Ferry prices,
I used to wonder if I really needed to take a Hong Kong cruise.
But the difference is absolutely incomparable.

Especially if you're traveling to Hong Kong with your parents,
I recommend opting for the Aqualuna Hong Kong cruise trip
for a luxurious and unique experience,
rather than the value-for-money Star Ferry!
2. How to Book Hong Kong Aqualuna (Dim Sum Included)

You absolutely must book Hong Kong Aqualuna in advance,
because they check the manifest with your registered name and you board right away!

Plus, if you book in advance, you can get discount coupons
and credit card benefits, so I strongly recommend pre-booking!

There are various options available:
an option that only includes a drink,
afternoon tea set, dim sum, and Symphony of Lights.


I booked the option that included dim sum!
Rather than filling me up completely,
it felt more like a light snack, so even if I came after lunch feeling full,
I could still enjoy it as a light bite, which I actually preferred!


What's more, it even includes an egg tart for dessert,
so you can savor Hong Kong dim sum while gazing at the sea, and enjoy a refreshing drink too!
It truly is a moment of pure relaxation!
For drinks, each person can choose one from options like beer, wine, or cola.
👉 Make sure to book in advance, otherwise you might not get a seat!
3. How to Ride the Hong Kong Ferry

Instead of receiving a physical ticket in advance,
when it's boarding time, staff walk around
and check names to verify who is scheduled to board.
That's why it's difficult to board if you haven't made a reservation beforehand!

I boarded at Tsim Sha Tsui Pier No. 1.
It wasn't clearly written as Aqua Luna, so at first I wondered if I was at the right place.
But when I asked the captain standing there, he confirmed it was correct,
and said they would check the passenger list if I waited in line.

By the way, if you're wondering whether to use the restroom before boarding the boat,
you really don't have to!
There's a restroom on the basement floor.
The restroom had a unique structure, which I found quite fascinating!
4. Honest Comparison Review: Hong Kong Star Ferry

Considering the Hong Kong Star Ferry costs HKD 3-5,
it's truly the ultimate in value for money!
However, the Star Ferry isn't primarily for tourism;
it's a mode of public transport,
so it merely connects Hong Kong Island and Tsim Sha Tsui Pier without any focus on the scenic views!
See how to ride the Hong Kong Star Ferry 👇
And precisely because it's such great value, tons of people board it all at once,
making it difficult to really enjoy the views.
The boarding time is also quite short, at around 10 minutes.
On the other hand, the Hong Kong cruise Aqua Luna,
being a tourist cruise with a higher price point,
allows you to leisurely enjoy for 75 minutes,
and focuses on providing stunning views and excellent service.


There are various types of seats available, so you can sit comfortably,
and it's perfect for taking relaxed photos!
What's more, since dim sum is included,
it actually felt quite affordable for the level of service provided!
If you want to truly enjoy a Hong Kong cruise trip,
you absolutely must take this one.

Book on the official website, where you'll find various selection options!
Book Aqua Luna now 👇
For those of you preparing for a trip to Hong Kong,
📍Here's Sweet Kong's TOP 50 Hong Kong Restaurant List, compiled by a Hong Kong expert!
Having lived in Hong Kong for over a month more than 10 times,
I've compiled a list of 50 Hong Kong eateries
that I've revisited at least twice without fail.
To those who verify their 'fan' status below,
I'll share the password!

Simply capture a screenshot of your completed 'fan' status
and verify it in the comments!
👉 Download Sweetkong's TOP 50 List of Must-Revisit Hong Kong Restaurants
Explore More
Hong Kong Travel Tips
Here!
With over 200 Hong Kong travel posts to explore,
Sweetkong shares all her best tips on Hong Kong accommodations,
must-see sights, shopping havens, delicious eats, and even exciting day trips –
discover it all in the category tabs :)

#HongKongCruiseTravel #HongKongAquaLuna #HongKongAquaLunaBooking #HowToTakeHongKongFerry #HongKongStarFerry #HongKongStarFerryPrice
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest difference between Hong Kong's Aqua Luna and the Hong Kong Star Ferry?
The Hong Kong Star Ferry is an affordable public transportation option costing HKD 3-5, with a journey time of about 10 minutes. In contrast, Hong Kong's Aqua Luna is a tourist cruise focused on views and service, lasting 75 minutes. While its price range is higher, it offers a more leisurely and premium experience.
What options are available when booking Hong Kong's Aqua Luna, and which option did the author choose?
When booking Hong Kong's Aqua Luna, options include a drinks-only package, an afternoon tea set, a dim sum package, and a Symphony of Lights package. The author chose the dim sum option, which is great for a light snack and includes egg tarts and a drink.
Where does the Hong Kong Aqua Luna depart from, and is a physical ticket required for boarding?
The Hong Kong Aqua Luna departs from Tsim Sha Tsui Pier 1. A physical ticket is not required; boarding is done by checking the manifest against the name registered at the time of booking.
How long is the total duration of the Hong Kong Aqua Luna cruise, and are there restrooms on board?
The Hong Kong Aqua Luna cruise operates for approximately 75 minutes. Restrooms are available on the first basement floor of the boat, so there's no need to use a separate restroom before boarding.
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