Viking excursions in Hong Kong

[bellemere]

I believe that Viking Ocean did stop in Hong Kong in 2018.

I would like some feedback on excursions for Hong Kong that people have taken.

Thank you for your help as we plan.

[deec]

we did the included tour on the WC when we stopped in Hong Kong...good overview day...not enough time in the Stanley Market...too far to go back by ourselves after.  We also the did the Lantau Island excursion which was  excellent ( except the included lunch) incuding a great sky gondola ride. We had been to Hong Kong previously so had wandered the Eastern medicine  Stores, Goldfish , Bird Markets and Nathan Road ( subway is fairly easy to use), the long escalator etc.  Hong Kong has lots to do,  I think you will enjoy most anything. 

[bellemere]

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

[palacecrystal1]

We have used the Viking excursions on the VR Yangtze River cruise  (HK extension) and VO Orion (Included Tour).  They are identical consisting of a tram ride up and down from The Peak followed by trips to Stanley Market and Aberdeen.  Try not to go on the VO Included Tour during a China national holiday or a HK local holiday.  The crowds are such that the tram ride may not happen and the time spent at The Peak (terrific view of the harbor, Hong Kong island and Kowloon) is very restricted, which then restricts time at Stanley Market and Aberdeen.  If this is the case, take a walking tour to Man Mo and Kowloon or out to Lantau for the Tian Tan Buddha and nearby monastery, then take the Included Tour another day .  We used the MTR to Lantau and gondola ride to get to the Buddha.   If  you can, go up to the Buddha altar because the view is also great.  Unfortunately, there are 268 steps to get up there.  VO docks at Ocean Terminal so its very easy to get on the MTR from there.  The MTR is easy to use because it is Chinese/English bi-lingual.  We use the MTR OCTOPUS fare card.  If you are really adventurous, use the MTR bus system to get just about anywhere in Hong Kong/Kowloon where the MTR does not go.  It is also Chinese/English bi-lingual.  We prefer Nathan Road for shopping over Stanley Market or Temple Street.  And you can't beat Ocean Terminal Mall for window shopping (far better than our Tysons Galleria in northern VA).  Check out any good travel web site (Trip Advisor, Lonely Planet or  Hong Kong Tourist) for things to see, do, and especially eat.  You will have a great time.

[deec]

on the WC we were docked at a less convenient newer terminal but public transportation was available.  On our included tour we only took the tram down.  We were there early in the morning and none of the artists had set up like they did later in the day (on our first trip to Hong Kong).  If you take the excursion to Lantau (although costlier)  the bus takes you right to the Buddha statue and you can either walk down or take the bus.  If possible walk down as there are wonderful views along the way.

[bellemere]

Looks like the day for excursions in Hong Kong is April 22, Easter Monday.  Are places to visit going to be crowded.  As mentioned previously, the tram to the Peak might not be possible.  Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks.