The Star Ferry Tour is a brand new facility for overseas visitors wanting to have a closer look at Hong Kong's spectacular views

Overseas visitors will have the opportunity to have a closer look at Hong Kong's spectacular views with the recent launch of a tourist cruise around the world famous Victoria Harbour on board the SAR's classic icon, the "Star" ferry.

Launched by the Star Ferry Company, the hour-long tourist cruise named Star Ferry Harbour Tour is dedicated to the sights of Hong Kong's famous landmark, Victoria Harbour. It aims to provide a brand new facility for tourists visiting Hong Kong. Costing between HK$30-HK$150 (US$4-US$19), it is "probably the best value sea journey in the world," according to Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board Selina Chow.

Star Ferry's director and general manager Frankie Yick said: "Just like going up to the Peak, to enjoy the night view, crossing the harbour on a "Star" ferry is almost a must for tourists. In fact, National Geographic Traveller's Magazine once named a "Star" ferry trip over Victoria Harbour one of the '50 places of a lifetime'.

Mr Yick said he is confident that "with this service, we will be able to offer tourists an even more memorable experience over the harbour."

The tour starts in Tsimshatsui and takes in a circular path, passing by major attractions such as City Hall, Golden Bauhinia Square, the Bank of China Building and the Space Museum. A video in Putonghua, English and Japanese tells tourists about the sights.  Along the way, passengers can hop on and off at various stops.

The Star Ferry Company Limited has invested more than HK$5 million (US$643,000) in refurbishing a 1964 double decker vessel with the look and feel of the 1920s.

Related link:
The Star Ferry Company   www.starferry.com.hk