Disney Cruise Line and Hong Kong Disneyland (to Australia and Bali, Indonesia?)

[CaliforniaAdventurer]

Why not make Hong Kong Disneyland a stop along the Disney Cruise Line?

You could have ships travel from Sydney to Hong Kong and make stops in Australia's Gold Coast, in New Guinea, Bali, the Philippines or any number of islands on the way up to Hong Kong.

It would be a way to immediately extend the Disney guest experience beyond what can be enjoyed at the park. It would funnel Australians up to the their closest Disney park, and be an excursion for foreign tourists from the world over.

Are cruises popular in Australia and the far East? What do you guys think?

[Richrichrichie]

I don't think it would be financially viable especially with Indonesia and New Guinea not the most politically / economically stable of countries. Also, more importantly the route that takes you past Indonesia and certain places in the Philippines (each with hundreds of islands and straits) are some of the most dangerous sea piracy zones in the region. Nice idea but it wouldn't take-off.

[CaliforniaAdventurer]

What could be more Disney than an adventure that suddenly takes a turn for the worse. Bonus: Pirates.

[Asa]

I had thought about this too, but it would be more about DCL sailing in the Far East only. Departure from Hong Kong, sailing to Taiwan, then Shanghai and then Japan and terminates at Yokohama (Tokyo). This could tie in with the Disneylands in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo easily. Then the ship will sail back along the same route.

For guests who wants to visit all three DL parks on one cruise, this one is for you!

[CaliforniaAdventurer]

Not bad, Asa! But Japanese - Chinese issues and Chinese - Taiwanese issues would probably prevent China from giving the Cruise Line the OK to operate in their country.

[tasman]

Besides the above concerns I think HK - Bali - Australia distances are too great for short trips. Plus...since I am not familiar with the area...do cruise ships usually go to Bali? - is there an adequate harbor or mooring location there?

[HongKongDisneyland]

Originally Posted by CaliforniaAdventurer

Not bad, Asa! But Japanese - Chinese issues and Chinese - Taiwanese issues would probably prevent China from giving the Cruise Line the OK to operate in their country.

Royal Carribean to Cruise from Hong Kong in 2010

In recent years, Hong Kong has established itself as one of Royal Caribbean’s top markets in Asia, and will be one of the homeports for the Legend of the Seas cruises, from February 2010, in time for the Chinese New Year holiday season.

Hong Kong will be offering four distinct itineraries ranging from five to fourteen nights, visiting a mix of popular and exotic ports-of-call such as Hualien, Taipei (Keelung), Hue, Halong Bay, Nagasaki, Seoul (Incheon) and Sanya. These include a spectacular five-night cruise to Taipei (Keelung), Okinawa and ending in Shanghai. Before returning to Hong Kong in September 2010, the ship will be also homeported in Shanghai and for the first time, Tianjin and Yokohama.

Margaret Fong, Commissioner for Tourism, said, “Legend of the Seas’ deployment to Hong Kong reflects the growing importance of the cruise market in the region, as well as Hong Kong’s position as a leading cruise hub. Hong Kong is well-positioned to help propel the growth of the cruise industry in the region. With the new cruise terminal, Hong Kong will be ready to receive the next generation of mega cruise ships, including the upcoming largest-ever cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas. We look forward to welcoming many more world-class mega cruise ships homeporting or calling at Hong Kong.”

The 70,000-tonne Legend of the Seas offers more than 2,000 passengers access to a wide range of entertainment and relaxation options including the signature miniature golf course and rock climbing wall, Legend Day spa and fitness centre, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and Broadway-style shows.

Dining choices are similarly extensive with epicurean delights served at the Romeo and Juliet Dining Room from where one can enjoy a view out to sea, or for more relaxed settings guests can choose the buffet-style Windjammer Café and pizza parlour or order room service 24-hours a day. The ship also caters to Asian preferences through some customizations, like Chinese food on menus and having staff onboard trained in many of the finer points of Asian culture.

Source : AsiaTravelTips

So it is possible that Disney is retooling its Cruise Ship strategy to cater for the growing Asia Cruise Market.

[CaliforniaAdventurer]

Interesting! Thanks, buddy.