Star Ferry
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Star Ferry - Central
The Star Ferry Company Ltd. Operates their harbor crossing service since 1880 and National Geographic named the harbor crossing as one of the 50 places of a lifetime to visit. The star Ferry fleet currently consists of 8 double-deck ferries, which operate on 2 different routes.
The routes are currently:
Tsim Sha Tsui(TST) to Central
Tsim Sha Tsui(TST) to Wan Chai
The Star Ferry originally provides 3 different routes, which includes the Hung Hom to Central route that had been cancelled from April 1st, 2011. The Hung Hom to Central route had only earned around HK$ 20 million over the past 12 years, which was insufficient for the license, rent, fuel, and others.
The Ferry services started over 40 years ago in 1965 and probably had its best days somewhere during the 1970s, the time before MTR and bus services became extremely convenient and comfortable. Services beween Wan Chai and Hung Hom were added in 1999 and formed a triangular service between Central, Wanchai and Hung Hom. More than 28 million passengers have been carried across the Victoria Harbor since then, but in recent days the number had sharply decreased.
On this engaging little ride, you’ll sail past shipping vessel of all kinds and take in widescreen views of the Hong Kong Island coastline from Quarry Bay to Western. Try and catch a sailing just before 8:00pm. These boats stop mid-harbor for a few moments so that tourists can take pictures of the Symphony of Lights show – an eye-watering, ecologically reckless show that consists of lights, lasers, fireworks and 44 waterfront buildings on both Hong Kong and Kowloon sides.
The ferries have two decks – the upper and lower deck. The upper deck is a bit more comfortable, spacious, and two air conditioners are provided. The lower deck gives you the opportunity to walk around the walkway of the ferry and the scenery from the ferry is quite nice, but be aware of diesel fumes from the engines, they can sometimes be unpleasant! However, the upper deck is recommended because you’ll enjoy a more pleasant trip with a great view!
Tourists have three different methods of payment. If you own an octopus card then you could simply swipe your card over the Octopus logo and get through. The second method is have the exact fare in coins and drop it into the coin box, or you can also purchase a token at the token vending machine.