"A Lot Like China" Hong Kong by bpwarne

We arrived at a container port about a 20 minute ride from the Star Ferry terminal on Kowloon. The Sapphire Princess could not dock at the Ocean Center Terminal due to her immense size, a recurring problem throughout this cruise which meant more and longer shuttle transports than normally encountered on a cruise (which of course means less time doing what you want to do in port). Once we shuttled to the terminal, we changed some money and bought tickets to cross over to Hong Kong Island. The Star Ferry cost was about $.35USD each, one way. We then rode the old double decker trams around the Central District for a while, just taking in the sights from the very front seat of the top deck of the trolley, a great experience. Cost again was rediculously cheap, about 25cents US money. We then took the Peak Tram (different type of tram) to the top of Victoria peak, at a cost of about $4USD/ea, round trip. This funicular railway was built in 1888 as a commuter line to the top of the peak. The ride takes about 10 minutes. A very exciting ride as it becomes very steep, with a 27degree incline, and rises about 1800 ft. above see level. The view from the top would have been glorious if not for the thick smog. It was still a spectacular feeling to be on top of Victoria Peak, overlooking Kowloon, the Central District, Victoria Harbor. We had a really good cappacino and wandered through some otf the many shops before heading down on the tram and walking back to the ferry. Once back in Kowloon we found a restaurant on a side street off Nathan Road for a late lunch of noodle soup and dumplings and then wandered up Nathan Road aka "The Golden Mile", sightseeing. A great port day but all too short. Bought out the real shortcomings of a cruise.

• Pros:Come on already...It's HONG KONG!
• Cons:Air pollution