Hong Kong plans new cruise terminal

Encouraged by China's growing popularity, Hong Kong plans to build a new cruise terminal to accommodate the largest cruise ships in the world. The new US$308 million terminal would be built on the site of the former Kai Tak airport and would have two berths big enough for the new, larger ships introduced by cruise operators Royal Caribbean Cruises, Carnival Corp and Star Cruises, the Wall Street Journal reported. The tender process will kick off in 2007, with 50-year operational rights up for grabs provided the successful bidder develops the site at its own cost. The first berth would come into operation by 2012. Demand for cruises in the regions, particularly from China, is on the rise, the newspaper reported.