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Hong Kong's iconic Aqua Luna. Handout

Karen Flores

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1786007637860DSC_7355.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Hong Kong&#x27;s iconic Aqua Luna. <em>Handout</em></span></span></span></div><p>My fingers are not enough to count the many times I&#x27;ve been to Hong Kong, which go as far back as the mid-2000s. Yet for some reason, the Aqua Luna was never part of my itinerary.</p><p>The red-sailed junk boat, which honors Hong Kong&#x27;s maritime history, is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. For many, an Aqua Luna cruise on Victoria Harbour is a must — unlike the standard, no-frills Star Ferry, this leans more toward a stylish, premium experience. </p><p>My chance finally came in 2026, during a media trip organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. The weather wasn&#x27;t exactly cooperative on the day of our cruise but somehow, it made the Aqua Luna shine. </p><p>Beyond the panoramic views, the vessel itself is an attraction — the varnished wood exterior, the handcrafted details, the bright red canvas sails above the spacious open decks, and the cozy lounge beds. Add a glass of white wine and some good company, and you&#x27;re in for a memorable ride.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1786065423118AQUALUNA.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Daytime cruise on the Aqua Luna. <em>Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News </em></span></span></span></div><p>After experiencing it myself, I&#x27;d have to agree: the Aqua Luna is one of the best ways to enjoy Hong Kong by the water (although <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2025/2/15/from-coastal-trails-to-forest-bathing-4-ways-to-enjoy-hong-kong-s-great-outdoors-1530">going on an outdoor adventure</a> is also a great idea). A daytime cruise is enjoyable enough, but you can <a href="https://aqualuna.com.hk/experiences/">level it up with dim sum or afternoon tea on board</a>, or even dinner at an award-winning restaurant afterwards.</p><p>If you&#x27;re not into boat rides, you can simply make the view come to you. Our hotel, <a href="https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-centric/en-US/hkgct-hyatt-centric-victoria-harbour-hong-kong">Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong</a>, has rooms with huge windows facing the waterfront. Even better, it comes with some bells and whistles: an infinity pool, a rooftop bar, a 24/7 gym, a curated breakfast buffet spread, and thoughtful welcome amenities.</p><p>Hyatt Centric is also a convenient base for exploring the city since it&#x27;s only a short walk from the North Point MTR station. Upon check-in, you&#x27;ll receive a cute little map of the surrounding neighborhood, complete with vouchers you can use to redeem free snacks like egg waffles and rice noodles as you take in the old-school local charm. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1786008002683Screenshot 2026-08-06 171910.png" style="width:960px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">A standard room at Hyatt Centric. <em>Photo from the hotel&#x27;s website </em></span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17860656574971.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Welcome amenities (left) and breakfast buffet at Hyatt Centric. <em>Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News </em></span></span></span></div><p>The water theme carried on throughout our trip — the centerpiece was the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival, where we cheered for two Filipino teams as they proudly represented the country. </p><p>We also stopped by Hong Kong Disneyland to check out the Pixar-themed summer attractions, and I got hilariously blasted by water cannons mounted on giant character floats.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people-culture-events/2026/7/10/filipino-paddlers-in-barong-filipiniana-showcase-bayanihan-spirit-in-hong-kong-1954">Filipino paddlers in Barong, Filipiniana showcase bayanihan spirit in Hong Kong</a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/food-travel/2026/6/24/hong-kong-disneyland-launches-first-ever-pixar-summer-fest-1000">Hong Kong Disneyland launches first-ever Pixar Summer Fest: Here&#x27;s what to expect</a></div><p>Both were genuinely fun experiences, but there was something else in our itinerary that I was excited about the most: Ma Wan 1868, a newly revitalized cultural hub by the sea that&#x27;s dotted with shops and colorful street art. </p><p>It sits on a tiny island in the New Territories, so going there involves a short ferry ride. Unfortunately, the rain stopped us from taking the journey.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1786007772140Hong Kong Great Outdoors 2025-Outdoors-Ma Wan Itinerary Spot 1-Ma Wan 1868-01.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">The vibrant Ma Wan 1868 cultural hub, which we didn&#x27;t get to visit because of the rain. Handout </span></span></span></div><p>Not letting the bad weather dampen my spirits, I focused on the food instead. <a href="https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-centric/en-US/hkgct-hyatt-centric-victoria-harbour-hong-kong/dining/one-duck-lane">One Duck Lane</a>, which is right at our hotel, serves some of the finest roasts in the city alongside stunning views. I can still remember the signature Peking duck being wheeled out and expertly carved tableside, its glistening crispy skin an event in itself. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178600595767020260626_193047.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">I mean look at that skin. Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News</span></span></span></div><p><a href="https://www.elite-concepts.com/our-concepts/hong-kong/nanhai-no-2/">Nanhai No. 2</a> is another dining spot with a Victoria Harbour backdrop and a solid menu of modern Chinese fare. A standout for me was the king prawn tossed in a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce (called &quot;bang bang,&quot; we&#x27;re told), with a fried mantou served on the side to soak up all that deliciousness. </p><p>I also liked the clean flavors of the stir-fried scallops and the steamed live grouper — although admittedly, I dropped everything the moment the roast goose landed on our table. Dessert, meanwhile, reminded me of home: the steamed white sugar cake with osmanthus was essentially a refined puto with floral notes. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17860657757792.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Nanhai No. 2&#x27;s king prawn (left) and lovely view of the water. <em>Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News</em> </span></span></span></div><p>Nature may have disrupted our itinerary, but I still got to see so much in just a few days. It&#x27;s easy to see why many Filipinos love Hong Kong — it&#x27;s the kind of city that can match your pace, and <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2025/3/14/ever-heard-of-a-gong-bath-try-these-wellness-experiences-in-hong-kong-on-your-next-trip-0629">there&#x27;s always something else to explore</a> when things don&#x27;t go according to plan. </p><p>Even after multiple visits, it still feels like I&#x27;m barely scratching the surface. And yes, I&#x27;ve already made a mental note of Ma Wan 1868 for a future art-themed trip.</p>

<p>For many, an Aqua Luna cruise on Victoria Harbour is a must — unlike the standard, no-frills Star Ferry, this leans more toward a stylish, premium experience. </p>

For many, an Aqua Luna cruise on Victoria Harbour is a must — unlike the standard, no-frills Star Ferry, this leans more toward a stylish, premium experience.

Going with the flow: A relaxing Victoria Harbour cruise and more ways to enjoy Hong Kong by the water

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Going with the flow: A relaxing Victoria Harbour cruise and more ways to enjoy Hong Kong by the water

Karen Flores Layno,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 07, 2026 10:00 AM PHT

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