FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Click to jump to FAQs about: About Dukling, Boat Tours, Ticket Purchase, Boarding the Boat, Charter, Dukling Passenger Information
About Dukling
1. What makes Dukling special compared to other Victoria Harbour boat tours?
1. AUTHENTIC: Built in 1955, Dukling is a former fishing boat and the oldest Chinese junk left in Hong Kong. All other Chinese junks offering boat tours are modern Chinese junks remodelled after original ones, built for sightseeing in the 2000s and 2010s. Dukling's authenticity and historical significance creates a one-of-a-kind sightseeing and cultural experience.
2. CULTURALLY SIGNIFICANT: Dukling represents an integral part of Hong Kong's history and cultural legacy. As the only original Chinese junk still regularly sailing, it embodies the story of hardworking fishermen. By boarding Dukling, visitors can gain valuable insights into Hong Kong's past as a fishing village and our city's rich heritage.
3. ICONIC: With its iconic red sails, Dukling is widely recognized as the icon of Hong Kong, and is even featured in the logo of the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Countless tourists also associate the red Chinese junk with Hong Kong.
4. RELAXING: Unlike crowded harbor cruises that cram hundreds of people on board, Dukling has a maximum capacity of only 34 passengers, offering guests a serene and intimate setting to enjoy 360-degree views of the Victoria Harbour.
5. PHOTOGENIC: Under good weather conditions, guests can get up close to our bright red sails on board and take cool Instagrammable photos with them!
2. Is Dukling kept in its original form?
Yes, Dukling is mostly preserved in its original form.
When Dukling first became a sightseeing boat, only slight amendments such as the addition of a motor was made.
Dukling has been sunk for 3 months during a typhoon in 2014 due to the lack of maintenance from the owner at that time. However, after maintenance by skilled masters in Zhuhai, it has been restored in its original form, with more than 80% of the boat being original. Today, we still regularly do maintenance on Dukling to preserve it in its original form.
Boat tours
1. How long is the boat tour?
About 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on whether the boat has to wait for other boats to dock at the pier.
2. What is available on board?
We provide one complimentary drink per person - packaged drinks, soft drinks or beer (subject to availability). There will also be commentary on board (normally, in-person commentary on weekends and audio commentary on weekdays)
3. Do the red sails always open?
Whenever the weather is good, we always open our sails. However, when winds are too strong or if there are other bad weather conditions, the sails will not be open. It is not guaranteed that the sails will be open during your tour, and no refunds will be processed based on whether the sails are open.
4. Where do the boat tours start and end?
The boat tours are round trip tours from Tsim Sha Tsui East. The pick-up and drop-off points are the same. Please refer to the "Boarding the boat" section below for more details.
5. Are life vests available on board?
Yes, but you only have to wear them in case of emergency. At other times, please exercise reasonable caution, especially if you are boarding with kids.
6. Who can board Dukling?
Anyone, both locals and tourists, can board Dukling to relax, understand fishermen history and enjoy 360-degree views of the harbour. No matter if you want to spend some romantic time with your partner, or if you would like to relax with your friends or family, or if you want to come alone to enjoy the tranquility, you are most welcome to board Dukling.
But for those with very serious sea sickness, you may want to reconsider boarding. For those with difficulty walking, please evaluate whether it is suitable for your physical condition, since you will need to go down a flight of stairs before boarding the boat.
Ticket purchase
1. How should I buy tickets?
Please reserve tickets on our official website under the "Cruise" page. Should there be availability, walk-ins are also welcome at our booth outside K11 Musea (only open on weekends) or at the boarding location (you can pay on board). Please refer to the booking page for most updated availability. Regardless, it is recommended that you book online to secure your seats.
2. Do toddlers need to purchase tickets?
Toddles (0-3 years old) can board for free, but a reservation is required.
3. Will the tours operate if there is extreme weather?
If Typhoon No. 3 or above or the Red/Black Rainstorm Warning is hoisted, the tour will be cancelled. Please visit our website at www.dukling.com.hk for the latest condition and announcements. The tour can be rescheduled subject to availability, but if you prefer, a refund can be offered instead.
4. What is the cancellation policy?
Unless there are extreme weather conditions, once the reservation is confirmed, no amendment or refund is allowed. No refunds are offered for non-used services.
Boarding the Boat
1. When should I arrive?
Please arrive at the boarding location 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time of your tour. As long as the scheduled departure time has passed, once boarding is completed, the boat will depart.
2. Where is the boarding location?
Tsim Sha Tsui East Tsim Sha Tsui Landing No.1, Avenue of Stars, Tsim Sha Tsui East
i.e. the pier marked "HK Water Taxi" near Starbucks, which is in between the Bruce Lee Statue and McDull (piggy) Statue
Please wait at the stairs by the sea, where you will board the boat
*The actual departure time from the pier depends on the dock availability - it may be slightly later than the planned departure time in case other ships are at the dock.
If you are walking from the direction of K11 Musea, this is what you will see:
If you are walking from the footbridge (Connecting to Tsim Sha Tsui East Exit P1), this is what you will see:
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How to get to the pier:
Method 1: Take the lift right outside of Tsim Sha East Station Exit P1. It will take you to a footbridge. Walk till the end of the footbridge and get off the footbridge. Walk towards your right. After passing by the statue of Bruce Lee, you will see Starbucks. Right outside of Starbucks, there is a flight of stairs leading down to the sea. This is where you should board the boat
Method 2: Facing the sea, with K11 Musea at your back, turn towards your left and walk straight ahead. You will pass by Dukling’s shop (on your left), a golden piggy statue (on your right). Continue walking until you see Starbucks. Right outside of Starbucks, there is a flight of stairs leading down to the sea. This is where you should board the boat
The following link will show you how to get to Dukling's boarding location:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3wpSvKSHz_/?igsh=MWNoazducDMwYzI1Zw%3D%3D
Charter
1. Can I charter Dukling?
Yes, we are available for boat charters. Our clients range from schools (for field trips and cultural journeys) to couples (marraige proposals, marriage), companies (for product launch/ company events), TV networks/ film producers/ photographers (for filming), NGOs (for charity events) and other individuals (for parties). More information is available here. Please let us know your needs as we are open to different possibilities. Contact us at sales@dukling.com.hk or +852 3759 7070.
2. What is the maximum capacity of Dukling for charters?
34 passengers
3. Where is the boarding location for charters?
We can dock at any public pier that is deemed safe. Please let us know your preference and we can discuss further.
4. Can I launch advertisements on Dukling?
Yes, you can put your brand or product on our sails, which will be visible across the entire harbour. We have cooperated with numerous companies, such as Monopoly, Fullerton Hotel, Hong Kong Tourism Board etc. More examples are shown here. Please reach out for more details at sales@dukling.com.hk or +852 3759 7070.
Dukling Passenger Information
1. The actual departure time from the pier depends on the dock availability - it may be slightly later than the planned departure time in case other ships are at the dock.
2. Do not board or alight until the boat berthed. After the boat has stopped, passengers must follow the crew’s instructions to board or disembark.
3. Passengers must pay attention and be careful when boarding and alighting the boat. Please take care of your children and elderly at all times.
4. The number of people who board the boat may not exceed the limit 34 pax. Otherwise, the captain of the junk has the right to refuse sailing.
5. Please keep the junk clean. Passengers should take good care of environmental sanitation, and should not spit or throw rubbish anywhere.
6. Smoking, gambling and causing any inconvenience to other passengers are prohibited on board.
7. If there is a change in the weather or for safety reasons, the captain of the junk has the right to choose a safer route to a destination and safer location to dock. Passenger must embark and disembark at the same pier.
8. If Tropical Typhoon Signal No.3 or higher or the Yellow Rainstorm Warning or higher is hoisted while sailing, the captain of the junk has the right to return to the pier early in accordance with the marine ordinances and for reasons of safety. No compensation will be made for the remaining time unused.
9. There are life vests available on board, but only have to wear them in case of emergency. At other times, please exercise reasonable caution, especially if you are boarding with kids.
10. For those passengers with very serious sea sickness, you may want to reconsider boarding. For those with difficulty walking, please evaluate whether it is suitable for your physical condition, since you will need to go down a flight of stairs before boarding the boat.
11. Every kind of insurance by law has been arranged for the junk in accordance with the ordinances of Hong Kong. Passengers must take the responsibility themselves for ensuring the safety of any property which they bring along. If there is loss of property on the boat, Dukling Ltd. will not be held responsibilities, but can arrange for reporting the matter to the police and dealing with it on behalf of the passengers.
12. In the event of any disputes, the decision of Dukling Limited shall be final.