Gulangyu Cruise・Miyako Island Route｜Boarding Experience + Practical Tips

Just finished a four-night journey on the Gulangyu Cruise and still feeling a bit dazed back in reality. It was my first time on a cruise, and I chose a "veteran cruise" with over 30 years of service. Surprisingly, it turned out quite well: the ship is well-maintained, the facilities are not outdated, and while the space is not large, it is well-organized. It's a great choice for cruise beginners ✅ 💡 If you're debating whether to book a suite, here's my recommendation: the price of two balcony double rooms ≈ one four-person premium suite. The premium suite offers more space, dual bathrooms, a more comfortable balcony, and exclusive perks—priority boarding and disembarkation, reserved window seats, better menu options, L'Occitane toiletries, a welcome fruit basket & wine, daily coffee capsules, water, dual WiFi access, VIP theater seating, executive lounge access, and more. Definitely worth it! 📌 Some practical tips: 1️⃣ The pool is quite small and can be overlooked 2️⃣ You can keep your room card as a souvenir 3️⃣ Miyako Island shore excursion costs US$39/person; the attractions are average, so consider exploring the local streets on your own 4️⃣ The route passes Taiwan, allowing you to check in on social media 5️⃣ Duty-free cigarettes are cheap, but limited to one pack 6️⃣ Free shuttle buses are available from Liantang Port to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal (return trip costs HK$10/person) 7️⃣ Android phones can share WiFi hotspots, tested and effective! In summary, the Gulangyu Cruise's 4-day short trip from Hong Kong to Vietnam is perfect for those looking to try out cruising in a relaxed way—especially for family trips or those with limited vacation time. Definitely worth a try 🛳️