Inside Cathay Pacific's ferry lounge in Shekou
A premium journey begins long before takeoff – even before setting foot in the airport. In Shenzhen, we bring the signature comfort, attentive service and residential feel of our lounges to a place you might not expect: a ferry terminal.
Discover our first-ever ferry lounge at the Shekou Cruise Home Port in Shenzhen, where our codeshare high-speed ferries transport passengers directly to the SkyPier at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) in just 40 minutes, allowing passengers to through-check their baggage to their final destination. With up to 15 round trips running each day, it’s one of the busiest ports connecting the Greater Bay Area and HKIA.
Our Shekou lounge underlines our commitment to enhancing our range of services in the GBA. By bringing the Cathay experience closer to customers beyond the airport, we make travel more convenient, while supporting our ambition to become a home carrier for the GBA.
That includes making sure the start of each trip is truly memorable. “The Shekou lounge gives passengers a chance to celebrate the true beginning of their journeys,” says Marcus Lui, Head of End-to-End Customer Experience & Strategy.
“We have to make a really strong first impression that sets the tone for the rest of the Cathay experience,” says Lui of the Shekou lounge. “But at the same time, we also want it to be absolutely in harmony and complementary to our Hong Kong and international lounges.”
You’ll notice the similarities as soon as you step inside. The Shekou lounge embraces the signature design language created by StudioIlse and seen in our lounges around the world. Passengers are welcomed by a familiar palette of earth tones, cherry wood, and bronze and brass details – along with our signature dark green tiles. Our beloved solo lounge chairs offer comfort and privacy for those looking to finish that last bit of work, while large communal tables invite family and friends to gather. It has the home-away-from-home ambience for which our lounges are renowned. “Obviously, a very luxurious home,” Lui adds.
The key distinction between this lounge and our others? “Location, location, location,” Lui emphasises. Situated at the edge of the terminal, the Shekou lounge offers a breathtaking 270-degree view of the surrounding sea. The farthest room offers a panoramic experience, complete with a large simulated skylight feature and a gracefully curved wall of windows. Passengers can even catch a glimpse of Hong Kong in the distance.
The view is only enhanced by the curation of artwork on display. A commissioned triptych by the Guangzhou art collective Oriento offers an abstract interpretation of the landscape. Hong Kong-based photographer William Furniss’s artwork depicts city lights reflected on rippling water. Decorative hanging rugs, which have been upcycled from our excess seat upholstery, celebrate Hong Kong harbour and the South China Sea. Every piece tells a story.
When designing the food and drink menus, the team sought to give guests a small treat ahead of their journey. Regional flavours are showcased in comforting noodle dishes, pork bao and Chinese desserts, while a patisserie selection and toasted paninis ensure there’s something for everyone.
There’s always something new to discover in the lounge. A series of lifestyle partnerships brings fresh experiences to the lounge throughout the year. Whether it’s savouring handcrafted gelato from Venchi, sipping on Chinese fine wines featured in our inflight programme or unwinding with wellness experiences with Kong Spa, each experience is designed to make the time before departure just as rewarding as the journey ahead.
At Cathay, we’re dedicated to connecting the GBA to the world. As the region continues to grow and evolve, we’re committed to growing alongside it, creating more opportunities for customers to travel, explore and connect.
The lounge at Shekou encapsulates exactly that.
The Cathay Pacific lounge at Shekou is open to all Cathay Diamond and Gold members. First class and Business class passengers, Cathay Silver members and relevant oneworld members are also eligible when travelling with Cathay Pacific.
The journey from Shekou to HKIA
Travelling out of Shekou Cruise Home Port? Here’s how to catch your connecting flight. For more details, check out our step-by-step guide.
How to book
You can book a combined flight and ferry ticket as you would any other Cathay Pacific ticket – simply enter Shenzhen Shekou Cruise Home Port (ZYK) as your origin or destination when you make the booking on our website.
How to connect with your flight
1. Head to the dedicated Cathay Pacific counter at Shekou Cruise Home Port, where you can collect your flight and ferry boarding passes and check your bags.
2. Proceed through security and immigration, then head to the Cathay Pacific lounge near the pre-boarding area
3. Take the 40-minute high-speed ferry to SkyPier at HKIA.
4. Upon arrival, simply head to your flight’s departure gate.
Or, if you have extra time to spare, pay a visit to one of our flagship Hong Kong lounges.
Frequently asked questions
This article was originally published in October 2023 and updated in September 2026.