Acute nostalgia gripped drivers and riders of more than 30 cars and motorbikes on Sunday as they took the first cross-harbor vehicular ferry ride in 18 years from North Point to Kwun Tong as part of activities organized by Hongkong and Yaumati Ferry Co (HYF) to commemorate the 83rd anniversary of the historic vehicular ferry service. They were taken on an hour's tour of Victoria Harbour on the commemorative cruise, reigniting fond memories of the auto ferry service which started on March 6, 1933 and ended in 1998. However, the service are being revived for only five days - May 1, 2, 8, 14 and 22 - with a total of 15 cruises planned to mark the anniversary. According to the organizer, Harbour Cruise-Bauhinia, all the rides have been fully booked. A far cry from the old days when a similar ride would cost just a few dollars, tickets for the anniversary cruises are priced at HK$100 for adults, HK$60 for children, HK$80 for private cars and HK$50 for motorbikes. Those born in 1933 or on March 6 will enjoy free rides.

Kids holding a "memorial certificate" to commemorate the occasion.

Cars stream out of the ferry as it arrives at Kwun Tong Ferry Pier.

Passengers relax on the deck as the ferry makes its way across the harbor.

(HK Edition 05/03/2016 page7)