Cruise liners bring high end travelers to Quang Ninh
Quang Ninh is entering the peak season for cruise
tourism. With proactive efforts in connecting with
partners and a synchronized transportation
infrastructure, this year's cruise tourism season in
Quang Ninh is receiving positive signals as a series of
new luxury cruise ships arrive at the port.
LIn early February, Quang Ninh welcomed several new
luxury cruise ships bringing high-end tourists for
sightseeing and experiences. Notably, on February 6th,
the luxury cruise ship Luminara docked at Ha Long
International Cruise Port, carrying nearly 600
passengers and crew. Tourists from the Luminara visited
famous Quang Ninh destinations such as Ha Long Bay, the
Provincial Museum, and Ha Long Market; experiencing and
exploring local culture and cuisine. Ha Long
International Cruise Port is expected to welcome eight
Luminara cruises this year.
Representatives of the cruise liner highly appreciated
Quang Ninh's comprehensive and well-developed
transportation and tourism infrastructure, along with
its diverse experiences that meet all the needs of
tourists. The active coordination of Quang Ninh province
and relevant units in ensuring all conditions for
welcoming the ships created a positive impression on
tourists. This serves as a foundation for the shipping
company to strengthen connections and bring more cruise
ships to Quang Ninh in the future.
According to the Ha Long International Cruise Port, the
arrival of the super cruise ship Luminara at the port
not only increases the diversity of international cruise
ship passengers visiting Quang Ninh, but also affirms
the capacity of Ha Long International Cruise Port in
welcoming high-end cruise ships in the ultra-luxury
tourism segment.
Previously, the AIDAdiva cruise ship also made its first
visit to Quang Ninh, carrying approximately 2,000
passengers, mostly German (98%) and other European
nationalities. The AIDAdiva belongs to AIDA Cruises, a
leading German cruise line known for its modern,
friendly fleet and distinctive kissing-lips design on
the bow. Ha Long International Cruise Port had
previously welcomed two AIDA Cruises ships: AIDAbella
and AIDAvita (now renamed Blue Dream Melody).
Towards the end of 2025, Ha Long International Cruise
Port was bustling with international cruise ships.
Notably, for three consecutive years (2023-2025), the
Celebrity Solstice cruise ship chose to dock here at the
sacred moment of transition between the old and new
year. It is known that 2025 was a "bumper year" for
cruise tourism in Quang Ninh, with Ha Long International
Cruise Port welcoming nearly 70 international cruise
ships, carrying over 97,000 tourists.
Continuing the growth momentum during the peak cruise
season of 2025-2026, from February 17th to 25th (the 1st
to 9th day of the Lunar New Year), Ha Long International
Cruise Port welcomed 6 luxury cruise ships carrying
thousands of tourists from Europe and Hong Kong (China).
This further affirms Quang Ninh's position as an
attractive destination on the world cruise tourism map.
Recognizing cruise tourism as a key development
direction, Quang Ninh has focused on innovating its
products and services to suit high-spending tourists.
Short-day tours, such as Ha Long City tours, visits to
the Provincial Museum and Library, experiences of local
cuisine, and cultural and spiritual sites, are designed
with flexibility. The province is also promoting
linkages between destinations such as Tuan Chau, Van
Don, and 5-star resorts to form a chain of
comprehensive, multi-layered experiential packages.
With two World Heritage sites, Ha Long Bay and Yen Tu,
travel agencies are developing tour routes connecting
the two sites, while also introducing them to cruise
lines to maximize access to the tourist market. Owning
two World Heritage sites is a huge advantage for Quang
Ninh in attracting international tourists. With just one
destination, visitors can experience two heritage sites
simultaneously. Therefore, the company has proactively
developed tour itineraries to suit the needs of
tourists, combining and maximizing the tourism products
of these two sites. Saigontourist is researching and
developing a plan to develop Bai Tu Long Bay tours
combined with unique tourism products of Van Don to
offer new, high-class options for luxury cruise
passengers.
It is clear that investing in synchronized port
infrastructure and standardizing professional reception
procedures are key factors in making Quang Ninh an
attractive "anchoring point" on international shipping
routes. This will help realize the goal of attracting 22
million tourists in 2026, including approximately 5.2
million international visitors; and generating at least
65,000 billion VND in tourism revenue.
Halong cruise
tours - Ranging from budget to luxury, Halong bay
cruises typically include accommodation, meals, guided
kayaking, and cave visits. 1-night or 2-night cruises
are highly recommended over day trips to avoid rushing.
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