Two luxury cruise ships docked amid festive drum performances and vibrant red decorations, marking the beginning of a series of five consecutive international cruise calls scheduled during the Lunar New Year holiday.

From early morning, the port resonated with traditional lion dance drums and was adorned with peach blossoms and celebratory banners, creating a warm yet ceremonial atmosphere. Provincial leaders and local authorities were present to welcome the passengers, most of whom came from Europe and China.

Following the reception ceremony, visitors embarked on tours of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, along with city tours exploring local culture, cuisine and daily life. Immigration procedures, security arrangements and tour coordination were implemented smoothly to ensure safety and convenience.

Ye Zhuo, a tourist from China, said she had visited Ha Long a decade ago and was eager to return to explore more of its scenic beauty. Meanwhile, Paul Overstreet from the United States expressed surprise at the warm welcome and said she was impressed by Vietnam’s traditional Lunar New Year customs, calling it a wonderful start to her journey in the heritage bay.

Throughout the early days of the new year, Quang Ninh is set to receive additional high-end cruise ships on the third, fourth and eighth days of the Lunar New Year. The steady flow of vessels is expected to further energise the province’s tourism sector and reinforce its growing reputation as an attractive stop on regional and global cruise itineraries.

According to Bui Quang Tuan, deputy executive director of Ha Long International Cruise Port, the port is striving to develop a professional, internationally standardised reception model, from infrastructure and operational procedures to human resources. Efforts are also underway to enhance facilities, strengthen service safety standards and promote Quang Ninh’s tourism offerings in coordination with global cruise lines and travel operators.

In 2026, Quang Ninh aims to welcome 22 million visitors, including 5.2 million international arrivals. In the cruise tourism segment alone, the province expects to receive around 88 ships carrying nearly 150,000 passengers from key markets such as the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada and China.

The ambitious targets underscore Quang Ninh’s determination to position tourism as a key economic driver, contributing to sustainable growth and enhancing the province’s standing on the global tourism map.

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