On the first day of the new year, the Celebrity Solstice docked at Ha Long International Cruise Port, bringing more than 3,000 passengers from Europe, North America, Australia and Canada to visit Ha Long Bay and other key attractions in the province. The arrival was seen as a symbolic opening voyage for the 2026 cruise season.

In the following weeks, additional large cruise ships operated by European, North American and Asian companies are to call at Ha Long under regular itineraries. Notably, the Beihai (China)–Ha Long route has been maintained for the 2025–2026 season, with the Blue Dream Melody operating voyages that help diversify source markets.

Quang Ninh is expected to welcome between 70 and 90 international cruise calls in 2026, with total passenger numbers projected at 100,000 to 150,000 throughout the year. The steady flow of cruise arrivals is projected to contribute significantly to tourism revenue and related service sectors.

The early arrival of large cruise groups is viewed as a strong signal of recovery in the high-end tourism segment following recent disruptions, while underscoring Quang Ninh’s growing appeal to international cruise operators. Local authorities have reiterated the goal of developing Quang Ninh into one of Vietnam’s leading tourism hubs and a key gateway linking the country with regional and global travel networks, with cruise tourism identified as a strategic pillar.

Cruise tourism is considered particularly attractive due to its high-spending clientele, who typically prioritise safe, distinctive and high-quality experiences. With its natural advantages, most notably Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, Quang Ninh has become a regular port of call on the itineraries of many international cruise lines visiting Vietnam.

Alongside its heritage assets, the province has continued to refine tourism products tailored to cruise passengers, whose onshore time is often limited. Short, flexible excursions such as Ha Long city tours, visits to the Quang Ninh Museum, rural and culinary experiences, and nearby cultural and spiritual sites have been designed to deliver meaningful experiences within compact schedules.

Local travel companies have also stepped up efforts to diversify offerings, expand inter-regional connections and explore two-way international cruise routes. Among the initiatives under consideration is a Ha Long–Beihai cruise itinerary, which is expected to create additional momentum for cruise tourism in the coming period.

At the same time, Quang Ninh is promoting destination linkages by integrating areas such as Tuan Chau, Van Don and high-end resort complexes into longer tour programmes. This approach aims to develop multi-layered, packaged experiences rather than isolated stopovers, helping extend visitor stays and enhance destination value.

Officials attribute recent gains to years of preparations, including synchronized port infrastructure investment, increasingly professional cruise handling procedures, and closer coordination among authorities, businesses and local communities. Standardizing services to meet international norms, while ensuring safety and visitor friendliness, has been identified as a key factor in strengthening Quang Ninh’s tourism image.

Despite positive prospects, challenges remain. Short port stays require high-quality, well-coordinated products, making strict quality control over shore excursions, tour guides, transport services and shopping venues a priority for the 2026 international cruise season.

Khanh Hoa welcomes its third international cruise ship of 2026

VOV.VN -The international cruise ship Diamond Princess docked at Cam Ranh International Port in on January 14, bringing about 2,600 international passengers ashore for sightseeing, marking another positive sign for cruise tourism in Khanh Hoa province.