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. - Halong tours.

In 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.

Source: Cruise liners bring high end travelers to Quang Ninh