Travel

Quang Ninh welcomes first ship on Beihai – Ha Long route in cruise tourism season

It is expected that during the 2025–2026 cruise season from October 2025 to April 2026, there will be nine trips on the Beihai – Ha Long route bringing visitors to Quang Ninh.

Blue Dream Melody arrives at Ha Long International Cruise Port on November 14. (Photo: VNA)
Blue Dream Melody arrives at Ha Long International Cruise Port on November 14. (Photo: VNA)

Quang Ninh (VNA) – The Ha Long International Cruise Port on November 14 welcomed China’s luxury cruise ship Blue Dream Melody, carrying more than 1,100 tourists to the northern province of Quang Ninh.

This is the first liner of the 2025 cruise tourism season on the Beihai (China) – Ha Long (Vietnam) sea route. Passengers plan to enjoy sightseeing on Ha Long Bay, as well as Ha Long – Bai Chay city tours.

It is expected that during the 2025–2026 cruise season from October 2025 to April 2026, there will be nine trips on the Beihai – Ha Long route bringing visitors to Quang Ninh.

On November 13, the port welcomed the Malta-flagged Celebrity, carrying 2,800 European and American visitors to Quang Ninh province.

From the beginning of this year to the end of October, the Ha Long International Cruise Port handled 44 international ship arrivals, with a total of 56,647 visitors, up 9% year-on-year. Tourists mainly come from Europe, the US, and China, indicating a strong recovery in the luxury cruise tourism segment.

quang-ninh-welcomes-first-ship-on-beihai-ha-long-route.jpg
Quang Ninh officials welcome the crew and passengers of Blue Dream Melody on November 14. (Photo: VNA)

The continuous arrival of international cruise ships at the port clearly demonstrates the resurgence of international tourists coming to Vietnam by sea. Ha Long Bay, a heritage and wonder destination, is making a strong comeback on the regional tourism map, reaffirming its position as a gateway connecting the world with Vietnam’s heritage.

The port expects to welcome 10 international cruise ships in November, raising this year's total number to 23.

In the remaining two months of 2025, Quang Ninh aims to attract approximately 2.77 million visitors, and earn a total tourism revenue of nearly 8.64 trillion VND (328 million USD), in order to achieve the annual targets of 21.2 million visitors and 58 trillion VND in revenue./.

VNA
#Blue Dream Melody #Ha Long International Cruise Port #Beihai – Ha Long sea route #Quang Ninh #cruise tourism Quang Ninh
Follow VietnamPlus

International integration

Related News

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang speaks at the cultural event. (Photo: baoquocte.vn)

Cultural event held in Quang Ninh to strengthen Vietnam – EU connection

The event aimed to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between Quang Ninh province, other Vietnamese localities, the EU Delegation, and European embassies in Hanoi, contributing to the comprehensive partnership and cooperation that is moving towards a higher level of cooperation.

Cruise ship Piano Land carrying about 1,000 tourists from China docks at Ha Long International Cruise Port. (Photo: VNA)

Chinese tourists stream back to Quang Ninh province

Large-scale events like such as a MICE tour of nearly 1,000 Chinese visitors traveling by land, the Beihai–Ha Long cruise routes, and the charter flights between Shenzhen (China) and Van Don (Vietnam) have been a robust signal to the local tourism, which is striving to welcome 1.25 million international arrivals in Quarter 4 to complete its yearly target of 21.2 million visitors, including 4.09 million foreigners.

Quang Ninh attracts international cruise ships to visit Ha Long Bay. (Photo: VNA)

Quang Ninh accelerates tourism stimulus campaign

Quang Ninh welcomed 17.11 million visitors in the first nine months of 2025, up 9% year-on-year, with total tourism revenue reaching 44.25 trillion VND (1.68 billion USD), a 20% increase.

See more

Tourists explore Ky Anh Tunnels, Da Nang city. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam finds ways to lure international tourists

Vietnam welcomed about 12.3 million international visitors in the first six months of 2026, up nearly 15% year-on-year, with China and the Republic of Korea remaining the two largest source markets. However, experts noted that growth in visitor numbers should go hand in hand with improvements in spending, length of stay, satisfaction and environmental and cultural sustainability.

Aboard a Vietjet aircraft (Photo: VNA)

Vietjet adds 82,000 seats for National Day holiday peak

Additional flights will focus on routes connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi with popular economic and tourism hubs and destinations such as Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Hue and Da Lat, giving passengers more choices in terms of travel times and itineraries during the peak period.

Russian tourists buy fresh seafood in Khanh Hoa province. (Photo: VNA)

Russian tourist wave hits Vietnam at record pace

The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) expects Russian demand to keep surging in the second half. Russian Express sees a highly positive outlook, citing easy transport, a variety of resorts and limited seasonality.

Sun PhuQuoc Airways to expand long-haul network with eight A330s

Sun PhuQuoc Airways to expand long-haul network with eight A330s

Sun PhuQuoc Airways has finalised plans to receive eight Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft, with four expected to join its fleet in 2026 and the remaining four to be delivered during the first four months of 2027. The move marks a key step in the airline’s strategy to expand its operations and progressively connect Phu Quoc with more distant international markets.

Hoi An Ancient Town in Da Nang city is a magnet for both domestic and foreign visitors. (Photo: VNA)

More European travellers love to visit Vietnam

A recent report from Agoda has revealed that Vietnam has been ranked among the top spots as the most-searched Asian destinations by European travellers, showcasing a surge in interest among global tourists.

Participants in the working session in Can Tho on August 7 (Photo: VNA)

Can Tho steps up tourism cooperation with Korean partners

The Mekong Delta city of Can Tho and Jeonbuk province of the Republic of Korea are stepping up tourism cooperation by strengthening business links, developing tourism products and building tours and travel routes between the two localities.

Beyond admiring scenic landscapes, travellers are increasingly seeking to become preservationist of the natural environment. (Photo: VNA)

Green, responsible tourism gains ground in Vietnam

By choosing to walk, cycle or use double-decker buses and metro systems in major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, travellers can reduce their carbon footprint while experiencing the authentic rhythm of urban life.

The conference brings together representatives from the Vietnamese Embassy and the Vietnam Trade Office in Thailand, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and more than 30 businesses from the two countries. (Photo: VNA)

Can Tho promotes tourism potential in Thailand

In her speech, Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of Vietnam in Thailand Hoang Diem Hanh welcomed Can Tho's decision to choose Thailand for its tourism promotion programme, saying it offered an opportunity not only to introduce the city's attractions but also to exchange experience in developing tourism linked to preserving traditional cultural values.

Kem Beach remains one of Phu Quoc's most breathtaking coastal gems, captivating visitors from around the world. (Photo: Sun Group)

Reasons why Phu Quoc shines even during rainy season

Recently named by Expedia among the "10 Best Islands to Visit in 2026" for offering premium holidays at reasonable prices, Phu Quoc is far from being just a dry season destination. Even during the rainy months, Pearl Island offers enough experiences to fill every hour of the day, with short tropical showers rarely disrupting the journey.

A tour guide leads visitors on a tour of Bay Bon fish farm in Con Son Islet, Can Tho city. (Photo: VNA)

Experts recommend tourism workforce overhaul amid digital, green transition

Rapid technological advances and growing concerns over climate change are changing travel demand, with tourists increasingly seeking seamless digital experiences and environmentally responsible destinations. As a result, digital transformation and green transition have been identified as inevitable trends and key strategic pillars for driving the rapid and sustainable development of Vietnam's tourism industry.