Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam welcomed 45,000 international cruise passengers in January, marking a robust comeback for the sector. Experts see vast opportunities for the country to establish itself as a leading global cruise hub.
Cruise tourism on an upward trajectory
With a 3,260 km coastline, over 4,000 islands and bays, and deep-water ports, Vietnam is rapidly positioning itself as a premier stop for international cruise lines. Strategically located along bustling maritime routes linking top cruise markets like China, the Republic of Korea and Japan, the country is experiencing dynamic growth in cruise tourism.
In January alone, Vietnam recorded nearly 2.1 million international arrivals, including 44,900 cruise passengers. Saigontourist Deputy General Director Doan Thi Thanh Tra noted that the company received five international cruise ships in early January, serving 19,800 passengers from January 4-31, including the peak Lunar New Year period.
The domestic cruise market is also gaining momentum, with Saigontourist operating two-way itineraries on the Anthem of the Seas, offering Vietnamese travellers a luxurious voyage to Singapore, Penang (Malaysia), and Phuket (Thailand). Demand surged during the Lunar New Year, with all sailings fully booked.
On February 6, Saigon Newport welcomed the Norwegian Spirit to Cam Ranh International Port, bringing 2,000 visitors to explore Khanh Hoa. In 2024, Khanh Hoa received 28 cruise ship arrivals with over 57,800 passengers.
Cruise tourism remains a lucrative and rapidly growing segment. The inclusion of Vietnam in the itineraries of major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises not only diversifies the country’s visitor base but also attracts high-spending travelers, further propelling the tourism industry.
Tapping into the full potential of cruise tourism
According to Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Director of the Institute for Tourism Development Research, Vietnam’s prime location along major maritime routes offers a significant advantage in attracting affluent international cruise travelers. The country’s Tourism Development Strategy 2020–2030 prioritises marine and island tourism as a key driver of economic growth.
However, unlocking this “goldmine” comes with challenges, including infrastructure gaps, workforce shortages, and limited promotional efforts. Vietnam’s port facilities lack dedicated berths for large cruise ships, and lengthy customs and quarantine procedures often limit passenger experiences to short shore excursions, reducing economic benefits, Tuan noted.
Experts emphasise the need for a comprehensive development strategy, including the expansion of specialised cruise ports to boost capacity and enhance logistics services. Streamlining immigration procedures, curating immersive cultural and culinary experiences, and offering premium entertainment options are essential to extending passenger stays and maximizing tourism revenue.
Strengthening Vietnam’s global presence on international tourism platforms and cruise networks will be key to solidifying its reputation as a world-class cruise destination./.
