Princess Cruises will increase the number of cruise tours to Vietnam in 2018 (Illustrative image. Source Princess Cruises)
Hanoi (VNA) – Princess Cruises, a five-starpremium cruise line, has announced that it will increase the number of cruise toursto Vietnam in 2018. Princess Cruises conducted 22 trips to Vietnam in 2017, bringingover 58,000 tourists to Vietnamese seaports of Phu My, Nha Trang, Da Nang andCai Lan. In 2018, six cruise liners, namely Majestic Princess,Sapphire Princess, Diamond Princess, Golden Princess, Sun Princess and CoralPrincess will make 31 trips carrying over 80,000 holidaymakers to Vietnam. Farriek Tawfik, Director for Southeast Asia of PrincessCruises, said Vietnam has become an increasingly popular destination fortourists from the US, Australia, the EU and Asia. The company will organise a tourism fair in Ho Chi Minh Cityon February 10-11 to introduce its voyages, including those to China’s Taiwanon the Majestic Princess and Sun Princess, he added. On the occasion, Princess Cruises will launch its sailing toursto the European Union and the Mediterranean for summer 2018 on five cruiseliners, which are able to carry 670-3,560 passengers each.
Tawifk said he believes that Vietnamese guests will enjoyMediterranean voyages to explore various places in Italy, Greece, France andSpain for seven days.-VNA
The world-class cruise liner Quantum of the Seas, carrying over 6,000 passengers and crew members, anchored in Vietnam for the first time in Tan Cang Cai Mep port in the Southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau on June 17.
Luxury cruise ship Genting Dream arrived in the central province of Khanh Hoa on Nov. 9 after docking at Tan Cang – Cai Mep port in the southern province of Ba Ria – Vung Tau.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Fostering linkage among regional localities and restructuring the tourism sector towards professionalism are among measures to boost the “smokeless industry” of the Mekong Delta.
Princess Cruises will increase the number of cruise tours to Vietnam in 2018 (Illustrative image. Source Princess Cruises) 
