Ha Long International Passenger Port is expected to welcome 32,000 visitors at the end of the year.

(Dan Tri) - Two super cruise ships, Westerdam and Star Voyager, just docked at Ha Long International Passenger Port on the morning of November 11, opening the peak tourist season in Quang Ninh.

On November 11, Ha Long International Passenger Port ( Quang Ninh province) consecutively welcomed two super yachts Westerdam (Dutch nationality) and Star Voyager (Bahamian nationality), carrying more than 3,100 passengers and crew to the heritage site.

Immediately after docking, passengers on the Westerdam visited famous attractions such as Ha Long Bay, Yen Tu and Ha Long city center. Many groups continued to move to Hanoi and Vinh Bao (Hai Phong) to explore the cultural and historical destinations typical of the Northern Delta.

Two luxury superyachts Westerdam (Dutch nationality) and Star Voyager (Bahamian nationality) docked at Ha Long International Passenger Port (Photo: D.X.).

The two cruise ships Westerdam and Star Voyager are both “regular guests” at Ha Long International Passenger Port. This year, Star Voyager made its fourth port call, while Westerdam marked its first port call of the year, after two port calls in 2024.

The fact that major international cruise lines continuously choose Ha Long as a stopover shows the growing appeal of the heritage city on the global luxury cruise tourism map.

By the end of October, Ha Long International Passenger Port had welcomed 44 international cruise ships, with a total of more than 56,600 visitors, up 9% over the same period last year. Tourists mainly came from Europe, the US and China, reflecting the strong recovery of the luxury tourism segment after a period of stagnation due to the pandemic and economic fluctuations.

According to the representative of Ha Long International Passenger Port, the peak season for cruise tourism lasts from October to April every year, when the weather conditions are favorable for tourists to enjoy long journeys to many destinations. With its prime location and modern infrastructure, Ha Long is one of the most favorite ports of call for the world's leading shipping lines.

It is expected that in November, Ha Long International Passenger Port will welcome 10 international cruise ships and by the end of this year, the total number of cruise ships arriving at the port will reach 23, carrying about 32,000 passengers.

The total number of international cruise ship passengers to Ha Long for the whole year is expected to reach nearly 90,000 - a record number since the port came into operation, affirming Quang Ninh's central role in the national cruise tourism development strategy.

Mr. Pham Van Hiep, Director of Ha Long International Passenger Port, said that the continuous reception of international super cruise ships is a positive sign, showing that the flow of sea tourists to Vietnam is improving.

“Ha Long is making a strong comeback on the regional tourism map, affirming its position as a gateway connecting the world with Vietnam’s heritage. We will continue to cooperate with international shipping lines and travel partners to expand cruise itineraries, diversify products and bring authentic Vietnamese experiences to each tourist,” said Mr. Hiep.

As Vietnam's first international passenger port specifically designed for large cruise ships, Ha Long International Passenger Port is capable of simultaneously receiving two ships with a tonnage of over 200,000 GT, with modern infrastructure and international standard operating procedures.

Every year, the port invests in upgrading and beautifying the landscape, ensuring safety and comfort for tourists.

International visitors to Quang Ninh on November 11 (Photo: D.X.).

Since officially coming into operation in 2018, Ha Long International Passenger Port has welcomed 209 luxury cruise ships, serving nearly 280,000 international visitors. The unit regularly checks and reviews the wharf system, fire prevention and fighting equipment, and arranges convenient areas for tourists to easily access services such as double-decker buses and electric cars to visit the city.

The port also coordinates with travel agencies and the Ha Long Bay Management Board to connect itineraries, supporting tourists to experience local tourism products in the safest and most convenient way. These efforts are contributing to affirming Ha Long's position as an indispensable destination on the itineraries of international superyachts when coming to Vietnam.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/du-lich/cang-tau-khach-quoc-te-ha-long-du-kien-don-32000-luot-khach-dip-cuoi-nam-20251111154848268.htm