Nearly 4,200 cruise ship passengers "inaugurated" Da Nang at the beginning of the Lunar New Year 2026 (Year of the Horse).

In the early days of spring 2026 (Year of the Horse), Da Nang continuously welcomed international cruise ships carrying nearly 4,200 tourists from Europe and America, marking the beginning of a vibrant beach tourism season.

The train carrying tourists arrives at Da Nang city for sightseeing on the morning of the 3rd day of Tet - Photo: KHAI DANG

On the morning of February 19th (the 3rd day of the Lunar New Year), the Da Nang City Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in coordination with Da Nang Port Joint Stock Company and the Da Nang Port Border Guard, organized a welcoming ceremony for the Seabourn Encore cruise ship, operated by Tan Hong Tourism Company.

The ship was carrying over 1,000 people, including 580 tourists from the UK, France, and the US, and approximately 500 crew members.

To welcome international cruise ship passengers, Da Nang organized many activities imbued with the atmosphere of traditional Tet (Lunar New Year) such as lion dances, souvenir gifts, introductions to conical hats and gift boxes of banh chung and banh tet (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes)... Through these activities, the city promoted its unique culture and the image of a friendly destination to tourists.

During their visit, tourists explored the diverse tourism ecosystem of Central Vietnam, including the Da Nang Cham Sculpture Museum, Marble Mountains, and Hoi An Ancient Town.

The combination of heritage values ​​and hospitality contributes to affirming Da Nang's position as a destination rich in cultural identity.

Passengers are welcomed as soon as they disembark - Photo: KHAI DANG

Between February 16th and 22nd, 2026, in addition to the Seabourn Encore, Da Nang continuously welcomed other international cruise ships.

Specifically, on February 20, 2026 (the 4th day of the Lunar New Year), the city welcomed approximately 2,800 tourists from key European markets such as Italy, France, the UK, and Spain. By February 22, 2026 (the 6th day of the Lunar New Year), the city continued to welcome around 650 European tourists to visit and experience the unique local tourism products.

Mr. Tan Van Vuong, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Da Nang city, said that the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026 recorded positive results in terms of cruise ship passenger numbers, showing that this segment is recovering and growing well.

In the coming period, the city will continue to promote the market, improve the quality of products and services, and strengthen links with shipping companies, seaports, and international travel businesses to attract more cruise ships and tourists.

Tourism industry leaders and associations welcome the group of tourists on the morning of the 3rd day of Tet - Photo: KHAI DANG

In 2025, cruise tourism in Da Nang is expected to see positive growth from markets in Europe, the US, the UK, Germany, Australia, and China.

The city welcomed 47 cruise ships carrying 57,600 passengers, a 37.1% increase compared to the same period last year and an additional 12 voyages.

In 2026, the number of cruise ship visitors to the city is expected to continue its growth trajectory.

According to the plan, Da Nang will welcome 59 cruise ships with more than 64,000 passengers, an increase of about 11% compared to 2025.

Positive signals from the cruise ship market right from the beginning of 2026 are expected to open up prospects for sustainable growth for Da Nang tourism, contributing to promoting socio-economic development and aiming for double-digit growth for the city in the coming period.

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THAI BA DUNG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/gan-4-200-luot-khach-tau-bien-xong-dat-da-nang-dau-xuan-binh-ngo-2026-20260219103539974.htm