The Queen Mary 2 ship arrived in Nha Trang on March 18 and had to anchor outside Nha Trang Bay - Photo: QUOC BAO
At the end of 2023, Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee announced that Nha Trang port would temporarily suspend operations for repairs and upgrades (for a period of 6 months). Although it is allowed to receive international ships, the construction site is still under construction and the facilities are limited, so large ships cannot dock. Ships must anchor outside the bay and use canoes to transfer passengers to shore. Some ships have canceled their trips and will not enter the port.
Nha Trang Port Refuses Tourist Ships Due to Repairs
Mr. Bui Minh Thang - Director of Phuong Thang Service - Tourism - Trade Company Limited - said that the company coordinated to welcome the Norwegian Jewel ship (Bahamas flag) with about 2,000 passengers arriving on February 15, but was refused by Nha Trang port because the port could not receive two ships at the same time that day. The Norwegian Jewel ship had to cancel its schedule and not arrive in Nha Trang.
"Nha Trang still does not have a dedicated tourist port. Without investment and upgrading of the port system, the city will miss many opportunities to welcome large cruise ship groups. In addition, the authorities need to promptly urge the repair of the current port, as well as arrange a plan to welcome cruise ship guests," said Mr. Thang.
Similarly, according to the scheduled schedule, on February 20, the Spectrum Of The Sea ship (more than 4,000 passengers) was to arrive at Nha Trang port, but had to change its schedule and choose to dock at TCCT Port in Cai Mep - Thi Vai ( Ba Ria - Vung Tau ).
Recently, Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee also worked with Tan Cang - Petro Cam Ranh Company Limited (the management unit of Cam Ranh international port), including developing this port as a place to receive cruise ships next to Nha Trang port, as well as removing current difficulties.
Nha Trang Port is being repaired and upgraded - Photo: MINH CHIEN
Building tours to serve cruise ship passengers to Cam Ranh
However, according to travel companies, because Cam Ranh international port is far from Nha Trang city (about 60km), Cam Lam district and Cam Ranh city do not have products to serve customers on site.
Previously, when arriving at the port, visitors also complained about difficulties in entering and exiting military checkpoints. Visitors who were free to play had to wait a long time for a vehicle to take them outside.
"Currently, cruise ship passengers coming to Nha Trang only visit for the day, because the tourism products are not yet attractive, not to mention other localities.
In addition, cruise tours are sold to customers very early. If the pick-up location from Nha Trang to Cam Ranh is changed, the longer travel distance will increase the tour cost," said Mr. Thang.
Mr. Tran Minh Duc - Chairman of Khanh Hoa Tourism Association - said that building tours and tourist routes in Cam Ranh City and Cam Lam District is not difficult. However, these destinations have not been invested in, lack connection and promotion.
"Cruise passengers really like countryside tours and typical products... In Cam Lam and Cam Ranh, there are beautiful rice fields and palanquin fields with large areas, but they have not been exploited yet... Besides, there are currently mango garden tours being implemented by some units, which are also very potential.
But to bring customers there, there must be a specific tour schedule, linked to dining and shopping spots... From there, travel companies can offer and introduce cruise ship customers," said Mr. Duc.
Leaders of Khanh Hoa Department of Tourism said they will work with Nha Trang port, Department of Transport and related units to find solutions to support the cruise tourism industry, including plans such as arranging places to anchor and receive cruise ship passengers.
Nha Trang welcomes 3 cruise ships on the occasion of Lunar New Year 2024Source
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