A promising cruise tourism season
DNO - Vietnam’s cruise season runs from October to April of the following year. Yet in recent years, more travellers have been setting sail even during the off-season.
Since early 2025, Quang Ninh has welcomed 25 cruise calls, several returning with over 1,000 passengers each. With upgraded ports, the province is moving toward year-round cruise tourism.
By year’s end, about 40 cruise ships (six in October) are expected, including luxury liners such as Viking Orion, Silver Muse, Celebrity Solstice and Silver Whisper.
With its dual heritage sites, Ha Long Bay and Yen Tu, local authorities are developing linked tours to enhance visitor experiences. Saigon Tourism’s Quang Ninh branch is also designing new routes to Bai Tu Long Bay and Van Don, expanding options for cruise travellers.
In early October, two large cruise ships from China, Adora Mediterranea carrying 2,500 passengers and Star Voyager with 1,200 visitors, docked at Tien Sa Port, adding fresh energy to Da Nang’s tourism scene.
Da Nang, known for its strong cruise potential, still shares Tien Sa Port between cargo and passenger operations. Businesses have urged the city to accelerate completion of Lien Chieu Port to relieve congestion and to develop more large shopping centres to encourage higher visitor spending.
Khanh Hoa also reports strong growth, with over 2.7 million passengers in 2024 and nearly 2.3 million by mid-September 2025. Though few large cruise ships visit, nearly 500 local vessels, mainly high-speed tourist boats, regularly ferry visitors to the province’s scenic islands and beaches.
Hue has recorded a strong rise in cruise arrivals, supported by Chan May deep-water port and the city’s rich cultural appeal. This year, it expects 47 international cruise ships with more than 93,000 passengers and 39,000 crew, up nearly 48% from last season.
Recognised among 46 top cruise destinations in Southeast Asia, Chan May lies on key routes linking Singapore, the Philippines, and Hong Kong. Hue’s tourism department has expanded partnerships with major operators such as Royal Caribbean, Viking Ocean Cruises, and Adora Cruises, while new lines like Cunard and Blue Dream are adding the city to 2025 itineraries.
With its long coastline and varied destinations, Vietnam has strong cruise tourism potential. In the first nine months of 2025, over 500,000 international cruise visitors arrived, up more than 250% year on year.
Source: VNeconomy