This vibrant atmosphere began before the peak season. On August 19th, Adora Magic City made its first arrival at Ha Long International Cruise Port, bringing nearly 4,500 tourists and crew members from Shenzhen. This event marked the return of large cruise ships on the route to the Ha Long Bay Heritage Site. Subsequently, at the end of August, Piano Land docked, extending the flow of tourists before the peak cruise season from October to April of the following year.
According to the Halong Bay cruise schedule, 17 cruises are scheduled to arrive between October and December 2026. On October 13th and 14th, Star Voyager, Viking Orion, and Viking Sea are expected; in November, Azamara Pursuit, Seven Seas Explorer, Celebrity Millennium, and Star Seeker will arrive. December will be the peak month with 10 arrivals, including Diamond Princess, Westerdam, Celebrity Solstice, Silver Muse, Norwegian Jade, and Luminara. On December 31st, Norwegian Jade and Luminara will both arrive in Halong Bay, with Luminara expected to stay until early 2027. Many ships with large passenger capacities, such as Celebrity Millennium, Diamond Princess, and Westerdam, are expected to bring 2,000-3,000 passengers per trip. Although subject to adjustment, this schedule continues to affirm Halong Bay's appeal on regional cruise routes.
However, the number of cruise ships and passengers is only part of the equation. Besides the advantages of infrastructure and a rich network of destinations, it is noteworthy that Quang Ninh is preparing for the cruise season by offering its own inland tour products.
Anticipating this demand, THK Travel Joint Stock Company has adjusted many tours according to port arrival and departure schedules and the specific requirements of tourists. Besides day trips in Quang Ninh, the company also organizes itineraries to Hai Phong, Hanoi , and even longer connecting tours when time permits. This approach of developing products based on different timeframes helps to make itineraries less monotonous and expands the potential benefits from the cruise ship passenger market.
Alongside longer journeys, there is still much room for shorter, more accessible experiences in Ha Long. Double-decker buses, hop-on hop-off tours, and three-walled boat tours on Ha Long Bay are considered suitable options. This product group has advantages in terms of duration, pick-up points, and connectivity between the city center and the heritage site, making it suitable for both group and independent travelers.
To bring the products closer to tourists, Mr. Ngo Duy Ninh, of Viet Scenic View Joint Stock Company in Quang Ninh, said that the company is proactively connecting with units and agencies operating cruise ships to introduce double-decker buses, hop-on hop-off boats, and three-walled boats. At the same time, the company is coordinating with travel agencies in Quang Ninh, contacting cruise ship agents and partners outside Quang Ninh, and promoting in several international markets to expand its reach.
Based on our experience, independent travelers appreciate flexible and accessible experiences, although the number of users remains modest. Therefore, we will continue to adjust our products to better suit the needs of international tourists.
Beyond products directly catering to cruise ship passengers, Quang Ninh is also innovating its experiential space with supplementary attractions such as the Quang Ninh Museum, city tours, local cuisine , OCOP product shopping, coastal services, and cultural programs. With its proximity to the port and the ease of organizing these events within a short timeframe, these experiences help tourists better understand the local history and lifestyle, while also increasing their enjoyment and spending at the destination.
Furthermore, the "Searching for the Gemstone" cave show in Cam Pha, the Ha Long - Yen Tu route, the connection between Bai Tu Long and Van Don, community tourism, island ecotourism, or heritage tours may not be suitable for all cruise ship groups. However, this is a noteworthy avenue for groups of tourists with longer stays or specialized experiential needs.
With its synchronized infrastructure and revamped coastal tours, Quang Ninh is transforming each cruise into a memorable journey, thereby attracting high-quality tourists and affirming its position on international shipping routes.
Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/san-sang-don-mua-tau-bien-bang-nhung-hanh-trinh-moi-post3422639.html
