Delegates at an event to celebrate the visit of Spectrum of the Seas cruise to Phú Mỹ port, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu Province. — Photo courtesy of the organiser

BÀ RỊA – VŨNG TÀU — Over 4,000 Royal Caribbean guests arrived in Phú Mỹ port of Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu Province on Asia’s largest and most innovative ship, Spectrum of the Seas cruise ship, on August 22.

Celebratory events were held onboard, in recognition of Spectrum’s new 12-night sailings and to acknowledge Royal Caribbean’s future sailings to Việt Nam.

“Việt Nam is a popular travel destination for both Singaporeans as well as our guests from across the world, so we are thrilled to be able to celebrate our sailings to Phú Mỹ with key government and cruise industry stakeholders onboard today. Today’s onboard event also coincides with the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the US-Việt Nam Comprehensive Partnership which we deeply value,” said Angie Stephen, vice president and managing director, Asia-Pacific, Royal Caribbean International.

“Our guests today will disembark to explore the nearby sights, onshore excursions including exploring Buddhist temples, taking in the Bay of Boats and enjoying guided tours of Hồ Chí Minh City which will all offer an economic benefit to the already thriving tourism industry,” said Stephen.

Foreign visitors of the Spectrum of the Seas cruise ship start to explore the beauty of Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu Province. — Photo courtesy of the organiser

“Every year, Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu Province welcomes a large number of international tourists, including guests from cruises. Post-pandemic, our tourism industry has implemented many solutions to restore and develop our tourism calendar, which has maintained a good growth rate and made a positive contribution to the overall growth of the province. Today has allowed us the opportunity to promote and affirm Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu as a safe, friendly and attractive destination for international tourists from the cruising market,” said Chairman of the People’s Committee of Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu Province, Nguyễn Văn Thọ.

“We are so happy to see the rejuvenation of the cruise ship and tourism industry in Southeast Asia and especially in Việt Nam, the region is such an attractive destination for American tourists and investors. Tourism and trade services are a huge component of our bilateral partnership and 2023 marks 10 years of this comprehensive partnership,” said Deputy Principal Officer (DPO) Anne Benjaminson from the U.S. Consulate General HCM City at the event.

Over the course of the 12-night cruise, guests have enjoyed exploring top Asian destinations including Tokyo, Kumamoto, Kagoshima in Japan; Hong Kong; as well as Nha Trang in Việt Nam. Following Phú Mỹ, the cruise will travel to Singapore. — VNS