Pacific World cruise ship brings around 1,700 tourists to Quảng Ninh. VNA Photo

QUẢNG NINH — The northern province of Quảng Ninh offered a warm welcome for some 1,700 passengers, mostly Japanese, who disembarked from the Pacific World cruise ship at Hạ Long International Cruise Port on April 30.

The visit, a milestone for the province, marked the first time it has hosted a fully chartered cruise ship from Japan, signaling a new chapter in its burgeoning tourism industry.

The Pacific World, operated by Japan’s Peace Boat Company, departed from Yokohama and made several international stops before anchoring in Hạ Long, a coastal city famed for its emerald waters and limestone karsts. The arrival opened the door to direct sea routes linking Japanese ports with Quảng Ninh, a move local officials hope will attract more affluent Japanese travelers to this UNESCO World Heritage destination.

During their one-day stopover, passengers explored Quảng Ninh’s cultural and natural treasures. Many marveled at Hạ Long Bay’s dramatic seascape, while others toured the Quảng Ninh Museum, browsed the bustling Hạ Long I market, or rode the Queen Cable Car for panoramic views. In Đông Triều, the tranquil Yên Đức Village offered a window into rural Vietnamese life, with its traditional crafts and pastoral charm.

Pacific World cruise ship. — VNA/VNS Photo

Quảng Ninh is riding a wave of tourism growth, fueled by a recovering cruise sector. The province aims to draw 20 million visitors in 2025, including 4.5 million foreigners, a target that could propel local economic growth above 14 per cent. Since early 2024, the Hạ Long International Cruise Port has seen a hike in cruise traffic, with estimates at 70 ships carrying nearly 90,000 passengers for 2025, a 30 per cent annual increase.

Luxury liners like Celebrity Solstice, Mein Schiff 6, and Westerdam have returned, joined by newcomers such as Brilliant Lady, Luminara, and the Pacific World. This influx solidifies Quảng Ninh’s reputation as a premier Southeast Asian cruise hub. — VNA/VNS

Guests from the Pacific World cruise receive souvenirs and gifts from the tourism department of Quảng Ninh. — VNA/VNS Photo