Celebrity Solstice, registered in Malta, carried 3,018 tourists along with 1,222 crew members. Most of the passengers were from Europe and the Americas.

The cruise ship is scheduled to anchor in Ha Long for the full day, giving travelers the opportunity to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site and celebrate the New Year in Vietnam.

A warm and formal welcome ceremony was held at Ha Long International Passenger Port with the attendance of Quang Minh Cuong, Secretary of the Quang Ninh Provincial Party Committee, along with representatives from the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the port authority.

Visitors were greeted with fresh flower bouquets and entertained with traditional folk music performances, leaving a memorable first impression on guests. Many expressed excitement at choosing Ha Long Bay as the first destination of their new year journey.

While docked, passengers will embark on tours across Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, and Hai Phong. The itinerary is designed to combine the region’s breathtaking nature with its rich historical and cultural heritage, promising a unique and fulfilling experience for international guests.

According to the 2026 plan, Ha Long International Passenger Port is expected to receive nearly 90 international cruise ships this year, welcoming approximately 150,000 tourists. The main source markets include the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, China, and other European nations.

This projection signals a strong recovery and sustained growth for Quang Ninh’s cruise tourism sector.

Pham Cong