The first mega cruise ship to benefit from Vietnam’s new ‘US$5 visa fee’ docked on January 12 at Tan Cang-Cai Mep port in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province carrying an estimated 1,200 passengers.

Many economists have called the new reduced fee scheme approved by the Prime Minister a dream come true for the tourism industry and have predicted that it would positively impact the economy.

According to the new measures, the maximum fee has been reduced from US$45 to a maximum of US$5 when tourists disembark a cruise liner for a local tour. Under measures that were extended last year, tourists from 47 nations qualify for free visas.

Economists said the government's objective was to boost tourism and the recent changes have sent out a clear message that Vietnam is serious about making travel to the country easy.

I think we’re off to a great start, said Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Nhuan Quynh, commander of the border guards in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province. Welcoming the first ship was kind of exciting. There was a lot of energy in the air.

On the same day, the Volendam departed for Nha Trang, Chan May, and Hon Gai.

Int’l cruise ship docks at Binh Dinh province

Panama’s international cruise ship Star Pride, carrying 127 American tourists, docked at Quy Nhon Port in the central Binh Dinh province on January 12.

The visit was arranged by the Quy Nhon provincial Tour Operator and Destination Asia company.

After landing, the holidaymakers joined tours to discover a number of famous destinations in the province including Quang Trung museum in Tay Son district, Banh It Tower in Tuy Phuoc, Binh Dinh provincial Museum, Long Khanh temple, and Twin Towers in Quy Nhon City.

As scheduled, the Star Pride will take them southward to Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa province in the afternoon.

Previously, the cruise ship brought 60 American tourists to beautiful landscapes in Binh Dinh province.