Coral Princess Cruise Ship Arrives in Cam Ranh, Bringing a Surge of Tourists
On Wednesday, October 23, 2024, the Coral Princess cruise ship made a grand arrival at Cam Ranh International Port in Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam, carrying a significant number of 2,300 tourists eager to explore the region’s beauty. The ship’s arrival was warmly welcomed by leaders from the Khanh Hoa Province Department of Tourism, who greeted the crew and first passengers with floral greetings at the pier.
A Day of Exploration and Excursions
The passengers, excited to experience the charm of Vietnam, were divided into smaller groups for one-day excursions. These excursions were expertly organized by Tan Hong Company, ensuring that each tourist enjoyed a comprehensive and enriching exploration of Nha Trang and other popular tourist spots within the city.
A highlight of the itinerary included a visit to the luxurious Wyndham Grand KN Paradise Cam Ranh Resort located at Bai Dai in Cam Ranh, offering a chance to unwind and soak in the beauty of the resort. After the excursions, the tourists enjoyed some free time to explore at their leisure, embracing the local culture and attractions.
Journey Continues to Hong Kong
As the day drew to a close, the tourists boarded the ship once again, preparing for the next leg of their journey. The Coral Princess, renowned for its luxurious amenities and modern design, then continued its journey to Hong Kong, leaving a trail of memorable experiences for the tourists.
A Symbol of Cruise Tourism’s Revival
The arrival of the Coral Princess is a testament to the resilience and recovery of Vietnam’s cruise tourism industry. The ship’s visit comes after a period of disruption following the announcement that Nha Trang Port in Nha Trang City would be temporarily closed for repairs, impacting the schedule of several planned cruise ship arrivals.
Collaboration and Strategic Solutions
To ensure the Coral Princess’s successful arrival, Hai Dang Agency, working in collaboration with various entities, negotiated with Princess Cruises. Their efforts secured the ship’s docking at Cam Ranh International Port, a strategic decision to accommodate the influx of tourists. From there, Hai Dang Agency facilitated the transportation of the tourists to Nha Trang, ensuring a seamless transition.
Cam Ranh International Port: A Modern Infrastructure
Cam Ranh International Port, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and two wharves capable of accommodating passenger ships of up to 226,000 GT, proved to be an ideal docking location for the Coral Princess. The port’s advanced infrastructure allowed passengers to disembark directly, eliminating the need for transfers, contributing to a smoother travel experience.
Addressing Challenges and Enhancing Tourism Infrastructure
While the port’s location is advantageous, its distance from the center of Nha Trang City—approximately 60 kilometers—poses some logistical challenges, resulting in a round trip by road taking around 3 to 4 hours. Furthermore, the port’s location within a military-controlled area necessitates additional costs and logistical procedures.
To mitigate these challenges, the Khanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee issued a directive requesting Naval Region 4’s assistance in coordinating with provincial departments, Tan Cang – Petro Cam Ranh Company Limited, and local tourism businesses to streamline the process of welcoming and serving cruise passengers at Cam Ranh International Port.
Collaborative Efforts for Enhanced Tourist Experience
Tan Cang – Petro Cam Ranh Company Limited, in collaboration with Naval Region 4 Command, established a seamless process for passenger pick-up and drop-off at the port. Recognizing the importance of providing convenient options for tourists, they offered free transportation for passengers from the port to tourist destinations in Cam Ranh for those not part of organized tours. In addition, they also partially subsidized the costs incurred by travel businesses organizing tours for cruise passengers.
Khanh Hoa: A Thriving Tourism Destination
The arrival of the Coral Princess is a significant contributor to the remarkable growth of Khanh Hoa’s tourism sector. The province has welcomed a total of 27 international cruise ships, bringing over 55,500 tourists ashore for sightseeing. These figures demonstrate the province’s strong appeal as a tourist destination.
Positive Outlook for Vietnam’s Tourism Industry
Khanh Hoa’s tourism sector continues to flourish, with the province recording around 9 million overnight visitors in the first nine months of 2024. This impressive figure represents a 57.9% increase compared to the same period in 2023 and fulfills 100% of its 2024 target. The province is aiming to attract an additional 1 to 2 million overnight visitors in the final months of 2024, bringing the total number of visitors to over 10 million for the year.
The Coral Princess’s arrival and the continued growth of Khanh Hoa’s tourism sector paint a bright picture for Vietnam’s cruise tourism industry. The government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure, streamlining processes, and fostering collaboration with key stakeholders is positioning Vietnam as a leading cruise tourism destination in the region.
