According to the Khanh Hoa Provincial Department of Tourism, in 2024, Nha Trang City is expected to welcome 44 international cruise ships, of which 27 have arrived with more than 55,500 passengers. About 17 international cruise ships are expected to arrive by the end of the year.
However, this plan is likely to be difficult to achieve because since the end of September, Nha Trang port has temporarily stopped receiving international cruise ships due to the investment and upgrading process. The process of renovating and upgrading Nha Trang port will not ensure safety in receiving tourist ships and passenger ships from ships anchored in Nha Trang Bay to the port and vice versa.
Mr. Bui Minh Thang - Director of Phuong Thang Tourism and Trade Service Company Limited - a unit specializing in receiving cruise ships - said that the company plans to receive 2 Noordam ships calling at Nha Trang in November and December 2024. Considering the situation of Nha Trang Port stopping receiving passengers, this shipping line is considering canceling the call at Nha Trang. Even many other shipping lines are considering removing Nha Trang from the tour schedule in 2025.
In October 2024, the authorities of Khanh Hoa province held an urgent meeting to find solutions to welcome tourist ships. After reviewing, there are 2 possible alternative locations. They are Ana Marina Nha Trang - North of Nha Trang City or Cam Ranh International Port (Cam Ranh City, about 40km south of Nha Trang).
Mr. Cung Quynh Anh - Deputy Director of Khanh Hoa Province Department of Tourism - said that in early October 2024, the department surveyed a number of locations, scenic spots, historical sites, and tourist destinations in Cam Lam district, Cam Ranh city and proposed building a Cam Lam - Cam Ranh sightseeing tour to serve cruise ship tourists arriving at Cam Ranh International Port.
Tourists will experience sheep fields; learn about Vietnam's rice cultivation; watch traditional musical instrument performances; watch, prepare and enjoy banh xeo, cha gio, nem cuon. Then move to Cam Lam mango garden, pick mango, enjoy tea, shop; finally swim in the sea, enjoy services at KN Beach Club Tourist Area. However, the most difficult thing is to convince shipping lines to agree to dock at Cam Ranh International Port because the passenger transport distance is longer, increasing tour costs. As for Ana Marina, experts say it does not meet technical standards to receive large cruise ships.
On October 9, Standing Vice Chairman of Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee Le Huu Hoang sent an official dispatch requesting the Naval Region 4 Command to support and facilitate international ships to Cam Ranh International Port.
