The first quarter of 2012 was a busy time for several local travel firms that received many cruise ships in HCM City, Can Tho, Khanh Hoa, Da Nang and Quang Ninh.

Cruise companies operating these cruise ships including Costa Classica, Costa Romantica, SuperStar Virgo, SuperStar Aquarius, Princess Daphne, Amadea, Pacific Venus, Europa and Bremen all have expressed interest in Viet Nam by signing long-term contracts or regularly organising trips to Viet Nam with an increasingly high number of travellers.

In January alone, Viet Nam received 19 cruise ships and 12 river steamers that brought in thousands of British, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Australian, Japanese and Chinese tourists.

In February, Costa Classica docked at the Ha Long Bay five times, bringing 10,000 travellers. Travel firm Saigontourist has said it was receiving a lot of high grade cruise ships and boats this month, including Europa, Spirit of Adventure, Columbus, Saga Ruby and Amadea. — VNS