US-based Princess Cruises said its Sapphire Princess would sail to Viet Nam during its first season of cruise trips in Southeast Asia starting in November.

Ba Ria Vung Tau (Phu My) and Nha Trang, two of the most popular destinations in Viet Nam for international cruise vessels, will be part of the company's 2014-15 itinerary.

The four-month Southeast Asia season will see 15 roundtrip cruises from Singapore ranging from three to 11 days.

The Sapphire Princess will come to Viet Nam during two 11-day Southeast Asia tours starting on November 27 and December 18 and two seven-day Viet Nam – Thailand tours on January 30 and February 16 next year.

Some 40,000 passengers from Viet Nam and around Asia, North America, the UK, and Australia are expected to travel this season.

The 116,000-tonne Sapphire Princess is designed to carry 2,670 passengers, and has more than 200 suites and mini-suites with private balconies.

According to the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism, last year 193,261 visitors arrived by sea, two-thirds higher year-on-year. The tourism industry expects the number to top one million by next year. — VNS