This is the second time this year the five-start cruise ship has made its second visit to Ha Long City that houses UNESCO-recognised World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay, following the route from Hong Kong to Ha Long and back.

Welcoming the cruise ship, local travel agencies and port authorities introduced passengers to the province’s unique scenic spots and shopping opportunities, including Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh Museum, cultural and culinary city tours, and other attractions.

Statistics show Quang Ninh has received a total of 42 international cruise ships so far this year, bringing over 50,000 tourists from various nationalities to Ha Long. In the final months of the year, approximately 13 more cruise ships are expected to bring more than 15,000 additional visitors to Quang Ninh. Among them, the Costa Serena will return to Ha Long three more times on its Hong Kong - Ha Long - Hong Kong itinerary.

On October 21, the Viking Orion is set to bring more than 1,000 European passengers to Ha Long, marking a significant milestone for Quang Ninh as it welcomes 3 million international visitors in 2024, fulfilling its target for the year.