Holland America's MS Westerdam cruise ship berthed at Da Nang’s Tien Sa Port in the morning of Sunday (the 2^nd day of the 1^st lunar month), bringing the first international cruise ship passengers of the lunar new year to the city.

Holland America's MS Westerdam cruise ship

Arranged by the Da Nang branch of Destination Asia Co., Ltd., the luxury cruise ship carried a total of about 1,250 passengers mainly from the USA, the UK, Canada, and Australia.

During their stay in Da Nang, the passengers are taken to visit some of the city’s popular attractions, including the Museum of Cham Sculpture, the Linh Ung Pagoda, and the Marble Mountains.

Representatives from the Tourism Department presenting flowers to the first cruise ship passengers to set foot in the city on the second day of the Lunar New Year.

As scheduled, the ship stayed overnight in the city, allowing its passengers to spend more time taking tours to Hoi An City and My Son Sanctuary in Quang Nam Province, and Hue Citadel.

In addition, they have had the opportunity to experience the Tet Festival in Vietnamese localites they visit.

Handling entry procedures for passengers arriving at the port

Mr Laforce Joshua from the USA said “This is the third time I have visited Da Nang. However, I have never had the opportunity to see the dragon's head at the eastern end of the Rong Bridge breathing fire and squirting water from its mouth. During my 2-day stay in the city, I am very excited to see the dragon's head breathing fire and squirting water on Sunday evening”.

Also from the USA, Ms Lott Carla Ann remarked she was very impressed with the warm welcome with an amazing lion dance performance at the port by representatives from the municipal Department of Tourism.

She added during her stay in the city, she would experience the Tet Festival here, especially trying Vietnamese dishes.

A lion dance performance to welcome the first cruise ship passengers of Lunar New Year to set foot in the city

According to the Da Nang Port JSC, the MS Westerdam cruise ship will leave the city for other destinations at 6.00pm on Monday (the 3^rd day of the 1^st lunar month).

During the Tet celebration, Da Nang will welcome such large cruise ships as Seabourn Ovation on 28 January, Costa Neo Romantica on 31 January, and both World Odyssey and Costa Neo Romantica on 3 February.

Besides, the city is likely to receive 13 cruise ships, bringing thousands of passengers in total, in the 1^st lunar month.

By HOANG HIEP - Translated by MAI DUNG