French luxury cruise ship Le Lapeurouse, carrying over 200 European tourists and crew members, became the first international cruise ship to berth at Da Nang’s Tien Sa Port since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out over two years ago.

A representative of the Da Nang Tourism Promotion Centre (2nd from left) presenting flowers to welcome guests on the first cruise ship to Da Nang after a long period of disruption due to COVID-19. Photo: THU HA

Arranged by the Vivu Journeys Viet Nam JSC, the cruise ship docked at the Tien Sa Port from 6:am - 11:00pm on Sunday.

During the one-day stay in the city, foreign tourists onboard the French ship were taken to visit some of popular tourist attractions in Da Nang and Quang Nam Province. They could choose 3 different sightseeing tours to the Marble Mountain Tourist Area, the Hoi An Ancient Town or the My Son Sanctuary.

Foreign cruise ship passengers expect to experience and visit the famous tourist attractions in Da Nang. Photo:THU HA

According to Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Tourism Nguyen Xuan Binh, the arrival of the La Lapeurouse ship restarted the city’s cruise tourism after more than 2 years of hiatus because of COVID-19. This was a good sign for the city’s tourism recovery, especially the international cruise ship tourist markets.

Mrs. Maria from Argentina said that this is the first time she and her husband have visited Da Nang and other Vietnamese localities in an international cruise itinerary.

She added that she and her husband are looking forward to visiting local scenic spots such as the Golden Bridge of Sun World Ba Na Hills Tourist Area, the Marble Mountain Special National Scenic Site, and Da Nang beaches.

International guests happily took souvenir photos with the chatbox model of Da Nang. Photo: THU HA

Le Laperouse is the leading ship of the Ponant Explorers class of cruise ships (including 6 members) operated by the Ponant shipping company.

Its itinerary to explore the coast and famous landmarks of Viet Nam lasts for 8 to 11 days, which is a new journey in Asia offered by Ponant on its website with prices starting from EUR 4,240 (nearly VND100 million).

Le Laperouse is introduced as an environmentally friendly vessel, modernly equipped with an open-plan lounge and 5-star service.

In October, Le Lapersouse plans to return to Da Nang on October 16 and 29. In the photo: The ship Le Lapersouse is docked at the Tien Sa Port, Da Nang. Photo: THU HA

Before arriving in Da Nang, the ship Le Laperouse docked at Saigon Port on October 2.

After leaving Da Nang, the cruise ship will continue to visit other destinations, such as Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Hue, Quang Binh, and Ha Long.

Reporting by THU HA - Translating by M.DUNG