"Made in Vietnam" cruise ships
With over 3,200 km of coastline and an extensive river network, Vietnam has significant potential for waterway and maritime tourism. As the demand grows, the variety of cruise services has expanded. Previously, Vietnam’s tourist boats were mostly small wooden vessels for short river routes. However, modern and luxurious cruise ships now operate in various tourist destinations across the country.
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Visitors watching the model of Emerald Azzurra cruise ship, which was built by Ha Long Shipbuilding Company and successfully delivered to Australia |
According to Nguyen Tien Dat, Deputy General Director of the Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (SBIC), almost all domestic tourism vessels are built in Vietnam. In contrast to the traditional wooden boats of the past, Vietnamese shipbuilders now produce steel-hulled vessels, designed for overnight cruises on long-distance river and sea routes. These larger, more spacious ships are equipped with high-end amenities to enhance passengers' comfort and leisure.
One prime example is Ha Long Bay, home to some of Vietnam’s most advanced cruise ships. Among them, Grand Pioneers cruise ship holds the license for the longest and farthest journey, offering a three-day, two-night itinerary, four times longer than standard Ha Long Bay tours.
Meanwhile, Heritage Binh Chuan, a cruise ship built by Nam Phat Shipbuilding and Maritime Transport JSC, has carved out its own niche in the luxury cruise market. Having operated Heritage Binh Chuan for five years, Pham Ha, Chairman and CEO of Lux Group, expressed complete satisfaction with the ship’s design, functionality, and durability. He rated it 9 out of 10 and praised Vietnam’s shipbuilding industry as among the world’s best.
Expanding to international waters
Vietnamese cruise ships now serve diverse needs, including day trips, overnight cruises, and international voyages. As vessels become more modern, stringent safety and environmental standards must be met. Safety measures include life jackets, lifeboats, emergency beacons, and fire suppression systems.
At Vietship 2025, Le Thanh Lanh, Deputy Head of Sales Department at Blue Sea Services and Engineering Co., Ltd., spent over an hour introducing various safety devices available in the market. Additionally, green shipbuilding practices are becoming a major industry focus.
According to Nguyen Tien Dat of SBIC, sustainable shipbuilding involves energy-efficient propulsion systems, electric-powered engines, and eco-friendly hull coatings. Green practices extend to manufacturing processes, including energy conservation, waste reduction, and optimized workflows to minimize pollution.
Vietnam has already proven its capability in constructing long-range international cruise ships with superior technical standards. These vessels can withstand stronger waves and deeper-sea voyages while ensuring maximum safety and comfort for passengers.
The growing number of international orders, extending up to 2028, reflects the global demand for Vietnam-built ships. Vietnamese firms are now contributing to the construction of some of the world’s largest cruise liners.
Do Yen Lan, a sales specialist at Ha Long Shipbuilding Company, highlighted the company’s achievements, “We have built nearly a dozen vessels similar to Grand Pioneers, including ships commissioned by foreign clients. Some have been delivered directly from Vietnam to the Mediterranean, meeting stringent international regulations. Our order books are now full until 2028.”
Translated by Trung Thanh