The Italian-flagged Costa Serena docked at the Ha Long International Cruise Port on September 30.  (Photo: VNA)

While the ship has docked in Vietnam several times before, this is its first visit to Ha Long City in Quang Ninh province. The passengers, mostly from Chinese-speaking countries and regions, will spend one day exploring Ha Long Bay and the city’s downtown attractions.

Costa Serena is scheduled to return to Ha Long on October 14, October 18, November 4, and November 8.

The municipal Department of Tourism expects Ha Long to welcome around 70,000 tourists from 60 to 70 cruise ships this year, with the peak season occurring at the end of the year.