Over 4,000 passengers disembarked from Royal Caribbean's flagship
vessel, Spectrum of the Seas, on Tuesday, 22 August, in a landmark event
that was touted as officials as a new era for cruise tourism in
Vietnam.
The festivities included dignitaries like Angie Stephen, VP of
Asia-Pacific at Royal Caribbean; Captain Wu Huimin of the Spectrum of
the Seas; Nguyen Van Tho, chairman of Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province; Nguyen
Trung Khanh, Chairman of Vietnam's National Authority of Tourism; and
Anne Benjaminson, deputy principal officer of the US Consulate General
HCMC.
The occasion celebrated the ship's introduction of 12-night sailings
to Vietnam, reflecting Royal Caribbean's investment in the country's
tourism potential. Symbolic gifts were exchanged and exclusive ship
tours offered insights into its advanced features.
Angie Stephen highlighted Vietnam's allure as a travel destination
and tied the event to the 10th anniversary of the US-Vietnam
Comprehensive Partnership.
Nguyen Van Tho emphasised the positive impact of tourism on the
region's growth and promoted Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province as a compelling
destination. While Nguyen Trung Khanh praised Royal Caribbean for
revitalising international cruise tourism and for selecting Vietnam as
the platform for this significant step.
During the 12-night voyage, passengers have had the opportunity to
explore prominent Asian destinations such as Tokyo, Kumamoto, and
Kagoshima in Japan, along with Hong Kong and Nha Trang in Vietnam. The
journey will continue to Singapore after departing from Phu My.