Ocean cruising has become one of the most rewarding ways to experience Asia’s coastal wonders. With more than 3,200 kilometers of coastline embracing the East Sea, modern deep-water cruise ports, and UNESCO World Heritage landscapes accessible directly from the shore, Vietnam has emerged as an essential port of call on luxury Trans-Asia itineraries. From the dramatic limestone karsts of the north to the imperial citadels of the central coast and vibrant southern river deltas, here are five of the best international cruise lines and vessels that drop anchor in Vietnam.
Vietnam’s Key Cruise Ports of Call: International liners typically call at Ha Long International Cruise Port (gateway to Ha Long Bay and Hanoi), Tien Sa Port / Chan May Port (gateway to Da Nang, Hue, and Hoi An), Nha Trang Port, and Phu My Port in Vung Tau (the primary maritime gateway to Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta).
1. Silversea Cruises – Silver Shadow
Operated by ultra-luxury boutique line Silversea, Silver Shadow offers all-suite accommodations with private butler service, an intimate passenger capacity (under 400 guests), and all-inclusive fine dining. On its flagship Trans-Asia voyages linking Hong Kong and Singapore, the vessel navigates right into Ha Long Bay, allowing passengers to awaken amidst towering limestone karsts. Shore excursions include guided explorations of the Hanoi Old Quarter, the imperial monuments of Hue, and southern excursions to the Cu Chi tunnels and river life in the Mekong Delta.
Vessel Type: Ultra-Luxury All-Suite Small Ship (Butler Service Included)
Typical Itinerary: 14-Day Hong Kong to Singapore (featuring multiple overnight ports in Vietnam)
2. Cruise & Maritime Voyages (Classic Grand Voyages)
For travelers seeking traditional maritime cruising reminiscent of ocean liners of the past, Cruise & Maritime grand voyages offer expansive regional itineraries. Taking in ten or more Asian ports, these journeys provide unhurried port stays along Vietnam’s coastline, stopping at Da Nang and Nha Trang before cruising onward toward Malaysia, India, and the Suez Canal. With a relaxed, friendly ambiance and smaller vessel scale, it caters specifically to long-distance grand voyage enthusiasts.
Vessel Type: Classic Mid-Sized Ocean Liner
Typical Itinerary: Extended Grand Asia & Middle East Voyages (30 to 45+ nights)
3. Royal Caribbean International (Quantum Class)
Royal Caribbean’s state-of-the-art mega-vessels (such as Spectrum of the Seas) bring world-class entertainment, Broadway-style productions, skydiving simulators, and high-tech observation pods to Southeast Asian waters. Sailing out of Singapore or Hong Kong, these mega-liners frequently anchor at Phu My Port for overnight stays, giving guests ample time to experience Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant nightlife, French colonial avenues, and world-class street food before sailing along the scenic coastline to Nha Trang and Da Nang.
Vessel Type: Contemporary Mega-Cruiser (Family-Friendly with High-Tech Entertainment)
Typical Itinerary: 9 to 12-Night Southeast Asia Coastal Journeys
4. Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Millennium
Recently modernized through the fleetwide “Celebrity Revolution,” Celebrity Millennium delivers modern luxury, sophisticated spa pavilions, and Michelin-inspired culinary artistry. Especially popular during autumn and winter, the ship frequently navigates Vietnam during the festive Lunar New Year (Tet) season. Passengers enjoy scenic sailings into Ha Long Bay, curated cultural shore trips into the lantern-lit alleys of Hoi An, and tranquil beach excursions in Nha Trang.
Vessel Type: Premium Modern Luxury Liner
Typical Itinerary: 12 to 14-Night Vietnam & Thailand Immersion
5. P&O Cruises (Trans-Oceanic Adult Voyages)
Specializing in relaxed, adult-exclusive long-range ocean voyages, P&O Cruises links Australia, Southeast Asia, and Europe on epic trans-oceanic legs. Ships like Arcadia feature fine-dining venues created by acclaimed chefs, refined library lounges, and extensive enrichment lectures. When calling in Vietnam, the vessels provide serene, comfortable transit with comprehensive shore excursions connecting travelers to traditional handicraft villages, floating markets, and historic temples.
Vessel Type: Mid-Sized Adult-Exclusive Ocean Liner
Typical Itinerary: 25 to 36-Day Australia to Asia / Middle East Long-Haul Expeditions