Cruise ship passengers find it difficult to come to Khanh Hoa because the port is under repair and the port is far away.

The Queen Mary 2 ship arrived in Nha Trang on March 18 and had to anchor outside Nha Trang Bay - Photo: QUOC BAO

At the end of 2023, Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee announced that Nha Trang port would temporarily suspend operations for repairs and upgrades (for a period of 6 months). Although it is allowed to welcome international ships, the construction site is still under construction and the facilities are limited, so large ships cannot dock. Ships must anchor outside the bay and use canoes to transfer passengers to shore. Some ships have canceled their trips and will not enter the port.

Nha Trang Port Refuses Tourist Ships Due to Repairs

Mr. Bui Minh Thang - Director of Phuong Thang Service - Tourism - Trade Company Limited - said that the company coordinated to welcome the Norwegian Jewel (Bahamas flag) with about 2,000 passengers arriving on February 15, but was refused by Nha Trang port because that day the port could not receive two ships at the same time. The Norwegian Jewel had to cancel its schedule and not arrive in Nha Trang.

"Nha Trang still does not have a dedicated tourist port. Without investment and upgrading the port system, the city will miss many opportunities to welcome large cruise ship groups. In addition, the authorities need to quickly urge the repair of the current port, as well as arrange a plan to welcome cruise ship guests," said Mr. Thang.

Similarly, according to the scheduled schedule, on February 20, the Spectrum Of The Sea ship (more than 4,000 passengers) was to arrive at Nha Trang port, but had to change its schedule and choose to dock at TCCT Port at Cai Mep - Thi Vai ( Ba Ria - Vung Tau ).

Recently, Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee also worked with Tan Cang - Petro Cam Ranh Company Limited (the management unit of Cam Ranh International Port), including developing this port as a place to welcome cruise ships next to Nha Trang Port, as well as removing current difficulties.

Nha Trang Port is being repaired and upgraded - Photo: MINH CHIEN

Building tours to serve cruise ship passengers to Cam Ranh

However, according to travel companies, because Cam Ranh international port is far from Nha Trang city (about 60km), Cam Lam district and Cam Ranh city do not have products to serve on-site customers.

Previously, when arriving at the port, visitors also reported difficulty in entering and exiting the military checkpoints. Those who were free to visit had to wait a long time for a vehicle to take them outside.

"Currently, cruise ship passengers coming to Nha Trang only visit for the day, because the tourism products are not yet attractive, not to mention other localities.

In addition, cruise tours are sold to customers very early. If the pick-up location from Nha Trang to Cam Ranh is changed, the longer travel distance will increase the tour cost," Mr. Thang said.

Mr. Tran Minh Duc - Chairman of Khanh Hoa Tourism Association - said that building tours and tourist routes in Cam Ranh City and Cam Lam District is not difficult. However, these destinations have not been invested in, lack connection and promotion.

"Cruise passengers really like countryside tours and typical products... In Cam Lam and Cam Ranh, there are beautiful rice fields and palanquin fields with large areas, but they have not been exploited yet... Besides, there are currently mango garden tours being implemented by some units, which are also very potential.

But to bring customers there, there must be a specific tour schedule, linked to places to eat, shop, etc. From there, travel companies can offer and introduce cruise ships to customers," Mr. Duc said.

Leaders of Khanh Hoa Department of Tourism said they will work with Nha Trang port, Department of Transport and related units to find solutions to support the cruise tourism industry, including plans such as arranging places to anchor and receive cruise ship passengers.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/khach-tau-bien-kho-den-khanh-hoa-vi-cang-thi-sua-cang-thi-xa-20240323111153043.htm