HCM CITY — HCM City's Department of Tourism has submitted a report to the municipal People’s Committee, the Maritime Port Authority and the Department of Construction, requesting coordination to support travel companies in handling international cruise passengers at the Cái Mép–Thị Vải port complex.

The move aims to ensure the safe, smooth, and efficient reception of international cruise ships visiting the city.

The Cái Mép–Thị Vải area has recently recorded a steady rise in international cruise arrivals, underscoring the city’s growing prominence on the regional cruise tourism map.

In 2024, the complex welcomed 65 cruise ships carrying about 287,000 passengers.

For 2025, 48 calls with around 180,000 passengers are scheduled, mainly luxury liners on long-haul itineraries. By the end of 2026, about 118 cruises with more than 260,000 passengers are expected to dock there.

In response to feedback from travel companies and international shipping agents regarding procedural obstacles, the Department of Tourism proposed piloting international cruise reception at Cái Mép–Thị Vải through December 2026.

The pilot phase will allow authorities and port operators to complete legal procedures for expanding port functions while providing regulators with practical data to assess operational feasibility before full implementation.

The department pledged to work closely with the municipal Maritime Authority and relevant agencies to ensure smooth and safe operations, contributing to the growth of the city’s marine tourism sector.

Earlier, on October 15, US-based Royal Caribbean Group sent a letter to the municipal People’s Committee, the Việt Nam National Authority of Tourism, and other agencies regarding the reception of its cruise vessels at the port complex.

According to port operators under Saigon Newport Corporation, several ports in Phú Mỹ Ward, including Tân Cảng–Cái Mép JSC, Tân Cảng–Cái Mép International Terminal, and Tân Cảng–Cái Mép Thị Vải One-member Co. Ltd., will suspend cruise ship handling starting in October.

Royal Caribbean explained that the suspension stems from pending regulatory approval to expand port functions for international cruise reception, as required by the Việt Nam Maritime and Inland Waterways Administration.

However, the group warned that the abrupt halt could disrupt operations. Its Ovation of the Seas, carrying more than 4,000 passengers, was scheduled to dock at Tân Cảng–Cái Mép Port on October 18 but may be unable to do so, potentially causing major losses for passengers and the company.

Similarly, Saigontourist Travel Service Co. has requested approval for container and general cargo ports in the Cái Mép–Thị Vải area to temporarily receive international cruise ships to ensure continuity of the city’s tourism operations. VNS