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Largest Cruise Ship in Ha Long Bay Now Operates Across Heritage Regions

The Grand Pioneers cruise ship, with its six decks, began operations on May 25, connecting Ha Long with Bai Tu Long and traversing numerous scenic spots along its longest route to date.
Last updated: June 17, 2024
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About the Grand Pioneers

  • Size & Investment: Largest in Ha Long Bay's fleet, invested at $20 million. The ship measures 109.9 meters long and 18.68 meters wide, with a basement and six above-ground decks, each covering over 2,000 square meters.

  • Capacity: 55 luxury cabins, accommodating 160 overnight guests and 320 day visitors, with a crew of 90. The dining room can host 250 guests, and amenities include a swimming pool, cinema, and spa.

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Tour Itinerary

  • Duration: 3 days and 2 nights.

  • Route: Starting from Tuan Chau port, the ship covers about 100 km, visiting Ha Long Bay's iconic sites such as Stone Dog islet, Fighting Cock islet, Incense Burner islet, Titop island, Sung Sot cave, Head islet, Drum cave, Vung Vieng, Ba Cua, Vung Ha, and Cong Do.

  • Lesser-Known Stops: Includes Thien Canh Son cave, Dragon islet, Cap La, Tra San, Cong Dam, the 320-million-year-old Xep Park, Van Gio, Ba Mat, and the final stop at Xiong Rong island.

  • Extension: The journey continues to Ban Sen, Van Don, Quan Lan, Bai Tu Long National Park, and then returns.

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Significance and Future Plans

According to Hoang Quang Hai, Director of Quang Ninh's Department of Transport, the Grand Pioneers is the largest and most modern cruise ship in Quang Ninh. It aligns with the goal of modernizing the fleet to provide top-quality services, befitting a world natural heritage site.

While Ha Long Bay has five planned tourist routes, none previously connected to other heritage sites like Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay (Cat Ba, Hai Phong). The new route enhances visitor experiences and promotes tourism in Quang Ninh and Hai Phong.

Fleet Information

Grand Pioneers is the second in a pair of large cruise ships designed and built in Vietnam. The first, Essence Grand 1, has been operating in Ha Long Bay since October 2023, offering a 2-day, 1-night itinerary. Grand Pioneers features upgraded amenities and an optimized design for longer journeys.

Currently, Quang Ninh has 506 cruise ships, including around 200 overnight vessels with approximately 2,000 rooms.