What Cruise Lines Go to Vietnam Top Picks for 2024 Adventures

Top cruise lines like Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Viking offer unforgettable 2024 voyages to Vietnam, with stops in vibrant ports like Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. These itineraries blend cultural immersion, luxury, and adventure, making them ideal for travelers seeking a seamless way to explore Vietnam’s stunning landscapes and rich heritage.

Key Takeaways

• Celebrity Cruises: Offers immersive Vietnam itineraries with luxury amenities and cultural shore excursions.
• Royal Caribbean: Features family-friendly voyages stopping at Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
• Princess Cruises: Combines Vietnam with Southeast Asia, ideal for extended 12+ day explorations.
• Silversea: Ultra-luxury small ships access hidden gems like Ha Long Bay and Hoi An.
• Holland America: Focuses on heritage and history with curated onboard lectures and guided tours.
• Book early: Vietnam sailings sell out fast—reserve 6–12 months ahead for best rates.

Why Vietnam Is the Ultimate Cruise Destination in 2024

Imagine gliding through emerald waters where towering karst formations rise from the sea like ancient sentinels, while vibrant fishing villages dot the coastline. Or stepping ashore in bustling cities where centuries-old temples stand alongside French colonial architecture, and street food vendors serve up steaming bowls of pho that awaken your senses. This is Vietnam—a destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty, rich history, and cultural authenticity. In 2024, Vietnam is emerging as a must-visit cruise destination, offering travelers an unparalleled mix of adventure, relaxation, and culinary exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or planning your first voyage, Vietnam’s ports of call promise unforgettable experiences that go beyond the typical tourist trail.

From the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay to the historic charm of Da Nang and the imperial grandeur of Hue, Vietnam’s cruise ports are gateways to some of Southeast Asia’s most iconic sights. The country’s strategic location along the South China Sea makes it a natural stop for both regional and global cruise itineraries. With major international cruise lines expanding their Asian routes and boutique river cruise operators offering immersive Mekong Delta experiences, there’s never been a better time to explore Vietnam by sea. In this guide, we’ll dive into the top cruise lines visiting Vietnam in 2024, what makes each unique, and how to choose the perfect voyage for your travel style.

Top International Cruise Lines Sailing to Vietnam in 2024

Royal Caribbean: Family-Friendly Adventures with Asian Flair

Royal Caribbean has significantly expanded its Asia-Pacific offerings for 2024, with Vietnam featuring prominently in its itineraries. The Quantum-class ships like Spectrum of the Seas offer 5- to 7-night cruises from Singapore and Hong Kong that include stops in Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City. These voyages are perfect for families, combining Vietnam’s cultural highlights with onboard amenities like skydiving simulators, robotic bartenders, and Broadway-style shows.

Key Vietnam experiences with Royal Caribbean include:

• Guided tours to the Marble Mountains and Hoi An Ancient Town from Da Nang
• Excursions to the Củ Chi Tunnels and Cu Chi War Museum from Ho Chi Minh City
• Cooking classes featuring Vietnamese street food favorites

Pro tip: Book the “Asia Explorer” package for priority access to popular shore excursions and exclusive onboard cultural events.

Celebrity Cruises: Premium Experiences with Cultural Depth

Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Millennium offer longer 10- to 14-night itineraries that treat Vietnam as a central destination rather than just a stopover. These sailings often include overnight stays in Hue and Nha Trang, allowing deeper exploration. Celebrity’s “Always Included” pricing bundles gratuities, Wi-Fi, and premium drinks, making budgeting easier.

Notable Vietnam features:

• Overnight in Hue for visits to the Imperial City and Royal Tombs
• Private beach excursions to Hon Tam Island from Nha Trang
• Onboard Vietnamese language classes and traditional áo dài fashion shows

Insider tip: The “Celebrity Concierge” program can arrange private shore excursions with local historians or chefs.

Princess Cruises: Scenic Journeys with Local Immersion

Princess Cruises’ Royal Princess and Discovery Princess offer “Asia & Vietnam” itineraries that emphasize cultural immersion. Their “MedallionClass” technology allows for personalized experiences, from customized excursion recommendations to contactless dining. Vietnam ports include Ha Long Bay (overnight), Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Unique Princess offerings:

• Overnight in Ha Long Bay with optional kayaking and cave exploration
• Small-group tours to My Son Sanctuary (a UNESCO site)
• Onboard “Vietnamese Street Food Festival” with guest chefs

Travel hack: Use the Medallion app to pre-book specialty dining experiences like the Vietnamese-inspired “Ocean Terrace” menu.

Luxury Boutique Cruises: Intimate and Immersive Experiences

Silversea: Ultra-Luxury Expeditions with Cultural Experts

Silversea’s Silver Muse and Silver Spirit offer 7- to 10-night “Vietnam & Southeast Asia” voyages that focus on exclusivity and access. With only 596 guests, these ships provide a more intimate experience. Silversea’s “Zodiac” excursions allow landings at remote spots like Cat Ba Island and Phu Quoc, while their “Enrichment” program includes lectures by historians and anthropologists.

What sets Silversea apart:

• Private after-hours access to Hoi An Ancient Town and Imperial Citadel
• Overnight in Ninh Binh for sunrise visits to Trang An Grottoes
• Onboard Vietnamese tea ceremonies and water puppetry performances

Insider knowledge: Silversea’s “All-Inclusive” package includes private transfers and premium excursions like a private junk boat cruise in Ha Long Bay.

Oceania Cruises: Culinary Journeys with Vietnamese Flavors

Oceania’s Insignia and Nautica are renowned for their gourmet focus, and their Vietnam itineraries are no exception. The “Food & Wine” cruises feature onboard cooking classes with Vietnamese chefs, while shore excursions include visits to local markets and noodle-making workshops. Ports like Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City are treated as culinary destinations.

Oceania’s Vietnam highlights:

• Market-to-table excursions in Cho Ben Thanh (Ho Chi Minh City)
• Private dinners in historic villas with local chefs
• Onboard “Vietnamese Spice Route” tasting menu at Red Ginger (Oceania’s signature restaurant)

Pro tip: Book the “Culinary Explorer” package for a guaranteed spot in the onboard cooking classes.

Viking Ocean Cruises: Cultural Focus with Seamless Logistics

Viking’s “Southeast Asia & Vietnam” itineraries on ships like Viking Orion emphasize cultural depth. Their “Viking Inclusive Value” covers excursions, gratuities, and Wi-Fi. Vietnam stops include Hue, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City, with optional add-ons like the Mekong River Delta.

Viking’s unique features:

• Free guided tours of Hoi An, Imperial City, and Cu Chi Tunnels
• Onboard “Vietnam: A Cultural Journey” lectures by historians
• Optional 3-day pre-cruise extension in Hanoi

Travel hack: Viking’s “Cultural Curriculum” app provides pre-arrival videos and reading materials about Vietnam’s history.

Mekong River Cruises: The Heart of Vietnam’s Waterways

AmaWaterways: Luxury River Journeys with Local Connections

AmaWaterways’ AmaDara offers 7- to 14-night “Mekong River” cruises that start in Ho Chi Minh City and continue into Cambodia. The ship features a pool, spa, and onboard cultural performances. Key Vietnam stops include Cu Chi, Cai Be, and Sa Dec, with excursions to floating markets and rice paper villages.

AmaWaterways’ Vietnam highlights:

• Private cooking class in a local family’s home in Cai Be
• Bicycle tour through mango orchards and rice paddies
• Onboard “Mekong Delta Cultural Night” with traditional music

Pro tip: Opt for the “Sun Deck Cabins” for unobstructed views of the river landscapes.

Scenic: All-Inclusive River Cruises with Premium Perks

Scenic’s Scenic Spirit offers “Mekong & Vietnam” itineraries with a “Scenic Freechoice” system that lets you customize excursions. The ship’s “Space-Suites” have private balconies, and the “Sun Lounge” transforms into an alfresco dining area. Vietnam ports include Vinh Long and My Tho.

Scenic’s unique features:

• Private water buffalo cart ride in the Mekong Delta
• Onboard “Vietnamese Cooking Masterclass” with a local chef
• Free use of e-bikes for self-guided exploration

Insider knowledge: Scenic’s “All-Inclusive” package includes premium wines and spirits, even on shore.

Avalon Waterways: Active Exploration with Flexible Itineraries

Avalon’s Avalon Saigon offers “Mekong Discovery” cruises with a focus on active exploration. The ship has a “Sky Deck” with a whirlpool and fitness center. Vietnam stops include Ben Tre and Chau Doc, with options for kayaking, biking, and fishing.

Avalon’s standout experiences:

• Guided kayak tour through mangrove forests
• Visit to a local silk-weaving village
• Onboard “Vietnamese Coffee Tasting” session

Travel hack: Avalon’s “Active & Discovery” excursions are perfect for travelers who want to stay busy.

Regional and Expedition Cruises: Hidden Gems of Vietnam

Ponant: Expedition Cruises to Remote Areas

Ponant’s Le Lapérouse offers 10-night “Vietnam & the Gulf of Tonkin” expeditions that focus on lesser-known destinations like Cat Ba Island, Ba Be Lake, and Phu Quoc. The ship carries only 184 guests and features a spa, pool, and underwater lounge. Excursions include Zodiac landings, cave explorations, and visits to ethnic minority villages.

Ponant’s Vietnam highlights:

• Overnight in Ha Long Bay with optional overnight kayaking
• Guided tour of Cat Ba National Park
• Onboard “Vietnamese Ethnic Cultures” lecture series

Pro tip: Ponant’s “Expedition Team” includes biologists and anthropologists who lead educational excursions.

Heritage Line: Boutique Cruises on the Perfume River

Heritage Line’s Junk boats like Indochina Sails offer 2- to 3-night “Hue & Perfume River” cruises that focus on central Vietnam. These intimate vessels carry only 12-20 guests and feature open-air dining and spa services. Key stops include Thien Mu Pagoda, Royal Tombs, and Dong Ba Market.

Heritage Line’s unique features:

• Private dragon boat ride on the Perfume River
• Guided tour of Emperor Tu Duc’s Tomb with a historian
• Onboard “Imperial Banquet” with traditional music

Insider knowledge: Heritage Line’s “Sunset Cruises” are perfect for photography enthusiasts.

Indochina Junk: Traditional Junk Boat Adventures

Indochina Junk’s Red Dragon and Palm Junk offer 2- to 4-night “Ha Long Bay” cruises that emphasize traditional sailing. These wooden junks have 10-15 cabins and feature open-air lounges and private balconies. Excursions include kayaking, swimming, and visits to Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island.

Indochina Junk’s standout experiences:

• Private fishing trip with local fishermen
• Onboard “Vietnamese Cooking Class” on the deck
• Overnight in Cat Ba Town for local cuisine

Travel hack: Indochina Junk’s “Premium Junks” have larger cabins and better amenities.

Choosing the Right Cruise: Tips for First-Time Vietnam Cruisers

Match Your Travel Style to the Cruise Type

Vietnam cruises cater to diverse interests:

• Families: Opt for Royal Caribbean or Princess Cruises for kid-friendly amenities and activities.
• Luxury travelers: Choose Silversea or Oceania for personalized service and gourmet dining.
• Cultural explorers: Viking or Celebrity Cruises offer in-depth lectures and expert-led excursions.
• Adventure seekers: Ponant or Indochina Junk provide active exploration and remote destinations.

Pro tip: Research the ship’s size and passenger count—larger ships offer more amenities, while smaller ships provide intimacy and access to hidden ports.

Seasonal Considerations: When to Cruise Vietnam

Vietnam’s weather varies by region:

• North (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay): Best from October to April (cool and dry)
• Central (Da Nang, Hue): Best from January to August (dry season)
• South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta): Best from December to April (dry and sunny)

Insider knowledge: The typhoon season (July-September) can affect coastal cruises—book flexible itineraries with cancellation options.

Practical Tips for a Seamless Experience

Ensure a smooth cruise by:

• Visa requirements: Most cruise lines handle visas, but confirm with your operator.
• Health precautions: Pack mosquito repellent, hand sanitizer, and a basic first-aid kit.
• Connectivity: Purchase a local SIM card in port for better internet access.
• Excursion planning: Book popular excursions early—spots fill up fast!

Travel hack: Download offline maps and translation apps like Google Translate for easier navigation in ports.

Cruise Line	Ship	Typical Itinerary	Unique Feature
Royal Caribbean	Spectrum of the Seas	5-7 nights, Singapore/Hong Kong to Da Nang/Ho Chi Minh	Onboard skydiving simulator
Silversea	Silver Muse	7-10 nights, Vietnam & Southeast Asia	Private junk boat in Ha Long Bay
AmaWaterways	AmaDara	7-14 nights, Mekong River	Private cooking class in Cai Be
Ponant	Le Lapérouse	10 nights, Gulf of Tonkin	Underwater lounge with river views
Heritage Line	Indochina Sails	2-3 nights, Hue & Perfume River	Imperial banquet with traditional music

Vietnam’s cruise scene in 2024 offers something for every traveler, from high-energy family adventures to serene river journeys through the Mekong Delta. Whether you’re drawn to the karst landscapes of Ha Long Bay, the imperial history of Hue, or the culinary delights of Ho Chi Minh City, the right cruise line can turn your Vietnamese dreams into reality. By matching your interests to the perfect itinerary, considering seasonal factors, and planning practical details, you’ll set sail on a voyage that blends relaxation, culture, and adventure. As Vietnam continues to captivate the world with its beauty and charm, there’s no better way to explore its wonders than by sea. So pack your bags, embrace the spirit of discovery, and get ready to experience Vietnam like never before—one unforgettable port at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise lines go to Vietnam for a 2024 cultural adventure?

Top cruise lines like Viking River Cruises, Azamara, and Princess Cruises offer immersive itineraries to Vietnam in 2024, featuring stops in Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Ho Chi Minh City. These lines blend cultural exploration with luxury amenities for a seamless experience.

Which luxury cruise lines go to Vietnam with all-inclusive packages?

Silversea, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Seabourn are standout luxury options that include Vietnam in their Southeast Asia routes. Their all-inclusive fares cover gourmet dining, excursions, and onboard gratuities.

Are there river cruises that visit Vietnam’s key destinations?

Yes! Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways operate Mekong River voyages through Vietnam, highlighting destinations like Cu Chi Tunnels and floating markets. These small-ship cruises focus on intimate, culturally rich experiences.

What cruise lines go to Vietnam and include neighboring countries?

Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Oceania Cruises offer multi-country Southeast Asia itineraries, pairing Vietnam with Thailand, Cambodia, or Singapore. These 10–14-day sailings provide a broader regional perspective.

Do any expedition cruise lines go to Vietnam for unique adventures?

Lindblad Expeditions and Hurtigruten Expeditions feature Vietnam as part of their Asia-Pacific routes, emphasizing off-the-beaten-path excursions like Ha Long Bay kayaking and rural village visits. Expect active, educational itineraries.

Which family-friendly cruise lines go to Vietnam?

Disney Cruise Line and Costa Cruises include Vietnam in select Asia itineraries with kid-friendly activities and shore excursions. Their ships feature pools, entertainment, and dining options suitable for all ages.