Luxury cruise ship Costa Atlantica is scheduled to dock at Ba Ria-Vung Tau province's SP-SPA seaport on June 14, bringing 2,200 crew members and passengers to Vietnam. This is the cruise ship's first visit to Vietnam prepared by leading Vietnamese tour operator Saigontourist.
The visitors' itinerary includes visits to Phuoc Le Temple, wineries, banh trang (dried rice paper sheets) producers, and fruit orchards.
After leaving for My Tho Province's Thoi Lao isle, tourists can observe local beekeepers and coconut candy makers and sample the region’s delicious natural bounty.
In Ho Chi Minh City the cruise passengers are scheduled to tour the Cu Chi tunnel complex, Thong Nhat Palace, Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, Thien Hau-Cho Lon Pagoda, and watch a water puppet theatre performance.
Later, on June 15, the cruise ship will dock at Thua-Thien Hue Province's Chan May seaport to explore the central region's renowned relics, including Minh Mang King Tomb, Hue Royal Palace, and Thien Mu Pagoda.
They will then leave for Quang Nam province, Hoi An ancient town, and its Thanh Ha Pottery Village before scaling the Ngu Hanh Son (Marble) Mountain in neigbouring Danang City.
Costa Atlantica joins the ranks of other Costa Crociere S.p.A cruise ships Saigontourist has welcomed since 2006—the Costa Allegra, Costa Marina, Costa Classica, Costa Romantica, and Costa Victoria. The British and American-owned Italian cruise line's 14 ships sail to and from 230 countries around the world In 2013 its ships will visit Vietnam 17 times. In 2014, the country expects to welcome the Costa Victoria 13 times and Costa Atlantica a further 4.