First International Cruise Ship to Visit Con Dao in 2026

In early 2026, Vivu Journeys had the honour of hosting and curating authentic shore experiences for Ponant guests as the expedition cruise Le Jacques Cartier journeyed along Vietnam’s coastline, marking a memorable moment for Vietnam’s cruise tourism industry.

1. First International Cruise Ship to Con Dao in 2026

On 10 February 2026, Con Dao welcomed its first international cruise ship of the year – Le Jacques Cartier, operated by Compagnie du Ponant. The luxurious Le Jacques Cartier cruise ship, with its elegant and modern design, measures 131.46m in length, 18m in width, and has a maximum draft of 4.7m. The voyage began in Singapore and carried more than 100 international travellers exploring Vietnam’s coastal destinations.

As the first international cruise ship to Con Dao in 2026, the arrival marks an important milestone for the island and for Vietnam’s growing cruise tourism sector. The presence of this tour highlights increasing global interest in Vietnam as a destination for expedition-style luxury cruise travel.

Vivu Journeys had the honour of welcoming and guiding the delegation on land, delivering carefully curated shorex experiences that connect travellers with Vietnam’s culture, heritage, and local communities.

Discover our seamless, tailored and unforgettable shorex services here.

2. The Delegation’s Visit to Vietnam

2.1. Ponant Shore Experiences in Con Dao

Con Dao was the first stop of the Ponant cruise Vietnam itinerary, where guests explored key cultural and historical highlights of the island through curated shore experiences.

During their visit, travellers discovered several key attractions, including historic heritage sites, the natural landscapes of Con Dao National Park, pristine beaches, and glimpses of the island’s local cuisine and culture. The shore programme was carefully designed by Vivu Journeys to offer guests an authentic introduction to the destination. Later the same day, the journey continued to Ho Chi Minh City and explored Vietnamese culture through many highlight locations.

2.2 Ponant Shore Experiences in Quy Nhon

After departing Ho Chi Minh City, the voyage continued to Quy Nhon, where guests enjoyed a series of immersive local experiences.

Travellers visited a traditional village where “nón lá”, Vietnam’s iconic conical hats made from palm leaves, are handcrafted. They also joined a hands-on cooking activity to prepare “Bánh Ít“, a traditional steamed sticky rice dumpling, that reflects the region’s rich culinary heritage.

In a warm moment of Vietnamese hospitality, the host family shared their homemade Bánh Chưng, a traditional dish associated with Tết, Vietnam’s Lunar New Year. The experience offered travellers a genuine glimpse into local family traditions rarely encountered on conventional tours.

3. Ponant Cruise Vietnam Itinerary Highlights

After visiting Quy Nhon, Le Jacques Cartier continues its journey along Vietnam’s central and northern coastline, with stops at Da Nang, Chan May Bay, and the iconic Ha Long Bay.

Read more about our cruise experiences:

• From Vietnam to Cambodia – A Journey Along the Mekong River
• Mekong River Cruise: Discover the Timeless Charm of Southeast Asia
• An Elegant Escape Aboard Victoria Mekong Cruise

4. Conclusion

The arrival of Le Jacques Cartier as the first international cruise ship to Con Dao in 2026 reflects the growing role of Vietnam within global expedition cruise routes. This journey not only introduces travellers to authentic destinations along the Vietnamese coast but also highlights the importance of local partnerships in delivering meaningful shore experiences.

For Vivu Journeys, it is an honour to support journeys like this, connecting international travellers with the cultural richness of Vietnam. The success of this Ponant voyage in Vietnam is also expected to open new opportunities for international cruise collaboration and bring greater visibility to emerging destinations across the country.

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