HCMC – Con Dao Island received its first international cruise ship of 2026 on February 10, as the luxury vessel Le Jacques Cartier, operated by France-based Compagnie du Ponant, docked at Ben Dam Port at midday.
The ship brought more than 100 international passengers from multiple countries. It departed Singapore on February 8, with Con Dao serving as its first stop in Vietnam this year.
Le Jacques Cartier is over 131 meters long and 18 meters wide, with a maximum draft of 4.7 meters. The vessel carries more than 100 passengers and a crew of over 100. Upon arrival, local authorities and relevant agencies organized a formal welcome and provided swift immigration and port clearance procedures for passengers and crew.
During their stay, visitors toured key attractions, including Con Dao’s historical sites, Con Dao National Park, pristine beaches, and local culinary spots. Authorities coordinated to ensure security, traffic safety, environmental hygiene, and service quality throughout the visit.
The ship was scheduled to depart Con Dao later the same day to continue its itinerary within HCMC. Afterward, it will visit several major destinations in Vietnam, including Quy Nhon, Danang, Chan May Bay, and Halong Bay.
In 2025, Con Dao attracted more than 612,000 visitors, with about 25,600 of them coming from abroad. The arrival of Le Jacques Cartier early in 2026 signals a positive start for the island’s cruise tourism sector this year.
