Con Dao welcomes first international cruise ship of 2026

On February 10, at Con Dao Special Zone (Ho Chi Minh City), the luxury cruise ship Le Jacques Cartier, operated by France’s Compagnie du Ponant, docked at Ben Dam Port, bringing more than 100 international visitors to explore Con Dao. 

This marks the first international cruise ship to call at Con Dao in 2026.

The Le Jacques Cartier measures 131.46 meters in length and 18 meters in beam, with a maximum draft of 4.7 meters. Featuring a modern and elegant design, the vessel carries more than 100 passengers along with a crew of over 100. 

It departed from Singapore on February 8, 2026, with Con Dao serving as its first port of call on its Vietnam itinerary.

Upon the vessel’s arrival, leaders of the Con Dao Special Zone, together with relevant authorities, held a formal welcome ceremony and facilitated expedited immigration procedures for both crew members and passengers. The reception was conducted in a professional and attentive manner, reinforcing the image of Con Dao as a safe, friendly and hospitable destination.

During their stay, visitors toured the island’s historical relic sites, explored the natural landscapes of Con Dao National Park, experienced its pristine beaches and sampled local cuisine. Measures to ensure security and public order, traffic safety, environmental sanitation and service quality were implemented in a coordinated manner. 

At 7 p.m. the same day, Le Jacques Cartier departed Con Dao, continuing its voyage to Ho Chi Minh City.

According to the itinerary in Vietnam, the ship will also bring passengers to several well-known destinations, including Ho Chi Minh City, Quy Nhon, Da Nang, Chan May Bay and Ha Long Bay.

The selection of Con Dao as a port of call by Le Jacques Cartier further affirms the special zone’s growing appeal and standing on the international cruise tourism map. 

The vessel caters to the high-end segment, aligning with Con Dao’s strategic orientation to develop into a premium, internationally recognized destination. 

The event also helps promote the image of Con Dao — a land rich in historical significance and pristine natural beauty — to global visitors.

According to official statistics, Con Dao welcomed more than 612,000 visitors in 2025, including approximately 25,600 international arrivals. The arrival of Le Jacques Cartier at the very beginning of 2026 is expected to signal a year of positive growth for Con Dao’s tourism sector.