Vietnam’s Most Storied Boutique Cruise Fleet Earns Landmark Nomination at World Travel Awards 2025
Lux Cruises Group Becomes First Vietnamese Cruise Line Nominated for Asia’s Leading Cruise Line
NHA TRANG, VIETNAM | Aug 10, 2025 — Vietnam’s luxury cruise industry has reached a historic milestone. Lux Cruises Group, the nation’s first and most storied boutique cruise operator, has been nominated for Asia’s Leading Cruise Line 2025 at the 32nd World Travel Awards (WTA) — often hailed as the “Oscars of the travel industry.”
This is not only Lux Cruises Group’s first nomination at this elite level — it’s also the first time any Vietnamese cruise line has been shortlisted alongside the region’s most prestigious fleets. The nomination signals Vietnam’s official arrival on the global luxury cruising stage.
A Vision Born from Heritage and Ambition
At the helm is Dr. Phạm Hà, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Lux Cruises Group, a visionary entrepreneur inspired by the maritime legacy of Bạch Thái Bưởi, the early 20th-century “King of Cruise Ships” of Vietnam.
What began in 2014 as a dream to revive national pride in Vietnamese seafaring has evolved into a globally recognized brand offering boutique cruise experiences where luxury, heritage, culture, and nature converge.
“This nomination is more than recognition,” says Dr. Hà. “It’s a celebration of Vietnamese soul and craftsmanship — proof that luxury can be authentic, sustainable, and deeply personal.”
Where Heritage Sets Sail
Lux Cruises Group operates three signature brands, each weaving Vietnam’s history and artistry into a five-star cruise experience:
• Emperor Cruises – Inspired by Vietnam’s last emperor, Bảo Đại, offering royal-style voyages steeped in imperial romance.
• Heritage Cruises – Showcasing the cultural narratives, art, and architecture of Vietnam’s rivers and bays.
• Amiral Cruises for Presidents – The newest addition, embodying stately grandeur for world leaders and discerning travelers.
Each vessel is a floating boutique hotel — part museum, part sanctuary — curated with lacquer paintings, antique décor, fine Vietnamese gastronomy, and panoramic suites designed to immerse guests in Vietnam’s seascape stories.
The flagship Emperor Cruises Legend in Nha Trang accommodates just 99 guests in lavish suites, delivering all-inclusive, personalized voyages. Inspired by the golden age of Indochina, the ship blends opulent interiors with modern comforts, offering gourmet dining, curated art collections, and 360-degree ocean views.
Voyages that Embrace Vietnam’s Natural Masterpieces
From the mythical limestone karsts of Halong Bay, to the jade waters of Lan Ha, to the sun-soaked beaches of Nha Trang and the cultural rivers of the Gulf of Tonkin, Lux Cruises Group crafts hand-tailored itineraries designed for slow travel and deep connection.
Guests enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, cultural excursions, culinary workshops, and onboard art tours — transforming each voyage into a journey of discovery. These experiences not only showcase Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage sites but also bring guests closer to local culture and traditions.
Sustainable by Design, Purposeful in Practice
Beyond its artistry and elegance, Lux Cruises Group is setting new standards for sustainable cruising in Asia. The company integrates eco-conscious design and responsible tourism practices across its operations, including:
• Zero-waste dining and sourcing from local farmers and fishermen
• Energy-efficient ship designs delivering up to 30% power savings
• Commitment to becoming net-positive by 2030
Dr. Hà emphasizes that sustainability is “not a marketing trend, but a moral compass” — guiding Lux Cruises to protect the very landscapes and communities that make its journeys unique.
The company also invests in heritage preservation projects, local artisan partnerships, and community-based tourism initiatives — ensuring that its success uplifts Vietnam’s coastal economies.
From National Pride to Global Recognition
With eight boutique vessels currently in service and a vision to expand to 30 luxury cruise ships by 2045, Lux Cruises Group is steadily building Asia’s most elegant and ethical cruise ecosystem — proudly made in Vietnam, for the world.
The WTA nomination is a collective achievement — for the brand, its team, its guests, and for Vietnam’s luxury tourism industry.
“Every vote for Lux Cruises is a vote for Vietnam,” says Dr. Hà. “It’s about putting our nation on the map of elite cruising.”
How to Vote for Lux Cruises Group
Supporters worldwide are invited to help Vietnam make history at the World Travel Awards 2025.
Voting closes August 31, 2025.
Cast your vote here: https://www.worldtravelawards.com/profile-45737-lux-cruises-group
About Lux Cruises Group
Founded in 2014 by Dr. Phạm Hà, Lux Cruises Group is Vietnam’s first boutique cruise line, offering luxury heritage voyages across the country’s most iconic bays and rivers. Through its signature brands — Heritage Cruises, Emperor Cruises, and Amiral Cruises for Presidents — the Group has become synonymous with refined, sustainable exploration.
Blending Vietnamese culture, fine art, gastronomy, and nature, Lux Cruises Group creates journeys where every moment is a tribute — to the sea, to the land, and to the art of timeless travel.
