This vessel is not only a strategic product affirming the company’s leading position in luxury cruising, but also a testament to the creativity and autonomous capability of Vietnamese engineers on open seas.

With a length of 110 meters and a total usable area of 10,000 m², Athena Premium can accommodate over 500 passengers at once—the largest capacity ever recorded for a cruise ship in Vietnam. Every detail has been meticulously designed, combining modern Asian–European aesthetics with personalized sophistication to create a luxurious, private, and complete journey amid the wonders of Ha Long Bay.

Proudly “Made by Vietnam”

What sets Athena Premium apart is that the entire process—from concept, design, and construction to operations—was carried out entirely by Vietnamese engineers and architects. Athena Group directly invested and implemented the project from the very first blueprint to the full operation model, proving Vietnam’s capability to build high-end cruise ships completely “Made by Vietnam.”

“Athena Premium is not only a milestone for Athena Group but also a testament to Vietnam’s ambition to rise onto the global stage—where Vietnamese people master the technology and international standards of the luxury cruise industry,” a company representative shared.

A New Symbol of Vietnam’s Luxury Tourism

Unlike typical sightseeing cruises, Athena Premium is considered a one-of-a-kind vessel thanks to its rare combination of functions and high-end amenities.

The ship is designed as a “6-star floating resort”—a multifunctional space combining luxury accommodation, wellness, and premium entertainment.

With more than 10,000 m² of space, the vessel can simultaneously host multiple activities such as leisure travel, conferences, weddings, music events, and exhibitions on the sea, offering experiences seldom found elsewhere.

It features the first Japanese-standard Onsen system ever installed on a cruise ship in Vietnam, pioneering the wellness cruise trend rapidly gaining popularity across Asia. Additional amenities include a four-season infinity pool, spa and sauna therapies, yoga and meditation zones, a 3D golf room, and an astronomy lounge—forming a complete “wellness cruise complex” in the heart of a natural wonder.

All interior furnishings are imported from Europe, blending modern Asian–European design with eco-friendly standards. Each cabin includes a private balcony, bay-view bathtub, and smart climate control for maximum comfort and privacy.

The cruise ship features 41 luxury suites, with the highlight being the 400 m² President Suite located on the top deck—likened to a “mansion at sea,” complete with a private pool, in-room fresh mineral bath, separate living area, and exclusive lounge.

The debut of Athena Premium not only diversifies options for high-end travelers but also marks a significant step in Vietnam’s push toward premium and sustainable tourism. It reinforces Vietnam’s position on the Asian cruise map while contributing to the vision of making Ha Long Bay a leading luxury destination in the region.

Double Good News: Vietnam Wins Big

Notably, the launch of the Athena Premium coincided with another milestone for Vietnam’s tourism sector. Just days before, at the 2025 Asia–Oceania World Travel Awards ceremony held in Hong Kong (China), Vietnam was honored in multiple prestigious categories, surpassing many strong regional competitors.

“Vietnam has won big,” Sputnik (Russia) reported.

According to VNA, the UNESCO Global Geopark Dong Van Karst Plateau (Tuyen Quang) was awarded Asia’s Leading Cultural Destination 2025, while Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park received two titles: Vietnam’s Leading Nature Destination and Asia’s Leading National Park.

This marks the third consecutive year Dong Van Karst Plateau has been recognized by the WTA, reaffirming its enduring appeal. In 2023, it earned the title of “Asia’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination,” and in 2024, it continued to be named “Asia’s Leading Cultural Destination.”

Dong Van Karst Plateau—the first global geopark in Vietnam—covers more than 2,345 km², preserves geological formations over 500 million years old, and is home to 17 ethnic communities.

Also honored, Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park—one of Vietnam’s largest and most unique natural reserves—was named Asia’s Leading National Park 2025. Spanning over 201,000 hectares, it features hundreds of magnificent caves and is known as the “Kingdom of Caves.” It has been twice recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site (in 2003 and 2015).

In addition, Vietravel was honored in three categories: Asia’s Leading Tour Operator, Vietnam’s Leading Tour Operator, and Vietnam’s Leading Travel Company.

These achievements reaffirm the growing global presence of Vietnamese tourism, which continues to elevate service quality while being acknowledged internationally as one of Asia’s most attractive destinations.

By Minh Nhật
Đời Sống Pháp Luật (Life & Law Newspaper)