The Russian servicemen visit Ha Long on September 4.
According to the operator of the Black Pearl cruise in Ha Long Bay, the vessel welcomed the Russian delegation on September 4.
The group of 45, including soldiers, support staff, and an interpreter, boarded at 10 am for a four-hour trip that ended at 2 pm. Departing from Ha Long International Cruise Port, the 99-passenger vessel was staffed by 16 crew members, including chefs, servers, technicians and medical personnel.
The cruise took them to several sites around the bay, with a stop at Titop Island for sightseeing and swimming. Lunch on board featured Quang Ninh delicacies, including grilled cuttlefish cakes, steamed grouper, and baked oysters, accompanied by non-alcoholic beverages.
“The Russian servicemen seemed to enjoy the food very much. At first, we were concerned about differences in taste, but Quang Ninh seafood matched their palate. They finished almost everything,” a cruise representative said.
In line with regulations, no alcohol was served; instead, guests opted for water, soft drinks, and tea.
The group was described as cheerful and friendly. On Titop Island, they played volleyball, swam and posed for photos with others.
The Russian delegation pose for a photo on Titop Island.
The Russian military contingent was in Hanoi to take part in the September 2 National Day parade. The 30 servicemen were from the 154th Independent Preobrazhensky Regiment, an elite ceremonial unit with a centuries-long history tied to significant events in the Russian army and state, led by Lieutenant Anton Mikhailov.
