The ship, carrying the flag of Bahamas, belongs to the Stellar Maritime S.A Marshall Island Shipping Company and is operated by the Pittsburgh State University of the US.

With more than 760 passengers, most of the US nationality, and a crew of 185 members on board, the Explorer ship left the Singapore port for Vietnam.

The ship is specialising in carrying students and lecturers of the US universities for a 100-day programme of study at sea, and a tour of continents around the world.

A ‘Vietnam Day’ will be held during their stay to introduce Vietnam’s land, people and customs to US students.