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Best Halong Bay Cruises 2024
2024 promises to be a blooming year for Halong Bay, with
the launch of many new cruise lines from budget to luxury.
Start planning your trip to this World's Seven Wonder? Below is the best of what Halong
cruises have to offer.
You've set your mind for Halong Bay but do not yet know which cruise to travel with? This list will give you an idea to start! Our best cruise list is selectively picked based on several factors (1) Guests' reviews and feedbacks (2) Cruise deco & facilities (3) Cruise itinerary & service (4) How it best fits each category of travellers. We divide all cruises by budget range which makes it easier for you to find one that offers best value too. If you are still in doubt, leave a question below for instant response.
The 2024 HalongBayTours’s Best Cruise List
HalongBayTours select the best cruise list based on customers feedback versus total number of travelers. We commit to giving you the most unbiased rating of current cruises in Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. Please note that these are not the only great options to travel with - we can find one for every of your budget preference and group dynamics so feel free to contact our team for further information.
CRUISE CATEGORY | WINNER (Click for more details) | WHY IT MADE THE LIST | INFORMATION |
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Best Luxury Cruise | Stellar of the Seas Cruise | Stellar of the Seas has maintained its consistent quality over the years, even better than the pre-Covid period. Its executive cabins are the hottest sell, offering bathtub with a panoramic view of the Bay. |
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Best for Value | Scarlet Pearl Cruise | Scarlet Pearl is an amazing value for money option for luxury cruise trip in Lan Ha Bay. 22 cabins spread over silver pearl, golden pearl, onyx pearl and president suite class, offering a trip to remember. |
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Best mid-range cruise | La Casta Regal Cruise | From only 135USD you will get a cabin with private balcony and bathtub, delivering a wonderful trip to Lan Ha Bay. The vegetarian meal option is absolutely a bonus for those requesting one, overriding that of even luxury class cruise. |
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Best for Boutique | Orchid Classic Cruise | The first cruise to deliver trip in Lan Ha Bay, Orchid Classic features 14 well appointed cabin, all with beds facing floor to ceiling glass window. The cabin is all spacious with 36sqm in size at a minimum. Orchid Classic continues to be a fast selling cruise for couples and families alike. |
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Best for Itinerary | Paradise Elegance Cruise | Paradise Elegance is today one of the very few to operate trips to famous sights such as Surprise Cave and Titov Island. The cruise is operated by the famed Paradise Group, promising a trip to remember. |
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Best for Charter | Bhaya Cruises | Bhaya Cruise maintains a fleet of small sized vessel, ranging from 1-5 cabin boat, thus making it the best suite for a charter cruise trip. If you wish to experience traditional wooden junk, you cannot miss Bhaya Cruise. |
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Best New Cruise | Essence Grand Cruise | After much wait, Essence Grand finally comes to life with 55 state of the art cabin in a surreal cruise setting: mini golf miniature, wine cellar, large pool, etc. that hardly any other cruises can match. There is much anticipation for Essence to continue to flourish in 2024 with a new exclusive itinerary to unfold. |
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Best for Families | Peony Cruise | Peony is a total YES when it comes to family travel. With 5 pairs of connecting cabins available, both on first and second floor, it is ideal especially when you require rooms for your family with children. |
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Best Budget Cruise | Swan Cruise | Swan is a fine option if you wish to discover Bai Tu Long Bay on a budget - the cruise offers complimentary shuttle bus service for early bird holidaymakers so do not miss that if you are planning your trip. |
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Best Day Cruise | Phoenix Day Cruise | For only 50USD including transfer you cannot find a better deal to visit Halong Bay, on a 6 hour cruising journey. Phoenix Day Cruise continues to upgrade its service to best serve guests from all over the world. |
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- Exclusive departure port - only 2.5 hours from Hanoi
- Unique routing
- Extremely spacious cabin (36-72sqm)
- Luxury decoration
- All cabins have balcony and bathtub
- Cruise length: 2 days, 3 days
- Destinations: Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay
- Cruise length: Tai Chi, Swimming, Squid Fishing , Kayaking, Cooking Class, Spa
PP
- Outdoor Jacuzzi available
- Road journey just 2.5 hours from Hanoi via expressway
- Elevator available
- Cruise length: 2 days, 3 days
- Destinations: Halong Bay, Surprise Cave, Ti Top Island, Tung Gau Area
- Cruise length: Tai Chi, Swimming, Spa, Kayaking, Climbing, Squid Fishing , Fishing Village
PP
- Best mid-range cruise in Lan Ha Bay
- Short transfer time on limousine bus
- Great rooms with balcony
- Cruise length: 2 days, 3 days
- Destinations: Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba Island
- Cruise length: Tai Chi, Swimming, Squid Fishing , Spa, Kayaking, Cooking Class, Cycling
PP
- Ultra-luxury cruise
- Short transfer time from Hanoi (only 2.5 hours)
- Mini-golf course on board available
- Triple and family cabin available
- Cruise length: 2 days, 3 days
- Destinations: Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Dark and Bright Cave
- Cruise length: Tai Chi, Swimming, Squid Fishing , Spa, Kayaking, Cooking Class
PP
- Aesthetic Indochina architecture
- Elegant retro wooden interior
- Great itinerary with many activities
- Largest entry-level suites
- All cabins with private balcony and ocean-view bathtub
- Professional and attentive crew
- Cruise length: 2 days, 3 days
- Destinations: Lan Ha Bay, Dark and Bright Cave
- Cruise length: Swimming, Squid Fishing , Spa, Kayaking, Cooking Class
PP
- Elegant Indochine-style
- Luxury decoration
- Spacious cabins all with private balcony
- Family suites and connecting suites available
- Cruise length: 2 days, 3 days
- Destinations: Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Dark and Bright Cave
- Cruise length: Tai Chi, Swimming, Spa, Kayaking, Cooking Class, Climbing, Squid Fishing , Cycling
PP
- Expansive sundeck
- Spa and wellness center
- Piano lounge with live music
- All cabins have balcony
- Just 2.5 hours road travel from Hanoi
- Cruise length: 2 days, 3 days
- Destinations: Halong Bay, Ti Top Island, Surprise Cave, Luon Cave
- Cruise length: Tai Chi, Swimming, Spa, Kayaking, Climbing, Squid Fishing , Fishing Village
PP
- Spacious cabins with private balcony
- Swimming pool on sundeck
- Exclusive Arts Gallery
- Free Kayaking
- Cruise length: 2 days, 3 days
- Destinations: Lan Ha Bay, Dark and Bright Cave
- Cruise length: Swimming, Squid Fishing , Spa, Kayaking, Cooking Class, Tai Chi, Cycling
PP
- Only 2.5 hours transfer from Hanoi
- Free kayaking
- Unique cruise routing
- Luxury cabins all with balcony and bathtub
- Newest cruise in Halong Bay
- Cruise length: 2 days, 3 days
- Destinations: Lan Ha Bay
- Cruise length: Tai Chi, Swimming, Spa, Kayaking, Cooking Class, Squid Fishing , Fishing Village
PP
- Catamaran-style cruise
- Outdoors Jacuzzi
- All rooms with private balcony
- Cruise length: 2 days, 3 days
- Destinations: Lan Ha Bay, Dark and Bright Cave
- Cruise length: Tai Chi, Swimming, Squid Fishing , Spa, Kayaking
PP
Finding a private charter cruise in Halong Bay is as simple as booking a hotel online. Contact our charter experts to get free advice and quote.
Top Cruise lines in Halong bay
Questions & Answers (1074)
Hi, if I book with yo for a cruise in Halong bay, for August do I pay now or can I pay upon arrival? Thanks
Dear Yara Soussan, Thank you for your email. To confirm your booking, we need to collect 30-50% of the total cost to secure your booking. The remaining balance will be collected closer to your trip. Please let me know if you have any other inquiries. Best regards, Annie (Ms.)
Hello, I'm interested in a 2 night 3 day Halong bay luxury cruise, starting April 18. Just wondering, do all of the cruises go to Ti Top Island and allow us to get off and go to the top? If not, which ones allow this? Thank you very much!
Dear Ashar Pirzada,
Thank you for your inquiry. Please consider some cruises that visit Ti Top Island below:
1. Essence Grand Cruise: US$ 810/Ocean Suite with US$ 35/person for shuttle bus round trip
2. Paradise Elegance Cruise: US$ 680/Deluxe cabin with free shuttle bus round trip
3. Hermes Cruise: US$ 710/Junior Suite cabin with free shuttle bus round trip
4. Athena Cruise: US$ 670/Executive Suite with fee shuttle bus round trip
5. Indochina Sails Cruise: US$ 520/Superior room with US$ 30/person for shuttle bus round trip
6. Mila Cruise: US$ 420/Deluxe room with US$ 15/person for shuttle bus round trip
7. Amanda Cruise: US$ 450/Deluxe room with US$ 20/person for shuttle bus round trip
Please consider and let me know if you need further information.
Best regards,
Mary
Do you do transfers pick up ninh binh then drop off hanoi? Looking at booking a 2 night 3 day cruise at weekend Thanks
Dear Clair Todd, Thank you for your email. My name is Annie from Halong Bay Tours department and I am very glad to assist you with your trip. We do offer transfer Ninh Binh - Halong - Hanoi. The shuttle bus costs US$ 19 to US$ 39/person depending on different cruises and the private sedan car costs US$ 210 for 2 persons. Please let me know if you have any other inquiries. Best regards, Annie (Ms.)
I am wondering if you have a cruise available for 2 nights and 3 days that visits Cat Ba island and Bai Tu Long.
Dear I. Vroemen, Thank you for your email. I am sorry that the cruise can visit either Lan Ha Bay/Cat Ba or Bai Tu Long Bay. Should you need further information, we are very happy to assist. Best regards, Halongbaytours Team
Hello, I am enquiring about cruises to surprise cave. do you have a nice one you can recommend? And is 1 night sufficient? Thank you. Warm regards, Suzannah
Dear Suzannah Yeung, Thank you for your reaching out. If you want to visit Surprise Cave, some cruises you can refer to are Catherine Cruise, Essence Grand Cruise, Ambassador Cruise, Paradise Elegance Cruise, Hermes Cruise, Athena Cruise, Indochina Sails Cruise. Besides, a 2 day/1 night trip is totally fine with adequate activities. But if you have time, a 3 day/2 night trip includes more attractions and you will not feel so rushed to travel back and forth from another destination. Feel free to let us know if you have any other inquiries. Best regards, Halongbaytours Team.
We have 2 adults and 2 kids (11yrs +). Can we book the room for 4pp for the price of $240 USD FOR 2 days 1 night cruise trip in Aust 1/2024? Thanks.
Dear Jessica Tran, Thank you for your question. My name is Annie from Halong Bay Tours department and I am very glad to assist you with your trip. May I suggest some cruise options for you as follows:
(1) Amanda Cruise: US$ 480 for 2 Deluxe cabin & US$ 20/person for shuttle bus round trip.
(2) Hera Classic Boutique Cruise: US$ 440 for 2 Deluxe cabin & US$ 20/person for shuttle bus round trip
(3) Sapphire Cruise: US$ 460 for 2 Deluxe & US$ 30/person for shuttle bus round trip
(4) Mila Cruise: US$ 440 for 2 Deluxe cabin with US$ 15/person for shuttle bus round trip
(5) Renea Cruise: US$ 500 for 2 Deluxe & free shuttle bus round trip
I hope this gives you some options to consider and if you have any other budget please let me know any time!
Best regards,
Annie (Ms.)
Hello. I am enquiring for a cruise for 3 days 2 nights food and dink included on a luxury cruise please. It will be me and mu sister. I will be celebrating my 40th Birthday on the boat on the 11th Jan. So 10 to 12 Jan 2025 please. Can you help?
Dear Wanja Van den berg, Thank you for contacting us. Some of our best luxury cruises you can refer to are Essence Grand Cruise, Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan, Orchid Cruise, Stellar of the Seas, Ambassador Cruise, Capella Cruise, Scarlet Pearl Cruise, etc. The tour will include all meals and for the drink, you can order and pay for it on the boat. Please consider and let us know if you need further details. Best regards, Halongbaytours Team.
I would like to book a 3 day 2 night Ha Long Bay cruise for 1 person for as cheap as possible. What would the price be for a cruise leaving May 8 or May 11
Dear Nathan Khot, Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to suggest you our best budget cruises as follows:
1. Amanda Cruise: US$ 360/Deluxe cabin single & US$ 20/person for shuttle bus round trip
2. Hera Classic Boutique Cruise: US$ 350/Deluxe cabin single & US$ 20/person for shuttle bus round trip
3. Sapphire Cruise: US$ 340/Deluxe single & US$ 30/person for shuttle bus round trip
4. Mila Cruise: US$ 340/Deluxe cabin single with US$ 15/person for shuttle bus round trip
5. Renea Cruise: US$ 340/Deluxe single & free shuttle bus round trip
I hope to hear from you soon and please let me know if you have any other inquiries.
Best regards,
Annie (Ms.)
Dear , You talk about transfer from hanoi but do you have transfert from hai phong or Quang ninh van don? Thank you for your feedback.
Dear William Louviers, Thank you for your question. If you are from Hai Phong or Van Don, Quang Ninh, we offer a private transfer at US$ 45/sedan car for 2 persons. Feel free to let me know if you have any other inquiries. Best regards, Annie (Ms.)
I am looking at doing the holaong Bay cruise for three days start on the 20 or 21 December 2022 for 4 people with 2 cabins!!!! Could let me know what you best price is!! Thank you cisco
Dear Cisco, Thank you very much for your inquiry, we are glad to welcome you to Halong Bay! Based on your travel plan, may we suggest you the best cruises currently available on 20Dec for 3D2N itinerary as below: - Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan: https://www.halongbaytours.com/cruise/heritage-cruise-binh-chuan/3-days-2-nights.html (02 Delta Suite cabins for 04 persons are available at cabin price USD 1640 + shuttle bus USD 40/per person. Total USD 1800.) - Scarlet Pearl Cruise: https://www.halongbaytours.com/cruise/scarlet-pearl-cruise/3-days-2-nights.html (02 Silver Pearl cabins for 04 persons are available at USD 1360 + shuttle bus USD 25/per person. Total USD 1460.) - Stellar of the Seas: https://www.halongbaytours.com/cruise/stellar-of-the-seas-cruise.html (02 Junior Suite cabins for 04 persons are available at USD 1640 + shuttle bus USD 20/per person. Total USD 1720.) Which one do you prefer please? Should you need further assistance, please feel free to contact us. Best regards, Rosie (Ms.)
Dear Ms. Anna MacDonald-Johnson, Thank you for your question and it's our pleasure to assist you with your request. May I know if you wish to travel in Jan, Feb or March? If you have a budget range or cruise preference please let us know and we will find the best deal for your group! Best regards,
Dear Mr. Geoff, Thank you very much for your questions. We can arrange the day trip on either 26th or 27th December and the trip would last from noon until 4:00pm approximately. Kindly note that our day cruise departs from Tuan Chau Pier which is about 20 minutes from Bai Chay. You can take a taxi on your own or we can arrange private pick up/ drop off for you at extra cost. Best regards,
Dear SpaBabie, Thank you for your question. Era Cruise will start operating from Dec 24th 2017 so you can surely pick it for your trip in March-April. However, Era Cruise does not go to Bai Tu Long Bay, just Lan Ha Bay. If you prefer to cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay, please consider Signature Cruise (https://www.halongbaytours.com/cruise/signature-cruise.html) or Indochina Junk lines (https://www.halongbaytours.com/indochina-junks.html). All of these cruises are highly recommended. I hope that helps. Kind regards
Hello, I am staying in Halong Bay for New Years, and I would like to do a cruise party on NYE.. will Glory be doing anything like this on New Years Eve?
Dear Brook Ruth, Thank you for your question. I am sorry that the shuttle bus only picks up from hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter. The train station is 10-15 minutes away and it's difficult to pick up from there due to many passengers getting in and out. As you are arriving early in the morning (train from Sapa arrives in Hanoi around 5:00-6:00am daily), you can get to the central area for breakfast and then go to our office for pick-up and the pick up time for Glory Cruise bus is between 7:30am and 8:00am. Best regards,
Dear Mr. Michael, Thank you for your question. As Halong Bay does not have any airport, the nearest airport is Hai Phong and you consider flying there. If you take Orchid Cruise the distance from Hai Phong Airport to the pier is only 40 minutes. If you take other cruises that depart from Tuan Chau or Hon Gai, the travel time is around 2 hours. Hope that helps!
FAQs
Are overnight or day cruises better?
If you have time and a higher budget, overnight cruise is always recommended since you will have more time to relax and enjoy the beauty of the bay from day to night. overnight cruises also offer more activities on board and offboard such as cooking class, sunset party, squid fishing, taichi, visiting a fishing village, etc. However, if you just have limited time and want to take a glimpse of Halong bay in an economical way, day cruises could definitely be a choice.
How long does it take from Hanoi to Halong Bay? Does the cruise shuttle bus pick up at the airport?
It takes you around 2.5 hours from Hanoi to Halong Bay by car. The cruise shuttle bus picks up and drops off in Hanoi Old Quarter area (Hoan Kiem) only. If you arrive at the airport, you should book a private car to go directly from there to the port or spend one night in Hanoi first and book the cruise for the next day.
If I want to stay for another night in Halong, does the shuttle drop me off at the hotel in Halong?
The cruise shuttle bus only drops off in Hanoi Old Quarter. You should book a taxi from the port to your hotel in Halong for more convenience.
Are meals and transportation included in the tour?
Transportation is not included in the cruise price. You can book it separately later after booking the cruise. As for meals, all meals mentioned in the program are included. There are normally 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner for 2 day/1 night programs; and 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners for 3 day/2 night programs.
What cruises are best for honeymooners?
Cruises with nice cabins and interiors are usually preferred by honeymoon couples. You can refer to some cruises such as Orchid Trendy, Mon Chery, Orchid Classic, Indochine, Heritage Binh Chuan, Heritage Line Ylang, Ginger, etc. Some small junks ideal for those couples who want the utmost privacy is L’Amour Junk, Bhaya Premium, and L’Azalee Premium.
What private cruise is suitable for 10 adults and 4 children?
Orchid Premium cruise could be ideal for your group. The cruise has only 5 ultra-luxury cabins of which there are 2 couples of connecting cabins. All cabins have a private balcony and a private bathroom with an ocean-view bathtub. There are also a jacuzzi pool and spa for relaxation onboard.
What cruises visit Cat Ba Island?
Some cruises visit Cat Ba Island in1-night programs while some add Cat Ba to the 2-night programs only. You can refer to some cruises namely Orchid Classic, Orchid Trendy, Mon Cheri, Peony, Indochine, Stella of the Seas, Heritage Binh Chuan, Capella, etc. Please contact our travel consultants to have a detailed itinerary.
I want to celebrate my anniversary on the cruise. Can I request a bouquet, cake, and a special dinner on the cruise?
Yes. Most cruises can prepare for your anniversary. Some cruises offer complimentary room decoration for your special anniversary. However, a bouquet, cake, and special dinner will be charged based on your need.
Is it easy to get seasick on cruises?
No. Halong Bay is very calm and the boat cruises slowly on the bay. Thus, it is not easy to get seasick on cruise trips
Do all cruises have cabins with balconies? Are cabins on the upper decks worth it?
Not all cruises have cabins with balconies. Luxury cruises (5*) often have all cabins with balconies. Some Deluxe cruises (4*) and Superior cruises (3*) have both cabins with balconies and those with windows only.
Although there might not be a big size difference between cabins on the lower and upper deck, those on the upper deck offer a nicer view from a higher position. Especially, higher-class cabins at a higher rate are always situated on the upper levels with extra benefits and facilities.
Do I have to pay for any expenses onboard or all are included?
The tour price includes cabins, meals, drinking water (not other beverages), sightseeing and entrance fee, tour guide, and activities in the program. Personal expenses such as spa, massage, beverages, kayaking (some cruises), tips,...are not included in the price. You should bring some cash or cards to pay at the end of the tour.
Are cruises canceled if there are heavy rains?
No. Cruises run as normal if there are heavy rains. Just in case of tropical monsoons or storms, the trip will be canceled if there is an official announcement from Halong bay’s management board.
What will be if our trip gets canceled due to storms? Can we get a full refund?
Please note that the decision to cancel a cruise trip is made entirely by Halong Port Authority and often based on wind level. According to our cancellation policy due to bad weather, if the tour is canceled in advance with prior notice, a full refund will be made. On the other hand, if the tour is canceled midway through, you will be charged for services already use (such as shortened cruise trip, or breakfast, or shuttle bus, whichever applies in specific cases).
Can I change the cruise after I have booked one?
According to our booking policy, if you cancel the trip more than 30 days prior to check-in, there is no charge. You can change the cruise after you have booked one if more than 30 days prior to check-in. Otherwise, there will be a surcharge for change since we have to cancel one cruise and book another one. Nonetheless we always try our best to accommodate your change with minimal fee whenever possible so please reach out to us as soon as you can.
If I don't want to join the excursion, can I stay on board?
All activities onboard and off-board are optional. You can skip the excursion and spend the whole time relaxing on the boat.
What experiences do Halong bay cruises offer?
For outdoor activities, you can visit a cave, swim on the beach, kayak, climb up the mountain and watch the overview of Halong bay from above. For onboard activities, you can watch the bay view from the top deck, watch the sunrise and sunset from the private balcony cabin, join a cooking class, fish squid, practice Taichi, relax in a pool onboard, etc.
Are there cabins on Halong day cruises?
At the moment only Ambassador Day Cruise has cabin available. All other day cruises do not have sleep compartment.
Is there any cruise going for 3 or 4 nights in Halong bay?
Yes. There are only a few ships cruising for 3 - 4 nights in Halong Bay with different schedules such as Capella, Stellar of the Seas, Elite of the Seas, Heritage Binh Chuan, Dragon Pearl, Dragon Legend, etc. For most cruises, you can also book 3-4 continuous nights if you want to stay for longer, however, the schedule will be repeated.
How much is a 2 day 1 night cruise?
It really depends on your preference. Budget Cruises (3*) starts from around US$100-130 per person. Mid-range cruises (4*) cost you from US$130 - 160. Luxury Cruises (5*) costs you from US$160 to $400 per person for 2 days 1 night.
What is better, 1 night or 2 nights?
Each program has both advantages and disadvantages. 1-night program is a bit short but more affordable and covers the most outstanding activities in Halong bay, the 2-night program offers a more relaxing schedule and visits farther parts of the bay but is more expensive. Besides, it also depends on available time and personal preference.