Hidden Fees to Watch Out for When Booking a Cruise

Creating a smooth and cost-effective plan is always among the top concerns of any traveler. While booking a Halong Bay cruise, most reputable operators will clearly list the tour inclusions and exclusions to ensure a great booking experience. Meanwhile, you still might encounter some unexpected hidden costs due to outdated information or other objective factors.

To avoid these surprises, we'll reveal all possible hidden costs while planning a Halong Bay cruise, ensuring you're well prepared for an enjoyable adventure.

Common Inclusions In Halong Bay Cruises

Cooking demonstration is included in the tour price (Photo: La Regina Grand Cruise)

Inclusions vary based on cruise type (day cruise or overnight cruise), category (budget or luxury), concept (basic facilities or modern facilities), and duration (1 night or 2 nights). Before diving deep into the hidden costs, travelers can expect the most common inclusions in a Halong Bay cruise trip as follow:

• Welcome drinks
• Bottled water in the room
• Cabins onboard (for overnight cruises)
• Meals during the program
• Entrance and sightseeing fees
• In-house English-speaking guide
• Standard onboard activities (e.g. cave visits, beach visits, swimming in the bay, Tai Chi, cooking class, squid fishing)
• Use of onboard facilities (e.g. swimming pool, wifi, mini golf, gym, waterslide, onboard games, fishing equipment, library)
• Onboard insurance
• Taxes & service charges (approx. 10 %)

Possible Hidden Fees

A surcharge for Christmas Gala Dinner is mandatory (Photo: Capella Cruise)

Although the inclusions seem to cover the most basic needs of food, accommodation, activities, and entertainment onboard, hidden costs can remarkably inflate your budget if you haven't noticed them before. Proactively compare these costs with the published exclusions and double-check with the operator to accurately calculate your total trip cost.

Transportation from/to Halong Bay

Most cruises do not include transportation, as the shared shuttle bus starts from Hanoi only. Since it takes you 2.5 - 3 hours to get from Hanoi to the cruise pier, you can expect the bus fee to range from USD20 - 40 per person per round trip. If you are not coming from here, a private transfer from the operator is available or you may manage the transportation by yourself to join the trip from Halong.

Beverages

Cruises typically offer only bottled water (one per person, per day) in cabins. Other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, soft drinks, minibar items, juice, smoothies,... are not included. Just a few cruises, like Stellar of the Seas or Elite of the Seas, may offer specific drinks during meals as their special promotions. Drinks on board are generally more expensive than in mainland stores. So be prepared for that.

Kayak/ bamboo boat

Kayaking and bamboo boats are among the most expected activities on the Halong tour. This fee is covered on most overnight cruises but usually not in many day cruises.

• For overnight cruises: Bamboo boats are all included. Some charge for kayaking, including Ambassador, Ambassador Signature, Paradise Elegance, Paradise Sails, and Paradise Grand Cruise.
• For day cruises: Many cruises do not include kayaking, such as Ambassador Day Cruise, Pamela, Sea Octopus, Iris, Alova Premium, Emeraude Min Cruise, etc.

Service onboard

While you can have free access to many onboard facilities, not all of them are included. Expect to pay for spa & massage treatments, karaoke room, conference equipment, canoeing or speed boat for private trips, etc. Besides, special requests can be accommodated for a surcharge, namely private dinner, bouquet for birthday or proposal, special room decor, etc.

Holiday or peak season surcharge

Expect a significant surcharge during peak seasons like Christmas, New Year's Eve, Lunar New Year, and other national holidays. This is due to increased operating costs from higher demand, increased service prices, holiday overtime, and special events such as Gala Dinners, art performances, countdown parties, etc.

The mandatory surcharge for Christmas and New Year with Gala dinner ranges from USD40 - 80/person based on each cruise. For other national holidays, the fee ranges from USD15 - 30 per person per night.

Tips for crew

Although tip is not compulsory, it is increasingly appreciated, especially on Halong Bay cruises. If you are satisfied with the service or any staff onboard, a tip will be a great appreciation for their hard work as well as motivation for them. A common tip is VND 50,000 - 100,000 (~ USD2 - 4) per person or more, based on your satisfaction level.

Entrance & sightseeing fees

Don't be surprised by Entrance & Sightseeing fees here, while you see them listed in the Inclusions of almost all cruises. This can be due to a specific cruise line's policy (e.g. Heritage Line fleet) or the newly updated fee increases from the management board. Always confirm if these are included, and be prepared for potential increases ranging from VND200,000 - 300,000 (~USD8-12) per person per night.

Bank surcharge for card payments

A frequently unexpected expense is the card transaction fee. Some companies can waive this fee for minor card payments, large ones can incur a notably high bank fee (around 3%). Ask the operator if you can pay cash for the tour and consider carrying some odds for personal expenses onboard like beverages, massages, etc.

Tips To Avoid Hidden Fees

Enjoy complimentary mini golf on Stellar of the Seas Cruise (Photo: Stellar of the Seas Cruise)

Don't let concerns about hidden costs or booking scams scare you off! Some small tips below will help you confidently book a Halong cruise matching your budget and expectations.

• Read both Inclusions and Exclusions sections carefully. Compare with possible hidden fees above to check again.
• Do not hesitate to reconfirm with the tour operator to clarify all the ambiguities before proceeding with the booking.
• Choose a reliable operator based on researching company history, reading online reviews, and asking for previous experiences.
• Always request a written booking confirmation with all the agreed-upon Inclusions and Exclusions.