Are you wondering if it is worth it to visit Halong Bay on a luxury cruise?
Well, you’re in the right place, and my honest answer to you is: YES!!! I’ve traveled through Vietnam and have been on one of these luxury cruises myself, so I know exactly what people are looking for. I’ve also spent hours (if not, days) researching the best options for you, an even wrote this article on everything you should know before you go on a Halong Bay cruise!
From a day trip, if you’re short on time, to overnight cruises, these luxury cruises offer sophisticated boat design, royal amenities, impeccable service, and gourmet cuisine. Vessels vary from a small 5-cabin ship to as large as over 30 cabins, so there’s something for everyone. Honestly, these cruises promise an unbeatable experience and are worth every penny!
So let’s take a look at the best Halong Bay luxury cruises out there! I’ve brought together the top picks in this guide, so just take a look at the cruises available, and see which one is most suitable for you!
You will also love these: ❤️
- 15 Essential Tips Before You Go Cruise in Halong Bay
- Top Things do on an Overnight Cruise in Halong Bay
- Ultimate 2-week Vietnam Itinerary
Why it is worth it to visit Halong Bay on a Luxury Cruise
If you are visiting Vietnam for the first time, and wondering why it is worth it to visit Halong Bay on a luxury cruise, I have prepared this quick top 6 reasons that will help you to glance through. And if you decide that a luxury cruise is for you, the next part of this article you will find the 10 Top Luxury Halong Bay Cruises:
🌟 Once in a Lifetime Experience: Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous destinations in Vietnam. The beauty of the placid waters and the vegetation-covered limestone karsts make this a unique experience of nature at its best. So why not to spoil yourself with the best cruise experience?
⛴️ Comfort and Luxury: Luxury cruises in Halong Bay typically offer spacious cabins, upscale amenities, and personalized services. You can expect top-notch comfort and luxury throughout your journey, ensuring a memorable and relaxing experience.
☀️ Scenic Views in Style: Halong Bay is renowned for its breathtaking limestone karsts and emerald waters. A luxury cruise allows you to enjoy these stunning views in style, often with private balconies or panoramic windows offering uninterrupted vistas of the picturesque landscape.
🍜 Gourmet Dining: Luxury cruises often feature gourmet dining experiences with a focus on local cuisine and international delicacies. You can indulge in delectable meals prepared by talented chefs while enjoying the scenic backdrop of Halong Bay.
🌟 Enhanced Services and Facilities: From attentive butler service to state-of-the-art facilities such as onboard spas, fitness centers, and swimming pools, luxury cruises provide an array of amenities to enhance your overall experience and comfort.
🫅 Exclusivity and Privacy: Luxury cruises in Halong Bay tend to have fewer passengers compared to standard cruises, offering a more exclusive and intimate setting. This allows you to enjoy the tranquility of Halong Bay and its surrounding islands with greater privacy.
💡Okay, now that I have answered your question about why it is worth it is worth it to go on a luxury cruise in Halong Bay, I would like to provide you with some valuable information that will assist you in selecting the top rated Luxury Halong Bay luxury tours.
👓 READ NEXT: Halong Bay travel tips
Halong Bay Luxury Cruise Overview
Your experience will vary tremendously based on the areas you visit, the time of the year you go, the number of days you visit, and the type of tour you book.
The cruises listed in this article are those that offer the very best amenities that you can find in 4 or 5-star hotels: jacuzzi, spa service, comfortable bedding, exquisite food, and very comfortable rooms with a balcony, so you can catch the jaw-dropping views at any time. Each luxury cruise has its own uniqueness, and some of them even include transport from Hanoi.
Also, they all operate their own unique itinerary that helps you visit all three bays that no other boats can match: Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Lan Ha Bay.
Lastly, make sure you book in advance to guarantee you get the tour you choose to go on. And use a reliable source such as ⭐️ Viator. They offer a cancellation policy and excellent customer service. They have amazing ratings on Trustpilot, excellent customer service, and offer lots of affordable tours with a very smooth booking experience.
🏆 My #1 pick is the most luxurious and also expensive (and expensive) cruises in the Halong area and for good reason Mon Chéri Cruise.
🛳TOUR TYPE: 3 days and 2-night cruise
⭐️ Rating: 4.8/5 (158 Reviews) | Details: Read more on booking.com now!
Top 10 Halong Bay Luxury Cruises
3-Day & 2-Night Cruise: Mon Chéri Cruise
🏆 TOP PICK BEST LUXURY CRUISE IN HALONG BAY 🔥 🔥
Tour at a Glance:
🛳TOUR TYPE: 2-night cruise
📍 TOUR LOCATION: Light and Dark Cave, Viet Hai Village, Cat Ba Island, a Hidden Cave, Van Boi Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba National Park
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3D/2N
⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 (158 reviews) | Details: Read more reviews now!
Why Take This Halong Bay Luxury Cruise:
Next up we’ve got the 5* Mon Chéri Cruise. This is one of the most luxurious (and expensive) cruises in the Halong area and for good reason! Their luxury yachts have been designed to create a blend of classic European decor and traditional Vietnamese styling. As such, the boats are undeniably beautiful both inside and out.
Although expensive, Mon Chéri Cruise stands out against the crowd for several reasons. First of all, they take community and environmental sustainability very seriously and continually work with local partners to aid the locals and this wonderful landscape. They’re also the only cruise in Halong that provide Halal food so they aim to be fully inclusive.
Aside from the excellent facilities onboard, you’ll also be able to get involved in a variety of activities. This includes kayaking, a bamboo boat trip, a cooking class, squid fishing, Tai Chi, and biking. As you can see, there’s a lot on offer!
“Life time experience with mon Cheri. They were so slick and the operation was so smooth. We met some amazing people on the cruise who have become friends the whole experience was beyond worth it and my wife and I would revisit in a heart beat. Great excursions, delicious food the chief Vinh (aka Vinny) and his partner Tam (Tammy) were energetic and proactive in ensuring a safe enjoyable and memorable experience on the boat. The views are stunning.”
Tendwayi (read more reviews now)
3-Day & 2-Night Cruise: Orchid Cruise
🏆 BEST LUXURY CRUISE IN HALONG BAY WITH RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL OPERATORS
Tour at a Glance:
🛳TOUR TYPE: 2-night Luxury Cruise
📍 TOUR LOCATION: Da Chong Islet, Con Vit Islet, Gia Luan, Trung Trang Cave, Cat Ba Island, Tra Bau, Ao Ech area & Lan Ha Bay
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3D/2N
Why Take This Halong Bay Luxury Cruise:
Orchid Cruise is one of the most luxurious cruise companies in Halong and is known for its 5* experience. Not only does this company offer a flexible booking policy but they’re a fantastic choice if you’re looking for responsible travel operators. The main way they do this is by supporting the local community to ensure sustainable tourism.
Another great thing about choosing Orchid Cruise is that many of the tours often just visit one or two highlights. These cruises allow you to explore Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Cat Ba Island so there’s a lot on offer! The suites are also well-designed to ensure you get breathtaking views as you cruise along.
As well as meals, you’ll also get a variety of activities included in your package. This includes a traditional cooking class, squid fishing, kayaking, a Tai Chi lesson, and a movie night in the restaurant. What more could you ask for?
3-Day & 2-Night Cruise: Victory Star
🏆 BEST LUXURY SERVICE
Tour at a Glance:
🛳TOUR TYPE: 2-night luxury cruise
📍 TOUR LOCATION: Bai Tu Long Bay, Thien Canh Son Cave, Cong Do area, & Vung Vieng Fishing Village
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3D/2N
Why Take This Halong Bay Luxury Cruise:
Victory Star Cruise is another 5* cruise company that takes the word ‘luxury’ to another level. Offering a themed Royal dinner, butler service, and a paradise dream bed, you’ll be treated like kings and queens on this ship. Just wait until you taste the food on this cruise too!
Rather than the typical Halong Bay cruises, this one will explore the less-frequented Bai Tu Long Bay. You’ll get a quieter experience and be able to explore more of the area’s hidden gems. This includes a quaint fishing village which allows you to get a glimpse of the local life here.
Victory Star Cruise has been running tours here since 2009 so they’ve got plenty of experience. In fact, the owner has over 20 years of experience offering tours in the Halong area so it was a no-brainer for him to open this company! Because of this, you know you’re in for a fantastic time.
Day Tour in Halong Bay: Jadesails Cruise
🏆 TOP BUDGET FRIENDLY OPTION 💵
Tour at a Glance:
🛳TOUR TYPE: Halong Bay day cruise
📍 TOUR LOCATION: Halong Bay, Sea Cave, Hidden Lagoon, Dark and Light Grotto Archipelago, & Lan Ha Bay
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours (including pick-up and drop-off)
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 (5 reviews) | Details: Read more reviews now!
Why Take This Halong Bay Luxury Cruise:
Jadesails Cruise is one of the more unique Halong Bay luxury cruises! Unlike the tours previously mentioned, this is a day trip however it has so much to offer. For starters, you’ll be cruising along the bay in one of the most luxurious boats in Halong Bay. This boat is an elegantly designed sailboat rather than one of the more traditional boat options in the area!
Although you’ll only be out on the water for around 7 hours, you’ll get to see a lot. This makes it a great option for those who are short of time but still want to explore the bay. It’s also cheaper than opting for one of the overnight packages so may be more suitable for travelers looking to cut some costs.
One of the highlights of choosing Jadesails Cruise is the array of facilities on offer. During your day trip, you can use any of these facilities so you won’t just have to sit around for the whole day.
“We had an amazing experience with Jade Sails, doing a day cruise with a group of friends. The staff were incredibly friendly, thanks to Ha and loan for providing exceptional hospitality to us. We enjoyed the itinerary which included kayaking, boat ride and swimming, as well as a delicious buffet lunch. I would highly recommend Jade Sails, thanks very much!”
Shane (read more reviews now)
2-Day & 1-Night Cruise: Rosy 5-Star Cruise
🏆 TOP 1-NIGHT LUXURY CRUISE IN HALONG BAY
Tour at a Glance:
🛳TOUR TYPE: 1-night luxury cruise
📍 TOUR LOCATION: Con Vit Islet, Thumb Islet, Gia Luan, Pearl Farm Village, Dark & Bright Cave, Lagoon Natural Area & Lan Ha Bay
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2D/1N
Why Take This Halong Bay Luxury Cruise:
If you’re looking for 1-night Halong Bay luxury cruises then this is one of your best options! Rosy Cruise offers a relatively small cruise ship compared to other companies which only means a more intimate experience. You’ll also get to cruise by places that some of the larger ships aren’t able to reach, making their route and itinerary very unique.
Not only is the service of the highest standard but you’re in for a fantastic and authentic experience. During your cruise, you’ll have ample opportunities to get to know the other passengers too as there’s an awesome sunset party that you just have to attend!
Like with many of the other cruise companies in this guide, there will be plenty of activities on offer. This includes kayaking, swimming, squid fishing, a cooking demonstration, a Tai Chi class, and a local rowing boat trip. You’ll also want to make use of the outdoor jacuzzi and onboard spa if you’re wanting to relax.
2-Day & 1-Night Cruise: President 5-Star Luxury Cruise
🏆 THE LARGEST & NEWEST LUXURY SHIP IN HALONG BAY WITH A MICHELLEN CHEF 👩🍳
Tour at a Glance:
🛳TOUR TYPE: 1-night luxury cruise
📍 TOUR LOCATION: Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Ti Top Island, Swimming Area & Floating Village
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2D/1N
Why Take This Halong Bay Luxury Cruise:
President Cruise is a fantastic option if you’re looking for luxury cruises in Halong Bay. Not only is it one of the newest cruise ships in the bay but it’s also the largest at an impressive 1,200 tonnes! At a length of 282 feet, it doesn’t skimp on size either especially as the Cabinet Suite covers an area of 377 sq feet on its own.
One of the main reasons to choose this cruise has to be its fantastic food. It’s actually the only cruise in Halong Bay to feature a Michelin Star Chef – in this case, John Burton-Race. Because of this, you’ll have a 40-dish menu to choose from so the variety of options is extensive.
Boasting the largest sun deck of any ship in Halong Bay, a beautiful piano lounge, and an onboard spa, the facilities of this ship are endless. Of course, you’ll get to take part in activities too and the ship hosts a sunset party!
2-Day & 1-Night Cruise: Starlight Cruise
🏆 THE MOST LUXURIOUS CABINS MAKE IT GREAT FOR COUPLES ❤
Tour at a Glance:
🛳TOUR TYPE: 1-night luxury cruise
📍 TOUR LOCATION: Bai Tu Long Bay, Vung Vieng Fishing Village, Cong Do Area & Thien Canh Son Cave
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2D/1N
Why Take This Halong Bay Luxury Cruise:
Starlight Cruise is one of the most spacious ships in Halong Bay as each cabin has been designed to ensure the best experience for each guest. Not only that, but these cabins feature plenty of high-end amenities.
You’ll also have lots of awesome facilities to choose from that not many other ships offer. This includes a wine cellar, a library, mini-golf, a sauna, and a steam room. Whatever your travel preferences and hobbies, you’re sure to find something to keep you busy on Starlight Cruise. Aside from admiring the breathtaking views that is!
Rather than exploring the main area of Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay, you’ll be heading to Bai Tu Long Bay. This is one of the quieter areas in this region so you’re likely to encounter fewer boats and tourists. However, you’ll still get to visit some popular attractions including Vung Vieng Fishing Village and Thien Canh Son Cave.
2-Day & 1-Night Cruise: Amanda Luxury Unique Cruise
🏆 MOST BEAUTIFUL LUXURY CRUISE IN HALONG BAY
Tour at a Glance:
🛳TOUR TYPE: 1-night luxury cruise
📍 TOUR LOCATION: Trinh Nu Cave, Trinh Nu Beach & Sung Sot Cave
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2D/1N
⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 (1 review) | Details: Read more reviews now!
Why Take This Halong Bay Luxury Cruise:
Amanda Luxury Cruise is one of the more unique options in the bay as you’ll get to visit some of the lesser-explored areas. Their 2D/1N itinerary offers one of the longest and most beautiful routes possible, and you’ll get to visit unspoiled areas such as Surprise Cave and Trinh Nu Beach.
The ship itself is also something to behold with its design being inspired by both Vietnamese yachts and classic European ships. As there are only 25 cabins you won’t have to share this experience with hordes of people either.
Another reason to choose Amanda Luxury Cruise is that they’re environmentally friendly. Still not convinced? The staff on this ship are incredibly dedicated and you’ll have the opportunity to get involved with plenty of activities. As you can see, this cruise has a lot to offer and you definitely won’t be disappointed!
3-Day & 2-Night Cruise: Stellar of the Seas Luxury Cruise
🏆 TOP 5-STAR REVIEW LUXURY CRUISE IN HALONG BAY ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Tour at a Glance:
🛳TOUR TYPE: 2-night luxury cruise
📍 TOUR LOCATION: Ba Trai Dao Natural Beach Area, Lan Ha Bay, Viet Hai Village, Cat Ba Island, Van Boi Beach Area, Lan Ha bay Floating Village, Three Beach Area & Dark & Bright Cave
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3D/2N
⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 (24 reviews) | Details: Read more reviews now!
Why Take This Halong Bay Luxury Cruise:
This Stellar of the Seas luxury cruise is one of the longest cruise options in this guide, yet they also offer 4 & 5-day options. For those who are opting for the 3-day tour, you don’t have to worry as the itinerary is action-packed. Above I’ve outlined some of the destinations you’ll visit and there are plenty of them!
Stellar of the Seas has over 12 years of experience in the hospitality industry so you’re in for a fantastic experience. They were actually the first company to organize this specific route so they’ve got the deepest knowledge of Lan Hay Bay. This means no doubt, you’ll get to see all the highlights.
Aside from the usual activities that Halong Bay luxury cruises offer, you can also hit the mini golf course, relax in the onboard spa, and socialize in the wine and cigar cellar. There’s even a fitness area if you’re feeling so inclined.
“I am now ending my time on Stellar of the Seas and I could not have asked for a better experience. This was luxury all the way. I had an amazing butler, Alice, who took care of me and any needs I had. She was very attentive and ensured that I was fully attended to. The food was plentiful and very high quality. You will not go hungry on this cruise. The ship was very clean, the beds were comfortable and I slept like a baby.”
A Tripadvisor Reviewer (read more reviews now)
Day Cruise in Halong Bay: Ambassador Cruise Largest Day Cruise in Halong Bay
🏆 THE LARGEST LUXURY DAY CRUISE IN HALONG BAY
Tour at a Glance:
🛳TOUR TYPE: Halong Bay day cruise
📍 TOUR LOCATION: Sung Sot Cave & Titov Island
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 11-12 hours (including pick-up and drop-off)
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 (3 reviews) | Details: Read more reviews now!
Why Take This Halong Bay Luxury Cruise:
For those who are short of time or have a limited budget then check out this day cruise of Halong Bay. Ambassador Cruise is the largest day cruise ship in the area and is relatively cheap considering the facilities that are on offer! It also holds up to 500 passengers which is why the price may be lower, but who’s complaining? Definitely not us!
Weighing 1,200 tonnes and boasting a length of 315 feet, this ship is rather impressive. You’ll also be treated to a delicious buffet lunch and all your entrance fees are included in the cost.
Just keep in mind that as this is a day trip, you won’t get to visit the variety of other destinations that have been mentioned in this article. If you do have more time, you can also head out on an overnight cruise with this company!
“Just looking around the wonderful bay and enjoy the hospitality and the kindness of our hostess Emma. We loved the buffet and the activities like kayak. We spent a very good time. Thanks all and particularly Emma.”
A Tripadvisor Reviewer (read more reviews now)
Halong Bay Tour Frequent-Asked Questions
What is the best way to see Halong Bay?
Halong Bay is one of the most magical destinations you’ll ever visit. As such, no trip to Vietnam is complete without coming here. Those short of time, often choose to visit on a day trip from Hanoi. However, if you can, I highly recommend heading out on a cruise of Halong Bay.
There are lots of awesome cruises to choose from, and they differ in duration and budget. For the best experience, opt for a Halong Bay luxury cruise, as you’ll benefit from plenty of awesome amenities, fantastic excursions, and delicious food.
How many days in Halong Bay is enough?
In my opinion, you need at least two nights in Halong Bay, but preferably more. The two-night cruises will allow you one full day to explore, which is perfect for those who are on more of a budget.
If money isn’t an issue for you, then why not opt for a three-night cruise? Although more expensive, this will give you more time to explore Halong Bay and everything it has to offer. You’ll often get to head out on more excursions and try out cultural classes this way, depending on the company you choose!
Is an overnight cruise on Halong Bay worth it?
100%. Many people who are on a budget choose to just explore Halong Bay from the mainland. Although you’ll still get to appreciate the beauty of this area, heading out on an overnight cruise offers a much better experience.
An overnight cruise in Halong Bay is great for those who don’t have that much time, but still want to spend a night on the bay. You’ll also find that these cruises are more affordable, as you’re only spending one night on the ship.
What should I pack for a Halong Bay luxury cruise?
- Comfortable clothes: gym attire can be a good choice
- Clothes for the evening: Jeans and T-shirts for men and a cute summer dress and sandals for women
- Swimsuit and cover-up: If you will go on a kayak, swim and visit the islands
- Rain Jacket: Depending on the time of the year, you can get rainy weather in Vietnam
- Tennis Shoes: I recommend wearing sturdy shoes if you are planning to visit all the caves and climb up to the top of the hills in Halong Bay
- Water bottle: It is always handy to bring your own, especially with a filter
Halong Bay Luxury Cruises Conclusion
As you can see there are plenty of Halong Bay luxury cruises to choose from! The one you pick will all depend on your time frame, your budget, and your travel style so it’s important to research each company and their ships. Not only that, but each itinerary tends to differ depending on which package you choose.
While this article featured the best Halong Bay luxury cruises, you might still be undecided – so let me help you!
Still unsure about the best Halong Bay luxury cruise? I suggest this Mon Chéri Cruise – with a 4.8 ⭐️ rating with almost 160 reviews.
Halong Bay is one of the most popular places to visit in Vietnam and it’s not hard to see why! Heading out on a cruise means you’ll get an up-close view of the area’s beauty. You’ll also get to take advantage of the ship’s facilities and activities, such as an onboard spa, cooking classes, and kayaking.
Hopefully, this guide has given you a good idea of the types of Halong Bay luxury cruises on offer. Just make sure you shop around for the best deals and choose something that’s most suited to you!
If you are planning a trip to Vietnam, make sure you check out my other posts:
- Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days: The Best One Week in Vietnam
- The Perfect 2-week Vietnam Itinerary
- Everything you need to know before you go on an authentic homestay in Sapa
- 3 Days in Sapa Itinerary
- Best Ho Chi Minh Itinerary
- Best Danang Itinerary
- Best Hoi An Itinerary
- Best Mui Ne Itinerary
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