If you’re planning that dream trip to Vietnam, and you’re looking for the most amazing along Halong Bay luxury cruises, you’re in the perfect place! I have been there and spent hours (if not, days) researching the best options before deciding to choose the best option!
There is no better way to experience the marvelous Halong Bay than on board a luxury cruise. From a day trip, if you’re short in time, to overnight cruises. These luxury cruises offer sophisticated boat design, royal amenities, impeccable service, and gourmet cuisine awaiting you. Vessels vary from as small as 5 cabins to as large as over 30. They promise an unbeatable experience and are worth every penny!
I am here now to share the best activities you will have during your Halong Bay luxury cruise, plus make expert recommendations on what is the best cruise for you. Whether you’re a couple visiting for a wedding anniversary, a family vacation, or a group of friends, treat yourself to experience the splendor of Halong Bay with the best luxury cruises available! So, without any further ado, let’s dive into this very helpful guide!
You may also want to read:
- 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
Halong Bay Luxury Cruise Overview
Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous destinations in Vietnam, attracting thousands of visitors every year. The beauty of the placid waters and the vegetation-covered limestone karsts make this a unique experience of nature at its best.
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.
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 GetYourGuide or Viator. They offer a cancellation policy and excellent customer service. These are the services I use and recommend!
Top 10 Halong Bay Luxury Cruises
1. Orchid Cruise: 3-Day & 2-Night Cruise
Tour at a Glance:
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?
2. Victoria Star: 3-Day & 2-Night Cruise
Tour at a Glance:
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.
3. Jadesails Cruise: Day Tour in Halong Bay
Tour at a Glance:
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. 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.
4. Mon Chéri Cruise: 3-Day & 2-Night Cruise
Tour at a Glance:
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!
5. Rosy 5-Star Cruise: 2-Day & 1-Night Cruise
Tour at a Glance:
Why Take This Halong Bay Luxury Cruise:
If you’re looking for 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.
6. President 5-Star Luxury Cruise: 2-Day & 1-Night Cruise
Tour at a Glance:
Tour at a Glance:
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!
7. Starlight Cruise: 2-Day & 1-Night Cruise
Tour at a Glance:
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.
8. Amanda Luxury Unique Cruise: 2-Day & 1-Night Cruise
Tour at a Glance:
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!
9. Stellar of the Seas Luxury Cruise: 3-Day & 2-Night Cruise
Tour at a Glance:
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.
10. Ambassador Cruise Largest Day Cruise in Halong Bay: Day Cruise in Halong Bay
Tour at a Glance:
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!
What to 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. Some will explore the main area of Halong Bay whilst others will take you to Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay. This in turn will affect which places you visit, so keep that in mind if you’ve got some ‘must-see’ attractions on your Halong Bay itinerary!
The facilities on each ship will also differ along with the available activities. Many of the cruises typically offer kayaking, cooking classes, and Tai Chi lessons but some go that one step further. You can even choose a cruise that offers movie nights, sunset parties, and a spa!
Hopefully, this guide has given you a good idea of the types of Halong Bay luxury cruises on offer and which ones are most suited to you. Just make sure you do your research and choose the option that catches your eye the most!
If you are planning a trip to Vietnam, make sure you check out my other posts:
- 15 Essential Tips Before You Go Cruise in Halong Bay
- Top Things to do on an Overnight Cruise in Halong Bay + Best Tours
- The Perfect 2-week Vietnam Itinerary
- Everything you need to know before you go on an authentic homestay in Sapa
- Best Hanoi Itinerary
- Best Danang Itinerary
- Best Hoi An Itinerary
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