Elite of The Seas – Unique Luxury 3 Days Cruise in Halong & Lan Ha Bay

Elite of the Seas gives you two full nights among the limestone islands of Halong and Lan Ha bays, with a private balcony cabin and a schedule that mixes quiet time with kayaking, swimming, cycling, Tai Chi, and even golf. The three-day format is the key attraction: you get more than a quick overnight cruise and reach Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba Island.

I like the generous cabin facilities, especially the full ocean view, marble bathroom, bathtub, and balcony. I also like the personal service, with crew members including Kevin, Brian, Tommy, Tony, Peter, Harry, Andrew, Amy, Victor, Leila, and Nar praised for attentive care.

The main consideration is cost. At $900 per person, this is a major splurge in Vietnam, and the price does not include drinks, tips, spa treatments, or holiday surcharges. Summer sailings may also feel busier than the brochure-like photos suggest.

Key points at a glance

• Two nights instead of one: The extra night gives you time for Viet Hai Village, more bay scenery, and a less rushed rhythm.
• Ocean-view Junior cabin: Every listed cabin includes a private balcony, full ocean view, marble bathroom, bathtub, minibar, and satellite TV.
• Active outings included: Kayaking or bamboo boating, swimming, and cycling to Viet Hai Village are part of the package.
• A surprisingly broad onboard program: You can join Tai Chi, a golf class, cooking demonstrations, fishing, board games, gym sessions, swimming, and library time.
• Hanoi transfer available: The round-trip limousine transfer takes about two and a half hours each way, with one short stop.
• Small luxury feel with a larger capacity: The ship has 35 rooms and the activity may take up to 70 people, so it can feel intimate in some areas and busy in others.

Why the third day makes a difference

Many Halong Bay cruises give you a taste of the scenery, then turn back before you have settled into the rhythm of life on board. Elite of the Seas uses three days and two nights, which gives you a more relaxed stay and adds the Cat Ba Island portion of the route.

You still get the classic limestone islands, calm water, and changing views that make this part of northern Vietnam special. But the extra time matters. You can sit on your balcony with a drink, take part in an excursion without feeling that every minute is being counted, or simply enjoy the ship’s pool and public areas.

The route covers both Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. The names are often used together, but the real value is the variety of settings and activities rather than a sharp border between the two. You spend much of the trip moving through water framed by towering karst formations, with stops selected for kayaking, swimming, village visits, and cave exploration.

This is not an expedition cruise in a remote wilderness. It is a polished sightseeing holiday with a set timetable. That makes it easy to enjoy, though you should not expect complete solitude.

From Hanoi to Tuan Chau Marina

If you book the Hanoi transfer, pickup is scheduled between 8:00 and 8:30 in the Old Quarter or near Hanoi Opera House. The limousine takes the expressway to Halong Bay in about two and a half hours, including one short break.

That transfer is useful if you are staying in central Hanoi and want the simplest door-to-ship arrangement. It also means an early start, so have breakfast before pickup or be ready for a long morning on the move.

If you arrange your own transport, you need to reach Dock 24 at Tuan Chau International Marina before 11:30 in the morning. The cruise begins with a welcome drink and check-in, followed by lunch at about 1:00 p.m.

The marina is the practical starting point, not a sightseeing stop. Leave plenty of time if you are coming independently. Missing the check-in window could create a serious problem, since the boat transfers out to the ship by speedboat.

Day one: settling in on Lan Ha Bay

After check-in, lunch gives you your first proper look at the boat and the scenery. At around 2:00 p.m., you receive your cabin key and settle into the room.

The Junior luxury cabin is designed for comfort rather than bare-bones cruising. You get an en-suite marble bathroom, multi-zone air conditioning, satellite television, a minibar, an ocean-view bathtub, and a private balcony. That last feature is important. A balcony gives you your own quiet perch, which is far more pleasant than having to find a public deck every time the scenery changes.

At 3:00 p.m., the activity period begins at Ao Ech. You can choose kayaking or bamboo boating, depending on the program and conditions. You may also have time for swimming or sitting on the beach.

Ao Ech is valuable because it gets you close to the water and the rock formations. From a kayak, you see the bay at a slower pace than from the ship. The outing is likely to be the most hands-on part of the first day, but it also requires you to be comfortable with sun, water, and a bit of physical effort.

Back on board, there is time to relax before dinner. The ship also offers a swimming pool, gym, library, board games, fishing equipment, and golf equipment. These facilities give you options when you do not want another organized activity.

Dinner is included, as are the programmed meals throughout the cruise. The food is described as multi-course and high quality, but drinks are extra. Keep that in mind when comparing the headline price with your final bill.

Day two: Tai Chi, golf, and Viet Hai Village

Day two starts early. Sunrise viewing and a golf class are scheduled from 5:45 to 6:15 a.m., followed by Tai Chi from 6:15 to 6:35 a.m. You do not have to join every activity, but the early start is worth knowing before you book.

Tai Chi on the golf course offers a calm way to watch the bay wake up. The golf class is an unusual addition to a Halong Bay program, though it is more of a short onboard activity than a full golf outing. If you prefer sleep, you can skip both and join breakfast at 6:45 a.m.

After breakfast, you have free time from about 7:30 to 9:45. Use it for the pool, gym, balcony, or a quiet stretch on deck. This open period helps prevent the trip from feeling like a constant chain of photo stops.

The main outing comes later, with a visit to Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba Island. The village sits within Cat Ba National Park, surrounded by high mountains and jungle. The cruise includes biking to the village, making this more than a quick bus stop or a view from the water.

Cycling gives you a better sense of the island’s setting and adds a local touch to a cruise that could otherwise remain entirely ship based. The ride is also one of the reasons to choose three days over two. This excursion is listed as part of the longer program.

You should expect a structured visit rather than a completely independent village experience. The timing is limited, and the ship’s schedule controls the pace. Still, Viet Hai brings useful variety: after a day of islands and water, you get a look at life on Cat Ba Island and a chance to move your legs.

The rest of day two returns you to the ship’s slower rhythm. You can swim, use the gym, join a cooking demonstration, fish, read, or book a massage at your own expense. Several guests arranged daily massages, so spa treatments may be available, but they are not part of the base price.

Day three: one last morning among the islands

The final morning repeats the early sunrise, golf, and Tai Chi schedule. Breakfast follows at about 6:45 a.m., with a final morning activity from 7:45 to 8:45.

The exact character of this last outing can depend on the day’s operating plan, but you should expect a short final excursion rather than another full island visit. The brief window is a reminder that the cruise is already preparing for departure.

A buffet meal is served around 9:45 a.m. You then settle personal charges for drinks, spa services, and other extras before leaving the ship. At 11:00 to 11:30, a speedboat returns you to the mainland.

If you booked the Hanoi transfer, the return vehicle leaves for the Old Quarter between 2:30 and 3:00 p.m. That leaves a substantial gap between reaching land and arriving in Hanoi, so avoid scheduling a tight afternoon flight or important appointment.

The ship, cabins, and service

Elite of the Seas has 35 rooms and is built around a contemporary luxury style. The combination of balcony, full ocean view, bathtub, minibar, satellite TV, and marble bathroom makes the cabin a major part of the experience rather than just a place to sleep.

I would choose this type of room for a special occasion, especially an anniversary or a small group celebration. The private balcony gives you a way to enjoy the bay without joining the crowd on the top deck.

Service is a strong part of the package. Staff members named in connection with the cruise include Kevin and Tau, also called David, along with Harry, Andrew, Amy, Tony, Peter, Brian, Tommy, Victor, Leila, and Nar. Brian is noted for friendly dining service, while Tommy is described as a helpful personal butler. Victor handles cocktails, and the wider team assists during excursions.

That level of attention can make a difference on a short cruise. You do not have much time to learn the ship’s routines, so prompt help with meals, activities, and cabin needs is valuable. It also helps explain why this boat costs more than a basic Halong Bay overnight.

There is one practical balance to keep in mind. A 35-room ship is not a tiny private yacht, and the maximum group size is listed as 70 people. Public areas and excursions may therefore feel lively, especially during popular holiday periods.

What the $900 price really covers

At $900 per person, the cruise is expensive by Vietnamese standards. The price makes more sense if you value a polished ship, a private balcony cabin, two nights on the bay, included meals, organized excursions, and Hanoi transfers.

Included items cover:

• Round-trip limousine transfer from Hanoi, when that option is selected
• Welcome drink
• Junior luxury en-suite cabin with balcony and ocean view
• Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners listed in the program
• English-speaking guide or cruise manager
• Entrance and sightseeing fees
• Kayaking or bamboo boating
• Swimming
• Cycling to Viet Hai Village
• Tai Chi, board games, gym, swimming pool, and library access
• Cooking demonstration, fishing equipment, and golf equipment

The extras can add up. Beverages, tips, spa treatments, personal expenses, and holiday surcharges are not included. Ask for the current holiday surcharge before paying, and set aside money for drinks and gratuities.

For a special occasion, the value is easier to justify. For a budget-conscious visitor who mainly wants to see the limestone islands, a shorter cruise may offer enough scenery at a lower cost. You are paying here for comfort, time, service, and a broad activity schedule.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend Elite of the Seas to couples marking an anniversary, friends planning a comfortable group trip, and first-time visitors who want transport, meals, cabins, and activities handled in one package.

It also suits you if you like having choices. You can kayak, cycle, swim, join Tai Chi, try a golf class, attend a cooking demonstration, or do very little beyond watching the bay from your balcony.

This is less suitable if you want a quiet, independent sailing trip with no timetable. The schedule begins early, activities are organized, and the ship can carry up to 70 people. It may also disappoint if you expect the $900 rate to include every drink and spa service.

The cruise is accessible to most people according to the supplied information, but some activities require ordinary mobility and comfort around water. If kayaking, cycling, or swimming is not right for you, the ship provides gentler alternatives such as the library, pool, board games, gym, and deck time.

Booking details worth noting

Confirmation is provided when you book. Pickup is offered from Hanoi’s Old Quarter or the Opera House area, while independent arrivals meet at Dock 24, Tuan Chau International Marina.

The cancellation rules are strict close to departure. Cancel at least six full days before the start time for a full refund. Cancellation two to six days ahead receives a 50 percent refund, while cancellation within two days receives no refund. Changes follow the same cutoff pattern, so check your dates carefully before committing.

Group discounts are available, and the activity uses a mobile ticket. The cruise ends back at the meeting point after the mainland transfer, with the Hanoi return transfer available only if you selected that option.

Should you book Elite of the Seas?

Book it if you want a comfortable three-day escape with a private balcony, a full program of activities, and attentive service. The extra night, Viet Hai cycling, and slower pace give it more substance than a quick overnight cruise.

Skip it if $900 feels uncomfortable, if you prefer independent travel, or if you mainly want a short look at Halong Bay. The best reason to choose Elite of the Seas is not simply the ship’s decoration. It is the combination of time, cabin comfort, organized outings, and staff attention. For a meaningful celebration, that package can be worth the splurge.

FAQ

How long is the Elite of the Seas cruise?

The cruise lasts three days and two nights, with sailing in Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay.

Where does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at Dock 24, Tuan Chau International Marina in Halong City. The listed meeting point is Aclass Cruises at the marina.

Is transportation from Hanoi included?

Round-trip limousine transportation from Hanoi is included when you select the Hanoi transfer option. Pickup is scheduled from the Old Quarter or Hanoi Opera House area.

What cabin is included?

The package includes a Junior luxury en-suite cabin with a private balcony and full ocean view. The cabin also includes a marble bathroom, ocean-view bathtub, minibar, satellite television, and air conditioning.

Are meals included?

Yes. The package includes two breakfasts, three lunches, and two dinners as scheduled during the cruise.

What activities are included?

Included activities are kayaking or bamboo boating, swimming, cycling to Viet Hai Village, Tai Chi, and access to the ship’s pool, gym, library, and board games. Cooking demonstrations, fishing equipment, and golf equipment are also provided.

Are drinks and spa treatments included?

No. Beverages, tips, spa treatments, and other personal expenses are not included. Holiday surcharges are also separate.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancel at least six full days before the start time for a full refund. Cancellation two to six full days ahead receives a 50 percent refund. Cancellations within two days are nonrefundable.