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In this article we are going to review and recommend the best Ha Long Bay luxury cruises for 2024. We absolutely loved taking a luxury cruise around the beautiful and iconic Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. It is amazing how much you can get for your money in Vietnam. If you have ever wanted to experience a luxury cruise – this is a great place to do it!
PLEASE read this guide carefully if you’re considering a cruise. There is a lot to know before you go! In our opinion, this is one of the best activities that you can do in Vietnam and we highly recommend it. This is a very popular activity, therefore there are loads of luxury cruises to choose from and it can be a bit overwhelming trying to find a good option.
In this article we are going to review the best luxury cruises so that you can make a fast and informed decision and pick the best option for you. We will also try and answer some of your questions about Ha Long Bay luxury cruises. We have included links to help you book your Ha Long Bay luxury Cruise. Please use our links to book your trip. When you book through these links – everything in the package is automatically included (transfer, food, activities and more).
We use affiliate links which enables us to earn a small commission for every booking at no extra cost to you. This keeps us on the road and helps us to share the best travel information and inspiration with you.
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Summary of the best Ha Long Bay luxury cruises
Here is an overall summary of the best Long Bay luxury cruises. The prices below depend on the occupancy, season, availability and the specific cabin that you select. It is also possible to pick longer cruises, however we have focused on 2-day 1-night cruises.
| Ha Long Bay Cruise | Summary | Price range per night | Reviews |
| Cozy Bay Cruise | They offer single rooms making this one of the cheapest luxury cruises on Halong bay. They also offer a triple family room (double and single bed). Small boat. | £115 (single room) – £400 | 8.5 |
| Paradise Luxury Sails Cruise | Great value for money and very good facilities. Large boat. Excellent food and itinerary. No bathtubs or swimming pool. Private terrace suite available. | £200 – £500 | 8.9 |
| Victory Star Cruise | Very good value for money. Large boat. No bathtubs or swimming pool. Triple room available and a spacious presidential suite. | £200 – £550 | 8.4 |
| La Regina Royal Cruise | Stylish ship offering great value for money. Triple suites available. Rooms include an ensuite bathroom with whirlpool bathtub. | £200 – £600 | 8.5 |
| Dora Cruise(sister ship of Rosa Cruise) | TOP PICK value for money. Rooms ensuite with bathtubs. There is a connecting family suite that can sleep up to 4 people. This boat also has an outdoor swimming pool. | £200 – £1,000 | 9.3 |
| Signature Halong Cruise | Very good value for money. Cool vintage designs and comfortable suites with spa baths. 2 room connecting suites available, sleep up to 4 people. No swimming pool on board. | £200 – £1,200 | 9.0 |
| Madeline Cruises | Very stylish and beautiful boat. Excellent range of spacious suites available. No bathtubs or swimming pool. Excellent value for money. | £200 – £1,300 | 9.6 |
| Paradise Elegance Cruise Halong | Stylish and excellent service. Amazing food. Rooms have large windows. Spa, bar and pool on board. Don’t miss the suite with terrace captain view and ensuite with bathtub. | £220 – £600 | 9.3 |
| Rosa Cruise (Sister ship of Dora cruise) | Small beautiful boat. Excellent facilities and a very good range of ro m options for families or larger groups. Check out the cheaper Dora cruise. | £230 – £1,200 | 9.3 |
| Doris Cruise | TOP PICK for value for money. Ha Long bay luxury cruise. Stylish small boat with front facing swimming pool and stylish suites with large windows and bathtubs. Amazing food and great service. | £230 – £1,000 | 9.3 |
| Aspira Cruises | Similar to Doris cruise but more expensive. Great facilities on this boat: small rooftop pool, bathtub rooms and nice vibes. | £250 – £800 | 9.1 |
| Mon Chéri Cruises | Very good experience all round with excellent facilities. The forward facing president suite is very impressive. | £250 – £800 | 8.9 |
| Genesis Luxury Regal Cruises | One of the most beautiful ships. Great range of suites and very good facilities on board. All rooms have bathtubs. There is a connecting room suite available for families. | £250 – £900 | 9.1 |
| Peony cruise | TOP PICK for families on a budget. Small boat with excellent service and very friendly staff. Excellent food and very good facilities. All baths include a bathtub. Large windows, and sofa bed by window for children. Great budget solution for families. | £250 – £1,000 | 8.6 |
| Indochina Sails Premium | One of the smallest luxury ships. Excellent service and very good facilities. Some rooms include bathtubs. Spa on board but no pool. | £275 – £400 | 9.0 |
| Alisa Luxury Cruise | Charming boat. Swimming pool and excellent facilities. Impressive range of cabins. An ensuite bathroom and bathtub are standard. | £275 – £1,200 | 8.9 |
| Stellar of the Seas Cruise(sister ship of Elite of the Seas) | TOP PICK for couples. Luxury modern yacht. Smaller than Elite of the seas. Outstanding service and facilities on the boat. Very impressive suites with large windows and bathtubs. | £300 – £2,000 | 9.8 |
| Elite of the Seas (Sister ship of Stellar) | Similar to Stellar but a little more expensive. Slightly older vessel and larger. Amazing service and excellent facilities on board. | £330 – £2,500 | 9.8 |
| La Regina Grand Cruise | TOP PICK for families. Lots of options for larger family suites – the largest sleeps up to 4 people. Amazing facilities and beautiful touches. | £330 – £900 | 9.0 |
| Le Theatre Cruises – Wonder on Lan Ha Bay | TOP PICK for luxury. Large, decadent and regal with excellent facilities. We particularly love the panorama suite. Lots of suites to choose from. All of the best features on one boat with impeccable service. | £350 – £1,300 | 9.5 |
| Orchid Classic Cruise | Amazing luxurious cruise. More expensive than Le Theatre and a smaller vessel for a more personal experience. Overall an excellent option at the high end of the price range. | £400 – £900 | 9.0 |
What do Ha Long bay luxury cruises normally include?
Long Bay luxury cruises are normally all-inclusive (except for alcoholic drinks such as cocktails and beer). We are very impressed with the range of things that these cruises normally include. make sure you check exactly what is included when you book your trip. A good at Long Bay luxury cruise should include the following things:
- Amazing meals, normally lunch and dinner on day 1 and breakfast and lunch on day 2. Most cruises offer creative, delicious and fresh buffet food.
- Additional drinks, snacks and fruit between meals
- Complementary welcome drinks such as juice and cocktails
- On board swimming pools and jacuzzis
- Amazingly furnished rooms with large windows and comfortable beds. Minibar, ensuite bathrooms normally including features like bathtubs
- On board entertainment that may include singing, dancing and even activities such as cooking classes and fishing (all equipment is generally included)
- Tours and activities such as kayaking, cave trips and swimming
We recommend that you check whether your transfer to and from your hotel in Hanoi is included. Many companies offer a luxury limo van pick up service but this may cost extra.
TOP TIP: Plan to be disconnected! Many of the luxury cruises advertised Wi-Fi. However, be aware that Wi-Fi services may be weak, slow or non-existent. If you are taking a Ha Long Bay luxury cruise, make sure you do all your online jobs before you go and let people know you’re going to drop off the digital map for a bit!
Is it worth taking a luxury cruise of Ha Long Bay?
Yes, in our opinion it is well worth taking Ha Long Bay luxury cruises. This is genuinely one of the most unique and enjoyable travel experiences around. If possible we recommend taking a 3 day 2 night trip (depending on time and money). However, even a 2 day 1 night cruise is worthwhile.
Our cruise in Halong bay was one of our highlights of Vietnam. Luxury cruises are a great opportunity to splash out and enjoy this beautiful part of the world. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion (we celebrated our 10th anniversary on a cruise!), having a romantic weekend or enjoying an epic family holiday – these cruises are fantastic.
How much does it cost to take a luxury cruise of Ha Long Bay?
Although we strongly recommend Ha Long bay luxury cruises, it is worth being aware that this is quite an expensive experience. The cheapest luxury cruises in this area cost around £200 for 2-days 1-night all inclusive. Some of the premium cruises cost around £2,000 per night for a luxury suite.
Most of the luxury cruises did not include alcoholic drinks. It is important to be aware that alcoholic drinks are not normally cheap on these cruises. Therefore, if you’re planning to buy drinks make sure that you consider this in your budget. You can normally buy a small can of beer for around 60,000 – 100,000VND (roughly £2 – £3 or $2.50 – $4). Expect to pay around 100,000 – 150,000 for a cocktail (roughly £3 – £5 or $4 – $6).
In some cases cruises may charge for coffee, tea and soft drinks during meals. This can feel disappointing for the prices you are paying.
What is the food like on the Ha Long bay cruises?
The food on the Ha Long bay luxury cruises tends to be very high quality. Most cruises offer lunch and dinner on day 1 and they also offer breakfast, brunch and possibly lunch on Day 2. The food on the cruises tends to be very fresh and delicious. You can expect things like seafood, soups, pastas, cheese, cold meats, chips, roast meats, BBQ food and much more. Cruises may offer buffet meals and or set menus. Food tends to be very creative and beautifully presented.
If you have special dietary requirements we recommend that you contact the company before booking to find out what provision is available. Even some of the more expensive packages do not include good options for vegans and vegetarians. If you love a good coffee, we also recommend checking if this is available. Seriously – this is important!
What is the best way to book a luxury cruise of Ha Long Bay?
If you are looking to get a luxury cruise as cheaply as possible we recommend contacting some companies directly and trying to negotiate a better price. Some companies may be willing to offer slightly cheaper prices to secure a booking. However, if you want the reassurance and transparency of booking through an official platform we recommend using booking.com or agoda to book your luxury cruise of Ha Long Bay. When you book online, everything should be included in the package (transfer, meals, activities and more).
TOP TIP: Book in advance! It is not any cheaper to book your luxury cruises at Ha Long Bay. Therefore, we do not recommend traveling to Ha Long bay independently and trying to book your cruise there. Companies tend to charge more if you try to book at Ha Long Bay. This is unusual – because it is normally cheaper to book at location. But Halong Bay cruises are an exception to this general rule.
How long does a Ha Long bay cruise take?
You can take Ha Long Bay luxury cruises as long as you want. There are free boat transfers for new arrivals and people leaving the cruise every day. Most people take a 2-day 1-night luxury cruise – however this can be rushed. If you have the time we do recommend a 3 day 2 night cruise. If you opt to take longer cruises you are normally offered a special itinerary to make the whole experience varied and enjoyable.
Typical itinerary of a Halong Bay cruise (2d 1n)
You will normally be picked up in Hanoi on the morning of the first day of your cruise and transferred to Ha Long Bay. Transfers are normally in a comfortable luxury limo and include 1 stop at a pearl market. This is pretty touristy and intense. When you get to the port you will normally need to wait for a taxi boat transfer to your luxury boat.
It is unlikely that you will arrive on your luxury boat until around lunchtime early afternoon. You will probably be greeted with a complimentary drink and a lovely meal. From here, the itinerary is quite busy and very enjoyable. If you are doing a 2 day 1 night trip it can feel a little disappointing and rushed on the second day. Most companies ask guests to check out by around 10am on day 2. We can see why companies need to do this, however it is important to recognise that you may feel a little bit rushed on Day 2.
On day 2 you will probably have an early breakfast, one activity, and then after this you may need to check out of your room. Most companies start the checkout process by around 9 – 10am. They will normally offer brunch or lunch before you take the taxi boat back to Ha Long bay port. From here it can feel like quite a slow process to be transferred back to the port and get your bus back to Hanoi.
Are Ha Long Bay luxury cruises suitable for families?
Yes, Ha Long Bay luxury cruises are family friendly. We took a 2-day 1-night cruise with our two beautiful boys (5 and 2 years old). We absolutely loved the experience as a family. Our boys really enjoyed the magic of having a bath whilst looking out of the window at the panoramic landscape. They also loved the activities and experiences. The food on The Long Bay luxury cruises is excellent. Many cruises include a varied buffet set with plenty of options (including western food like pastas, pizzas and chips), so it should be reasonably easy to find kid-friendly food.
If you are not sure whether there will be food suitable for your children, we always recommend contacting the company to check the menu before you book. Ha Long Bay luxury cruises also include excellent facilities and amenities for families. For example, high chairs will generally be included in the restaurant. You may also be able to arrange additional beds or cots to be added to your room (if you contact the company in advance). If you are unsure what facilities are included on your cruise, always check this before you book.
What is the best way to get to Ha Long Bay?
Most of the Ha Long Bay luxury cruises should include a two-way transfer service from your hotel in Hanoi. This should include hotel pickup and drop off. The luxury cruises often use spacious and comfortable VIP limo vans. The journey from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay generally takes around 2 to 3 hours and includes a stop at a pearl market on the way. Always check exactly what is included before you book. If you are traveling to Long Bay independently you can arrange buses or minibuses.
What things should you bring on a Ha Long Bay Cruise?
The Ha Long bay luxury cruises tend to be all-inclusive, therefore you do not need to bring much with you. Here is a list of things that we recommend you to bring on your Ha Long bay trip:
- Nice evening attire for a posh meal
- Swimming stuff (towels generally provided)
- Suncream (SPF 50 recommended)
- Bring a waterproof bag for valuables on the raft trip or kayaking (not essential)
- Toiletries – some may be included any way
- Bring plenty of cash (most of the boats have a nice bar)
TOP TIP: Some boats can take card transactions but it is common to charge an additional 3% fee. So we do recommend taking plenty of cash for the trip.
Can you bring your big bags on a Ha Long Bay luxury Cruise?
Yes, it is possible to bring plenty of baggage on Ha Long Bay luxury cruises. However, if possible we recommend traveling light if possible. Firstly, the transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay is in a minibus. There is room for baggage at the back, but be aware this can be fairly packed. Furthermore, you will also need to take a second boat from Ha Long Bay port to reach your luxury cruise boat.
It is likely that your cruise company will take responsibility for transferring your bags, however it can be a little bit awkward and unnerving if you have more baggage. The rooms on the cruise ships tend to be quite large and have sufficient space for storing large baggage. So if you are traveling with your large bags, it should not be a problem. However, for convenience and enjoyable travel we recommend leaving your large bags at a hotel in Hanoi and just taking what you need on the cruise with you in a smaller bag.
TOP TIP: As a general rule, when we are traveling we always try to keep a small valuables bag on our person. do not leave valuables bags unattended.
What things can you do around Ha Long Bay?
Ha Long Bay is a very beautiful and unique landscape with thousands of impressive small islands, with steep cliffs, untouched jungle, secluded beaches and ocean caves. Here are some of the most popular activities that you can do in Ha Long Bay. May of our recommended tours include some of these activities:
- Sea Kayaking and exploring islands and beaches
- Snorkeling and swimming (the water is clear in some places but this may not always be included on your tour so please check)
- Exploring sea caves and arches – local guides may take you by raft
- Fishing (by day or night). This may be included on some tours.
- Take a sea plane or helicopter tour of Ha Long bay (not normally included with cruises)
It is worth being aware that many of these activities can be quite busy, especially during peak season. Many of these tours include the same attractions and sights, so be prepared to share these experiences with other people.
Things to check with your cruise company before you go
Here is a super helpful checklist of things to communicate about before you go:
- Pick up arrangements (time and location)
- Any special dietary requirements
- Accessibility requirements
- Any special requests for your room (cots or extra beds)
- Let your company know if you are celebrating a special occasion – they often help you celebrate! Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary or honeymoon, most companies will make it special
What are the most common complaints on a Ha Long Bay Cruise?
We don’t normally like to complain; however, understanding some of the limitations can help you keep your expectations in check. Understanding the problems can actually help you enjoy the experience more. So we just wanted to take a moment to share some of the common complaints on these cruises:
Firstly, some guests find the trip can be a little bit too rushed, and the destinations that cruise ships visit can get quite crowded at times. Be prepared for an early check out on day two. The journey back to Hanoi can take a long time. Also be aware that on board swimming pools or jacuzzis are unlikely to be heated.
Another common issue on these luxury cruises is the lack of Wi-Fi. Many cruise ships offer Wi-Fi on board, however the signal may be weak and the connection very slow. We recommend that you are prepared to be disconnected.
One issue that guests sometimes struggle with is the lack of provision for special dietary requirements. If you do have any special dietary requirements we recommend that you contact your preferred company before you book to check whether they can make a provision for you.
Another common complaint is charging for soft drinks and water. We recommend factoring this into your budget or contacting your company directly to find out exactly what drinks are and are not included. Finally, some guests find the onboard bar prices quite expensive.
Remember – keep it in perspective. These all inclusive luxury cruises are cheaper than one night in a luxury hotel in many parts of the world.
1 Cozy Bay Cruise
This lovely little cruise ship has a surprisingly good range of rooms and suits available – whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple or a family. They uniquely offer a single room for just over £100 (or $120) making this one of the cheapest luxury cruise options around.
They also have double rooms, twin rooms and a family suite available. The family suite is great value for money generally costing around £300 – £400 per night. The Cozy Bay ship is a small two floor boat with a small upper deck area. Rooms a very beautiful and comfortable with large windows, wooden interiors and a classy clean feel.
Cozy Bay Cruise also offer a fun action packed itinerary that is similar to many of the more expensive cruise options. The food on Cozy Bay is generous, fresh and tasty and includes seafood, Vietnamese food and western food. If you’re looking for a luxury cruise for a great price – Cozy Bay is a great option.
2 Paradise Luxury Sails Cruise
Price range: £200 – £500
Paradise Luxury Sails Cruise offers great value for money. There are some of the cheapest luxury cruises of Ha Long bay. The cruise boat has the classic “junk boat style” with sails and a beautiful deck. The boat is well designed and stylishly furnished with classical interiors.
This is one of the larger cruise ships in the area. The facilities and amenities on board the paradise luxury sales are very good. They have a spacious restaurant, minibus, spa and they also offer movie nights and entertainment. Activities include a bamboo boat tour, kayaking, Tai Chi lessons and squid fishing. Be aware that some of the facilities can get busy at times.
Also, be aware that it is more likely that you will be sharing tours and experiences with more other people. This may be an advantage or disadvantage, depending on your preferences. They also offer a suite room with a private terrace.
Disadvantages: The main disadvantages are that there is no on board swimming pool. Also rooms don’t include bathtubs (this was one of our favorite features).
3 Victory Star Cruise
Price range: £200 – £550
Victory Star Cruise is on the cheaper end of the Ha Long bay cruises. Overall the price, experience and facilities are very similar to Paradise Luxury Sales Cruise. The main difference between these two options can be found in the availability of different types of rooms. The Victory Star Cruise has a slightly wider range of options available.
There is a triple room available (unique for these cruises) and there is also a spacious presidential suite available with a private balcony. Victory Star has great facilities on board including a spa and the all important bar (be aware that drinks are not cheap). The main disadvantage of the victory star cruise (relative to some of the more expensive options) is the lack of an on board swimming pool or bathtubs in the rooms. These are features that we find and very appealing.
The victory star boat is one of the larger cruise ships, with 3 floors and plenty of space. One of the disadvantages of the larger boats is that they can get busy at times. The victory star cruise also offers an excellent itinerary including rafting, kayaking, Tai Chi on the deck and cooking demonstrations.
4 La Regina Royal Cruise
Price range: £200 – £600
La Regina has a fleet of luxury cruise liners offering a range of different facilities and services. Regina Royal Cruise is a luxurious and decadent option offering great value for money. The suites available on this cruise ship are relatively spacious and include an ensuite bathroom with a large whirlpool bathtub.
You can also get triple rooms on this ship. This cruise ship also has a spa onboard and a sauna. There is a bar available on the deck too. This cruise also offers some great activities including fishing trips, Tai Chi, cooking demonstrations and much more.
Overall this is a very good option if you are looking for a balance of great value for money and luxury.
5 Dora Cruise (sister ship of Rosa Cruise)
Price range: £200 – £1,000
Dora cruise is one of the best value for money options in Ha Long Bay. As a smaller boat this cruise offers a more intimate experience. On average there are more staff allocated to each customer, facilities and public spaces are less crowded and it can be easier to get to know other people on the ship. This beautiful cruise ship offers excellent facilities, amenities and services.
Dora cruise rocks a stylish classic continental interior design theme with some indochine features. They offer excellent food and an action packed itinerary. The activities can feel pretty rushed – but this is true on many of these cruises. We love the use of artificial grass on the top deck. Rooms offer ensuite bathrooms with bathtubs.
They also have small balconies so you can sit out and enjoy the views. They also have a two room connecting family suite that can sleep up to 4 people – this is unique for Ha Long bay cruise ships. Dora cruise is one of the cheapest cruise liners in the area that also offers an outdoor swimming pool on the top deck.
6 Signature Halong Cruise
Price range: £200 – £1,200
If you’re looking for a fun luxurious cruise then check out Signature. The smaller boat offers a more intimate and less crowded experience. This lovely boat offers light vibrant rooms with vintage interior designs and luxurious furniture.
The food is excellent, they offer delicious buffet sets with plenty of choice. Signature also offers a spacious two room connecting family suite which can sleep up to 4 people, a unique feature on these cruises. Suites are also equipped with en suite bathrooms with spa bathtubs. The main disadvantage is that the windows are quite small in some of the suites.
The Signature cruise offers excellent activities including cooking classes, snorkeling, kayaking and more. The Signature cruise ship does not have an on board swimming pool.
7 Madeline Cruises
Price range: £200 – £1,300
Overall this is one of THE BEST Ha Long bay cruises around. This ship is super classy and offers an excellent service all round. The Madeline Cruise liner is a stylish floating 5 star hotel. Madeline offers a sleek minimalist interior design theme with some beautiful classical features.
We love the classic staircase in the dining room. There is a good range of suites available; rooms are comfortable, clean and beautifully furnished with large windows giving plenty of natural light and great views. The main downside of Madeline Cruises is the lack of bathtubs and onboard swimming pool. If this is important to you we recommend looking at some of our other options.
Madeleine makes excellent use of deck spaces allowing you to relax and enjoy amazing views of Ha Long bay.
8 Paradise Elegance Cruise Halong
Price range: £220 – £600
Paradise Elegance Cruise is an amazing option if you’re looking for luxury, awesome features and competitive prices. This beautiful cruise liner utilises a 1900’s classic interior design theme. Large french windows afford plenty of natural light and excellent bay views. We are particularly impressed with the premium suite with terrace and captain view.
Firstly, this suite is equipped with an ensuite bathroom and a bathtub – large windows mean you can relax with amazing views of the beautiful bay. Also, having a forward-facing terrace allows you to relax with the most exhilarating and impressive views on the boat. Paradise elegance also offers an engaging and exciting itinerary of activities and experiences.
They also have an onboard spa, bar, top deck swimming pool and the food is amazing! You really do pay a little more to get a lot more on Paradise Elegance.
9 Rosa Cruise
Price range: £230 – £1,200
If you’re interested in the Rosa cruise we recommend checking out the Dora cruise too. The Dora ship is slightly cheaper and is very well equipped. Be aware that the company may allocate you to a Dora cruise anyway. Rosa Cruise is a small boat offering an intimate experience.
Facilities and public space are less likely to be over crowded and you are more likely to get to know other passengers on a smaller ship. This lovely ship also has an excellent range of options, especially for families or larger groups. You can choose between a triple suite, a connecting room Family Suite or an impressive honeymoon suite.
Overall Rosa offers a great service, excellent facilities and brilliant value for money.
10 Doris Cruise
TOP PICK for value for money
Price range: £230 – £1,000
This is one of our TOP PICK luxury cruises in Ha Long Bay. The Doris cruise ship is a small, stylish and classy ship with excellent facilities and amenities. The smaller ship experience offers a more intimate ambiance and is less crowded than some of the bigger boats.
We absolutely love the stylish and tasteful design of the rooms and Suites on the ship. Large french windows for plenty of natural light and allow great views of Ha Long bay. Rooms include an ensuite bathroom with a luxurious bathtub next to a large window allowing excellent views of the bay as you bathe.
We absolutely loved the swimming pool which is designed at the front of the boat to give an exhilarating experience and epic views when you take a dip. This package also offer an excellent itinerary with engaging and fun activities.
11 Aspira Cruises
Price range: £250 – £800
There are some great features on this boat (e.g. small rooftop pool, bathtub rooms and nice vibes). Aspira is a mid-size ship with 3 levels. There is a small pool on the top deck, sun loungers and canopies for shade. This boat has a fun ambiance.
You can get a good range of suites on Aspira. We love the use of large windows for great views. Whether you want to relax in bed gazing at the view or sit out on a terrace sipping a drink. The staff on Aspira are fantastic – welcoming friendly and quick to help.
Overall this is a very good option. You can get similar boats slightly cheaper, so we do recommend shopping around.
12 Mon Chéri Cruises
Price range: £250 – £800
Mon Chéri cruises offer a very good experience. This is one of the big names for luxury cruises in Halong bay. This stylish cruise ship has excellent facilities, amenities and services. We are particularly impressed with the forward facing president suite.
This large decadent suite has large french windows and a forward facing private terrace offering amazing views. There is a small top deck swimming pool on this boat. Mon Chéri also offers an engaging itinerary of activities and experiences.
Free drinking water is available in the reception so you can top up your bottle.
13 Genesis Luxury Regal Cruises
Price range: £250 – £900
Genesis is one of the most beautiful Long Bay cruise ships around. This stylish small ship has a tasteful indochine interior design theme. The staff are genuinely amazing on Genesis and will make your trip magical and memorable. The Genesis cruise ship has a jacuzzi on the top deck at the front of the boat for excellent views.
We love the stylish and comfortable suites on the luxury boat. Bathe with a view! Rooms on Genesis come with a bathtub as standard so that you can enjoy the view as you soak. We are also impressed with the range of room options on the Genesis boat.
They have a connecting family suite and several larger room options available too – so this is a great option for families. Overall, Genesis offers a great balance between price, luxury and service.
14 Peony Cruise
Curious to find out more? Don’t miss our dedicated review of Peony Cruise
Price range: £250 – £1,000
Keep an eye on Agoda for GREAT deals and discounts on Peony.
This is our top pick for families on a budget. Peony is a small traditional style boat with sails. There are two decks, with a top deck bar, swimming pool and sun loungers. There is a dining room and they offer buffet and set menu meals. The food is fantastic – creative, tasty, fresh, varied and high quality. They also have great facilities for families – baby chairs and kids meals are available.
Rooms and suites are spacious, comfortable and stylish. All rooms have bag storage space, a fridge and balconies. All rooms include a bathtub – even at the cheapest end. This is a lot of fun for kids. We love the large windows so that you can gaze at the panoramic scenery as you bathe. Peony also offer a fun and action packed itinerary including bamboo rafting, kayaking, swimming, squid fishing and a cooking demo. We loved the fun happy vibes on this luxury cruise.
We have chosen this as a TOP PICK for families on a budget. They allow families to book the cheaper suites (which can be as cheap as £200 on offer). These suites have a “sofa bed” by window for children. Contact them directly to request this.
15 Indochina Sails Premium
Price range: £275 – £400
The Indochina Sails offers a superlative 5 star cruise with an excellent itinerary. This luxurious ship has very good facilities on board. Some of their suites include a bathtub (e.g. the suite with balcony) – but this isn’t standard – so check when you book.
Indochina offers impressive food and can cater well to special dietary requirements (remember to communicate before you book and also when you are on the cruise). Indochina is one of the smallest style cruise ships offering a tranquil, peaceful and non-crowded service. A huge advantage of a small boat like this is the level of personal service staff provide.
The staff are excellent and can cater for specific needs and special requests. The main disadvantage is that the final day can end quite early – this can be disappointing, especially if you’re only on a 2 day 1 night experience. Keep your expectations in check.
16 Alisa Luxury Cruise
Price range: £275 – £1,200
Alisa Luxury cruise is a classy and luxurious boat with a swimming pool and excellent facilities. The price, level of service and the advantages are similar to Indochina Sails. The main difference is that Alisa is a larger boat than Indochina.
Alisa offers an impressive range of cabins to meet everyone’s needs. An ensuite bathroom and bathtub are standard. The food on the Alisa Luxury cruise is excellent – with a strong emphasis on seafood (this is normal for these cruises).
Overall this is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a high level of service.
17 Stellar of the Seas Cruise (sister ship of Elite of the Seas)
TOP PICK for couples
Price range: £300 – £2,000
This is one of the best Ha Long bay cruises. The Stella cruise boat is a modern style yacht – this is very unique for Ha Long Bay cruises. The facilities and amenities on the Stellar Cruise are excellent. There is a mini putting course, top deck swimming pool (you can do floating breakfasts!) and there is also a spa on board. Stellar has an excellent range of rooms.
Rooms come with a bath as standard. We particularly love the bathtubs in the larger suites – large windows allow excellent views as you relax in the bath. The presidential suite with private sun terrace is very impressive – this suite is genuinely more decadent than many 5 star hotel rooms. The staff on Stellar cruise are amazing – they offer a very personalized service with attention to all of the small details.
They also offer a fun and engaging itinerary. This is not a good choice if you are dreaming of taking a cruise on one of the traditional style “junk boats”. But if you are hoping for luxury, service, amazing food and epic facilities – this is one of the best choices in Ha Long bay.
18 Elite of the Seas (sister ship of Stellar)
Price range: £330 – £2,500
Elite offers many of the benefits of a modern stylish yacht. The service, philosophy and style is similar to Stellar – but the price tag is a little higher. Here are the main differences: The Elite of the Seas is a larger and slightly older vessel (but still amazing and new in its own right).
The additional space allows more facilities and gives the ship a more lively vibe. There is also a bigger range of rooms and suites available. At the cheaper end of the room options we think the suites are better on the Elite of the seas – however the difference isn’t massive.
Although Elite is a large vessel it does not include a spa on board. Just like the Stellar experience – the staff really bring the whole thing together – with friendly warm personalized service and Vietnamese hospitality.
19 La Regina Grand Cruise
TOP PICK for families
Price range: £330 – £900
La Regina is our top pick for families. This large luxurious cruise boat has beautiful tasteful features and excellent facilities. We love the classy indochine interior design theme. Rooms and suites are beautifully furnished.
La Regina has amazing common spaces around the boat – decadent lounges, a landscaped garden, a jacuzzi and an engaging kids play room. The Lan Ha Trio suite is very impressive – this spacious suite can sleep up to 4 people.
We love the small touches like a wooden bathtub and east Asian artwork. La Regina is one of the more expensive cruises. They offer a fun and engaging itinerary of activities.
20 Le Theatre Cruises – Wonder on Lan Ha Bay
TOP PICK for luxury
Price range: £350 – £1,300
This is our TOP PICK for luxury. Le Theatre cruises offer all of the best features of these cruises on one boat. This large spacious cruise liner is the epitome of luxury. There is a large exquisite dining room with decadent furniture, a stylish bar, a top deck swimming pool, sun loungers and a spa on board.
The dining room has a grand piano and upper deck area with balconies. The suites on Le Theatre are all superlative. We were particularly impressed by the panorama suite with its large windows and impressive views. This suite comes with an ensuite bathroom and bathtub with a view.
If you’re already splashing out on a cruise and your budget can stretch a little further, we thing you will really love La Theatre.
21 Orchid Classic Cruise
Price range: £400 – £900
Orchid is one of the most expensive Ha Long Bay cruises around. The Orchid ship is smaller offering a more intimate feel and personalized service. The suites are impeccably designed to prioritize comfort, natural light and stunning views.
The spacious Orchid exclusive suite offers style and a large free standing bathtub. For a small luxury boat Orchid offers very good facilities including a spa, top deck jacuzzi, fitness suite and bar. They also offer an excellent program of activities including Tai Chi and a cooking class. If you’re trying to choose between Orchid and Le Theatre, consider the boat size.
This makes a big difference to your experience. If you prefer a smaller boat with a more personal and intimate feel, then Orchid is best. If you prefer a larger boat with good vibes, then Le Theatre is the best option. Le Theatre also offers a wider range of rooms and suites.
What is the best Ha Long Bay cruise for price?
In our opinion the BEST value for money Ha Ling bay luxury cruises are offered by Dora Cruise and Doris cruise. Both companies have beautiful boats, amazing facilities and suites and an excellent itinerary. Both Dora and Doris offer some of the lowest price packages – so overall we rate these as the best value for money. They are not the absolute cheapest options – but we do think they are both excellent options on the low budget end of the spectrum. Peony is also a great option for families on a budget. You can get some great deals on Peony and they also have window sofa beds in their cheaper suites.
What is the best Ha Long Bay cruise for couples?
The best Halong Bay cruise for couples in the Stellar of the Seas Cruise. Everything about this luxury yacht screams romance. The service is epic and the space lends itself to a fun and romantic experience.
What is the best Ha Long Bay cruise for families?
Many of the cruise liners offer larger family suites – and in some cases you can find connecting rooms. The overall best option for families is La Regina Grand Cruise with a range of large suites available, awesome kid-friendly food and they even have a kids playroom. It is the small touches that matter when your traveling with kids.
What is the best Ha Long Bay cruise for luxury?
In our opinion Le Theatre is the most luxurious Ha Long bay cruise. All of the cruises offer luxury – but at the high end of luxury we recommend the classy Le Theatre Cruise. The large boat has a vintage, classic cruise liner feel. Suites are decadent stylish and beautifully furnished. This is a very impressive luxury cruise.
Looking for more inspiration?
Don’t miss our step by step 10 day Vietnam itinerary. We wrote this guide to show you how to SEE and EXPERIENCE all of the best attractions in Vietnam in only 10 days.
