Halong Bay Cruises is well-known for its diversity of options, a wide range of high-class amenities, and exciting itineraries through gorgeous tourist spots. To choose the most suitable cruise line among various options here, some criteria are usually considered such as customer feedback, price, service quality, and reputation.
Let BestPrice Travel help you save time and make your best choice in this article. Below are our suggestions for the top 3 long-standing cruise lines with the most positive feedback in Halong Bay.
1. Athena Group
Among the reputable names, Athena Group stands out as one of the best luxurious cruise lines that explore Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long. It has four cruise ships, including Athena Luxury, Athena Royal, Signature, and Signature Royal. Athena Luxury Cruise is well-known for its neoclassical design and contemporary furniture as well as excellent services.
Launched in 2014, this cruise line has become a favorite choice of many tourists because of its distinctive ambiance and extraordinary experience. If you are looking for a cruise ship in the style of a traditional Vietnamese boat, the Signature Cruise is an ideal option. While other Athena ships have a more modern design, Signature has a junk boat style, offering a unique experience compared to modern yacht-shaped boats.
Especially, the cruise line takes tourists through interesting scenic routes and excursions. While Athena focuses on must-visit spots in Halong Bay (Sung Sot Cave, Titop Cave, Luon Cave, etc.), Signature concentrates on hidden spots in Bai Tu Long (Vung Vieng Fishing Village, Thien Canh Son Cave, etc.).
Furthermore, with a reasonable price range of US $151/ pax – $164/ pax and great services, Athena Group received many 5-star ratings from customers on TripAdvisor (2,087 out of 2,191 reviews). They mostly praised Athena for its Halong Bay itinerary, wonderful trip, top deck, and luxury boat.
2. Paradise Vietnam
Paradise Vietnam is a leading cruise line in Halong’s tourism industry established in 2008. The brand aims to provide 5-star quality with the Paradise Suites Hotel and 6 ships under the Paradise brand name (including Paradise Sails, Paradise Elegance, Paradise Peak, Paradise Grand, Paradise Explorer, and Paradise Delight).
Standing for almost two decades, Paradise has maintained its position in Halong Bay’s tourism market. Its cruise ships feature premium facilities and services. More than 80% of the cabins on the ship have private balconies, showcasing luxurious classic-style interiors. Many amenities on board, such as a spa, bar, jacuzzi pool, and more, are well-maintained.
Additionally, you can enjoy live music performances on Paradise Elegance and Paradise Grand, and utilize butler service on Paradise Peak. Notably, the culinary experience on this cruise line is top-notch, with diverse menus varying on each cruise ship, including an extensive à la carte dinner menu, French-style canapés at sunset, BBQ dinner on the sundeck, private dining, etc.
Standing at the second rank out of 304 outdoor activities in Halong Bay, the cruise brand has also got 95% 5-star ratings on TripAdvisor. You can easily choose Paradise Vietnam as they offer a flexible price range from 3 to 5 stars and available charter options (from US $127/ pax to $248/ pax).
3. Ambassador Cruise
Ambassador Cruise is a pioneer in luxurious Halong Bay cruises. Following the routes to Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, Ambassador offers a variety of services and experiences, including overnight cruises, day cruises, and dinner cruises (Ambassador Overnight Cruise I, Ambassador Signature, Ambassador Day Cruise, Ambassador Dinner Cruise). Each ship of Halong Bay Ambassador Cruise ensures first-class quality and an amazing voyage through stunning scenic spots.
This cruise brand has gained significant trust and satisfaction in the market with its exceptional services and customer experiences. Every ship of Ambassador is incorporated with high-end facilities, particularly featuring twin panoramic sundecks, an upscale dining venue, a piano lounge, a rejuvenating spa, and many fantastic amenities. All cabins here have en-suite bathrooms and private balconies or terraces, allowing you to enjoy your trip most comfortably. Notably, the Ambassador Day Cruise is the largest capacity boat in the bay (approximately 500 guests) and is the only boat with cabins where guests can take a nap.
Ambassador is also known for its exquisite dining experience with exclusive Michelin-standard menus and authentic Indian dishes prepared by professional Indian chefs. The Michelin-styled Dinner is a feature of the Ambassador Signature, which follows a new Michelin style, in collaboration with Michelin-starred French chef Mr. David Gallienne since January 5, 2024. Especially, if you want to have a memorable dinner, the Dinner Cruise is a great option, offering a special international Buffet Sundeck, alongside a Live Concert, and a Nightly Firework Show.
With 1,808 five-star ratings out of 1,868, Ambassador Cruise is highly praised for its excellent food and lunch buffet, in addition to positive remarks about the facilities and services, such as clean rooms and a good steward crew. Moreover, the cruise line also offers a diverse price range, varying from day cruises (from US $80/pax) to overnight cruises (from US $185/pax to $197/pax).
Despite being luxury cruise lines with numerous five-star ratings, each of the three cruise brands offers a unique experience. While Athena has the most exciting itinerary in Ha Long and Bai Tu Long, Paradise Vietnam features an elite dining experience with diverse cuisines, and Ambassador Cruise is renowned for its Michelin-standard menus. We hope that the above insights will help you choose the right cruise for your Halong Bay vacation. Do not hesitate to book a cruise trip now for an unforgettable experience at bestpricetravel.com!
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