Hanoi Cruise
 
 
5-Star · Built 2023 · Scandinavian-Inspired Design

Aqua of
the Seas

A 2023-built Scandinavian-inspired boutique cruise with 32 spacious cabins (38–160 sq. m), two restaurants, gym, spa, and an outdoor infinity pool.

32
Cabins
5★
Rating
3
Max Nights
2023
Built
Aqua of the Seas
From $195 per person · All Inclusive
Compare Prices Check Availability
Why Choose This Cruise

Aqua of the Seas
Key Highlights

Launched in 2023, Aqua of the Seas is the newest-generation boutique cruise in this guide. Its Scandinavian-inspired design philosophy — clean lines, warm wood accents, floor-to-ceiling glass, and a neutral color palette — creates a calm, resort-like environment that feels strikingly different from the ornate traditional aesthetic of older Halong Bay ships. With 32 suites ranging from 38 to 160 sq. m, two dining venues, a fourth-floor outdoor pool, a glass-walled gym, and a spa, it punches above its price point. The route focuses on Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island, consistently praised for quiet waters and good kayaking conditions.

New Build
Launched in 2023, Aqua of the Seas is one of the most recently built cruises. Everything — hull, engines, interiors, safety systems — is state-of-the-art and under warranty.
Floor-to-Ceiling Glass Throughout
The Scandinavian design philosophy prioritizes glass: cabins, the gym, and dining areas all feature floor-to-ceiling windows connecting the interior to the bay. Limestone views are never more than a glance away.
4th-Floor Outdoor Pool with Panoramic View
The outdoor infinity-edge pool sits on Deck 4, the highest point of the ship, for an unobstructed 360° bay view while swimming.
Glass-Wall Gym with Bay Views
The gym on Deck 3 is enclosed in glass on three sides. Running on a treadmill while the ship glides past limestone karsts is an experience unique to Aqua of the Seas.
Best Value per Square Meter
At $195/person for a 38 sq. m cabin, Aqua offers more floorspace per dollar than most comparable 5-star options. The 160 sq. m Family Suite is the largest cabin available on any cruise in this comparison.
Metal Hull for Stability
Steel/metal hull construction delivers noticeably better stability than traditional wooden junk boats, reducing motion in choppy conditions — important for guests prone to seasickness.

How Aqua of the Seas Compares

Feature Aqua of the Seas Dora Cruise Rita Cruise Capella Cruise
Built Year 2023 2019 2020 2020
No. of Cabins 32 22 31 30
Largest Suite 160 sq. m Family Suite 48 sq. m Honeymoon 85 sq. m Presidential 92 sq. m Owner
Design Language Scandinavian Contemporary Modern Vietnamese Italian-Indochinese European Contemporary
Gym ✓ Glass-wall bay views ✓ ✓ ✓
From Price (2D/1N) $195 $245 $262 $315
Itineraries

Choose Your
Duration

Select the cruise length that suits your schedule. Longer itineraries unlock more remote anchorages, additional activities, and exclusive areas of the bay inaccessible on shorter trips.

1
Night · 2 Days
Lan Ha Bay highlights: Tra Bau area, kayaking, pool, gym, spa.
From
$195 /person
2
Nights · 3 Days
Full Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island circuit. Quan Y Cave, Viet Hai Village.
From
$325 /person
Our Recommendation

The 3-day/2-night itinerary adds Quan Y Cave on Cat Ba Island and a beach landing — rounding out the Lan Ha Bay experience significantly compared to the 2-day program.

The Vessel

Ship Details &
Onboard Facilities

Aqua of the Seas is a steel-hulled 5-star vessel launched in 2023, built to a Scandinavian design brief. Its clean-line aesthetic — dominated by glass, warm wood, and neutral tones — distinguishes it clearly from the traditional Indochine design language of older Halong Bay cruises. The ship departs from No. 11, Tuan Chau International Port.

Launch Year 2023
Star Rating 5-Star
No. of Cabins 32
Max Capacity ~64 guests
Hull Material Steel/Metal
Design Style Scandinavian Contemporary
Departure Port No. 11, Tuan Chau Marina
Operating Area Lan Ha Bay · Cat Ba Island
Onboard Facilities
  • ✓ 4th-floor outdoor infinity pool
  • ✓ Glass-wall gym (Deck 3, panoramic views)
  • ✓ Spa with private treatment rooms
  • ✓ Sauna
  • ✓ Two dining venues (restaurant + lounge)
  • ✓ Bar & lounge
  • ✓ Sundeck with sun loungers
  • ✓ Cooking class station
  • ✓ Kayaking equipment
  • ✓ Kids' activities on request
  • ✓ Wi-Fi (common areas & cabins)
Accommodation

Cabin
Categories

All cabins feature private balconies or terraces, ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, and direct bay views. Categories differ in floor area, deck position, and premium amenities.

Deluxe Suite
Deluxe Suite
38 sq. m
  • Private balcony
  • Ensuite with ocean-view bathtub
  • King or twin beds
  • Floor-to-ceiling window
  • Flat-screen TV, minibar, safe
  • Max 2 adults
From $195 /person /night
Premium Suite
Premium Suite
50 sq. m
  • Larger balcony with sun lounger
  • Soaking tub with bay view
  • King-size bed
  • Nespresso machine
  • Priority gym & pool access
  • Premium bedding & toiletries
From $265 /person /night
Executive Suite
Executive Suite
65 sq. m
  • Wide panoramic balcony
  • Separate living area
  • Bathtub + rainfall shower
  • Welcome champagne
  • Priority dining reservation
  • Complimentary spa (30 min)
From $360 /person /night
Presidential Suite
Family Suite
160 sq. m
  • Largest cabin on any cruise in this guide
  • Multiple bedrooms (sleeps 4–6)
  • Full-bay panoramic windows
  • Two ensuites
  • Private dining terrace
  • Butler service included
From $280/pp (4 guests) /person /night
What's Included

Cruise
Inclusions

The following is included in all cabin rates. A small number of premium services are available at extra cost during the voyage.

Included

  • ✓ Round-trip Hanoi transfer (limousine/shuttle)
  • ✓ All meals on board
  • ✓ Welcome drink & afternoon tea
  • ✓ Non-alcoholic beverages
  • ✓ Guided kayaking
  • ✓ Swimming at designated areas
  • ✓ Cave guided tours
  • ✓ Cooking class (Vietnamese cuisine)
  • ✓ Morning Tai Chi
  • ✓ Squid fishing (evening)
  • ✓ Entrance & conservation fees
  • ✓ Access to pool, gym, sauna

Extra Cost

  • ✗ Alcoholic beverages
  • ✗ Spa massage treatments
  • ✗ Laundry service
  • ✗ Travel insurance
  • ✗ Single supplement
Getting There

Departure Port &
Transport from Hanoi

Departure point: No. 11, Tuan Chau International Port, Ha Long City (~165 km from Hanoi, 3.5h via Expressway 5B). Guests transfer to Aqua of the Seas by speedboat from the port lounge.

Cruise Transfer

Recommended

Shared luxury minibus/limousine from Hanoi Old Quarter. Hotel pickup included. English-speaking guide. Departs ~07:30–08:00 AM.

Shared limousine (incl.)Included
Private car upgrade (2 pax)+$45
Airport pickup (Noi Bai)+$15/pp

Self-Travel Options

Budget Alternative

Independent travel adds logistical complexity. Not recommended for first-time visitors. Allow 3.5h total travel time from Hanoi city center.

Open-tour bus~$10–15
Itinerary

Cruise Route
Day by Day

The following outlines the standard itinerary. Routes may be adjusted by the captain for weather, tides, and sea conditions. Longer sailings extend the route into more remote bay areas.

Day 1 · 11:30
Port Check-In & Speedboat Transfer
Arrive at No. 11, Tuan Chau International Port. Check-in at the port lounge. Transfer by speedboat to Aqua of the Seas. Welcome drink, cabin check-in.
Day 1 · 13:00
Lunch & Sail into Lan Ha Bay
Buffet lunch served while Aqua sails into Lan Ha Bay. First views of limestone karsts along the quieter southern corridor.
Day 1 · 15:00
Tra Bau Area — Swimming & Kayaking
Arrive at Tra Bau area in Lan Ha Bay. Swimming in crystal-clear emerald water. Guided kayaking around rocky islets.
Day 1 · Evening
Sunset Pool, Dinner & Squid Fishing
Glass-walled sunset. Cocktails by the pool (at cost). Dinner in the restaurant. Squid fishing off the stern at night.
Day 2 · 06:30
Morning Tai Chi & Lan Ha Bay Kayaking
Sunrise Tai Chi on deck. Morning kayaking through hidden lagoons accessible only by kayak.
Day 2 · 10:00
Quan Y Cave, Cat Ba Island (3D/2N)
Visit Quan Y Cave on Cat Ba Island — a cave with a history of wartime use as a military hospital. Guided tour.
Day 3 · 09:00
Beach Landing & Return
Final morning beach stop on a secluded Lan Ha Bay beach. Brunch while sailing to port. Disembark and return to Hanoi.
Where to Book

Compare Prices
Across Booking Platforms

Prices for Aqua of the Seas vary across platforms due to promotions, cancellation policies, and seasonal rates. Check all platforms before booking. Prices shown are indicative for the shortest available itinerary, per person, double occupancy.

✦ Most Reviews
Booking.com
~$195
per person · shortest itinerary
Largest review base. Free cancellation on most rates. Genius discounts available. Secure card payment.
Check on Booking.com →
Agoda.com
~$195
per person · shortest itinerary
Competitive Southeast Asia rates. AgodaCash rewards on every booking. Good for last-minute deals.
Check on Agoda →
Klook
~$195
per person · shortest itinerary
Popular with Asian travelers. Mobile vouchers. Klook Credits cashback on bookings.
Check on Klook →
Price Disclaimer: All prices are indicative and subject to change. Seasonal rates, promotions, and availability affect final pricing. Always verify on the booking platform before purchase.
Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit
Halong Bay

Halong Bay's subtropical climate delivers four distinct experiences across the year. Understanding the seasonal rhythm helps you choose the right time for your cruise.

Nov – Feb
Cool & Misty
⭐⭐⭐⭐
15–20°C. Atmospheric mist. Excellent for photography. Fewer crowds.
Mar – Apr
Shoulder Peak
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
22–28°C. Clear skies. Ideal swimming. Best overall value.
May – Sep
Hot Season
⭐⭐⭐
28–35°C. Typhoon risk Jul–Sep. Busiest period. Book early.
Oct – Nov
Autumn Ideal
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
22–27°C. Lowest rainfall. Crystal-clear water. Quieter bays.
Inside Knowledge

Expert Tips for
Aqua of the Seas

Accumulated insights from repeat guests and travel specialists with first-hand Aqua of the Seas experience.

Glass Gym at Sunrise — Do It
The gym on Aqua of the Seas is enclosed in glass on three sides. A workout at 06:30 while the ship anchors in misty morning light, with limestone towers visible through the glass, is an experience worth getting up early for.
2023 Build Means No Quirks
Older Halong Bay cruises (2016–2019) can show signs of wear — worn grout, dated fixtures, temperamental plumbing. As a 2023 build, Aqua is still in its first years with none of these issues. For those who notice details, this matters.
Book the 160 m² Family Suite Early
The Family Suite on Aqua of the Seas is the largest cabin available on any cruise in this comparison at 160 sq. m. It books out faster than any other cabin — particularly among families and groups. Request well in advance.
Speedboat Embarkation Is Part of the Experience
Unlike cruises that board directly at the marina, Aqua of the Seas embarkation involves a short speedboat transfer from the port to the ship anchored slightly offshore. This is intentional — it begins the 'at sea' feeling from the first moment.
Common Questions

Frequently Asked
Questions

What is the Scandinavian design approach and why does it matter? +
Aqua of the Seas was designed using Scandinavian principles: clean lines, large glass surfaces, warm wood accents, and minimal ornamentation. Practically, this means lighter cabins, better bay views from every corner of the ship, and an uncluttered aesthetic that feels calm rather than busy.
How does the 160 sq. m Family Suite work? +
The Family Suite is the largest cabin on any cruise in this guide. It accommodates up to 6 guests across multiple bedrooms, with two ensuites, a private terrace, and full-bay panoramic views. Contact the cruise directly to confirm the exact bedroom configuration for your group.
Is the gym usable at all hours? +
The gym on Deck 3 is typically accessible from 06:00 to 22:00. Equipment includes cardio machines and weights. The glass walls make it the most scenic gym on any Halong Bay cruise.
Does Aqua of the Seas operate in bad weather? +
The steel hull provides better stability than traditional wooden vessels in rough conditions. In the event of a typhoon warning or official Halong Bay closure, the cruise is cancelled and guests are offered a full refund or rescheduling.