6-Star · Launched 2021 · Halong Bay
Elite of
the Seas
Vietnam's first and only 6-star cruise ship. Unrivalled luxury, panoramic suites, and the bay's largest swimming pool.
35
Suites
6★
Rating
5
Max Nights
2021
Built
Why Choose This Cruise
Elite of the Seas vs.
Other Halong Bay Cruises
Elite of the Seas stands apart as the only 6-star rated vessel in all of Vietnam. While most luxury cruises reach a 5-star ceiling, Elite was purpose-built in 2021 to surpass every existing benchmark — from suite dimensions to onboard amenities.
Vietnam's Only 6-Star Cruise
No other vessel in Halong Bay holds a 6-star designation. Independently assessed for service, safety, and luxury standards that go beyond the 5-star tier common to competitor ships.
Largest On-Bay Swimming Pool
The full-size infinity pool is the largest of any cruise ship operating in Halong Bay. Open year-round, heated in cooler months, with panoramic bay views on three sides.
Onboard Mini-Golf Course
One of only two cruises in Halong Bay with a putting green. A signature feature that sets Elite apart from every other luxury vessel in the bay.
Bathtub in Every Suite
All 35 suites include a private bathtub overlooking the bay — a feature still rare among even top-rated 5-star Halong Bay cruises.
Panoramic Balcony on All Cabins
Every suite has a floor-to-ceiling glass balcony. Unlike many cruises where lower-deck rooms face inward or have obstructed views, all 35 suites enjoy unobstructed water vistas.
Up to 5-Night Itineraries
Elite offers 2, 3, 4 and 5-night options — more duration flexibility than the majority of Halong Bay cruises, which cap at 2 or 3 nights.
Head-to-Head: Elite vs. Top Competitors
Comparing key features across the leading luxury cruises on Halong Bay.
| Feature | Elite of the Seas | Stellar of the Seas | Heritage Binh Chuan | Hermes Cruise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Rating | 6-Star | 5-Star | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| No. of Suites | 35 | 22 | 20 | 18 |
| Swimming Pool | ✓ Largest (year-round) | ✓ | ✓ Seasonal | ✓ Two pools |
| Bathtub in Room | ✓ All suites | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mini-Golf | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Fitness Room | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Children Playroom | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Max Nights | 5 nights | 4 nights | 3 nights | 2 nights |
| Year Built | 2021 | 2018 | 2019 | 2022 |
| Typical Price (2D/1N) | From $299/pp | From $280/pp | From $320/pp | From $260/pp |
Itineraries
Choose Your
Duration
Elite of the Seas offers four cruise lengths — from a brief overnight escape to a full five-day immersion in Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. Longer itineraries unlock remote anchorages and additional activities unavailable on shorter trips.
1
Night · 2 Days
Ideal for those short on time. Covers the iconic highlights of Halong Bay including Surprise Cave and Titop Island.
From
$299 /person
2
Nights · 3 Days
The most popular choice. Adds a full second day with kayaking, Lan Ha Bay, and a visit to Viet Hai Village.
From
$499 /person
3
Nights · 4 Days
For the discerning traveler. Remote anchorages, cooking class, sunrise yoga, and deeper exploration of Lan Ha Bay.
From
$699 /person
4
Nights · 5 Days
Exclusive to Elite of the Seas among top Halong cruises. Full circuit of both bays with private island picnic.
From
$899 /person
Our Recommendation
The 3-day/2-night itinerary offers the best balance of depth and value. You'll spend meaningful time in both Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay without the added expense of nights 3–4, where marginal returns on new sights begin to diminish.
The Vessel
Ship Details &
Onboard Facilities
Built in 2021 by a Vietnamese luxury shipyard, Elite of the Seas was engineered from the keel up as a 6-star vessel. Steel-hulled with a traditional junk silhouette refined by a modern design team, the ship accommodates a maximum of 70 guests — ensuring an intimate, uncrowded experience.
| Launch Year | 2021 |
| Star Rating | 6-Star (only in Vietnam) |
| Number of Suites | 35 |
| Max Capacity | 70 guests |
| Hull Material | Steel |
| Operating Area | Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay |
Luxury Level Assessment
Elite of the Seas is positioned at the absolute apex of the Halong Bay cruise market. Comparable in service standards to a small boutique hotel at sea, it targets guests who would typically book a 5-star resort but want the unique experience of sleeping on the bay. The 6-star designation reflects staffing ratios, suite specifications, F&B quality, and safety certifications that exceed the conventional luxury benchmark.
Fine Dining Restaurant
Full-service restaurant with panoramic bay views, serving Vietnamese and international cuisine prepared by executive chefs.
Indoor & Outdoor Bar
Dual-concept bar: indoor lounge for quiet evenings, outdoor sundeck bar for sunset cocktails with bay views.
Wine & Cigars Cellar
Curated wine list of 80+ labels with temperature-controlled storage. Premium cigar selection from Cuba and Vietnam.
Mini-Golf Course
9-hole putting green on the sundeck — one of only two in all of Halong Bay. Equipment and instruction available.
Infinity Swimming Pool
The largest on-bay pool among all cruises. Heated year-round, open deck, with an infinity edge facing the limestone karsts.
Sauna, Spa & Massage
Full-service spa with traditional Vietnamese massage, hot stone therapy, and aromatherapy. Sauna available daily.
Fitness Room
Fully-equipped gym with cardio machines and free weights. One of very few Halong Bay cruises with a dedicated gym.
Children's Playroom
Dedicated kids' space with supervised activities. Makes Elite one of the most family-friendly luxury cruises in the bay.
Wi-Fi (Select Areas)
Satellite Wi-Fi available in common areas. Connection quality varies by position in the bay.
Accommodation
Suite
Categories
All 35 suites aboard Elite of the Seas feature private balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and ensuite bathrooms with a bathtub. The four categories differ in floor area and deck position.
Elite Junior Suite
28 sq. m · Decks 1–2
- Private panoramic balcony
- En-suite bathroom with bathtub
- King or twin bed configuration
- Air conditioning & ceiling fan
- Minibar, safe, hair dryer
- Bay-view writing desk
From $299 /person /night (double occ.)
Elite Senior Suite
30 sq. m · Deck 2
- Wider private balcony with loungers
- Freestanding soaking bathtub
- King bed with premium bedding
- Separate walk-in wardrobe
- Nespresso machine & minibar
- Bathrobe & premium toiletries
From $379 /person /night (double occ.)
Elite Executive Suite
32 sq. m · Deck 3 (Upper)
- Top-deck panoramic balcony
- Bathtub with bay-view window
- King bed + sitting area with sofa
- Complimentary minibar on arrival
- Priority dinner reservation
- Welcome fruit platter & flowers
From $459 /person /night (double occ.)
Elite President Suite
60 sq. m · Deck 3 (Corner)
- Double-width wraparound balcony
- Dual-aspect bay & mountain views
- Separate living room & bedroom
- Jacuzzi tub + separate rain shower
- Dedicated butler service
- Private dining option on balcony
- Complimentary spa treatment (1/stay)
From $699 /person /night (double occ.)
What's Included
Cruise
Inclusions
Elite of the Seas operates on an all-inclusive basis. The following is included in all cabin rates for all itinerary lengths. A small number of premium upgrades are available at extra cost.
Included in All Rates
- Round-trip transfer from Hanoi (luxury minibus or private car)
- All meals: daily breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Welcome drinks & daily afternoon tea
- Non-alcoholic beverages with meals
- Bay cruise & all sailing time
- Guided kayaking excursion
- Cave & island guided tours
- Sunrise Tai Chi on deck
- Squid fishing experience (evening)
- Cooking class (Vietnamese spring rolls)
- Entrance fees to all sites
- Bay conservation fee & port taxes
- Use of all onboard facilities
- Snorkeling equipment rental
- Life jackets & safety equipment
Available at Extra Cost
- Alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, spirits)
- Spa treatments & massage
- Private balcony dining setup
- Romantic candlelit dinner decoration
- Laundry service
- International phone calls / fax
- Travel insurance
- Single supplement (solo travelers)
Food & Drink Quality
Elite's kitchen team is led by a trained executive chef. Menus rotate daily and emphasize fresh Halong Bay seafood, seasonal Vietnamese vegetables, and international options. Dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal) are accommodated with advance notice.
Getting There
Departure Port &
Transport from Hanoi
Elite of the Seas departs from Tuan Chau International Marina, Ha Long City — approximately 165 km east of Hanoi. The marina is a modern, purpose-built port with covered waiting areas, luggage storage, and a café. Drive time from Hanoi is 3–3.5 hours via Expressway 5B.
Departure Point
Marina Name
Tuan Chau International Marina
Address
Tuan Chau Island, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province
Distance from Hanoi
~165 km / ~103 miles
Check-in Time
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Cruise Transfer (Included)
Recommended · Hassle-FreeElite of the Seas arranges shared luxury minibus transfers from central Hanoi (Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh). Private car upgrades available at extra cost. Includes driver, English-speaking guide, and hotel pickup.
Shared minibus (included)Free
Private car upgrade (2 pax)+$45
Private SUV upgrade (4 pax)+$65
Pickup from airport (Noi Bai)+$15/person
Self-Travel Options
Budget AlternativeIndependent travelers can reach Tuan Chau Marina by public bus, open-tour bus, or private car hire. Not recommended for first-time visitors; road signage in English is limited and traffic from Hanoi can be unpredictable.
Hanoi–Ha Long public bus~$4–7/person
Open-tour bus~$10–15/person
Private taxi from Hanoi~$70–90 one way
GrabCar (surge pricing applies)~$60–80 one way
Pro Tip: Transfer Timing
The included transfer departs Hanoi at 7:30–8:00 AM. If you're flying in the morning of departure, book the airport pickup add-on or consider arriving in Hanoi the night before to avoid stress.
Return Transfer
Return transport drops guests back in Hanoi city center around 4:30–5:00 PM. If you have an evening flight, this is usually sufficient time. Ask the cruise to confirm exact timing when booking.
Itinerary
Cruise Route
(3-Day Sample)
The following outlines the standard 3-day/2-night itinerary. Longer sailings extend into the remote eastern reaches of Lan Ha Bay and include a private island picnic lunch. Routes may be adjusted by the captain for weather and sea conditions.
Day 1 · 12:00 – 18:00
Embarkation & First Sail
Board at Tuan Chau Marina. Welcome lunch served as the ship sails past Bai Chay Bridge into the open bay. First views of the limestone karst landscape. Afternoon: kayaking around floating fishing villages. Sunset cocktails on the sundeck. Dinner at anchor in a quiet bay.
Day 1 · Evening
Overnight at Halong Bay
Ship anchors in a secluded cove away from the day-tripper crowds. Squid fishing off the stern for guests who wish to participate. Ship position: approximately 20 km east of departure marina.
Day 2 · 06:00 – 18:00
Surprise Cave & Lan Ha Bay
Early risers: sunrise Tai Chi on deck. Breakfast while sailing. Morning visit to Surprise Cave (Hang Sung Sot) — one of Halong Bay's largest grottos. After lunch, the ship crosses into Lan Ha Bay, passing Cat Ba Island's forested cliffs. Afternoon kayaking through hidden lagoons. Swim stop at a secluded beach.
Day 2 · Evening
Anchor in Lan Ha Bay
Second overnight anchor in Lan Ha Bay, generally quieter and more pristine than Halong Bay's central zone. Evening: cooking class for Vietnamese spring rolls, followed by dinner.
Day 3 · 07:00 – 12:00
Viet Hai Village & Return
Optional morning bike ride to Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba Island — a remote farming village accessible only by boat. Return to ship for brunch. Disembarkation and transfer back to Hanoi by 16:30–17:00.
Where to Book
Compare Prices
Across Booking Platforms
Prices for Elite of the Seas vary slightly across platforms due to different promotions, cancellation policies, and bundled inclusions. We recommend checking all platforms before booking. Prices shown are indicative for 2D/1N, per person based on double occupancy in a Junior Suite.
✦ Most Reviews
Booking.com
~$299
per person · 2D/1N · Junior Suite
Free cancellation on most rates. Largest number of guest reviews. Genius discounts available. Secure payment.
Check on Booking.com →Agoda.com
~$289
per person · 2D/1N · Junior Suite
Often slightly cheaper. AgodaCash rewards. Strong in Southeast Asia. Good for last-minute rates.
Check on Agoda →Klook
~$305
per person · 2D/1N · Junior Suite
Popular with Asian travelers. Mobile vouchers. Klook Credits rewards. App-only discounts available.
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. Prices shown are for low season reference.
Planning
Best Time to Cruise
Halong Bay
Halong Bay's weather follows a subtropical pattern with four distinct phases. Each season offers a different experience — from misty winter mornings to crystal-clear autumn skies. Here's what to expect month by month.
Nov – Feb
Cool & Misty
Cooler temps 15–20°C. Atmospheric mist over karsts. Lower crowds. Light rain possible. Best for photography.
Mar – Apr
Shoulder Peak
Warm 22–28°C. Clear skies. Ideal for swimming. Moderate crowds. Best overall value period.
May – Sep
Hot & Humid
28–35°C. Typhoon risk Jul–Sep. Full swimming season. Busiest period. Book 2–3 months ahead.
Oct – Nov
Autumn Ideal
22–27°C. Lowest rainfall. Crystal-clear water. Quieter bays. Best visibility for kayaking and snorkeling.
Inside Knowledge
Expert Tips for
Elite of the Seas
Accumulated insights from guests and travel specialists who have sailed with Elite of the Seas multiple times.
Request a High-Deck Cabin
When booking, request a Deck 3 cabin. The additional elevation dramatically improves your view over the water and reduces engine noise. The President Suite corner position on Deck 3 is the most coveted room on the ship.
Book Spa on Day 1 Afternoon
Spa slots fill up quickly. As soon as you board, walk straight to the spa reception and book your treatment for Day 1 afternoon while the ship is sailing to its first anchorage. Day 2 slots are typically fully booked within an hour of departure.
Bring USD Cash for Drinks
Alcoholic beverages are not included and are priced in USD. A bottle of house wine runs $18–25, cocktails $6–9. Cards are accepted but USD cash is preferred and avoids a 3% surcharge.
Skip the First Cave, Focus on Kayaking
If activities conflict, prioritize the kayaking slot over the first cave tour. The cave is beautiful but brief; the kayaking through hidden lagoons is the experience most guests call the highlight of the entire trip.
Pack Light — One Bag Rule
Storage in suites is adequate but not generous. One medium suitcase plus a day bag is ideal. There's no need for formal clothing; smart-casual is the dress code for dinner.
Sunrise on Deck Is Non-Negotiable
Set an alarm for 5:45 AM on Day 2. The 20-minute window after dawn, when mist lifts off the limestone towers, is unlike anything else in Southeast Asia. The sundeck will be empty at that hour — it's yours alone.
Extend Your Trip
Nearby Attractions &
Day Trips
Halong Bay sits within easy reach of several other remarkable destinations in northern Vietnam. Combine your cruise with one of the following to maximize your trip.
Cat Ba Island
Island · National Park
The largest island in Halong Bay, with a national park, beaches, and the remote Viet Hai Village. Elite of the Seas includes a stop here on 3D+ itineraries.
Ninh Binh
UNESCO Heritage · River Cruise
"Halong Bay on Land" — dramatic karst landscape explored by sampan boat. 2-hour drive from Hanoi. Easily combined as a day trip before or after your cruise.
Hanoi Old Quarter
City · Culture
Your likely arrival city. Spend 1–2 nights before your cruise to recover from jet lag and explore the 36 Streets, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the weekend night market.
Bai Tu Long Bay
Bay · Untouched
Adjacent to Halong Bay, less visited, equally spectacular. The 5-night Elite itinerary ventures into Bai Tu Long Bay for a full day — a significant differentiator.
Tuan Chau Island
Beach Resort · Entertainment
A resort island adjacent to the departure marina. Worth a brief walk before embarkation. The Sun World Halong Complex here offers entertainment if you arrive the night before.
Ha Long City
City · Seafood Market
The gateway city to Halong Bay. The Bai Chay Night Market offers exceptional fresh seafood at a fraction of cruise prices. Good for the night before your departure.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
Questions
Is Elite of the Seas suitable for families with children? +
Yes. Elite of the Seas is one of the most family-friendly luxury cruises on Halong Bay, with a dedicated children's playroom, babysitting service on request, and a swimming pool. Children under 4 are typically free; ages 4–11 receive a 50% discount. Connecting cabin arrangements are available on request.
Can I book a solo cabin? +
Yes. A single supplement applies — typically 50–75% of the double occupancy rate. This varies by season and cabin type. Book directly with the cruise for the best single rates.
What is the cancellation policy? +
When booking via Booking.com: most rates are free cancellation up to 7 days before departure. Within 7 days, cancellation penalties apply. Direct bookings generally offer more flexible terms. Check the specific rate conditions at time of booking.
Does the cruise operate in all weather conditions? +
The cruise operates year-round. In the event of a typhoon warning or severe weather, the cruise operator will postpone or reroute for safety. Guests are entitled to a full refund or rescheduling if the cruise is cancelled due to weather.
Is the 6-star rating officially recognized? +
Vietnam's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism officially classifies hotels and cruises up to 5 stars. The 6-star designation used by Elite of the Seas is a marketing classification awarded by an independent international hospitality assessment body, reflecting standards that exceed the national 5-star benchmark. It is not a government designation.
What should I pack for a Halong Bay cruise? +
Essentials: lightweight clothes, swimwear, sunscreen (reef-safe preferred), insect repellent, light jacket for evenings (Oct–Mar), comfortable walking shoes for cave visits, and motion sickness medication if susceptible. The bay is generally calm, but some guests find the journey from Hanoi slightly rough if seasick.