Hanoi Cruise
 
 
5-Star · Launched 2022 · Two Swimming Pools

Hermes
Cruise

The only Halong Bay cruise with two outdoor swimming pools — neoclassical luxury with private Jacuzzi tubs in every cabin.

18
Suites
5★
Rating
3
Max Nights
2022
Built
Hermes Cruise
From $260 per person · All Inclusive

Hermes Cruise
Highlights

Hermes Cruise holds a singular distinction: it is the first and only cruise in all of Halong Bay to feature two separate outdoor swimming pools. Launched in 2022 alongside Erina as one of the bay's newest vessels, Hermes combines neoclassical architecture with high-specification cabins of 28–64 sq. m, all featuring private balconies and jacuzzi tubs. The route covers Halong Bay's UNESCO highlights including Surprise Cave, Titop Island, Trong Cave, and a pearl farm village.

First & Only: Two Swimming Pools
Two separate outdoor swimming pools on different decks — a completely unique feature among all cruise ships operating in Halong Bay.
Jacuzzi Tub in All 18 Cabins
Every cabin includes a private jacuzzi bathtub. Combined with the two pools, Hermes offers more water-based relaxation than any other cruise on the bay.
Neoclassical Design
Designed in a European neoclassical style with decorative moldings, marble-effect surfaces, and warm gold accents throughout.
2022 New Build
Alongside Erina, Hermes is among the newest ships in the bay. Everything — engines, interiors, plumbing, safety systems — is brand new.
Pearl Farm Village Visit
A stop at a traditional pearl cultivation village is included in all itineraries — a hands-on cultural experience with local artisans.
UNESCO Heritage Route
The route is plotted to include Halong Bay's most photographed landmarks: Surprise Cave, Titop Island, Trong Cave, and Dong Tien Lake.

Choose Your
Duration

Select the itinerary length that suits your schedule and depth of exploration. Longer itineraries unlock additional bays, villages, and activities.

1
Night · 2 Days
Bay UNESCO highlights with dual-pool access.
From
$260 /person

Suite
Categories

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

Deluxe Cabin
Deluxe Cabin
28 sq. m
  • Private balcony with glass doors
  • Jacuzzi bathtub
  • Neoclassical decor
  • King or twin beds
  • Natural light & bay view
From $260 /person /night (double occ.)
Superior Cabin
Superior Cabin
36 sq. m
  • Wider balcony with lounger
  • Jacuzzi with bay-view window
  • King bed
  • Nespresso machine
  • Marble-effect bathroom
From $330 /person /night (double occ.)
Executive Suite
Executive Suite
48 sq. m
  • Large balcony
  • Separate soaking jacuzzi area
  • Sitting room
  • Priority pool reservations
  • Welcome champagne
From $430 /person /night (double occ.)
Presidential Suite
Presidential Suite
64 sq. m
  • Largest cabin on ship
  • Wraparound balcony
  • Dual en-suite
  • Private pool time reservation
  • Butler on call
From $620 /person /night (double occ.)

Ship Details &
Onboard Facilities

Hermes Cruise was built to a high specification with modern safety systems and luxury finishes throughout. The following summarizes key vessel details.

Launch Year 2022
Star Rating 5-Star
No. of Cabins 18
Max Capacity 36 guests
Unique Feature Two Outdoor Pools — First in Halong Bay
Onboard Facilities Include
  • ✓ Fine dining restaurant with bay views
  • ✓ Bar & lounge with craft cocktail menu
  • ✓ Spa & traditional Vietnamese massage
  • ✓ Sundeck with loungers
  • ✓ Swimming pool or jacuzzi
  • ✓ Kayaking equipment & life vests
  • ✓ Guided activity program daily
  • ✓ 24-hour reception & room service

Cruise
Inclusions

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

Included

  • Round-trip Hanoi transfer
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Welcome drinks & afternoon tea
  • Non-alcoholic beverages with meals
  • Guided kayaking excursion
  • Cave & island guided tours
  • Sunrise Tai Chi on deck
  • Cooking class
  • Entrance & port fees
  • Use of all onboard facilities

Extra Cost

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Spa treatments & massage
  • Private dining setup
  • Laundry service
  • Travel insurance
  • Single supplement

Departure Port &
Transport from Hanoi

Most cruises depart from Tuan Chau International Marina in Ha Long City, approximately 165 km from Hanoi (3–3.5 hours). The cruise includes a shared luxury minibus transfer from central Hanoi.

Cruise Transfer (Included)

Recommended · Hassle-Free

Shared luxury minibus from central Hanoi. Hotel pickup included. English-speaking guide. Private car upgrade available.

Shared minibusIncluded
Private car upgrade (2 pax)+$45
Airport pickup add-on+$15/person

Self-Travel

Budget Alternative

Independent options exist but add logistical complexity. Not recommended for first-time visitors.

Open-tour bus~$10–15

Cruise Route
Day by Day

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

Day 1 · 12:00
Embarkation & Bay Entry
Board at Tuan Chau Marina. Welcome lunch. Sail into Halong Bay. First views of limestone karsts.
Day 1 · Afternoon
Surprise Cave & Titop Island
Guided tour of Surprise Cave (Hung Sot), one of Halong Bay's largest grottos. Titop Island beach stop with panoramic staircase climb.
Day 1 · Evening
Pool & Sundeck
Both pools open. Sunset from the upper sundeck. Evening: optional squid fishing.
Day 2 · Morning
Trong Cave & Dong Tien Lake
Morning excursion to Trong Cave and Dong Tien Lake — a freshwater lake inside a karst formation. Swimming at the lake.
Day 2 · Afternoon
Pearl Farm Village
Visit to a working pearl farm. Learn about cultivation. Fresh seafood lunch nearby.
Day 3 · Morning
Final Swim & Return
Last swim in pool or bay. Brunch. Disembark, return to Hanoi by 17:00.

Compare Prices
Across Booking Platforms

Prices for Hermes Cruise vary across platforms. Check all options before booking. Prices shown are indicative for the shortest itinerary, per person based on double occupancy.

✦ Most Reviews
Booking.com
~$260
per person · shortest itinerary
Largest review base. Free cancellation on most rates. Genius discounts available.
Check on Booking.com →
Agoda.com
~$260
per person · shortest itinerary
Strong Southeast Asia coverage. AgodaCash rewards. Good for last-minute deals.
Check on Agoda →
Klook
~$260
per person · shortest itinerary
Popular with Asian travelers. Mobile vouchers. Klook Credits cashback.
Check on Klook →
Price Disclaimer: All prices are indicative and subject to change based on season, availability, and promotions. Always verify current pricing on the booking platform before purchase.

Expert Tips for
Hermes Cruise

Insights from repeat guests and travel specialists who know this cruise well.

Two Pools — Use Both
Pool 1 on Deck 2 is shaded in the morning — good for lap swimming. Pool 2 on Deck 3 catches direct sun from 10 AM onwards — better for sunbathing. Plan accordingly.
Pearl Farm Is Worth Your Time
Most guests spend 45 minutes at the pearl farm and wish they'd had longer. The artisan who demonstrates pearl insertion has been doing it for 20+ years — genuinely fascinating.
2022 Hull Means Lower Vibration
Newer hull and propulsion means Hermes runs quieter and with less vibration than older cruise ships. If you're sensitive to engine noise while sleeping, Hermes is a good choice.
Titop Island Sunrise View
If you can arrange it with the captain (ask on Day 1), a brief solo sunrise walk to the Titop Island summit before the day trippers arrive is transcendent.

Best Time to Cruise
Halong Bay

Halong Bay's weather varies significantly by season. Each period offers a different experience — from atmospheric winter mist to crystal-clear autumn conditions.

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