Quang Ninh

Five-star cruises definitely offer a different experience compared to other budget cruises, the sense of luxury is definitely different! The "extended limousine" mentioned in the translation during the purchase was actually more like a slightly luxurious bus, with three people per row, making for a more comfortable ride! The pick-up and drop-off service to the old town was quite convenient for those staying there. KKDay also contacted us the day before with information and schedules, which was very thoughtful. The five-star cruise buffet offered both meat and vegetarian options, including grilled oysters, shrimp, and stir-fried squid. However, drinks were not included. The tour guide on the bus mentioned that bottled water wasn't allowed on board (probably to encourage them to sell drinks), but luckily I usually bring my own thermos filled with ice-cold water. A bottle of mineral water was also provided on the tour bus; those who really needed it should keep it in their bag, or at least not carry it in their hand, otherwise they would ask you to hand it over before boarding... In the afternoon, there was a buy-two-get-one-free offer on drinks. Around 4 PM, a simple afternoon tea was served as we prepared to return. Each table had a plate of shrimp cakes, a plate of small chocolate cupcakes, a plate of coconut cookies, and a plate of fruit to share. Two large pots of diluted, cheap-tasting fruit juice and tea were available for the whole ship. The journey took over two hours each way. On the way there, there were two stops: one for restrooms and one at Pearl Station (no forced purchases; you could buy coffee and smoothies near Pearl Station, though the cups were small, they tasted good). We arrived back in the old town around 9 PM. At one of the rest stops, the restrooms were out of water… thankfully, there were snacks for sale, but the tour guide only allowed five minutes… and my child was getting hungry (after all, afternoon tea was served around 4 PM, and we were still on the bus around 8 PM), so I quickly rushed to buy some cooked food for my child to eat on the bus. I recommend bringing some snacks in your bag; you can leave unimportant items on the ship or the tour bus to avoid getting hungry on the return trip, as traffic in the city can be quite congested. Overall, the itinerary was pretty good, but the journey from Hanoi city center was a bit arduous, so be prepared. The tour bus would have been even more luxurious if it were cleaner. Our guide was nice, but frankly, it's probably his job; he talks about the same things every day. His English is really fast, and sometimes I couldn't understand what he was saying. When I tried to answer him in slower English, he didn't understand some of what I said, and I had to rely on gestures… It was too hot to go to Hero Island. I found it more relaxing to sit on the boat and leisurely enjoy the beautiful scenery of Long Bay. With fewer people on board and more tranquility, it was much more relaxing.

The most striking feeling of visiting Ha Long Bay is stepping into a flowing "seascape painting." Known as the "Guilin of the Sea," it boasts thousands of limestone peaks rising abruptly from the sea! This isn't a rushed itinerary, but rather a "slow travel" perfect for enjoying the sea breeze and watching the mountains recede from the deck of a cruise ship. At dusk, the sea is bathed in golden light, and at night, the tranquility of the bay, listening to the waves, is something hard to find in the city. Entering Sung Sot Cave, you'll be awestruck by the massive stalactite dome, like stepping into an underwater palace. Climbing to the viewpoints on Paradise Island or Titop Island offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the thousands of islands; the sight at the top is well worth the leg ache. The guides were incredibly dedicated, staying with us throughout the entire trip. We were picked up from our hotel in downtown Hanoi, and the return trip was also in a super comfortable tour bus. The two-and-a-half-hour journey was completely exhausting, and I slept incredibly well – highly recommended!

At first, I was a bit worried to book this package because it was a new cruise, but in the end, I had a wonderful day. The boat is new, very clean, luxurious, and designed in a modern style. It’s the newest boat in their company, everything is well-arranged, itinerary is suitable. Transfer is comfortable, special the tour guide - Henry is the best. He is informative, friendly and funny. My favorite part was the experience on Ti Top Island, hiking up to enjoy the panoramic view of the bay. Kayaking at Luon Cave was a bit crowded, and I encountered many Chinese tourist groups who were a bit noisy. But I understand this is beyond the control of the organizers. Thanks for Hercules Team ❤️