Elite of The Seas Cruise 2Days/1Night included Transfer Limousin

Traveling to Vietnam and eager to experience its famed coastline without the crowds? The Elite of The Seas Cruise offers a curated escape from the bustling tourist spots of Halong Bay, focusing instead on the peaceful shores of Bai Tu Long Bay. With a solid 4.5-star rating from 17 reviews, this tour promises a blend of stunning scenery, authentic activities, and delicious cuisine, all wrapped into a comfortable, thoughtfully organized package.

What makes this experience stand out? Firstly, the chance to explore less crowded, more authentic parts of the bay that most travelers miss. Secondly, the gourmet meals, especially the 8-course imperial dinner, provide a taste of luxury and local flavors. Thirdly, the knowledgeable guides and well-planned itinerary ensure you get a deep, engaging experience without the hassle of navigating yourself. On the downside, some reviews mention concerns about environmental issues like pollution, which might be a consideration if eco-conscious travel is a priority. This cruise is perfect for travelers who want a well-rounded, scenic, and authentic taste of Halong Bay’s quieter side.

Key Points

• Unique Focus on Bai Tu Long Bay: Less crowded and more tranquil than the main tourist spots.
• Authentic Activities: Swimming, bamboo boat rides, cave exploration, and fishing.
• Gourmet Dining: Multiple meals including an impressive 8-course dinner and a cooking class.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Pickup, drop-off, accommodations, and meals included for ease.
• Small Group Size: Limited to 22 travelers for more personalized attention.
• Environmental Concerns: Several reviews point out pollution issues, worth considering.

An Authentic, Well-Organized Experience

The Elite of The Seas Cruise aims to balance comfort, adventure, and culture. At just over two days, the tour packs in a wide array of activities and sights, making it a great choice for travelers who want to maximize their time and experience the bay’s natural beauty without feeling rushed.

Transportation and Convenience: The journey begins early at 7:30 am with a pickup from your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel, in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. This door-to-door service is a real perk, saving you from the logistical stress of navigating Hanoi traffic or booking separate transfers. The group is capped at 22, allowing for a more intimate experience, where it’s easier to ask questions and engage with guides like Tuan or others noted for their friendly, knowledgeable demeanor in reviews.

Onboard Experience: Once aboard, you’ll be welcomed by a crew that many reviewers describe as attentive and engaging. The cruise itself offers a cozy, authentic boat experience, with rooms that let you enjoy the scenery even while relaxing.

Scenic Highlights and Activities: The itinerary emphasizes quieter spots, with visits to Vung Vieng pearl farm, Thien Canh Son Cave, and Ban Chan Beach—places that are generally less crowded than the main Halong Bay attractions. Many reviewers talk about kayaking, fishing, and even a cooking class, which add a hands-on feel to the trip. Notably, the activities are designed to be inclusive, catering to all ages and fitness levels, which is reflected in comments about kayaking and cave visits being suitable for families and older travelers alike.

Exploring Bai Tu Long Bay and Beyond

The main highlight is the chance to see Bai Tu Long Bay instead of the busy Halong Bay. This area features dramatic limestone formations, fewer boats, and a more peaceful atmosphere. Several reviewers have mentioned that the scenery here is spectacular and that the smaller crowds make for a more peaceful experience.

Sunrise and Sunset Views: The cruise provides opportunities to witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the limestone islands. One reviewer even quoted feeling connected with the landscape, noting that the views during the cruise allow you to see different perspectives of the mountains and sea, even from the comfort of your room.

Activities on Board and Shore: Expect a variety of engaging options. You might swim at Ban Chan Beach, take a bamboo boat ride to Vung Vieng fishing village and pearl farm, or explore Thien Canh Son Cave. Several reviews praised the active itinerary, with kayaking and cave exploration being highlights. For those interested in local culture, the visit to the pearl farm offers insight into Vietnam’s pearl industry, and the cooking class gives you a taste of local culinary traditions.

Authentic Experiences: Rather than just sightseeing, this tour emphasizes participation. You can learn to cook Vietnamese dishes, try squid fishing at night, or practice Tai Chi in the early morning. Reviewers have expressed that these activities add a memorable, hands-on element to the trip.

Food and Dining: The Culinary Highlight

One of the standout aspects of this cruise is the quality of food. Many reviews note the delicious, abundant meals onboard, especially the 8-course imperial dinner which is described as both visually appealing and flavorful. The inclusion of breakfast and lunch ensures you’re well-fed, allowing you to focus on the scenery and activities.

Cooking Class: Several travelers appreciate the chance to learn local recipes firsthand, which adds an educational layer to the experience and leaves you with a new skill.

Dining Atmosphere: Expect gourmet presentation with fresh ingredients. Reviewers mention attentive staff who ensure everyone’s dietary needs are met, making the onboard dining a warming, convivial experience.

The Scenic Beauty and Environmental Realities

While the scenery is often described as stunning—especially the limestone islands, caves, and quiet beaches—some reviews flag environmental concerns. A few mention the pollution problem, with floating rubbish detracting from the natural beauty and making swimming less appealing. It’s a reminder that even in this seemingly idyllic setting, environmental issues are ongoing.

As a traveler, you might find that the quieter spots and eco-conscious efforts vary depending on the season and local management. It’s worth being mindful of your own impact and choosing tours that promote responsible tourism if that’s a priority for you.

Practical Considerations and Value

At a price of $580 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive package: hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, accommodation, all meals, and activities. It’s certainly on the higher end, but many reviewers feel the quality of the experience justifies the cost, especially considering the included services and personalized approach.

Group Size and Comfort: Small groups mean more personalized attention and a more relaxed vibe. The cruise’s intimate setting allows for better engagement with guides and fellow travelers.

Duration: The 2-day, 1-night itinerary strikes a good balance—enough time to see key sights and relax, without feeling overly rushed.

Potential Drawbacks: The non-refundable policy means you should be confident in your plans before booking. Also, environmental concerns mean some travelers might find the pollution and rubbish issues disappointing, which could detract from the otherwise scenic experience.

This cruise is ideal for adventurous travelers who want to see a less touristy side of Halong Bay, enjoy quality meals, and participate in authentic activities. It suits those who appreciate small-group experiences and are willing to pay a premium for comfort and convenience. Families, couples, or groups of friends looking for a memorable, scenic getaway will find plenty to love here.

Travelers concerned about environmental sustainability might want to research further or consider eco-conscious options, but overall, this tour offers a blend of natural beauty, culture, and comfort that’s hard to beat for a quick Vietnam escape.

What is included in the tour?
The tour price covers hotel pickup and drop-off in Hanoi, transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, one night of accommodation on the cruise, and all meals including an 8-course dinner. Activities like cave visits, swimming, bamboo boat rides, and fishing are also included.

How many people are in each group?
The tour caps at 22 travelers, making it a small-group experience that allows for more personalized attention and better interaction with guides.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities, swimwear for swimming, sun protection like hats and sunscreen, and a camera to capture the scenery. Consider a small bag for personal items and some cash for optional extras like beverages or souvenirs.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the activities are designed for a broad range of ages and fitness levels. Kayaking, cave exploration, and fishing are generally suitable for most travelers, but always check if you have specific health concerns.

Are meals vegetarian or vegan options available?
Most reviews mention delicious meals, but it’s best to confirm dietary preferences when booking, as attentive staff aim to accommodate various needs.

What about pollution concerns?
Some reviews mention rubbish floating in parts of Halong Bay, which can affect swimming and overall scenery. The focus of this tour on Bai Tu Long Bay might mitigate this issue, but environmental conditions can vary.

Can I cancel or change my booking?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be altered once booked, so plan accordingly before confirming your reservation.

The Elite of The Seas Cruise offers a carefully curated escape into Vietnam’s quieter, more authentic bay areas. It’s a fantastic choice for those seeking a blend of scenic beauty, engaging activities, and gourmet dining, all wrapped in a small-group, hassle-free package. While environmental concerns are worth noting, many travelers find the overall experience to be well worth the cost, especially those eager to see a less commercialized side of Halong Bay.

If you’re looking for a scenic, activity-rich, and comfortable way to explore Bai Tu Long Bay and beyond, this cruise delivers on many counts—making it a memorable highlight of your Vietnam trip.