Fantasea Cruise 3 Days 2 Nights On Boat

Taking a multi-day cruise on the waters of Ha Long Bay is a bucket-list experience for many travelers to Vietnam. The Fantasea Cruise offers a 3-day, 2-night adventure that promises a mix of scenic beauty, cultural activities, and modern comfort—all aboard a beautifully crafted traditional wooden vessel. While we haven’t personally sailed with this cruise, a thorough review of available info, traveler feedback, and tour details can help you decide if this trip fits your travel style.

What we love about this cruise is its elegant blend of classic design and contemporary amenities, making it a comfortable floating retreat. The well-planned itinerary provides a good balance of sightseeing, activities like kayaking and cave visits, and downtime to relax. The inclusion of meals, transfers, and guided excursions adds value, especially for those who want a hassle-free experience. However, some guests note that the cabins are on the smaller side and the age of the boat might affect some expectations.

This cruise would best suit travelers who value authentic boat experiences, are comfortable with group tours, and enjoy a mix of scenic exploration and culture. If you’re looking for a straightforward, well-organized adventure with plenty of opportunities for photo ops and relaxation, this could be a fit.

Key Points

• Traditional Wooden Style: The boat’s elegant Asian-inspired decor adds a charming, authentic vibe.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Packed with cave visits, kayaking, island stops, and a cooking class.
• Inclusive Meals & Transfers: All main meals, transport, and excursions are included, offering great value.
• Group Size: Limited to 28 travelers, maintaining an intimate atmosphere.
• Customer Feedback: Generally positive but with some comments on cabin size and boat age.
• Ideal For: Those seeking a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and cultural insights on Ha Long Bay.

An Honest Look at the Fantasea Cruise Experience

The Boat and Its Atmosphere

The Fantasea Cruise is outfitted in traditional wooden decor with Asian-inspired touches, spreading across three decks measuring 38 meters long, 8.5 meters wide, and 12 meters high. Its classic aesthetic creates a cozy, elegant environment that stands out amid the often modern, minimalist boats in Ha Long Bay. Inside, travelers can expect spacious, en-suite cabins with sea-view windows, air conditioning, and western toilets—definitely a plus for comfort after a day of exploring.

One traveler, Susanna, pointed out that the boat is “of a certain age,” and the cabins are quite small, making it tight to move around or manage luggage. She also noted that there’s only one power outlet per cabin, which might be a minor inconvenience if you’re carrying multiple devices. Still, the boat’s charm and the staff’s hospitality tend to compensate for these small drawbacks, especially given the overall value.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll Actually Do

Day 1: Welcome to Ha Long Bay

The tour kicks off early with hotel or private pickup in Hanoi, which is convenient for travelers staying in the city’s Old Quarter. The journey to Ha Long Bay via highway takes about four hours, passing the iconic Bach Dang Bridge—rich with historical tales—and offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s countryside.

Upon arrival at Tuan Chau harbor, you’ll transfer by tender to the Fantasea cruise, greeted with welcome drinks. The first meal is a Vietnamese-style lunch served onboard, giving you a taste of local flavors while passing by famous islets like Stone Dog, Incense Burner, and Fighting Cocks. The scenery here is already eye-catching, with limestone formations rising from the water.

Later in the afternoon, the ship anchors at Sung Sot (Surprising) Cave, one of the bay’s most renowned sights. Travelers often find these caves fascinating, with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The evening offers kayaking, swimming, or relaxing on deck as the sun sets, followed by a lively sunset party with wine and fresh fruits—an enjoyable way to unwind after a day of travel.

Dinner is served in a beautifully set restaurant, with the crew ensuring everyone is well-fed and comfortable. Afterward, guests can socialize, sing karaoke, or simply enjoy the peaceful night onboard.

Day 2: Island Adventures and Cultural Activities

The second day begins early with a pickup from Hanoi, arriving at Tuan Chau harbor by noon. The welcome onboard is warm, and you’ll find a traditional Vietnamese lunch served as the cruise explores stunning rock formations like Incense Burner and Fighting-cock.

The highlights of this day include a visit to Titov Island, where swimming, trekking, and panoramic views await. Kayaking around Luon Cave or Trong Cave offers a close-up experience of Ha Long’s limestone marvels. For those interested in culinary skills, a cooking class teaching spring rolls is also part of the plan, adding a fun, hands-on element to your trip.

As the sun begins to set, the cruise hosts a sunset party on the deck, a perfect moment for photos and unwinding. Dinner is a buffet, and guests can enjoy karaoke or go squid fishing, depending on their mood and the weather.

Day 3: Sunrise and Final Exploration

The third morning starts early with a chance to witness the bay’s breathtaking sunrise. If tides and timing allow, you might visit Me Cung Cave for one last scenic stop. Breakfast is served onboard before the cruise wraps up with a farewell lunch.

The journey back to Hanoi leaves around noon, with a short countryside stop along the way for a scenic break before arriving back in the city around 4:30 pm. The trip concludes with hotel drop-off, making it simple to settle back into the city life after your sea adventure.

What Makes This Cruise Stand Out?

Scenic Views & Cave Visits: From the famous Sung Sot Cave to Titov Island and the kayaking opportunities, every stop offers memorable moments. The limestone formations are impressive, and the chance to kayak or swim provides a break from just sightseeing.

Authentic Atmosphere: The traditional wooden design of the boat sets it apart from modern catamarans or luxury yachts. It creates a cozy, culturally rooted vibe that enhances the overall experience.

Culinary & Cultural Activities: The onboard cooking class and seafood lunches allow travelers to connect with local flavors, while the organized excursions ensure you see the best parts of the bay.

Convenient Transfers & Inclusive Pricing: The pickup and drop-off service from Hanoi, combined with all meals and entrance fees included, make this an economical option for travelers wanting a comprehensive Ha Long Bay experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise suits travelers who appreciate a blend of comfort and authenticity, enjoy group activities, and are looking for a well-organized itinerary. It’s especially appealing to those who want to avoid the hassle of arranging transport and excursions independently, as everything is included.

However, if you’re sensitive to smaller spaces or prefer newer, more modern vessels, you might want to consider other options. The boat’s age and cabin size could be a downside for some, and the limited power outlets might affect those with multiple devices.

This tour offers a solid value for the price, especially given the variety of activities, scenic stops, and meals included. It’s a good choice for first-time visitors seeking a balanced introduction to Ha Long Bay.

FAQs

How long does the transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay take?
The trip usually takes about four hours by highway, with a short stop along the way for a break.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners, with seafood and Vietnamese dishes featured.

What activities are available onboard?
Guests can enjoy kayaking, swimming, a cooking class, karaoke, squid fishing, and relaxing on the sundeck.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup from hotels or private addresses in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is provided, with the pickup time around 8:00 am.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour maintains an intimate atmosphere with up to 28 travelers per group.

Are drinks and beverages included?
Beverages are not included with meals, so you’ll want to bring extra for personal consumption.

What’s the accommodation like onboard?
You’ll stay in private, en-suite cabins with sea views, air conditioning, and western-style toilets. The cabins are described as small but comfortable.

Can I participate if I have mobility issues?
While most travelers can participate, the small cabin size and boat’s age might make it less suitable for those with mobility concerns.

What is the cancellation policy?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed. If canceled due to weather, a full refund or alternative date will be offered.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely, the group size is limited, making it a friendly environment for solo explorers who are comfortable with shared experiences.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the Fantasea Cruise for your Ha Long Bay adventure offers a taste of traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship combined with engaging activities and scenic beauty. The inclusion of all major meals, guided excursions, and transfers adds strong value, especially for first-timers or those wanting a hassle-free experience.

While the boat’s age and cabin size might not meet everyone’s expectations, the overall experience—highlighted by spectacular views, cultural activities, and warm service—makes it a worthwhile option for many travelers. This cruise is best suited for those who want an authentic, well-organized tour that balances sightseeing with comfort and culture.

If you’re after a memorable way to explore Ha Long Bay without breaking the bank, this cruise provides a solid, practical choice with a touch of local charm.