Your trip to Vietnam won’t be complete without traveling to Ha Long. Famous for its emerald waters, towering limestone cliffs, and UNESCO World Heritage status, Ha Long Bay offers a range of cruise options – from budget-friendly to luxury – suitable for every traveler’s taste and budget.
This guide will help Indian visitors choose the right cruise, particularly those seeking Halal-friendly or vegetarian meal options, ensuring a comfortable and memorable journey.
Overview of Ha Long Bay
Located about 160 km from Hanoi, Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most iconic destinations. The bay has an area of 1,553 square kilometers, which comprises 1960 large and small limestone islands in diverse shapes. It’s not only a breathtaking landscape but also a place rich in biodiversity and cultural significance.
Visitors to Ha Long Bay can enjoy a wide range of activities, from cruising through the limestone islands and exploring mysterious caves to kayaking, swimming, and visiting floating fishing villages. Whether admired from a luxury cruise or a local boat, Ha Long Bay captures the essence of Vietnam’s natural charm.
Types of cruises in Ha Long Bay
Day Cruises options for Indians
Omkara Cruise
What makes Omkara Cruise special in Halong Bay?
Omkara Cruise is the first cruise in Ha Long Bay offering authentic Indian cuisine. It is specially designed for Indian guests who want to enjoy familiar, high-quality dishes while admiring the breathtaking scenery of the bay.
What kind of food is served on board?
- Guests can enjoy an authentic Indian Vegetarian Buffet Lunch prepared by an onboard Indian chef. The menu includes traditional favorites such as Thayir Vadai, Masala Tea, and Onion Pakoda -perfect for those craving a true taste of home.
- In the evening, passengers are invited to a Masala Chai and snacks party, making it a warm and memorable experience.
What are the main activities included in the tour?
- Explore Sung Sot Cave, one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Halong Bay.
- Take a bamboo boat ride through Luon Cave, surrounded by limestone mountains and crystal-clear waters.
- Swim or hike to the peak at Titop Island, enjoying panoramic views of the bay.
How much does the Omkara Cruise cost?
The price is USD 85 per person, including transfers, lunch, and activities.
Note: Prices may vary depending on the time of booking and group size.
Apollo Cruise
Launched in June 2024, Apollo Cruise Ha Long Bay is a modern three-deck vessel that perfectly combines contemporary design with premium comfort. With a capacity of up to 99 guests, the cruise offers spacious lounges, a relaxing jacuzzi on the second deck, and a stylish sundeck lounge.
Does the cruise offer Indian or vegetarian-friendly meals for Indian travelers?
Guests on the Apollo Cruise can enjoy a buffet lunch featuring a diverse selection of Vietnamese and international dishes, including vegetarian-friendly options suitable for Indian travelers. The cruise team can accommodate special dietary needs (such as vegetarian or Jain meals) when requested in advance, ensuring everyone enjoys a satisfying dining experience.
Which attractions are included in the Apollo Cruise itinerary?
The Apollo Cruise takes guests to explore some of Ha Long Bay’s most iconic landmarks within a 6-hour afternoon journey. Highlights include:
- Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave – the largest and most magnificent cave in the bay,
- Luon Cave area – where guests can kayak or enjoy a bamboo boat ride, and
- Titop Island – perfect for swimming or capturing panoramic views of the bay.
How much does the Apollo Cruise cost?
The cost varies depending on the package, but a day cruise in Halong Bay typically ranges from USD 45 to USD 100 per person, depending on inclusions such as transportation and meals.
Overnight cruise options for Indian
Budget cruises
Swan cruises
Launched in 2017, Swan Cruise Halong Bay is one of the top budget cruises in Ha Long Bay. It has a modern, elegant boutique style with 18 cabins, each with large ocean-view windows and private bathrooms.
On Swan Cruise Halong Bay, passengers can visit the lovely Cap La Island & Thien Canh Son Cave in Bai Tu Long Bay on the 2D1N tour. For the 3D2N tour, you will spend an extra day in Vung Vieng Village, the Pearl Farm, and the Trinh Nu area.
What does Swan Cruise serve?
The meals on the Swan Cruise are Vietnamese seafood and various international dishes. Vegetarian options are available, and it’s possible to request special dietary needs ahead of time.
How much does the Swan cruise cost?
- For 2 days / 1 night, Swan Cruises rates start from about USD 130-USD 155 per person (sharing a Deluxe cabin). During promotions or off-peak times, prices may be lower.
- For 3 days / 2 nights, rates commonly are in the range USD 250-USD 320 per person, depending on room type (suite, balcony) and season.
Venezia Cruise
Only has 10 cabins with a maximum capacity of 30 people, but the Venezia cruise is still praised for its tranquility, friendly service, and modern design. It offers a scenic journey through Ha Long Bay, taking guests to iconic sites like Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, and Luon Cave, with activities such as kayaking, swimming, and cooking demonstrations included in the itinerary.
What food is served – and is it India-friendly?
Besides fresh seafood, Vietnamese specialties, and international dishes, the presence of vegetarian options and vegetable dishes in the menu will satisfy the dietary needs of Indian guests.
How much does the Venezia cruise cost?
- For a 2-day / 1-night cruise, Venezia rates begin around USD 140 per person in low season, and approximately USD 160 in high season.
- For a 3-day / 2-night cruise, rates start from USD 239 in low season and USD ~265 in high season.
Mid-range Cruises
Hermes cruises
Starting from $170, travelers can enjoy a luxurious journey aboard the Hermes Cruise along with amenities like the swimming pool, spa/massage facilities, or the stylish lounge & bar. It sails through both Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, visiting iconic spots like Sung Sot Cave, Titov Island, and also quieter areas such as Ba Trai Dao Beach & Me Cung Cave.
How is the food on the Hermes cruise?
Hermes serves a mix of Vietnamese, seafood, and international cuisines. It also includes special vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring a memorable culinary experience for all tourists in general and Indian tourists in particular.
Amanda Cruise
What kind of experience does Amanda Cruise offer?
Amanda Cruise stands out as a modern 4-star deluxe cruise exploring both Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay. Designed for comfort and elegance, the ship features spacious cabins with large windows or private balconies, offering breathtaking views of limestone karsts. The day-to-day itinerary includes famous attractions such as Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, and Ti Top Island, with plenty of fun activities like kayaking, swimming, and cave exploration.
Does Amanda Cruise cater to Indian travelers?
Yes – while the cruise mainly offers Vietnamese and international cuisine, it accepts vegetarian meal requests and can accommodate Indian-style or non-meat preferences with advance notice.
How much does Amanda Cruise cost?
Prices for Amanda Cruise start from around USD 125 per person, depending on cabin type and travel season.
Luxury Cruises
Catherine Cruise
Catherine Cruise is a new premium cruise offering a “6-star superyacht” feel with Indochinese-style design. It has 39 cabins accommodating up to 117 guests.
What itinerary options does Catherine Cruise offer?
The cruise typically offers 2 days/1 night or 3 days/2 nights itineraries, covering the iconic highlights of Halong Bay, including:
- Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave
- Titop Island
- Luon Cave
- Cua Van Fishing Village, and more.
Guests can join kayaking, cooking classes, sunset parties, evening squid fishing, Tai Chi sessions in the morning, and unwind with spa/wellness treatments or a dip in the infinity pool.
Does Catherine Cruise offer vegetarian/special meals?
It serves Vietnamese cuisine and international dishes, often with fresh seafood and regional ingredients, and a rotating menu. Vegetarian options are available upon request.
How much does a trip on the Catherine Cruise cost?
Prices start from USD 220 per person, which includes welcome drinks, meals, and various onboard activities.
Note: Prices may vary depending on the time of booking and group size.
Grand Pioneers Cruise
What makes the Grand Pioneers Cruise special in Halong Bay?
The Grand Pioneers Cruise stands out as one of the largest and most eco-friendly overnight ships in Halong Bay, featuring over 50 luxurious rooms and suites. It’s the first cruise in the bay to include a dedicated medical room with professional healthcare staff and fully equipped lifeboats, ensuring passenger safety at all times.
Designed with partitions resistant to noise, humidity, fire, and viruses, the ship also takes pride in being a leader in sustainable luxury travel – equipped with seawater-cooled DAIKIN air systems, low-emission YANMAR engines, and advanced wastewater treatment technology to minimize environmental impact.
What are the places to visit in a 2D1N/3D2N itinerary?
– In the 2D1N Grand Pioneers Cruise itinerary, travelers will visit destinations: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, and Luon Cave
– In the 3D2N, in addition to the above places, they also visit Lan Ha Bay and Pearl Farm.
Are vegetarian/Indian food options available on the cruise?
While Grand Pioneers Cruise does not have a dedicated Indian menu, it does offer a selection of vegetarian dishes suitable for Indian travelers. Guests can also request special dietary preferences (such as Jain or vegan meals) in advance for a more comfortable dining experience.
How much does the Grand Pioneers Cruise cost?
Prices start from USD 211 per person, including meals, accommodation, and onboard activities.
Note: Rates may vary depending on the booking time and group size.
The Velar of The Sea Cruise
Velar of the Seas is a brand-new, contemporary luxury cruise with 29 spacious suite cabins over 5 decks. The cruise explores both Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, visiting quieter, less crowded areas, caves such as Dark & Bright Cave, and offering outdoor activities like kayaking, swimming, Tai Chi, or cooking demos.
Are there any special arrangements for dietary restrictions?
Yes, most cruises can accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets. Be sure to inform the cruise of your dietary needs in advance so they can make the necessary arrangements.
Price: 133 USD/pp includes meals, kayaking, and guided tours.
Note: Prices may change depending on booking time and group size.
Tips for Booking a Ha Long Bay Cruise
- Request Halal or Vegetarian Meals in Advance
If you prefer to stick to Halal or vegetarian food, always check meal availability before booking. Some cruises require advance notice to prepare Halal-certified meals. - Book Early During Peak Season (October – April)
Ha Long Bay’s peak travel period is from October to March. To avoid sold-out cruises and get better deals, book early or go through a travel agency for flexible cancellation policies and additional assistance. - Consider Family-Friendly Cruises
If you’re traveling with children, look for cruises that offer family cabins, child-friendly activities, or shorter itineraries. - Check Inclusions and Exclusions
Before booking, review what’s included in the price – round-trip transfers from Hanoi, entrance fees, kayaking, and meals. Also, check for any cancellation policies or extra activity charges.
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Depending on your budget and interests, you can choose the most suitable cruise to enjoy your journey in Halong Bay. Whether to stay in a budget, mid-range, or high-end cruise, these ships will definitely bring you the best and most customizable & flexible Vietnam tours.
And if you need any help choosing the best Halong Bay cruise or planning your Vietnam trip, feel free to contact us:
Hotline: +84.969.255.515 (Whatsapp/Viber/Wechat)
Email: support@vietnamvisavoa.com
