Difference Between 1 day vs 2 day Halong Bay Cruises?

[mahdnc]

We are booked on our first Asia cruise (Celebrity) that overnights in Halong Bay on Dec 31 2023.  I have always assumed that for this trip (which has been lifted/shifted several times) we would book an overnight Halong Bay cruise shore excursion.  However that means that we would miss being on the cruise ship for NYE.  We have done NYE on Celebrity several times and so on one hand, we have done it before.  On the other hand we do enjoy it.  And of course, the shorex is expensive especially when you consider that we have already paid for our meals and cabin on the cruise ship for NYE.

 

So my question: is it worth booking a 2 day/1 night Halong Bay shorex vs booking a 1 day trip?  Do you get to see more of Halong Bay in the 2 day version?

[roaming_kiwi58]

We did a 2 day cruise in Ha Long Bay as part of a land tour in Vietnam a few years ago. It was very relaxing and we enjoyed it. Overnight you anchor somewhere out in the bay, which was very peaceful and it was lovely to experience the sunrise and sunset in such a tranquil spot. We also visited a floating village, via much smaller boats from the junk (not really a genuine junk, but an imitation in appearance) we stayed on. And there were some island stops.

A few years later we did a day cruise in Ha Long Bay, while based on an ocean cruiser which anchored near Hong Gai. By the time we were taken by bus to the marina where the boats that cruise Ha Long Bay operate from, it was only a half day cruise. You don’t go as far out in the bay (obviously, due to time available).

We were disappointed in the second experience, but then we had done the longer cruise on the bay previously, so it was never going to be as good! The scenery is beautiful.

If you want more detail I would have to dig out my diaries from the two trips, rather than relying on memory. Which I can do!

For us, seeing more of the country would be of more interest than NYE, but everyone is different with different interests, so only you can know your own priorities.

Yes, the extra cost, when you have already paid for your bed and board would make us think twice too.

Edited December 6, 2022 by roaming_kiwi58
additional comment

[mahdnc]

28 minutes ago, roaming_kiwi58 said:

We did a 2 day cruise in Ha Long Bay as part of a land tour in Vietnam a few years ago. It was very relaxing and we enjoyed it. Overnight you anchor somewhere out in the bay, which was very peaceful and it was lovely to experience the sunrise and sunset in such a tranquil spot. We also visited a floating village, via much smaller boats from the junk (not really a genuine junk, but an imitation in appearance) we stayed on. And there were some island stops.

A few years later we did a day cruise in Ha Long Bay, while based on an ocean cruiser which anchored near Hong Gai. By the time we were taken by bus to the marina where the boats that cruise Ha Long Bay operate from, it was only a half day cruise. You don’t go as far out in the bay (obviously, due to time available).

We were disappointed in the second experience, but then we had done the longer cruise on the bay previously, so it was never going to be as good! The scenery is beautiful.

If you want more detail I would have to dig out my diaries from the two trips, rather than relying on memory. Which I can do!

For us, seeing more of the country would be of more interest than NYE, but everyone is different with different interests, so only you can know your own priorities.

Yes, the extra cost, when you have already paid for your bed and board would make us think twice too.

 

Thank you for the information.  If it is not inconvenient to give me more information from your diaries, I would appreciate it.  I have not found much on it at all during web searches.

[terry&mike]

I'm not sure if your itinerary works for you to visit HaLong Bay before or after your cruise, but that may be an option. We are traveling independently in Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia (leaving in a couple of days) and I booked a 2 night sailing on Lan Ha Bay (the less crowded bay attached to HaLong Bay) over Christmas. I booked it through a local tour operator halongbaytours.com which is a travel agency in Hanoi known as Blue Dragon bluedragontours.com  I will try to paste my itinerary below - 

 

DAY 1: HANOI - LAN HA BAY

09h00 You will be collected from Hanoi Old Quarter to take the new highway to Got Ferry Terminal – Cat Hai Town, Haiphong City where we arrive at around 11h30. The passengers have a chance to experience on longest and newest bridge in South East Asia area. You can take special tea at Orchid Cruise’s lounge by warm welcome.

12h15 Transfer by tender to the ORCHID CRUISE.

12h30 We welcome our guests onboard the ORCHID CRUISE and then check in, enjoy Welcome Drink, receive cruise briefing, safety instructions and check in. Start cruising and explore Lan Ha Bay.

13h00 ORCHID CRUISE proceeds to Da Chong islet, where you can see a lighthouse built by the French over 100 years ago. Have International Buffet Lunch while passing via the islets of Con Vit area. These amazing limestone karst formations rise up out of the sea in an impressive manner. This area is untouched, as not many cruise ships use the route via the Cat Ba Island - Thoi Quyt area - Coc Ngoi islet - through Gia Luan area where is belong to Cat Ba National Park

14h15 We progress to Trung Trang cave by our bus on Cat Ba island which is located in the middle of Cat Ba National Park with Kim Giao forest around the cave. Trung Trang Valley is the largest valley on Cat Ba Island. The valley covers an area of approximately 300 hectares, has a depth of 10m to 30m and is around 15km in the middle of Cat Ba National Park. Trung Trang Cave measures 300m lengthwise through the mountains. The cave was carved by nature for more than 2000 years. The cave has many stalactites that take on various shapes that will awe and inspire visitors to use their imagination.

17h00 Orchid Cruise gets in the less populated area at Tra Bau where is located in Lan Ha Bay. You will enjoy the green emerald and cool water by swimming or kayaking.

17h45 Returning ORCHID CRUISE, you can watch the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. Onboard you may join a traditional cooking class. Our chef will instruct you in the making of some Vietnam dishes. In the early evening the boat has its Happy Hour deal Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu)

19h30 Sumptuous Candlelight Deluxe Dinner Set Menu is served. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served for you by our wonderful onboard catering staff. This is a delightful meal in an intimate romantic setting

21h30 Enjoy the landscape of the bay at night up on the top deck. Relax whilst enjoying drinks from the bar. Try your hand at night squid fishing, watching a movie in the restaurant. Overnight on board. Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu)

23h00 End of Day One program

 

DAY 2: LAN HA BAY

6h15 The day starts early onboard ORCHID CRUISE with Tai Chi session on the sundeck. The breakfast is served in the dining room with morning view of bay’s landscape, then continue our journey.

8h30 Transfer to Orchid Day Boat to visit Viet Hai village. You will take the bicycle trip along the village path and go through rain forests and dark tunnel. Enjoy stunning scenery of rice fields on the way. Stop at the village to relax. Visit an ancient local house, made from straw, mud, bamboo…you will have chance to see the local life on a valley of local people. Optional electric car service is available (at an extra cost). Back to day boat for visiting Lan Ha Bay. Lunch served on day boat.

13h30 Visiting Lan Ha Bay, taking a free breeze at area with the path less visited. You will use your imagination to name any beautiful islands in Lan Ha Bay or get the interesting introduction of our professional tour guide on Orchid Day Boat

15h00 Return to ORCHID CRUISE. Enjoying swimming at the untouched area. Then, you will join a traditional cooking class. Our chef will instruct you in the making of some Vietnam dishes. Watch the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. In the early evening the boat has its Happy Hour deal

19h30 Deluxe Dinner is served. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served for you by our wonderful onboard catering staff. This is a delightful meal in an intimate romantic setting

21h30 Enjoy the landscape of the bay at night up on the top deck. Relax whilst enjoying drinks from the bar. Try your hand at night squid fishing, watching a movie in the restaurant. Overnight on board. Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu)

23h00 End of Day Two program

 

DAY 3: LAN HA BAY – HANOI

06h15 Why not rise early to witness the bay at its very best whilst enjoying an invigorating Tai Chi session on the sundeck; after which we serve the breakfast. Upon completing breakfast continue our journey and head out to explore the bay in the area where Ao Ech is situated.

7h45 You enjoy on your own to kayak at Ao Ech area to discover the hidden charm of Lan Ha Bay

9h30 Orchid Cruise welcomes you back on board and it is time for checking out

10h00 Whilst cruising back you can enjoy a delightful brunch

10h30 Tea Ceremony is served at the restaurant. You will learn how to enjoy Vietnamese tea and Vietnamese cultural at this ceremony. Joining Tea Ceremony with our crews team and have great fun with us!

11h35 We return to the quay side in the south of the bay, where our visitors disembark. We bid farewell at GOT ferry, this is the end of the program.

[mahdnc]

11 hours ago, terry&mike said:

I'm not sure if your itinerary works for you to visit HaLong Bay before or after your cruise, but that may be an option. We are traveling independently in Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia (leaving in a couple of days) and I booked a 2 night sailing on Lan Ha Bay (the less crowded bay attached to HaLong Bay) over Christmas. I booked it through a local tour operator halongbaytours.com which is a travel agency in Hanoi known as Blue Dragon bluedragontours.com  I will try to paste my itinerary below - 

 

DAY 1: HANOI - LAN HA BAY

09h00 You will be collected from Hanoi Old Quarter to take the new highway to Got Ferry Terminal – Cat Hai Town, Haiphong City where we arrive at around 11h30. The passengers have a chance to experience on longest and newest bridge in South East Asia area. You can take special tea at Orchid Cruise’s lounge by warm welcome.

12h15 Transfer by tender to the ORCHID CRUISE.

12h30 We welcome our guests onboard the ORCHID CRUISE and then check in, enjoy Welcome Drink, receive cruise briefing, safety instructions and check in. Start cruising and explore Lan Ha Bay.

13h00 ORCHID CRUISE proceeds to Da Chong islet, where you can see a lighthouse built by the French over 100 years ago. Have International Buffet Lunch while passing via the islets of Con Vit area. These amazing limestone karst formations rise up out of the sea in an impressive manner. This area is untouched, as not many cruise ships use the route via the Cat Ba Island - Thoi Quyt area - Coc Ngoi islet - through Gia Luan area where is belong to Cat Ba National Park

14h15 We progress to Trung Trang cave by our bus on Cat Ba island which is located in the middle of Cat Ba National Park with Kim Giao forest around the cave. Trung Trang Valley is the largest valley on Cat Ba Island. The valley covers an area of approximately 300 hectares, has a depth of 10m to 30m and is around 15km in the middle of Cat Ba National Park. Trung Trang Cave measures 300m lengthwise through the mountains. The cave was carved by nature for more than 2000 years. The cave has many stalactites that take on various shapes that will awe and inspire visitors to use their imagination.

17h00 Orchid Cruise gets in the less populated area at Tra Bau where is located in Lan Ha Bay. You will enjoy the green emerald and cool water by swimming or kayaking.

17h45 Returning ORCHID CRUISE, you can watch the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. Onboard you may join a traditional cooking class. Our chef will instruct you in the making of some Vietnam dishes. In the early evening the boat has its Happy Hour deal Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu)

19h30 Sumptuous Candlelight Deluxe Dinner Set Menu is served. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served for you by our wonderful onboard catering staff. This is a delightful meal in an intimate romantic setting

21h30 Enjoy the landscape of the bay at night up on the top deck. Relax whilst enjoying drinks from the bar. Try your hand at night squid fishing, watching a movie in the restaurant. Overnight on board. Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu)

23h00 End of Day One program

 

DAY 2: LAN HA BAY

6h15 The day starts early onboard ORCHID CRUISE with Tai Chi session on the sundeck. The breakfast is served in the dining room with morning view of bay’s landscape, then continue our journey.

8h30 Transfer to Orchid Day Boat to visit Viet Hai village. You will take the bicycle trip along the village path and go through rain forests and dark tunnel. Enjoy stunning scenery of rice fields on the way. Stop at the village to relax. Visit an ancient local house, made from straw, mud, bamboo…you will have chance to see the local life on a valley of local people. Optional electric car service is available (at an extra cost). Back to day boat for visiting Lan Ha Bay. Lunch served on day boat.

13h30 Visiting Lan Ha Bay, taking a free breeze at area with the path less visited. You will use your imagination to name any beautiful islands in Lan Ha Bay or get the interesting introduction of our professional tour guide on Orchid Day Boat

15h00 Return to ORCHID CRUISE. Enjoying swimming at the untouched area. Then, you will join a traditional cooking class. Our chef will instruct you in the making of some Vietnam dishes. Watch the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. In the early evening the boat has its Happy Hour deal

19h30 Deluxe Dinner is served. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served for you by our wonderful onboard catering staff. This is a delightful meal in an intimate romantic setting

21h30 Enjoy the landscape of the bay at night up on the top deck. Relax whilst enjoying drinks from the bar. Try your hand at night squid fishing, watching a movie in the restaurant. Overnight on board. Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu)

23h00 End of Day Two program

 

DAY 3: LAN HA BAY – HANOI

06h15 Why not rise early to witness the bay at its very best whilst enjoying an invigorating Tai Chi session on the sundeck; after which we serve the breakfast. Upon completing breakfast continue our journey and head out to explore the bay in the area where Ao Ech is situated.

7h45 You enjoy on your own to kayak at Ao Ech area to discover the hidden charm of Lan Ha Bay

9h30 Orchid Cruise welcomes you back on board and it is time for checking out

10h00 Whilst cruising back you can enjoy a delightful brunch

10h30 Tea Ceremony is served at the restaurant. You will learn how to enjoy Vietnamese tea and Vietnamese cultural at this ceremony. Joining Tea Ceremony with our crews team and have great fun with us!

11h35 We return to the quay side in the south of the bay, where our visitors disembark. We bid farewell at GOT ferry, this is the end of the program.

Thank you for the information

[mahdnc]

On 12/5/2022 at 6:30 PM, roaming_kiwi58 said:

We did a 2 day cruise in Ha Long Bay as part of a land tour in Vietnam a few years ago. It was very relaxing and we enjoyed it. Overnight you anchor somewhere out in the bay, which was very peaceful and it was lovely to experience the sunrise and sunset in such a tranquil spot. We also visited a floating village, via much smaller boats from the junk (not really a genuine junk, but an imitation in appearance) we stayed on. And there were some island stops.

A few years later we did a day cruise in Ha Long Bay, while based on an ocean cruiser which anchored near Hong Gai. By the time we were taken by bus to the marina where the boats that cruise Ha Long Bay operate from, it was only a half day cruise. You don’t go as far out in the bay (obviously, due to time available).

We were disappointed in the second experience, but then we had done the longer cruise on the bay previously, so it was never going to be as good! The scenery is beautiful.

If you want more detail I would have to dig out my diaries from the two trips, rather than relying on memory. Which I can do!

For us, seeing more of the country would be of more interest than NYE, but everyone is different with different interests, so only you can know your own priorities.

Yes, the extra cost, when you have already paid for your bed and board would make us think twice too.

 

On 12/6/2022 at 4:40 AM, terry&mike said:

I'm not sure if your itinerary works for you to visit HaLong Bay before or after your cruise, but that may be an option. We are traveling independently in Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia (leaving in a couple of days) and I booked a 2 night sailing on Lan Ha Bay (the less crowded bay attached to HaLong Bay) over Christmas. I booked it through a local tour operator halongbaytours.com which is a travel agency in Hanoi known as Blue Dragon bluedragontours.com  I will try to paste my itinerary below - 

 

DAY 1: HANOI - LAN HA BAY

09h00 You will be collected from Hanoi Old Quarter to take the new highway to Got Ferry Terminal – Cat Hai Town, Haiphong City where we arrive at around 11h30. The passengers have a chance to experience on longest and newest bridge in South East Asia area. You can take special tea at Orchid Cruise’s lounge by warm welcome.

12h15 Transfer by tender to the ORCHID CRUISE.

12h30 We welcome our guests onboard the ORCHID CRUISE and then check in, enjoy Welcome Drink, receive cruise briefing, safety instructions and check in. Start cruising and explore Lan Ha Bay.

13h00 ORCHID CRUISE proceeds to Da Chong islet, where you can see a lighthouse built by the French over 100 years ago. Have International Buffet Lunch while passing via the islets of Con Vit area. These amazing limestone karst formations rise up out of the sea in an impressive manner. This area is untouched, as not many cruise ships use the route via the Cat Ba Island - Thoi Quyt area - Coc Ngoi islet - through Gia Luan area where is belong to Cat Ba National Park

14h15 We progress to Trung Trang cave by our bus on Cat Ba island which is located in the middle of Cat Ba National Park with Kim Giao forest around the cave. Trung Trang Valley is the largest valley on Cat Ba Island. The valley covers an area of approximately 300 hectares, has a depth of 10m to 30m and is around 15km in the middle of Cat Ba National Park. Trung Trang Cave measures 300m lengthwise through the mountains. The cave was carved by nature for more than 2000 years. The cave has many stalactites that take on various shapes that will awe and inspire visitors to use their imagination.

17h00 Orchid Cruise gets in the less populated area at Tra Bau where is located in Lan Ha Bay. You will enjoy the green emerald and cool water by swimming or kayaking.

17h45 Returning ORCHID CRUISE, you can watch the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. Onboard you may join a traditional cooking class. Our chef will instruct you in the making of some Vietnam dishes. In the early evening the boat has its Happy Hour deal Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu)

19h30 Sumptuous Candlelight Deluxe Dinner Set Menu is served. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served for you by our wonderful onboard catering staff. This is a delightful meal in an intimate romantic setting

21h30 Enjoy the landscape of the bay at night up on the top deck. Relax whilst enjoying drinks from the bar. Try your hand at night squid fishing, watching a movie in the restaurant. Overnight on board. Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu)

23h00 End of Day One program

 

DAY 2: LAN HA BAY

6h15 The day starts early onboard ORCHID CRUISE with Tai Chi session on the sundeck. The breakfast is served in the dining room with morning view of bay’s landscape, then continue our journey.

8h30 Transfer to Orchid Day Boat to visit Viet Hai village. You will take the bicycle trip along the village path and go through rain forests and dark tunnel. Enjoy stunning scenery of rice fields on the way. Stop at the village to relax. Visit an ancient local house, made from straw, mud, bamboo…you will have chance to see the local life on a valley of local people. Optional electric car service is available (at an extra cost). Back to day boat for visiting Lan Ha Bay. Lunch served on day boat.

13h30 Visiting Lan Ha Bay, taking a free breeze at area with the path less visited. You will use your imagination to name any beautiful islands in Lan Ha Bay or get the interesting introduction of our professional tour guide on Orchid Day Boat

15h00 Return to ORCHID CRUISE. Enjoying swimming at the untouched area. Then, you will join a traditional cooking class. Our chef will instruct you in the making of some Vietnam dishes. Watch the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. In the early evening the boat has its Happy Hour deal

19h30 Deluxe Dinner is served. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served for you by our wonderful onboard catering staff. This is a delightful meal in an intimate romantic setting

21h30 Enjoy the landscape of the bay at night up on the top deck. Relax whilst enjoying drinks from the bar. Try your hand at night squid fishing, watching a movie in the restaurant. Overnight on board. Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu)

23h00 End of Day Two program

 

DAY 3: LAN HA BAY – HANOI

06h15 Why not rise early to witness the bay at its very best whilst enjoying an invigorating Tai Chi session on the sundeck; after which we serve the breakfast. Upon completing breakfast continue our journey and head out to explore the bay in the area where Ao Ech is situated.

7h45 You enjoy on your own to kayak at Ao Ech area to discover the hidden charm of Lan Ha Bay

9h30 Orchid Cruise welcomes you back on board and it is time for checking out

10h00 Whilst cruising back you can enjoy a delightful brunch

10h30 Tea Ceremony is served at the restaurant. You will learn how to enjoy Vietnamese tea and Vietnamese cultural at this ceremony. Joining Tea Ceremony with our crews team and have great fun with us!

11h35 We return to the quay side in the south of the bay, where our visitors disembark. We bid farewell at GOT ferry, this is the end of the program.

 

Thank you again for your feedback.  It was enough to motivate me to book an overnight NYE cruise aboard the Stellar of the Seas.  Their check in time at Tuan Chua marina is noon which is compatible with our 10 am scheduled docking time. And they will return us back to the marina at noon the following day leaving us plenty of time to get on board before Solstice leaves at her scheduled time of 5pm.

 

The only risk I am taking is that if Celebrity decides to alter the itinerary by giving up on Hong Kong, it may well affect our scheduled stop at Halong Bay.

[Suzi66]

On 12/8/2022 at 1:50 AM, mahdnc said:

 

 

Thank you again for your feedback.  It was enough to motivate me to book an overnight NYE cruise aboard the Stellar of the Seas.  Their check in time at Tuan Chua marina is noon which is compatible with our 10 am scheduled docking time. And they will return us back to the marina at noon the following day leaving us plenty of time to get on board before Solstice leaves at her scheduled time of 5pm.

 

The only risk I am taking is that if Celebrity decides to alter the itinerary by giving up on Hong Kong, it may well affect our scheduled stop at Halong Bay.

I'm hoping they don't give up on Hong Kong as I am about to book our flights to get there to board the ship as you get off.  We can wave to each other.

[mahdnc]

2 hours ago, Suzi66 said:

I'm hoping they don't give up on Hong Kong as I am about to book our flights to get there to board the ship as you get off.  We can wave to each other.

 

Hi, Susanne!  You are so right, I hope Hong Kong stays on the itinerary!  With China and Hong Kong having opened up (Covid-wise), there is hope. If Hong Kong is a go, it is a pity that we won't be able to meet in person.

 

Did you go on your January Eclipse cruises??  I meant to ask you whether you saw any scuba diving opportunities offered through the ship (I doubt it) or through independent operators on the various islands you were set to visit.

 

David

[Suzi66]

On 3/31/2023 at 12:30 AM, mahdnc said:

 

Hi, Susanne!  You are so right, I hope Hong Kong stays on the itinerary!  With China and Hong Kong having opened up (Covid-wise), there is hope. If Hong Kong is a go, it is a pity that we won't be able to meet in person.

 

Did you go on your January Eclipse cruises??  I meant to ask you whether you saw any scuba diving opportunities offered through the ship (I doubt it) or through independent operators on the various islands you were set to visit.

 

David

I didn't, but I board again in a few days for Noumea, Fiji, Tonga and Mystery Island.  Many beach excursions in Noumea have been cancelled because of recent shark attacks.  Our trip to Amadee Island is no longer showing, but we haven't heard of the day being cancelled.... yet.
Tonga has very few excursions, still because of the volcano/tsunami event.  The place we were supposed to go last time we were informed after it was far too late to arrange anything else was now just a toilet block, and the shipwreck for snorkelling etc was out of bounds.
Fiji being the mainland rather than islands doesn't have a lot, but we are going out to one of the Manamuca Islands this time at Lautoka so I can tell you what I see others doing there.
Mystery Island has almost nothing offered via the ship, and I will have a look at what the locals are offering when I am there.

When we were at Samoa we did a land tour which went to a lot of land water areas, and in American Samoa we went out to a village on an island.  That last tour was probably one of our highlights.  The chief of the island took us around, told us what life was like for them and what his life was like before (he was in the military before his father-in-law died and he was called back home to be the chief).