Aqua Of The Seas 3D2N Cruise: Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay Tour

A three-day cruise gives you something a day trip cannot: time to watch the limestone islands change in the light, then wake up among them. On Aqua of the Seas, you sail through Ha Long and Lan Ha bays, kayak, visit Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba, and sleep aboard the ship.

I like two things in particular: the 38-square-meter Junior Suite, advertised with a balcony and bathtub, and the chance to kayak and swim at stops such as Tra Bau and Ba Trai Dao. Meals are included, with seafood and Vietnamese dishes, so you spend less time arranging the basics and more time enjoying the bay.

The trade-off is that the schedule is active, and the cruise may not feel secluded. The operator can substitute a comparable ship if Aqua of the Seas is unavailable, and one account described a ship change and cabin that did not match expectations. Confirm the ship, cabin, transport, and any extra charge before you set off.

• Two nights aboard: More time to settle in than on a day cruise, but the schedule still includes several organized activities.
• A balcony cabin is advertised: Junior Suites are listed at 38 square meters, with a private balcony and bathtub. Confirm the exact cabin allocation.
• Kayaking and swimming: Tra Bau, Quay To, and Ba Trai Dao provide chances to get off the ship and explore at water level.
• Cat Ba day trip: A smaller boat takes you to Viet Hai Village, with time for a village visit and a choice of activities around Ba Trai Dao.
• Meals and onboard downtime: Meals, WiFi, and use of cruise facilities are included. Sunset gatherings, Tai Chi, karaoke, and squid fishing appear on the schedule.
• Check the details before paying: Prices vary by departure point, and Hanoi transport, holiday surcharges, and ship substitutions need careful confirmation.

Three days, two bays, and a cabin of your own

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This cruise is built around the scenery of Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The boat moves past limestone formations and small islands while you eat, rest, and take part in scheduled excursions. The appeal is not one grand activity; it is having time to see the bay at different hours, including early morning and sunset.

Aqua of the Seas has 32 cabins, with listed sizes from 38 to 160 square meters. The Junior Suite package describes a 38-square-meter room with a private balcony and bathtub. That amount of space can matter on a two-night trip: you have room to rest between excursions, and a balcony gives you a quiet place to watch the water without heading to the sundeck.

Still, treat the cabin description as something to confirm, not an assumption. A past booking was assigned to a cabin without the expected balcony, and another passenger was moved to a different Aqua-branded ship after the selected cruise sold out. The operator can arrange a comparable replacement, but the ship name, design, facilities, and itinerary details may differ. Ask for the assigned vessel and cabin category in writing, and clarify any price difference before accepting a change.

👉 See our pick of the 2 Best Airport Transfers In Ha Long

Day one: Tuan Chau, lunch, and Tra Bau

The listed departure is 11:45 from Tuan Chau International Marina. Arrive at No. 11 Tuan Chau International Port 15 minutes early to check in at the waiting lounge. A tender carries you from the marina to the cruise ship, where the crew welcomes you with a drink and gives a brief introduction.

Lunch comes as the boat cruises through the bay. It is a useful first stretch of time to get comfortable, take in the limestone scenery, and learn the ship’s layout before the afternoon activity. Meals are part of the package, though the menu can change with the season and ingredient supply.

The first excursion is at Tra Bau in Lan Ha Bay, where you can kayak and swim. Kayaking is the more active way to see the islands, while swimming offers a slower pause in the water. Bring a change of clothes and sun protection, and keep in mind that the specific activity may depend on conditions and the day’s schedule.

Back aboard, you have time to relax before sunset. The cruise lists a sundeck gathering and a Vietnamese cooking class, followed by dinner. If you prefer quiet to group activities, there are also onboard facilities and time to rest. Evening options include card games, chess, karaoke, squid fishing, or a massage service, which is available at extra cost.

Day two: Viet Hai Village and Ba Trai Dao

The second morning begins with Tai Chi on deck, followed by breakfast as the ship continues among the islands. This early session is optional in spirit, but it is a pleasant way to experience the bay before the day’s excursions begin.

For the visit to Viet Hai Village, you transfer to a smaller cruise and head to the village in Cat Ba Forest Biosphere Reserve. The change of boat breaks up the routine of staying aboard the main ship and takes you to a different setting from the open bay. The information provided does not specify how long you spend in the village or what transport is used once there, so ask the crew for the day’s timing.

After lunch, the itinerary moves to Ba Trai Dao and the Quay To area. Options include kayaking, swimming at Ba Trai Dao beach, or trying a fisherman-style activity at Quay To. This choice gives the day some flexibility, though it remains a group excursion with a set schedule rather than a fully independent outing.

You return to Aqua of the Seas for another sunset and dinner. The second evening repeats some of the first night’s options: the bar, sundeck, karaoke, and squid fishing. One practical point: a two-night stay means more time on the boat, but it does not guarantee a route far from the central, busy parts of the bay. If solitude is your main reason for booking, ask how the current route differs from the one-night cruise.

Day three: Quan Y Cave and the return to Tuan Chau

There is another Tai Chi session on the sundeck, followed by breakfast. The final excursion is Quan Y Cave, also called Hospital Cave. Then you return to the ship, check out, and have brunch while cruising back toward Tuan Chau Marina.

The scheduled return is 11:30. That makes the final morning fairly compact: breakfast, cave visit, checkout, and brunch all happen before disembarkation. Keep any onward plans flexible enough to allow for weather or traffic changes, since the cruise schedule can shift.

What the price covers, and what needs checking

The listed package prices are $337.85 for a Junior Suite departing from Ha Long and $361.99 for one departing from Hanoi. A separate headline price is shown as starting at $388.55, so the amounts do not match exactly. Treat them as indicative rather than guaranteed, and check the final total for your date, departure point, and cabin.

The package includes two nights in a Junior Suite, meals specified in the itinerary, an English- or Vietnamese-speaking guide, sightseeing boat trips, attraction admission, life jackets, WiFi, and use of cruise facilities. Tips, personal spending, and massage service are not included. Solo travelers should pay particular attention to the room pricing: one person may have to pay the full cabin rate or a single supplement.

Transport needs extra attention. The Hanoi departure option is priced separately, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not listed among the included services. The overview describes transport from Hanoi, while the package details exclude hotel transfers, so confirm exactly where you board, whether a bus is included, and where it will drop you off. A Hanoi return bus can be convenient, but if your hotel is in the Old Quarter, you may prefer to arrange a nearby drop-off and take a local ride for the final leg.

Holiday surcharges apply on selected dates and are paid on site. Dates listed include Tet, Hung Kings’ Festival, Reunification and Labor Day, National Day, Christmas, and New Year. Separate 2026 and 2027 surcharge periods are also specified, with a VND 1,800,000 per-person fee for some dates. Ask for the exact amount for your travel date before booking.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I would consider this trip if you want a comfortable base, included meals, and a varied schedule without arranging every excursion yourself. It suits couples, families, and small groups who enjoy being active for part of the day and relaxing aboard for the rest. Children aged eight and older pay the adult rate; one child aged zero to three can stay free per room, with a charge for an additional young child.

It may be less suitable if you want a quiet, independent sailing experience or need exact certainty about the ship and cabin. The schedule has several stops and group activities, and a large cruise can feel busy. The operator’s right to substitute a comparable vessel means you should make your booking only if you are comfortable with the possibility of a different ship.

The cruise is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible. Bring a valid ID and passport with at least six months’ validity, along with cash, sun protection, a hat, and spare clothes. Pets are not allowed, and you should not feed wildlife or disturb the marine environment.

Is Aqua of the Seas worth booking?

For the right kind of trip, two nights are the strongest reason to choose this cruise. You get time for the bay, a proper cabin, and excursions beyond the ship, including a Cat Ba village visit. The large room, bathtub, balcony, seafood meals, and sunset time are the features most likely to make the fare feel worthwhile.

I would book only after confirming four points: the final price, the exact ship, the cabin’s balcony status, and what transport is included. If those details are clear and you are happy with an active, shared itinerary, Aqua of the Seas offers a practical way to see both bays. If you value quiet above convenience, or do not want the risk of a ship substitution, compare smaller or more clearly specified cruises before paying.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Tuan Chau International Marina in Ha Long. Check in at No. 11 Tuan Chau International Port, at the waiting lounge.

What time should I arrive?

The departure time is 11:45. Arrive at least 15 minutes early for check-in.

What time does the cruise return?

The scheduled return to Tuan Chau Marina is 11:30 on the third day.

Are meals included?

Yes. Meals listed in the itinerary are included, such as lunch and dinner on the first day, meals on the second day, and breakfast and brunch on the third day. Menus can change with the season and ingredient availability.

Is kayaking included?

Kayaking is included as part of the scheduled activities, including at Tra Bau and around Ba Trai Dao or Quay To. The day’s program may change with weather and other conditions.

Does every cabin have a balcony?

The Junior Suite is described as having a private balcony and bathtub. Confirm your assigned cabin before departure, since cabin allocations or ship substitutions can differ.

Is transport from Hanoi included?

A Hanoi departure package is available, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not listed as included. Confirm the meeting point and transport arrangements for your specific package.

Are there extra charges on public holidays?

Yes. Holiday surcharges apply on specified dates and are payable on site. The amount depends on the date, so confirm it before booking.

What should I bring?

Bring a change of clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat or cap, cash, valid identification, and a passport with at least six months’ validity.