Stellar Of The Seas visit Bai Tu Long Bay Lan Ha Bay depart from Hanoi

The best part of this cruise is its route. In two days, you’ll see three famous bay areas instead of spending the whole trip in one crowded corridor. You’ll glide past limestone islets, kayak or swim in Lan Ha Bay, and visit Dark and Bright Cave by kayak or local rowing boat.

I like the small maximum group of 15 and the polished cabin setup, which includes a marble bathroom, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a satellite television. I also like the way the evening mixes a cooking class, outdoor barbecue, cocktails, and quiet time on deck. The main catch is the strict non-refundable policy, plus an advertised midnight start time that does not match the Hanoi pickup schedule. Confirm the exact timing before paying.

Key points at a glance

• Three bay areas in two days: The route links Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Lan Ha Bay.
• Hanoi pickup included: Depart the Old Quarter around 8:10 to 8:35 by luxury limousine if you book the transfer.
• Small-group sailing: The cruise accepts a maximum of 15 people.
• Two ways to see Dark and Bright Cave: Choose a kayak or a local rowing boat.
• A proper onboard cabin: Expect a full en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, marble finishes, Wi-Fi, and satellite television.
• Several evening choices: Join the spring-roll lesson, eat barbecue by the pool, order a drink, watch a movie, play games, fish for squid, or book a massage.

A three-bay route from Hanoi to the water

Stellar Of The Seas offers a compact cruise with a broad route. You start in Hanoi, reach Tuan Chau Island, then move through Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Lan Ha Bay before returning to the marina the next day.

That route matters. A short bay cruise can feel repetitive if it spends every hour in one familiar stretch of water. Here, the scenery changes as the boat passes Con Vit Islet, Thumb Islet, Gia Luan Harbor, and the calmer waters near Lan Ha Bay. You still have only two days, so this is not a slow, far-reaching exploration, but the itinerary makes good use of the available time.

The ship uses a traditional oriental design while providing modern comforts. The combination is aimed at people who want a classic Vietnamese cruise look without giving up air-conditioning, a private bathroom, or a proper dining room.

The stated price is $500 per person. That is a serious outlay for two days, but it covers transport from Hanoi when selected, meals, the cabin, activities, guide service, insurance, and service charges. Drinks, tips, massage, and other personal costs are extra. I would compare the price against the quality of the cabin, the small group limit, and the three-bay route rather than looking only at the number of hours.

Leaving Hanoi by limousine

Pickup from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is scheduled for about 8:10 to 8:35. The road journey takes roughly two and a half hours via the 5B highway, using an ultra-luxurious limousine for those who purchase the transfer service.

That transfer removes one practical headache. You do not need to arrange a separate taxi to Tuan Chau Island, and the cruise operator handles the move from the road to the boat. The highway portion is not a sightseeing highlight, but it is useful travel time between Hanoi and the coast.

The booking information also lists a start time of 12:00 am, which conflicts with the morning pickup schedule and the stated arrival at Tuan Chau around 11:45. I would treat the Old Quarter pickup window as the working plan, then ask Vietnam Blue Tours to confirm the exact pickup time in writing.

At Tuan Chau Marina, you board a speedboat to reach the cruise. This is a practical detail that is easy to miss. You do not simply walk from the terminal onto the main ship, so keep your passport and essentials accessible during the transfer.

Lunch, check-in, and Lan Ha Bay

After boarding, you receive a welcome drink and meet the captain and crew. A safety briefing follows, then lunch is served as the boat begins its route.

The first meal is described as a typical lunch, served in a luxury dining room with indoor and outdoor seating. That choice is useful in tropical weather. You can eat inside with air-conditioning or sit outside when the bay is calm and the temperature suits you.

After lunch, you check into your cabin and have time to settle in. The rooms are fitted with multiple air-conditioning units, a marble bathroom, bathroom amenities, Wi-Fi, and a satellite HD LED television. The available information does not give cabin categories or exact room dimensions, so I would ask about views and bed arrangements if those details matter to you.

The cruise continues past Con Vit Islet and Thumb Islet toward Gia Luan Harbor, part of the Cat Ba area. From there, the boat reaches a natural lagoon area in Lan Ha Bay. This is your first main activity window: you can kayak, swim, or stay aboard and sunbathe.

I like having all three choices. You can make the outing active, cool off in the water, or simply enjoy the view without feeling pushed into an activity. The schedule gives about three hours to this section, though the exact time spent paddling or swimming can change with conditions.

An evening of spring rolls and barbecue

At around 6:00 pm, the chef leads a short cooking demonstration focused on Vietnamese spring rolls. This is a small but worthwhile feature because it connects dinner with a local food tradition instead of treating meals as something separate from the trip.

The lesson is not presented as a long cooking course. Think of it as a hands-on introduction and a chance to understand one familiar Vietnamese dish. If you enjoy food, arrive ready to take part rather than treating it as filler between sightseeing stops.

Barbecue dinner follows around 7:00 pm outside the swimming pool area. The menu uses fresh food, but the available details do not provide a full list of dishes or explain how much seafood is included. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, raise them before departure rather than waiting until dinner.

After the meal, you have several ways to spend the night:

• Cocktails at the panoramic bar
• Time in the wine and cigar cellar
• Board games
• Movies
• Squid fishing
• Massage services

The pool area and bar give the boat a resort feel, while the games and movies offer an easy backup if the weather is poor. Drinks and massage are not included, so budget for them separately. You spend the night aboard, surrounded by the bay rather than returning to Hanoi or a mainland hotel.

Sunrise Tai Chi and a quiet morning

Day two starts early, with Tai Chi on the sundeck at 6:30 am. You do not need to be experienced. The session is offered as a gentle way to begin the morning, and you can use the fitness area instead if exercise suits you better.

A light local breakfast follows from 7:00 to 7:45. The early schedule is worth noting. This is not a sleep-in cruise, especially if you want to join Tai Chi and make the most of the cave visit. If you prefer a slower morning, you can skip the exercise and use the breakfast period to enjoy the views.

The boat sails through calm emerald water toward Dark and Bright Cave, also called Hang Sang and Hang Toi. The route passes dramatic limestone islets, and the cave stop is one of the clearest activity highlights of the trip.

You choose between kayaking and a local rowing boat. Kayaking gives you a more active way to move through the area and control your pace. The rowing boat is the easier option if you would rather sit back and let local rowers handle the movement. I appreciate that the choice is built into the schedule rather than assuming every person wants the same level of activity.

Checking out before the final meal

Cabin check-out takes place around 9:30 am. That means you should pack before heading to the cave, or at least keep your belongings organized so the final morning does not become rushed.

Vietnamese cuisine is served at about 10:00 am. This second meal is included, along with the first day’s lunch and dinner, breakfast, and the next day’s lunch. The schedule is full, but the timing gives you food before disembarkation rather than sending you ashore hungry.

At noon, you leave the cruise and say goodbye to the crew. A speedboat returns you to Tuan Chau Marina, and the Hanoi transfer then takes you back to the meeting point if you booked that service. The description says the activity ends back at the meeting point, but it does not give a precise arrival time in Hanoi. Road traffic can affect the return, so avoid scheduling an evening flight too tightly.

What the $500 price really covers

At $500 per person, this is positioned as a premium two-day cruise rather than a basic boat trip. Your fare includes:

• Hanoi transfer when selected
• Luxury en-suite cabin
• Breakfast, dinner, and two lunches
• Welcome drink
• English-speaking guide
• Kayaking or local rowing boat
• Tai Chi
• Cooking demonstration
• Fishing and golf equipment
• Fruit and local wine party
• Wi-Fi and satellite television
• Onboard insurance and service charges

The phrase golf equipment appears among the inclusions, but no golfing stop is described in the schedule. I would ask the operator how and when that equipment can be used before you place much value on it.

Beverages are not included, despite the welcome drink and the listed fruit and local wine party. Tips, personal spending, and massage are also extra. The total can rise if you spend freely at the bar or choose several paid services.

The price makes the most sense if you value a small group, a comfortable room, several meals, and transport from Hanoi. If your main goal is simply to see limestone scenery at the lowest possible cost, a shorter or simpler cruise may suit you better.

Service, comfort, and the small-group advantage

The cruise accepts no more than 15 people. That limit can make a difference during the safety briefing, kayak outing, cooking lesson, and meals. You are less likely to feel lost in a large tour crowd, and it should be easier to ask the guide for help.

The ship was new when the early feedback was written. A new boat can mean clean rooms and fresh public areas, but it can also bring small operational problems as staff settle into routines. One early account described a few hiccups that were handled promptly by Thao, the manager. That detail gives you a useful expectation: the crew appears ready to solve problems, but this is not a long-established operation with years of visible track record.

The strongest praise centers on the staff, the food, and the comfort of the rooms. That matches the design of the trip. You get attentive onboard service, several meals, and a cabin that feels closer to a hotel room than a basic overnight berth.

Still, a two-day cruise gives you limited time for each bay. You will see a lot, but you will not have long, empty stretches for independent exploration. The schedule is also tightly timed, from early Tai Chi to cabin check-out before the final meal.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this cruise if you want a polished introduction to the bay areas without handling separate transfers, meals, and activities yourself. It suits couples, small families, and first-time visitors who want a comfortable room and a clear schedule.

It also works well for people who like a mix of activity and relaxation. You can kayak or swim, then return to a dining room, bar, pool area, or cabin with air-conditioning. The cooking lesson, Tai Chi, and cave visit add variety without requiring specialist skills.

I would think twice if you dislike early mornings, fixed meal times, or strict cancellation terms. The booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If a missed departure would cause a major financial problem, confirm every pickup and meeting detail before booking.

Children can receive a child rate only when sharing with two paying adults. The maximum group is 15, and most people can take part, but the supplied information does not provide detailed accessibility guidance for the ship, kayak, rowing boat, or cave visit. Ask the operator directly if mobility support is important.

Should you book Stellar Of The Seas?

Book it if your priority is comfort, attentive service, and a broad bay route in a small group. The three-bay plan, quality cabin features, included meals, and choice of kayak or rowing boat give you more variety than a bare-bones overnight cruise.

The strongest reasons to hesitate are the high price, extra charges for drinks and personal services, the packed schedule, and the non-refundable terms. I would also confirm the confusing start-time information and ask about cabin layout, dietary needs, golf equipment, and return timing before paying.

For the right person, this is a polished two-day introduction to northern Vietnam’s limestone bays. For a budget-focused visitor or someone wanting a longer, slower cruise, it may be more than you need.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise begins with pickup in Hanoi, specifically from hotels in the Old Quarter when the transfer service is selected. You then travel to Tuan Chau Marina and take a speedboat to the cruise.

How long is the road journey from Hanoi?

The road journey takes about two and a half hours via the 5B highway.

What time is Hanoi pickup?

Pickup is scheduled for approximately 8:10 to 8:35 in the Hanoi Old Quarter. The booking information also lists a 12:00 am start time, so confirm the exact schedule with Vietnam Blue Tours.

Which bays does the cruise visit?

The route includes Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Lan Ha Bay. It also passes Con Vit Islet, Thumb Islet, and Gia Luan Harbor.

Is kayaking included?

Yes. Kayaking or a local rowing boat is included. At Dark and Bright Cave, you can choose to explore by kayak or use the local rowing boat.

What meals are included?

The package includes breakfast, dinner, and two lunches. The first lunch is served after boarding, and Vietnamese cuisine is served before disembarkation on the second day.

Is the cabin private?

The cruise includes a fully equipped luxury en-suite cabin with air-conditioning, a marble bathroom, bathroom amenities, Wi-Fi, and satellite HD LED television.

Are drinks included?

Beverages are not included. The package does include a welcome drink, plus a listed fruit and local wine party, but bar drinks and other beverages cost extra.

Can I cancel or change the booking?

No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. Confirmation is subject to availability, and passport name, number, expiry date, and country are required for every person at booking.