OUR PICKS · VIP

The 15 VIP Bay Cruises That Earn the Fare

47 tours  ·  from $19 a head

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 vip bay cruises worth the fare, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.

Hurghada: Luxury Cruise Trip to Orange Bay with Lunch - The first reef stop at Jazāir Jiftūn
Bay Cruises, Bay Cruises with Lunch, Cruises with Lunch in Egypt, Egypt Bay Cruises, Lunch Experiences, Luxury Bay Cruises, Luxury Cruises in Egypt, Tour Reviews, VIP

Hurghada: Luxury Cruise Trip to Orange Bay with Lunch

1.Luxury Cruise Trip to Orange Bay with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 5,451 reviews · 8h 30m · from $53Our pick

Cruise from Hurghada to Orange Bay with guides Andrew and Mostafa, two Red Sea snorkel stops, a seafood and BBQ buffet, banana boat time, unlimited soft drinks, and a back massage. Early arrival helps you enjoy the island before it fills up.

“Andrew was a great guide and very friendly, the staff were wonderful when snorkelling and didn’t pressure you to upgrade to diving or buying photos/videos. The food on board was great with a good variety and the ship was clean without much delay. We didn’t get to do the water sports because of the weather so we can’t comment on that but the team themselves couldn’t be faulted. The only thing I have a slight issue with is the transfer from the hotel to the marina, but I think it’s more of a case of Egypt’s roads and how bumpy they are compared to how they are in the UK.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise - Starting at Funchal’s New Marina
Bay Cruises, Catamaran & Sailing Cruises, Luxury Bay Cruises, Tour Reviews, VIP, Whale & Dolphin Bay Cruises

Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

2.Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,684 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Sail from Funchal with a Portuguese or English-speaking guide on the Atlantic Pearl, a comfortable catamaran for about 20 people. Search for dolphins and whales, hear about Madeira’s sea life, then stop beneath Cabo Girão for swimming and snorkeling before returning along the coast.

“This was such an incredible experience - we were grateful to see a few pods of pilot whales and go on a sunset swim in a warm secluded location! Our guide João was lovely and accommodating, sharing stories and recommendations along the way.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2-Day Luxury Halong Bay Aspira Cruise from Hanoi - Dark and Light Cave by kayak or bamboo boat
2-Day Experiences, Bay Cruises, Ha Long Bay Cruises, Luxury Bay Cruises, Luxury Cruises in Ha Long, Tour Reviews, Vietnam Bay Cruises, VIP

2-Day Luxury Halong Bay Aspira Cruise from Hanoi

3.2-Day Luxury Halong Bay Aspira Cruise from Hanoi

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,517 reviews · from $178Top rated

Spend one night aboard the 5-star Aspira Cruise in Lan Ha Bay, with a private balcony, sea-view bathtub, four meals, kayaking or a bamboo boat ride, cooking class, Tai Chi, squid fishing, and sunset drinks. Hanoi transfers cost extra, and the cruise accommodates up to 40 people.

“Fantastic! Nancy, we love you and your team! Maybe book it for 2 nights, as 1 night goes really fast”

Check availability →Read our full review

San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise by Luxury Catamaran - A small catamaran instead of a floating crowd
Bay Cruises, Catamaran & Sailing Cruises, Catamaran Cruises in San Francisco, Catamaran Cruises in the USA, Evening Experiences, Luxury Bay Cruises, San Francisco Bay Cruises, Sunset & Evening Cruises, Sunset Cruises in the USA, Tour Reviews, USA Bay Cruises, VIP

San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise by Luxury Catamaran

4.San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise by Luxury Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,097 reviews · 1h 30m · from $90

From Pier 39, Adventure Cat Sailing Charters takes you across San Francisco Bay on a 55- or 65-foot catamaran. Expect Alcatraz, Sausalito, Pier 39 sea lions, and a close pass beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, plus one complimentary drink and a friendly English-speaking crew.

“Such a wonderful transformative experience! I highly recommend the sunset bay cruise offered by this company. It was like having friends who just happened to have a Luxury Catamaran. As a single female traveler I felt included and safe. The crew offers to take photos of you against the scenic backdrops. The first drink is included which is a very nice touch and the crew offers to bring you the drinks. Another wonderful touch is the squall jackets available for guests to wear because it gets a bit chilly on the bay. I took one of the big boat cruises at the beginning of my trip and this one was…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Halong Bay: Luxury Day Cruise w/ Pool, Kayak, Free Transfer - Boarding a modern cruise with a pool
Bay Cruises, Bay Cruises with Hotel Transfer, Kayaking Bay Trips, Kayaking Trips in Tuan Chau Island, Kayaking Trips in Vietnam, Luxury Bay Cruises, Luxury Cruises in Tuan Chau Island, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews, Tuan Chau Island Bay Cruises, Vietnam Bay Cruises, VIP

Halong Bay: Luxury Day Cruise w/ Pool, Kayak, Free Transfer

5.Halong Bay: Luxury Day Cruise w/ Pool, Kayak, Free Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,034 reviews · from $26Best value

Spend 6 to 7 hours on Halong Bay aboard a modern cruise with a sky deck, pool, buffet lunch, and sunset snacks. You’ll visit Sung Sot Cave, kayak or ride a bamboo boat through Luon Cave, and hike or swim at Titop Island. Guides Mr Bean and Harry are known for attentive service.

“Luxurious boat, great activities, Mr Bean a great MC!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Walvis Bay: Marine Big 5 Luxury Catamaran Tour - Oyster farms and the approach to Pelican Point
Bay Cruises, Catamaran & Sailing Cruises, Luxury Bay Cruises, Namibia Bay Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, VIP

Walvis Bay: Marine Big 5 Luxury Catamaran Tour

6.Walvis Bay: Marine Big 5 Luxury Catamaran Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,012 reviews · 3h 30m · from $76

Join Catamaran Charters at Walvis Bay Waterfront for a 3.5-hour marine safari toward Pelican Point and the open sea. Guides such as Bertie, Steven, and Tu-Tu explain the wildlife while you watch seals, dolphins, whales, pelicans, and perhaps mola mola or turtles, with oysters, bubbly, beer, and snacks served onboard.

“Steven was such an amazing guide. He kept us entertained the whole journey and provided lots of interesting facts!! His company was the highlight of the trip. We got very lucky and saw seals, many humpback whales, Heaviside dolphins and pelicans!! What an incredible experience- would highly recommend to anyone.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Halong Bay Full Day with Kayaking, Hiking viewpoint, Cave - Deluxe To Luxury - From Hanoi’s Old Quarter to Tuan Chau Island
Bay Cruises, Cave & Grotto Cruises, Cave Cruises in Hanoi, Cave Cruises in Vietnam, Full-Day, Hanoi Bay Cruises, Hiking & Trekking, Kayaking Bay Trips, Kayaking Trips in Hanoi, Kayaking Trips in Vietnam, Luxury Bay Cruises, Luxury Cruises in Hanoi, Tour Reviews, Vietnam Bay Cruises, VIP

Halong Bay Full Day with Kayaking, Hiking viewpoint, Cave – Deluxe To Luxury

7.Halong Bay Full Day with Kayaking, Hiking viewpoint, Cave – Deluxe To Luxury

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 884 reviews · from $38

Travel from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to Halong Bay by air-conditioned bus, then spend the day cruising, eating lunch, visiting Sung Sot Cave, hiking Titop Peak, swimming, and kayaking or riding a bamboo boat. Guides such as Sam and Hercules are praised for friendly, well-organized service.

“Amazing guide, really good quality cruise, great food, everything bang on. Great value for money, super clean and lovely staff.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2-Day: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay Luxury Cruise - Day one: Hanoi to Hoa Lu and the old royal capital
2-Day Experiences, Bay Cruises, Hanoi Bay Cruises, Luxury Bay Cruises, Luxury Cruises in Hanoi, Tour Reviews, Vietnam Bay Cruises, VIP

2-Day: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay Luxury Cruise

8.2-Day: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay Luxury Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 842 reviews · from $110

This is a two-day, no-hotel tour from Hanoi, with Ninh Binh on day one and Ha Long Bay on day two. Expect Hoa Lu temples, a Trang An sampan, Mua Cave steps, a luxury cruise, kayaking, Titop Island, Sung Sot Cave, and guides such as Sunny Chuong or Ken, depending on the departure.

“Perfect! The guide Ken was very kind and helpful! Thank you Vietnam!! 🇻🇳🇨🇱”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hanoi: Ha Long Bay Day Trip - Luxury Cruise & Buffet Lunch - Tuan Chau Port and the first views of Ha Long Bay
1-Day Tours, Bay Cruises, Bay Cruises with Lunch, Buffet Experiences, Cruises with Lunch in Hanoi, Cruises with Lunch in Vietnam, Hanoi Bay Cruises, Lunch Experiences, Luxury Bay Cruises, Luxury Cruises in Hanoi, Tour Reviews, Vietnam Bay Cruises, VIP

Hanoi: Ha Long Bay Day Trip – Luxury Cruise & Buffet Lunch

9.Ha Long Bay Day Trip – Luxury Cruise & Buffet Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 673 reviews · from $62

Leave Hanoi by limousine for a full day on Ha Long Bay. Guides such as Tinh, Henry, and Alex lead you to Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, and Ti Top Island, with a buffet lunch, kayaking or bamboo boats, a jacuzzi, and sunset refreshments on a five-star cruise.

“Alex/hoang was a very good guide. He knew a lot of things about the sights and had funny jokes”

Check availability →Read our full review

All-Inclusive 2 Day/1 Night Halong Luxury Cruise, Meals, Cave, Kayaking,Swimming - Day one: Bai Tu Long, Halong Bay, and the first views
2-Day Experiences, Bay Cruises, Cave & Grotto Cruises, Cave Cruises in Hanoi, Cave Cruises in Vietnam, Evening Experiences, Hanoi Bay Cruises, Kayaking Bay Trips, Kayaking Trips in Hanoi, Kayaking Trips in Vietnam, Luxury Bay Cruises, Luxury Cruises in Hanoi, Snorkeling & Swimming Cruises, Snorkeling Cruises in Hanoi, Snorkeling Cruises in Vietnam, Tour Reviews, Vietnam Bay Cruises, VIP

All-Inclusive 2 Day/1 Night Halong Luxury Cruise, Meals, Cave, Kayaking,Swimming

10.All-Inclusive 2 Day/1 Night Halong Luxury Cruise, Meals, Cave, Kayaking,Swimming

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 668 reviews · from $50

Spend one night aboard a small-group Halong Bay cruise with a private balcony cabin, meals, cave visits, kayaking, swimming, Tai Chi, cooking, and squid fishing. Guides such as Sunny, Alex, Tom, or Tung may lead the trip, with routes changing between Halong, Bai Tu Long, and Lan Ha bays.

“I highly recommend this trip! The food and amenities were amazing. The staff was more than accommodating and went above and beyond to make this experience great. Our group wasn’t as big as the other boats out there which made the excursions even better. If you’re staying in Hanoi, this is worth the 2 hour bus ride for a couple day trip.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hurghada: Royal Luxury VIP Cruise to Orange Bay with Lunch - Two Red Sea snorkeling stops
Bay Cruises, Bay Cruises with Lunch, Cruises with Lunch in Egypt, Cruises with Lunch in Hurghada, Egypt Bay Cruises, Hurghada Bay Cruises, Lunch Experiences, Luxury Bay Cruises, Luxury Cruises in Egypt, Luxury Cruises in Hurghada, Tour Reviews, VIP

Hurghada: Royal Luxury VIP Cruise to Orange Bay with Lunch

11.Royal Luxury VIP Cruise to Orange Bay with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 606 reviews · 8h 30m · from $53

Spend about 8.5 hours at sea with hotel pickup from Hurghada, Makadi Bay, Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, or El Gouna. You will visit Orange Bay, snorkel at two Red Sea sites, enjoy an open buffet, receive a massage, and try a banana boat ride. Guides speak Arabic, English, German, and Russian.

“such an amazing day and really well organised! not too many people on the boat”

Check availability →Read our full review

2-Day Experiences, Bay Cruises, Ha Long Bay Cruises, Luxury Bay Cruises, Luxury Cruises in Ha Long, Overnight Bay Cruises, Overnight Cruises in Ha Long, Tour Reviews, Tours, Vietnam Bay Cruises, VIP

Sena Cruises Ha Long & Lan Ha Bay 2D1N Luxury Boutique Tour

12.Sena Cruises Ha Long & Lan Ha Bay 2D1N Luxury Boutique Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 467 reviews · from $190

Spend one night aboard Sena Cruises between Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, with a private balcony cabin, four meals, kayaking at Dark and Bright Cave, Tra Bau, tai chi, and a cooking class. Guides such as Sunday, Mike, and Hope Luong may lead the trip.

“Sunday was incredible,engaging, and knowledgeable as well. He spent over 1+ days with us. He is a tour guide, magician, singer, chef, Tai chi instructor, and really great guy.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Halong Bay: Luxury Day Cruise with Buffet, Kayak, Swim - The long road from Hanoi to Tuan Chau
Bay Cruises, Bay Cruises with Lunch, Buffet Experiences, Cruises with Lunch in Hanoi, Cruises with Lunch in Vietnam, Hanoi Bay Cruises, Kayaking Bay Trips, Kayaking Trips in Hanoi, Kayaking Trips in Vietnam, Luxury Bay Cruises, Luxury Cruises in Hanoi, Snorkeling & Swimming Cruises, Snorkeling Cruises in Hanoi, Snorkeling Cruises in Vietnam, Tour Reviews, Vietnam Bay Cruises, VIP

Halong Bay: Luxury Day Cruise with Buffet, Kayak, Swim

13.Halong Bay: Luxury Day Cruise with Buffet, Kayak, Swim

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 456 reviews · from $42

Spend a full day on Halong Bay with an English-speaking guide such as Minh, Tim, James, or Trung. Cruise from Tuan Chau Harbor, visit Sung Sot Cave, kayak or take a bamboo boat through Luon Cave, swim at Ti Top Island, and finish with music, wine, fruit, and cake.

“The day ran very smoothly from the moment we were picked up to being dropped off. The food was delicious and boat was comfortable. What made the trip was our guide Minh, he was informative, friendly and full of happiness, he worked really hard.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Halong Bay Luxury Dinner Cruise - Ambassador - City lights, Bai Chay Bridge, and the night route
Bay Cruises, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Ha Long Bay Cruises, Luxury Bay Cruises, Luxury Cruises in Ha Long, Sunset & Evening Cruises, Sunset Cruises in Vietnam, Tour Reviews, Vietnam Bay Cruises, VIP

Halong Bay Luxury Dinner Cruise – Ambassador

14.Halong Bay Luxury Dinner Cruise – Ambassador

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 374 reviews · from $105

Spend three hours aboard Ambassador Cruise II, sailing beside Ha Long City after dark. You’ll enjoy an Asian-European dinner, live band, DJ and dancers, plus a scheduled fireworks show at 8:30 pm. The cruise departs Ha Long International Cruise Port and costs about $105.

“The entertainment was fantastic.The food was great and the ship is huge and amazing. A really great vibe.Totally worth it, Halong Bay is simply breathtaking at night and is must!”

Check availability →Read our full review

All-Inclusive 3 Day/2 Night Halong Luxury Cruise Meals, Cave, Kayaking, Swimming - Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island
3-Day Experiences, Bay Cruises, Cave & Grotto Cruises, Cave Cruises in Hanoi, Cave Cruises in Vietnam, Evening Experiences, Hanoi Bay Cruises, Kayaking Bay Trips, Kayaking Trips in Hanoi, Kayaking Trips in Vietnam, Luxury Bay Cruises, Luxury Cruises in Hanoi, Snorkeling & Swimming Cruises, Snorkeling Cruises in Hanoi, Snorkeling Cruises in Vietnam, Tour Reviews, Vietnam Bay Cruises, VIP

All-Inclusive 3 Day/2 Night Halong Luxury Cruise Meals, Cave, Kayaking, Swimming

15.All-Inclusive 3 Day/2 Night Halong Luxury Cruise Meals, Cave, Kayaking, Swimming

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 346 reviews · from $290

Spend two nights aboard a Halong Bay cruise with Hanoi pickup, private balcony cabin options, full meals, cave visits, kayaking, swimming, Tai Chi, cooking, and squid fishing. Routes may use Halong, Lan Ha, or Bai Tu Long Bay, with guides and managers such as Kenny, Ha, and Tim praised for attentive service.

“We were disappointed with the room as there were not exactly like the pictures . We had booked the highest priced cruise and unfortunately we were not given the name of the ship before 24 hrs of departure. The first day was so busy and crowded but the second day it was magical . We were a small group and we went to less touristy places . The food was amazing as was the staff . There are no activities after dinner except for the squid fishing which was lame . No tv working so evenings were boring . I think that the fact that the ship caters to 1…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Scroll to Top

Pick a bay

An hour around a harbour, a full day with a swim stop, or a cabin and a sunrise.