RITA CRUISE – LUXURY 5 STAR CRUISE in HALONG BAY from HANOI

Rita Cruise gives you a polished way to see Halong Bay and the quieter Lan Ha Bay in just two days. The ship has a pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, private balconies, bathtubs, and even a soundproof karaoke lounge, so the ride feels more like a floating hotel than a simple sightseeing boat.

I like the less-crowded Lan Ha Bay route and the practical Hanoi pickup by limousine. I also like the strong attention to food and personal service, including help with vegan meals and birthday surprises. The main drawback is time: one night passes quickly, and much of the first and last day is spent getting between Hanoi and the harbor.

Key points to know before booking

• Private balcony in every cabin: You get your own outdoor space with sea views, useful during quiet morning and evening sailing.
• Lan Ha Bay instead of only Halong Bay: The route passes through Halong Bay before reaching the smaller, less busy Lan Ha Bay.
• Hanoi pickup included: A limousine transfer uses the expressway and includes a rest stop on both drives.
• Full onboard program: Meals, cooking class, Tai Chi, squid fishing, and bay activities are included in the advertised package.
• Service is a major strength: Hana, Stella, Louise, Jim, Alice, Jack, John, and Black have all received specific praise for friendly, attentive help.
• A 100-person maximum: This is not an intimate private boat, but it is smaller and more personal than a large ferry-style outing.

From Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island

Your day begins around 8:15 to 8:45 in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, at the Hanoi Opera House, or at the Authentic Hanoi Travel office if you are outside the standard pickup area. The scheduled meeting point is the Hanoi Opera House, and the advertised start time is 8:00 a.m., so confirm your exact pickup point and time before departure.

The drive to Tuan Chau Island takes about two and a half hours on the expressway. A stop is built into the journey, which helps break up the morning ride. This transfer is included in the price, and that matters because arranging your own transport to the harbor can add both cost and stress.

You do not board Rita Cruise directly at the first harbor stop. From the Tuan Chau check-in lounge at 16B, you take a support speedboat across the bay to the main vessel. Allow roughly 30 minutes for the transfer and boarding process. Keep your phone, passport, medication, and anything you need during the transfer in a small day bag rather than in your larger luggage.

The road-and-boat connection makes the first day a long one. You leave Hanoi in the morning, reach the lounge around 11:30 to noon, and board Rita Cruise around 12:30. That is normal for a Halong Bay cruise from Hanoi, but it means you should not expect a full day on the water.

Boarding a five-star-style floating hotel

Once aboard, you receive a welcome drink, meet the captain and crew, and hear the safety briefing. You then check into a cabin with a private sea-view balcony and bathtub shower.

The balcony is one of the most useful features on this short cruise. You can step outside without heading to the main sundeck, which gives you a quieter place to watch the rock formations and shifting water. On a two-day trip, private outdoor space also helps you make the most of brief sailing periods.

The ship includes an outdoor Jacuzzi and a swimming pool, unusual features for a compact Halong Bay itinerary. The pool may be especially useful for families, though the supplied information does not give its size or operating schedule. Rita Cruise also has a private soundproof karaoke lounge, an option for groups who want evening entertainment away from the main dining areas.

The phrase luxury five-star should be treated as a description of the ship’s style, not a promise that every part of the trip will feel like a private resort. You are still sharing a vessel with other passengers, and the maximum group size is listed as 100 people. I would choose Rita Cruise for comfort, facilities, and service rather than for complete seclusion.

Lunch and the route into Lan Ha Bay

Lunch begins shortly after boarding, around 1:00 p.m. The advertised package includes Vietnamese seafood buffet meals, along with two lunches during the trip. If you do not eat seafood, or if you follow a vegan diet, tell the operator before sailing.

Food is a real selling point here. Louise and the chef have prepared special vegan meals for a family, and staff have also helped with other dietary needs. Still, the available information does not promise a fixed vegan or vegetarian menu, so advance notice is important.

After lunch, Rita Cruise moves through Halong Bay toward Lan Ha Bay. Halong Bay is the famous part of the route, but Lan Ha Bay is the reason this cruise may appeal to you over a standard Halong itinerary. The route is described as smaller and less touristy, with a more relaxed feel around the water and limestone formations.

You will spend much of the afternoon and overnight period in the Lan Ha Bay area. The exact sailing pattern can change, and weather may affect the schedule. One past sailing had poor weather, but the ship’s indoor amenities and activities helped keep the trip worthwhile. That is a useful reminder: the bay is beautiful, but the views depend on clear conditions.

Afternoon activities in Lan Ha Bay

The first afternoon is built around scenic sailing and onboard activities. The program includes bay activities, and the next morning includes a kayak or similar water activity in the Lan Ha Bay area, though the supplied schedule does not give every stop or route detail.

You can also expect a cooking class. This is usually a light, social activity rather than a full culinary lesson, but it gives you something to do between meals and sightseeing. It works well for families and mixed-age groups because participation does not depend on fitness.

The ship also schedules time for the outdoor Jacuzzi and pool. If you want quiet views, use your balcony or the fifth-floor sundeck instead. If you prefer company, the shared deck is where you will get the broadest view of the bay.

This is not a trip built around long walks or strenuous excursions. It is about moving through the scenery, enjoying the ship, and taking part in short activities. That makes it a good fit if you want Halong Bay without packing and unpacking each day.

Dinner, squid fishing, and the evening onboard

Dinner is included, and the available feedback describes multi-course meals as a highlight on longer Rita sailings. The two-day schedule includes dinner on the first night, along with drinks served separately from the package.

Night squid fishing is part of the program. The activity depends on conditions and timing, so think of it as a simple evening pastime rather than a guaranteed catch. It gives you a reason to go outside after dinner and see the bay after dark.

The soundproof karaoke lounge is a distinctive feature. If your group enjoys singing, it provides a dedicated place to do so without filling the entire ship with noise. If you prefer a quiet night, the private balcony, cabin, or outdoor deck offers an escape.

Staff service is repeatedly singled out as a strong point. Hana, a receptionist, has been praised for staying helpful from check-in through departure and for adding humor and cultural information onboard. Stella has also received warm praise for friendly service. Staff names mentioned in connection with attentive care include Jim, Alice, Jack, John, and Black.

Names and assignments can change, so do not book on the assumption that a particular person will be aboard. Still, the pattern is clear: personal attention is central to the Rita Cruise experience. Tell the reception team early if you have food restrictions, a birthday, or a special request.

Morning Tai Chi and the final hours

The second day starts early. Tai Chi is scheduled on the fifth-floor sundeck from about 6:30 to 7:00 a.m., and participation is optional. This is a good time to be outside, when the bay is quieter and the morning light is softer.

Tea or coffee and breakfast follow from about 7:00 to 7:45. If you want the best chance of a calm balcony view, wake before breakfast. The schedule is tight, so do not expect a slow hotel-style morning.

Around 8:00, the ship continues with the final bay activity. The supplied information indicates water-based sightseeing and activities in Lan Ha Bay, but it does not list every exact stop. Follow the onboard briefing for the day’s meeting times and equipment instructions.

You return toward Tuan Chau Marina for disembarkation. The transfer back to Hanoi begins around noon, followed by another two-and-a-half-hour drive and a rest stop. Arrival in Hanoi is scheduled for roughly 3:00 to 3:20 p.m., with drop-off at hotels.

That timing makes Rita Cruise difficult to combine with a same-day flight from Hanoi. Keep the afternoon flexible, especially if weather or harbor traffic causes delays.

What the $269 price really covers

At $269 per person, this is not a budget boat trip. The price includes round-trip limousine transport from Hanoi, a private-balcony cabin, meals, welcome drinks, entrance fees, onboard activities, an English-speaking guide or cruise manager, and the ship’s pool and Jacuzzi facilities.

You are also paying for convenience. The operator handles the long road transfer, harbor connection, cabin, meals, and activity schedule in one booking. If you value comfort and do not want to arrange separate transport, the package has fair value.

The price does not include beverages, personal spending, tips for the crew, guide, or driver, or the listed $25 per-person holiday surcharge. Those extras can make the final cost higher, especially if you buy drinks onboard and tip several members of the team.

A group discount is available, though no discount amount is provided. For families or groups, ask about the discount before payment rather than assuming it will appear automatically.

The cruise is often booked well ahead, with an average booking lead time of 107 days. That suggests you should reserve early if your Hanoi dates are fixed, particularly during busy travel periods. A mobile ticket is available, and confirmation is issued at booking.

Who will enjoy Rita Cruise most

I would point families toward this cruise because the pool, Jacuzzi, karaoke lounge, shared activities, and attentive food service give everyone something to do. The staff have also arranged birthday surprises, including one for a child, which can make the overnight feel special.

Couples may like the private balcony and quieter Lan Ha Bay route. The cruise is less suited to someone seeking a small, silent sailing boat, since the ship can carry up to 100 people and has a full activity program.

It also suits first-time visitors to Halong Bay who want transport and sightseeing bundled together. You do not need to plan separate harbor transfers or find meals along the route.

I would be more cautious if you have only a short stay in Hanoi. The cruise takes two full calendar days, and the drive occupies several hours on both ends. It is also not the best match for someone who wants a long, demanding kayaking trip or a highly flexible private itinerary.

Practical details that affect your choice

The tour begins and ends at the Hanoi meeting point, with hotel drop-off scheduled after the return drive. Pickup is offered in the Old Quarter and at the Hanoi Opera House, while those outside the stated area may need to meet at the Authentic Hanoi Travel office.

Most people can take part, and the activity is not described as requiring special fitness. You should still be comfortable with boarding a support speedboat, moving around a cruise vessel, and keeping to fixed activity times.

Cancellation terms are strict close to departure. Cancel at least six full days before the start for a full refund. Cancellation two to six full days before departure receives a 50 percent refund, while cancellation within two full days receives no refund. Changes follow the same cutoff rules, and times are based on local time.

The cruise has a published rating of 4.6 from 24 ratings, with 92 percent recommending it. The strongest praise centers on service, food, clean and comfortable cabins, and help with special diets. Those strengths matter more here than flashy facilities alone because the trip is short and staff interaction shapes much of your stay.

Should you book Rita Cruise?

Book Rita Cruise if you want a comfortable two-day Halong Bay escape with a private balcony, included Hanoi transport, meals, and a route through quieter Lan Ha Bay. It is especially practical for families, first-time visitors, and anyone who prefers a planned package with plenty happening onboard.

Think twice if you want a tiny boat, a low price, or a long independent stay in the bay. The schedule is fixed, the transfer days are long, and drinks, tips, and holiday surcharges are extra.

For the best experience, give the operator your dietary needs before departure, arrive ready for an early start, and keep your final Hanoi afternoon open. If the weather cooperates, Rita Cruise offers a comfortable way to see the bay without sacrificing a private balcony or the small comforts of a proper hotel.

FAQ

Where does the Rita Cruise tour start?

The scheduled meeting point is the Hanoi Opera House at 1 Tràng Tiền Street. Pickup is also offered from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, and an office meeting point may apply if you are outside the stated pickup area.

How long does the trip take?

The cruise lasts about two days and one night. The drive from Hanoi to Tuan Chau takes about two and a half hours, and the return drive takes about the same amount of time.

Is transportation from Hanoi included?

Yes. Round-trip limousine transportation from Hanoi to Halong Bay is included, using the expressway and a rest stop on each drive.

What is included in the tour price?

The package includes breakfast, dinner, two lunches, welcome drinks, a luxury cabin with a private sea-view balcony and bathtub shower, entrance fees, scheduled activities, an English-speaking guide or cruise manager, a cooking class, night squid fishing, and morning Tai Chi.

Are drinks and tips included?

No. Beverages, personal expenses, and tips for the crew, guide, and driver are not included. A $25 per-person holiday surcharge may also apply.

What is the cancellation policy?

You receive a full refund if you cancel at least six full days before the start time. Cancelling two to six full days before departure gives you a 50 percent refund. Cancelling within two full days is nonrefundable.