2025 Halong Bay Cruise Review: A 4-Star 2D/1N Getaway

Frankly, thinking about Halong Bay brings up pictures of towering limestone islands and emerald green water. So, picking the right cruise can honestly make or break your whole experience. We decided to check out a popular option: a two-day, one-night cruise with a 4-star rating, advertised as all-included for the 2025 season. As a matter of fact, the promise is a blend of comfort and adventure, a little escape without needing to plan every single detail yourself. The main question, really, is does it actually deliver on that promise? This review, you know, is all about sharing what we found, from the moment we stepped on the boat to the last look at those amazing rock formations. Basically, we want to give you a clear picture of what you’re really getting into.

Checking In and First Impressions of the Boat

So, the trip begins at a busy pier where you, like, see dozens of boats. A smaller tender boat, really, takes you from the mainland out to your bigger cruise ship. Anyway, that short ride itself is quite an introduction to the bay’s beauty. Once we got to the main vessel, the staff was there with a pretty friendly welcome and some cold drinks, which was honestly a nice touch after the drive from Hanoi. In fact, the boat had a classic wooden look, giving it a sort of authentic character that you hope for. The main dining area was quite open with big windows, so you immediately get those stunning views. More or less, the check-in process was smooth and efficient. Honestly, they got us to our rooms very quickly so we could drop our bags and start taking it all in.

A Look Inside Your 4-Star Cabin

Our cabin was, frankly, a very pleasant surprise. You sometimes expect boat rooms to be tiny, but this was a decent size. As a matter of fact, it had a small private balcony, which is something I’d absolutely recommend you look for. Having that personal space to watch the scenery go by is just amazing. The bed was, obviously, quite comfortable with clean, crisp linens. The bathroom was also well-appointed, you know, with a hot shower that had surprisingly good water pressure. Apparently, the room came with air conditioning, which is a must in the Vietnamese heat. I mean, the biggest highlight was the floor-to-ceiling window that showed an ever-changing picture of the karsts and the water, it was, sort of, like living inside a postcard.

What’s on the Menu? The All-Included Food Experience

Alright, let’s talk about the food, because “all-included” can mean a lot of different things. For our trip, the meals were mostly served buffet style, which actually offered a great variety. You had a good mix of Vietnamese dishes and some more international choices, so even picky eaters would likely find something they liked. For lunch, there were fresh spring rolls, seafood, different salads, and stir-fried vegetables, and so on. Dinner, pretty much, was a bit more elaborate, with grilled prawns and fish as standout items. In a way, the breakfast was a standard spread of eggs, toast, fruit, and pho, a classic Vietnamese noodle soup. To be honest, the quality was good, and seeing the fresh seafood being prepared right there was, sort of, reassuring. Just so you know, drinks like water were included with meals, but things like soda or alcoholic beverages were extra, which is pretty typical for these packages.

Activities Afloat and Ashore: Kayaking, Caves, and More

A cruise here is really not just about relaxing on the deck. The itinerary usually includes a few excursions, and ours did not disappoint. The first major activity was a choice between kayaking or sitting on a bamboo boat rowed by a local. We picked kayaking, and it was seriously incredible. Paddling through a quiet lagoon, with towering cliffs all around you, is a really special feeling. You, like, get up close to the limestone formations in a way you just can’t from the big boat. The next day, you know, we visited Sung Sot Cave, or the “Surprise Cave.” And seriously, it lived up to its name with huge, beautifully lit caverns. Back on the ship, there was also a little Vietnamese cooking demonstration in the evening, which was a fun and interactive way to learn how to make spring rolls. It’s almost like they fill every moment with something to do.

The Unbeatable Scenery and Atmosphere

Basically, no matter how nice the boat or how tasty the food is, you are here for the view. And Halong Bay absolutely delivers on that front. Waking up in the morning, pulling back the curtains, and seeing those misty peaks is an experience that’s a bit hard to put into words. Sunset is, of course, the main event. As a matter of fact, watching the sun dip below the karsts, turning the sky all sorts of orange and pink, is truly something else. The atmosphere on our 4-star cruise was, I mean, more relaxed than a party boat. It was a good mix of couples and small families, and the general mood was, you know, pretty peaceful. In the evening, some people would hang out on the top deck to chat, while others, you know, just sat quietly and admired the starry sky.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

So, at the end of the day, is a 4-star, 2D/1N cruise the right way to see Halong Bay in 2025? Honestly, for most people, the answer is a definite yes. It just strikes a really good balance between comfort, cost, and activity. You get to see the highlights without feeling rushed, and the added comforts of a 4-star boat make the entire experience much more relaxing. Anyway, it’s a great option for first-time visitors who want a structured and hassle-free way to witness one of the world’s natural wonders. Here are a few final points to consider.

• Is it for you? Obviously, this kind of trip is ideal for couples, families, and solo travelers who want comfort and a planned schedule without the chaos of a budget backpacker boat.
• The “All-Included” Detail: You should probably check exactly what’s covered. Usually, it’s meals and activities, but almost never alcoholic drinks or special sodas.
• Packing Tip: Don’t forget your swimsuit for a swim, and definitely bring a camera because, frankly, every view is worth a picture.
• Choosing a Cabin: Seriously, if you can, spring for a room with a balcony. It’s a game-changer for your personal enjoyment.
• Best Time to Go: The months from March to May and September to November tend to offer the best weather, with less rain and more comfortable temperatures.

Read our full review: 2025 ‘Halong Bay Cruises 2Days/1Night 4 Star All Included’ Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Halong Bay Cruise Booking)