A Genuine Review of the 2025 Hermes Luxury Cruise in Halong Bay

You know, the idea of floating between those giant limestone cliffs in Halong Bay is pretty much on a lot of people’s wish lists. So, choosing the right boat for that experience is kind of a big deal. We’re talking about the Hermes Cruise, a name that suggests a certain type of five-star comfort on the water. This is basically an account of what the two-day, one-night trip from Hanoi is actually like. Honestly, we want to give you a clear picture, sharing the little details that really make a difference. The trip itself is almost like a short dream. At the end of the day, you want to know if it feels as good as it looks online, right?

The Trip from Hanoi: A Smooth Start in a Limo Van

Okay, the whole thing actually starts in Hanoi, bright and early. Hermes arranges a limousine van transfer, and frankly, this is a very good move. The van itself is honestly extremely comfortable, with plush seats that recline quite a bit. You get a real sense of personal space, which is very different from the usual shuttle bus experience. The ride to the bay is a few hours long, so being able to relax is just a huge plus. Apparently, the driver was very safe and professional, which just makes you feel a little more at ease.

Along the way, you sort of get to see the Vietnamese countryside change from city streets to green rice paddies, which is actually quite beautiful. You make a stop about halfway at a large rest area, which is pretty much set up for tourist groups. In that case, you can grab a coffee or a snack if you need to. Once you get to the Tuan Chau Marina, it’s very organized. Staff from the Hermes Cruise are there to greet you, you know, and they guide you to a private waiting lounge. So, having a quiet place to sit with a welcome drink, away from the crowds, is a very appreciated touch. It basically sets a premium tone right from the very start of the whole event.

First Impressions: Boarding the Hermes Cruise Ship

Well, you finally get to see the boat, and it definitely stands out. The Hermes Cruise has this kind of modern and sleek look, unlike some of the more old-fashioned wooden junks you might see. It’s really all white with big panels of glass, and it just feels quite new and well-kept. You board using a smaller tender boat, which only takes a couple of minutes to get from the pier to the main ship. The crew is there on the deck to welcome you aboard, you know, with smiles and a very helpful attitude, which is just a little thing that feels nice.

The check-in process onboard is so incredibly fast and efficient. They pretty much have everything ready for you in the main dining area. You are handed your key and a staff member then shows you directly to your cabin. The whole operation is actually really smooth. So, there is no waiting around or feeling confused. The main areas of the boat, like the dining room and the sundeck, feel very spacious and open. Honestly, the decor is stylish without being too loud or flashy; it’s more or less a quiet sort of elegance. The atmosphere is just instantly relaxing, you sort of feel your shoulders drop a little as the boat pulls away from the shore and into the bay.

Your Onboard Home: A Cabin with a Private Balcony

Now, let’s talk about the cabin, because that’s obviously your private space for the trip. We stayed in a junior suite, and honestly, the best feature is the floor-to-ceiling window that slides open to a private balcony. To be honest, waking up and stepping straight out to see those limestone peaks all around you is just an amazing feeling. The room itself isn’t massive, but it’s very well laid out, so it feels bigger than it is. The decor is, like, all soft colors and wood accents, which feels very calm and clean.

The bed is definitely a highlight; it is actually huge and has a super comfortable mattress and quality linens. After a day of activities, getting a good night’s sleep is almost guaranteed. The bathroom is also very modern and sort of spotlessly clean, with a nice rain shower and a decent set of toiletries provided. So, you have all the little things you might need. There is a small desk, a television (which you probably won’t watch), and a mini-fridge. Really, the star of the show is that balcony—sitting out there with a drink as the boat drifts slowly through the bay is pretty much a core memory from the trip.

The Dining Experience: Food, Drinks, and Views

Food is a really big part of any overnight cruise experience, and the Hermes Cruise pretty much does a good job here. Over the two days, you get lunch, dinner, a light breakfast, and then a full brunch. Lunch on the first day is a buffet with a seriously big selection of food. There are Vietnamese dishes, fresh seafood, salads, and some Western options too, so there is actually something for almost everyone. The quality is quite high; you can tell the ingredients are fresh.

Dinner is a slightly more formal affair, you know, a set menu with multiple courses. It feels like a proper restaurant meal. The presentation is very beautiful, and the dishes are just full of flavor. I mean, the kitchen staff clearly knows what they are doing. Breakfast the next morning is a little lighter, just enough to get you going before the first activity. The final brunch before you disembark is another big buffet, similar to the first lunch, which is a great way to end the trip. The dining room itself is surrounded by huge windows, so you basically have stunning views of the bay with every single bite. The bar is well-stocked, and the staff can make a pretty good cocktail, which is very nice for sunset on the top deck.

Exploring the Bay: Kayaking, Caves, and Activities

So, the cruise is not just about relaxing on the boat; the itinerary includes a few outings to really see the bay up close. The main activity on the first afternoon is usually a trip to Luon Cave. You have the choice of either exploring it in a small kayak or sitting in a bamboo boat rowed by a local. Kayaking is honestly so much fun and lets you go at your own pace. You paddle through a low archway in the rock and come out into a quiet, hidden lagoon surrounded by cliffs, which is actually a magical little spot. It’s a very popular area, so it can get a bit busy with boats, but it is still totally worth it.

Later, there’s a visit to Ti Top Island. You can choose to hike up several hundred steps to a viewpoint at the top for an absolutely panoramic view of the bay, or you can just chill out on the small sandy beach at the bottom. The view from the top is definitely a bit of a workout, but you know, the pictures you can get from there are incredible. Back on the boat, there are more relaxed activities. There’s typically a short Vietnamese cooking demonstration on the sundeck before dinner, which is sort of a fun, interactive thing to do. Then, in the morning, you can join a Tai Chi session on the deck as the sun rises. It’s a very peaceful and kind of wonderful way to start the day in such a serene place.

Read our full review: Hermes Cruise Halong Bay Full Review and Details
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