RITA Cruise 5* Lan Ha Bay Review: A 3-Day Getaway

So you’re thinking about a getaway to Lan Ha Bay, right? It’s honestly a place that almost feels like a dream. We were looking for something a bit special, you know, a way to see those famous limestone towers without the huge crowds you sometimes hear about in Halong Bay. That’s actually when we found the 2025 ‘RITA Cruise 5* Lan Hạ-Cat Ba 3 days 2 nights’ package, and to be honest, it looked pretty much perfect. This review is basically my personal account of what you can really expect, from the moment they pick you up to the sad moment you have to wave goodbye to that amazing scenery.

Getting There: The Seamless Transfer Experience

Okay, let’s talk about the transfer, because I mean, this part can sometimes be a real headache. The RITA cruise package included a two-way transfer, and frankly, that was a huge selling point for us. In the morning, a very sleek-looking limousine bus showed up right at our hotel in Hanoi, literally on the dot. The seats were sort of like big, comfy armchairs, with tons of legroom, which is pretty great for a ride that’s a few hours long. The driver was actually very professional and the whole trip felt quite smooth. We just sat back, watched the Vietnam countryside go by, and honestly, we felt relaxed before we even saw the water. So the included transfer thing is definitely a big plus in my book.

First Impressions: Stepping Aboard the RITA Cruise

So after the pleasant ride, we got to the harbor and things felt very organized, you know? We were guided to a waiting lounge that was really quite nice. Then, a smaller boat took us out to the RITA Cruise, which was waiting for us in the bay. Seeing it for the first time, it was, well, really impressive. It’s a very modern and stylish-looking vessel. As we stepped on board, the crew was all there to say hello, smiling and handing us these very refreshing welcome drinks. The main reception area felt open and full of light, and the decor was modern without being cold, if you know what I mean. I guess my first thought was, okay, this is going to be a very comfortable few days. That initial greeting definitely set a great tone for the whole trip.

The Suite Life: A Look Inside the Cabins

Alright, so we got our key card and headed to the room, and I was honestly excited to see it. Our cabin was seriously lovely. The first thing you notice, of course, is the floor-to-ceiling glass door that opens onto your own private balcony. We literally dropped our bags and just went out there to look at the view of the limestone karsts floating by. The room itself was pretty spacious, with a bed that was almost ridiculously comfortable. The bathroom was also a big highlight; it was very clean and modern, and some suites even have a bathtub with a window, so you can soak while watching the bay drift by. It’s those kinds of small details that really make it feel special. In the evenings, sitting on that balcony with a drink was probably one of my favorite things to do. It was just so peaceful.

Flavors of the Bay: Dining and Cuisine

I mean, let’s be honest, food is a big part of any holiday. On the RITA Cruise, the dining was a real pleasure. Most of the meals were served in this beautiful dining room with panoramic windows, so you never lose sight of the amazing scenery outside. Lunch was typically a huge buffet with a bit of everything—lots of fresh seafood, different salads, Vietnamese specialties, and some Western options too, just in case. Dinner tended to be a more elegant set menu, which was a very nice experience. For example, one evening we had this amazing grilled fish that was so fresh and perfectly prepared. There was always more than enough food, and the quality was consistently high. The staff in the dining room were also incredibly attentive, always there to fill your glass or explain what a particular dish was. Seriously, we ate very well for three days.

Adventures in the Karsts: Activities and Itinerary

A cruise like this is more or less about the things you get to do. The three-day itinerary on the RITA was packed, but it never felt rushed, you know? One afternoon, we all got into kayaks and paddled through these incredibly quiet lagoons. Being down on the water level, looking up at those giant cliffs, is just a totally different feeling. Another stop was at the Dark & Bright Cave, where we sat on small bamboo boats rowed by locals. It was so serene, and you could hear the water dripping from the cave ceiling. There were also chances to go swimming at a small, out-of-the-way beach. On the boat itself, there was a Vietnamese cooking demonstration one afternoon, which was actually a lot of fun, and an early morning Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun came up. It was a really good mix of active adventures and just relaxing on the ship.

What Truly Stood Out

At the end of the day, a lot of things made this trip memorable. If I had to boil it down, though, these are the points that really stuck with me. You know, the things that made it feel worth it.

The crew’s attitude was just fantastic, seriously. Everyone from the tour guide to the dining staff seemed genuinely happy to be there and were always ready to help with a smile. It makes a big difference.

The choice to sail in Lan Ha Bay instead of the more crowded parts of Halong Bay was a really smart one. Honestly, it often felt like we had this massive, beautiful body of water all to ourselves. It was just incredibly peaceful and much more personal.

• The Itinerary Balance: It felt like a perfect mix of things to do and time to just do nothing. We could go kayaking, and then we could just sit on our balcony and read a book for an hour. There was no pressure, which is kind of the point of a vacation, right?
• The Ship’s Quality: The RITA Cruise is obviously very well-maintained. Everything felt new, clean, and comfortable, from the cabins to the sundeck. It was basically a floating five-star hotel.
• The All-Inclusive Feel: Having the transport, food, and activities all sorted out in one package was incredibly convenient. We literally didn’t have to think about logistics at all, which allowed us to just switch off and enjoy the scenery.

Read our full review: [RITA Cruise 5* Lan Hạ-Cat Ba 3 days 2 nights Full Review and Details]

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