Grand Pioneers Cruise
★★★★★Cruise highlights
- Brand-new superyacht in Halong Bay with 07 huge decks
- Endless entertainment: swimming pool, sky bar, wine cellar, poker, karaoke, game & movie room
- The grandest overnight ship offering the largest cabin number and size
- The most spacious Owner Suite with a 150 mu00b2 stateroom and a 200 mu00b2 terrace
Cabin Types & Rates
Ocean Suite
Ocean Balcony Suite
Veranda Suite
Booking Policy
- Fully equipped luxury en-suite guestroom with chilled water central air-con and marble bathroom
- All meals onboard (2 days/ 1night: 1 lunch, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, 1 brunch; 3 days/2 nights: 2 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, 1 brunch)
- Tender - speedboat transfers
- Welcome drink
- Daily mineral water
- Canapes service during Happy Hour
- Entrance and sightseeing fees
- Fitness center
- All weather and saltwater swimming pool
- Family entertainment room, Kid Club and billard
- Activities: Squid fishing, kayaking.
- Meditation/ Yoga or Taichi Activity
- Wifi, satellite - HD LED TV onboard.
- English and Vietnamese speaking guides
- Travel Insurance on cruise
- VAT tax included in room rates
- Transportation: Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi
- Additional beverages not listed in the cruise price
- Spa and massage services
- Karaoke, cigar lounge, use of conference facilities
- Tips and other personal expenses
- All other services not clearly mentioned above
- Note: Surcharges will be applied during the Christmas and New Year’s Eve periods and over the Vietnamese Tet Lunar New Year
- More than 21 days before check-in: FREE of charge
- From 11 to 20 days before check-in: 30% of total rates
- From 7 to 10 days before check-in: 50% of total rates
- Less than 7 days before check-in & no Show: 100% of total rates
If the cancellation be announced by the Management Board of Halong Bay, depend on the timing of the cancellation, following policies will be applied:
- Before departure from Hanoi to Halong Bay (none of the services has been used): 100% refund.
- During the trip (some services have been used: transfer, lunch, day trip, hotel in Halong, etc.): used services will be charged, the rest will be refunded.
- The trip be cut down from 2 nights to 1 night, tourists will be charged a 2 days/1 night trip, plus other used services, the rest will be refunded.
- The final cost will be confirmed by your consultant via email. In all cases, please contact us directly for any urgent help. We are here to support you with all of our best!
- Children under 5 years old: FOC, sharing EVERYTHING with parents (limited to 1 child/1 room). From the 2nd child: surcharged at VND 1,800,000/ child (sharing bed with parent)
- From 5 to 11 years old: charged 60% adult rate ( sharing bed ), 80% adult rate ( extra bed )
- Above 11 years old : adult rate will be charge
- Charged at 40% on double room for the third person using an extra bed.
Groups booking 3+ cabins receive special rates. Contact us for private charter pricing.
Cruise Itineraries
Morning
8:00 - 8:45: Our driver will pick you up either from your hotel in the Old Quarter or our meeting point if you have arranged a shuttle service with us (book in the next step with an additional fee). The travel duration to Halong Bay is approximately 2.5 hours.
By 11:30 - 11:45, you will arrive at Tuan Chau Cruise Port, where the staff of Grand Pioneers Cruise will warmly greet you and help you with the check-in process.
Once you step on board, you can savor a welcome drink in the restaurant while receiving a briefing about the cruise. Afterward, you can proceed to check into your luxurious and spacious suite.
Lunch will be served in the restaurant as the cruise ship travels through the countless islands and islets of Halong Bay.
Afternoon
Prepare for a visit to Sung Sot Cave, a remarkable natural wonder within Halong Bay. This cave, renowned for its grandeur and size, showcases stunning stalactite formations that have developed over thousands of years.
If you want pure relaxation onboard, you have the option to unwind and indulge in various leisure activities and services. These include massage services, access to a swimming pool, movie, 3D golf, billiards, and a dedicated kids' club area.
From 17:30, the crew will hold some activities like Happy Hour. You can savor a Canapé or enjoy drinks at the Sky Bar.
Evening
Indulge your palate with a delectable array of Western and Vietnamese dishes that will surely delight your taste buds.
Following dinner, unwind and relax in the comfort of your suite, pamper yourself with a rejuvenating spa treatment, engage in some exciting squid fishing, or socialize with your fellow guests at our poker club, cigar, and wine lounge, karaoke club, sky bar, or pool bar.
Morning
Witness the breathtaking sunrise over Halong Bay and embark on a new day of exploration. You can start your day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck or workout at the onboard gym.
A light breakfast will be served in the restaurant, providing a delightful start to your morning.
We travel to the majestic Luon Cave, which is one of the best destinations to explore in Halong Bay. Here, you can discover the area by traveling on a bamboo boat rowed by locals.
After your cave exploration, you will proceed with the check-out process and settle your bill at the front desk at approximately 9:30. Take in the mesmerizing beauty of Halong Bay one last time as the cruise makes its way back to the harbor.
As you cruise back through the bay, delight in a delicious brunch to satisfy your appetite.
Bid farewell to Grand Pioneers Cruise and its crew as you disembark at Tuan Chau Marina around 10:45, where transfers will be arranged for your return journey.
Afternoon
Upon disembarking from the cruise, wait for your transportation (book in the next step with an additional fee) for your return journey to Hanoi.
You can expect to arrive back in Hanoi around 14:30 - 14:45, allowing you ample time to continue your travel plans or explore the vibrant city further.
Morning
8:00 - 8:30: You will be picked up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter and travel to Halong Bay (book the transportation with an additional fee). The journey will take around 2.5 hours, with a short 15-minute break midway.
11:30 - 11:45: Arrive at Grand Pioneers waiting lounge at Lot 1, Tuan Chau International Port. Check in and relax for a bit before embarking. Then, travel by a tender to transfer to the cruise ship. Upon boarding, enjoy a welcome drink and begin the Heritage Journey to Halong Bay.
Enjoy lunch at Dining by the Bay restaurant with various fresh and delicious dishes while viewing the magnificent scenery from high up on the 5th deck.
Afternoon
We will visit Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave), one of Halong Bay’s most impressive and largest caves, renowned for its magnificent stalactites and stalagmites.
If you want to stay on board, feel free to use the 5-star service and facilities on board: 4-season pool, spa, sauna, cigar lounge, etc.
Back on board to join the Sunset Party on the sundeck and enjoy the gorgeous sunset of the bay. Or else, you can join the cooking class and listen to the chef of Dining by the Bay restaurant’s stories about special dishes from various Vietnamese regions.
Evening
Savor tasty Western and Vietnamese cuisine for dinner. Then unwind in your suite, treat yourself at the spa, or socialize with other guests at the cigar & wine room, karaoke club, sky bar, or swim in the pool.
Morning
For early risers, you can visit the top deck to witness the glorious sunset. Alternatively, you can choose to sleep in and relax. A light breakfast will be served in the restaurant to kickstart the day.
After breakfast, we step aboard the day boat Explora by Grand Pioneers, greeted with a welcome drink, as a day of natural wonders begins.
Cruise past pretty spots of the bay, such as Human Head Islet (Hon Dau Nguoi), Yen Ngua Islet, Dragon Islet, and Duck Islet (Hon Con Vit) while you admire the heritage landscape of Bai Tu Long Bay.
Travelers start the trip to explore the magnificent Thien Canh Son Cave, an untouched, enchanting cave with various stalactites of all shapes & sizes, before enjoying free time on the beach next to the cave.
Return to Explora by Grand Pioneers for lunch while the cruise continues deeper into Bai Tu Long Bay.
Afternoon
Afterward, we will have time to discover aquaculture farms, learn about pearl cultivation, and explore the ancient Vung Vieng fishing village by bamboo boat rowed by locals.
Return to the Explora cruise, continuing the journey through Thung Cave, Trong Cave, and Trinh Nu Cave. Back on the Grand Pioneers cruise, continue the voyage and enjoy onboard experiences. During sunset time, you can enjoy fresh drinks at the sky bar or pool bar, take a dip in the 4-season pool, or have a nice massage.
Evening
It’s time for guests to participate in the unique culinary journey in the restaurant while enjoying the engaging gala dinner. Feel free to witness the bay scene at night, and explore entertainment activities and services on the cruise, like karaoke, massage, game room, poker, etc.
Morning
Witness the breathtaking sunrise over Heritage Bay on the sundeck. Then, indulge in a light breakfast served in our restaurant, giving you the nourishment you need.
Travelers will visit the charming Luon Cave by bamboo boat rowed by locals. This is considered one of the best places in Halong for exploration with breathtaking seascape. If lucky, you can even catch sight of the golden monkeys here.
Later, you will return to the cruise ship approximately at 9:00 for refreshments and the check-out process. As you continue your journey back to the port, enjoy a delectable brunch buffet on board, savoring a variety of delectable dishes.
10:45: Reach Tuan Chau Cruise Port, where you will disembark from Grand Pioneers. You can wait for your transportation in the waiting lounge (book with an extra fee).
Afternoon
Anticipate arriving back in Hanoi at approximately 14:30 , bringing an end to your remarkable 3-day and 2-night trip.
Important Notes
PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE
About Grand Pioneers Cruise
Launched in 2023, Grand Pioneers, formerly Essence Grand Cruise, is the largest luxury vessel in Halong Bay, which promises to provide an extraordinary opportunity for those who seek an authentic 6-star overnight cruising experience. This cruise offers 07 huge decks, 12 special utilities, 55 cabins, and a capacity of 320 guests.
Grand Pioneers Cruise, utilizing a new brand development approach, positions itself as the pioneer of luxury in Halong Bay with high-class amenities and premium services. Amidst the magnificent wonders of nature, this opulent cruise will lead the voyage along the national coast.
There are two luxury vessels named Grand Pioneers 1 and Grand Pioneers 2 to meet the ongoing demand of travelers for high-class service, each with different deck plans.
Grand Pioneers 1 (55 cabins)
Grand 2 has 7 decks with a variety of amenities that can accommodate up to 160 passengers onboard:
- The bottom deck is a suitable area for 02 karaoke rooms, 02 billiards & 3D golf room.
- 1st floor (Wellness Deck) includes 06 cabins (Ocean & Ocean Triple Suite); and a range of facilities: reception, 02 elevators, a security room, a medical center, a Family Entertainment room, a Kids Club, a Spa, a Gym, and a Meeting Room.
- 2nd floor (Pool Deck) is where the 16 suites (Ocean Balcony and Veranda), the Pool, Pool Bar, Cigar & Wine Lounge, Entertainment Room, and Private Dining Room are located.
- 3rd floor (Essence Deck) features 18 suites (Ocean Balcony, Executive, 01 Oceania at the rear, and 01 Owner’s Suite at the front).
- 4th floor (Panorama Deck) is for 14 suites (02 Essence at the back, and the remaining Ocean Balcony & Executive).
- 5th floor (Gourmet Deck) is designed for the Dining by the Bay Restaurant and Open Kitchen.
- 6th floor (Sky Deck) offers an open-air sundeck for the Sky Bar, a wonderful spot to enjoy the gorgeous bay from high up.
Ocean Suites have floor-to-ceiling windows. Ocean Balcony Suites stay on both the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th decks with partial-view balconies. Veranda and Executive Suites have full-view private balconies of 5m2.
Essence Suites have 20m2 private terraces, while Oceania Suites don't have a terrace but a larger size (95m2) with panoramic windows. The Owner Suite has the largest cabin size of 150m2 with a 200m2 terrace.
Grand Pioneers 2 (53 cabins)
Same as Grand I, Grand 2 Cruise has the same number of 7 decks.
- Bottom deck has 02 karaoke rooms and a Cinema room. 1st deck(Serenity), 5th (Gastronomy) & 6th (Majestic) floors have the same layout as Grand I, except for a new gift shop on the 1st floor.
- 2nd floor (Crystal Oasis) is the pool area and 19 suites (Ocean Balcony, Veranda, 02 Pearl Suites, and the President Suite).
- 3rd floor (Lavish) includes a Bay View Restaurant, Cigar & Wine Lounge at the back; a Private Dining Room & Jacuzzi deck at the front; in the middle are 14 suites (Ocean Balcony, Executive, and 02 Essence Suites).
- 4th floor provides a Wheelhouse & Terrace area, 14 suites (the remaining Ocean Balcony and Executive Suites, and 02 Essence Suites at the deck's rear)
The Pearl Suites (42m2) only have bay view windows. Signature and Essence Suites both have private balconies with the sizes as follows: 9m2 and 20m2. The President Suite (109m2) is the largest cabin on board.
Oceania Pool & Pool Bar
This is a 4-season infinity pool on the rear of the 2nd deck of the two Grand Pioneers Cruise, offering sweeping views of Halong Bay. Guests can take a refreshing swim or simply lounge on the sunbeds with a drink in hand, which you can have at the bar nearby. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Sea Spas & Sauna
The spa features 5 - 7 spacious treatment rooms, located on the 1st deck of both ships. Each room is equipped with modern facilities and just one bed to ensure comfort and privacy. In addition, guests can rejuvenate in the sauna or experience the unique salt stone steam room.
Fitness Center
Stay at the bow of the 1st deck, the fitness room is fully equipped with a variety of modern machines, including treadmills, cardio equipment, a Smith machine, and free weights of different levels, ideal for keeping up with workouts while enjoying the bay view.
Meeting Room
The meeting room, opposite the fitness center on the 1st deck, offers an intimate and professional space for small gatherings. With a capacity of up to 20 people, it is well-suited for business meetings, private discussions, or group workshops.
Kid Clubs
The Kids Club on the 1st deck is a bright, spacious play area designed for younger guests. It features a slide, a fun ball pit, and a well-stocked bookshelf filled with comics and storybooks, making it a welcoming space where children can play.
Karaoke Rooms
On the bottom deck, the cruise offers 02 spacious and modern karaoke rooms, perfect for lively evenings with friends or family. Guests can book these private spaces for an additional fee and enjoy singing, music, and entertainment.
Exclusive Amenities
Moreover, each cruise ship has some different amenities to meet the varied needs of many travelers:
- Grand Pioneers I: 3D Golf & Billiards, Entertainment Room, Panorama Dining Club (private)
- Grand Pioneers II: Oasis Cine (Mini Cinema), Oceania Gift Shop, Prestige Dining Club (private)
Passengers embarking on the 2D1N cruise will discover the marvels of Halong Bay, which include trips to renowned sites like Sung Sot Cave and Luon Cave. For the classic 3D2N trip, the extra day will add visits to Trinh Nu Cave, and Pearl Farm.
The highlight of Grand Pioneers is the unique Legacy Journey of 3 days that brings you to the border of Bai Tu Long Bay with the sea and returns to Halong Bay. You will encompass stunning attractions such as Thien Canh Son Cave, Da Xep Nature Park, etc.
Regardless of the chosen tour, an unforgettable experience awaits on this extraordinary 6-star overnight cruise.
Explore Sung Sot Cave
The 1st day of the 2-day itinerary allows approximately one hour to explore Sung Sot Cave, an enchanting site where you can delve into captivating legends and myths. Immerse yourself in the diverse and abundant natural beauty that this cave presents, creating a truly mesmerizing experience.
Discover Luon Cave
On the last day of the 2d1n itinerary, an opportunity awaits to explore Luon Cave. Delve into the captivating legends and myths while immersing yourself in the abundant natural biodiversity on a rowing boat.
Spend time in Thien Canh Son Cave
On the Legacy Journey, you will take time to visit this remarkable cave on the 1st day, which offers a unique and contrasting experience, where you can witness the awe-inspiring formations of stalactites and stalagmites.
Visit Da Xep Nature Park
On the 2nd day of the 3-day Legacy schedule, guests will visit one of the most spectacular and pristine areas of the bay - Da Xep Nature Park. This attraction is a fascinating outdoor geological museum that has existed for more than 320 million years.
Spa and massage
- Price: From US $25/ service
- Duration: 30 - 75 minutes/ session
NOTE: The price is for reference only
Professional masseuses with age-old techniques are perfected by the Vietnamese people. You will have a chance to experience a soothing massage and hot stone body treatment with high-class standards. We also have a couple of services to make the passengers’ experience more perfect.
Sunset Party, Happy Hour & Cooking Class
From 17:30 - 18:30, guests can unwind with the sunset program featuring Happy Hour (buy 01 get 01 free) at the Sky Bar on the highest deck. It’s the perfect time to savor delicious canapés, sip your favorite drinks, and soak in the golden views as the sun sets. Or else, you can join the Vietnamese cooking class and make some tasty fried Spring rolls.
Recreational Activities
With an array of upscale facilities, the two Grand Pioneers Cruises turn every moment on board into an experience. Travelers can enjoy various onboard amenities and have fun, such as taking a dip in the pool, singing favorite songs in karaoke, watching a movie, trying their luck at squid fishing, or playing a round of 3D golf or billiards, just a taste of the many activities that you may find interesting.
Cuisine Style
Grand Pioneers Cruise offers a delightful dining experience that will satisfy your taste buds. You can indulge in mouthwatering meals carefully crafted to offer a diverse range of flavors.
Guests can savor diverse buffets with Asian and Western dishes, live stations offering freshly prepared specialties, and indulgent desserts. The set menus impress with generous portions and creative flavors, such as charcoal-grilled octopus with peanut sauce or tender dry-aged duck breast. Traditional Vietnamese meals are also well-prepared, balancing authentic taste with international palates.
The usual meal serving hours are as follows: breakfast is served starting at 6:30, you can enjoy brunch at 9:30, lunch is available around 12:00, and dinner is typically served around 19:00.
- 2-day cruise (04 meals): 01 buffet lunch, 01 Western set menu dinner, 01 light breakfast, 01 buffet brunch
- 3-day cruise (07 meals): the 2nd day will have 01 Vietnamese set menu lunch and 01 buffet dinner. Other meals are similar to 2-day cruises.
Note: If you have any special dietary needs, please let us know, since the crew team always customizes to meet your demands. This cruise can offer Halal menus, Indian, vegan, and kids' menus.
Drink
As part of the package, guests will receive two complimentary bottles of mineral water per day. However, any additional beverages not included in the cruise price will be charged separately. The prices for these beverages can be found on the bar menu and will be billed accordingly.
- Alcohol: From US $53/ bottle & US $10.5/ shot
- Cocktail: From US$8.5/ glass
- Non-alcoholic: From US$3/ item
NOTE: The price is for reference only.
Delight in a wide array of refreshing flavors from our extensive alcohol selection, featuring spirits such as whisky, rum, gin, vodka, and more.
For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, indulge in a glass of mocktails, fruit juice, smoothies, hot drinks, water, and a variety of soft drinks. We offer a diverse range of beverage choices to cater to every guest's preferences.
Dining Areas
- Dining by the Bay Restaurant: Available on both cruises on the 5th deck with an open kitchen.
- Private rooms: For those looking for intimate moments, you can book private dining at Panorama Dining Club (Grand 1), Bayview Restaurant & Prestige Dining Club (Grand 2)
Departing from Hanoi
For your convenience, the bus will pick you up from your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter between 8:00 and 8:45. You will enjoy a comfortable journey to Tuan Chau Port in Halong City in a 9-16 seat limousine.
Departing on your own
If you are arranging your own transportation, arriving at the designated waiting station for Grand Pioneers before 11:30 is important for checking in on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grand Pioneers Cruise is ideal for US travelers because it combines luxury comfort (pool, spa, fine dining, gym, karaoke, bar, etc) with top safety standards and strong eco-friendly practices. With professional English-speaking staff, all-inclusive itineraries, and special 3-day options, it offers a worry-free, sustainable way to experience the best of Halong Bay.
It depends on the vacancy available and the current operational needs of the cruise ship. You can contact your travel consultant for up-to-date information.
If unfavorable weather or port authority restrictions prevent sailing, Grand Pioneers will promptly notify guests and provide either a refund or suitable alternative arrangements, depending on the circumstances and any related costs.
Light, comfortable clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat and a light jacket for evenings on deck. Formal wear is not required.
October to April offers cool, dry weather. Summer (May-September) is warm with occasional showers but lush scenery; sailings run year-round, weather permitting.
Questions & Answers
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Guest Reviews
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Route & Departure
All 3 Days 2 Nights cruises sail from Tuan Chau Pier into Ha Long Bay. We can arrange transfers from your Hanoi hotel — ask us for door-to-door pricing.
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