Before talking about this cruise specifically, I’d like to share one piece of advice. If you haven’t visited Ninh Binh yet, I highly recommend going to Ha Long Bay first. After seeing the dramatic landscapes of Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay may not have the same “wow” factor, as the scenery is quite similar.
As for the cruise itself, our overall experience was good, and I would rate it 4 out of 5.
The staff were one of the highlights of the trip. Everyone was friendly, welcoming, and always ready to help. Whenever we had a question or needed assistance, they did their best to solve the problem.
Our biggest disappointment was the lunch served upon arrival. It wasn’t a buffet but a set menu, and unfortunately, we didn’t enjoy it. I only ate part of my meal because the food simply wasn’t to my taste. Another thing to keep in mind is that drinks are not included. If you want juice, soft drinks, or other beverages, you’ll need to purchase them separately. We also weren’t offered complimentary water during that first lunch, so be prepared for a few extra expenses throughout the cruise.
If you’re booking a cabin, I would also recommend avoiding the rooms closest to the reception on the first floor. We noticed a strong smell of fuel in that area. Fortunately, our cabin was farther away, so we didn’t experience the smell inside our room, but guests staying near the entrance might find it unpleasant.
The good news is that the rest of the meals were excellent. Dinner was a buffet barbecue with plenty of delicious options, and we really enjoyed it. There was also a happy hour at the bar, where buying two cocktails got you a third one free, and we found the drink prices reasonable. Breakfast and the final lunch were also buffet-style and much better than the first meal.
The only other area that could be improved was the cleanliness of the cabin, particularly the bathroom. We noticed some stains and marks on the walls that suggested the bathroom could have been cleaned more thoroughly. I mentioned this to the manager, who listened carefully and assured me they would work on improving it, so hopefully future guests won’t experience the same issue.
Overall, this cruise offers good value for the price. The scenery is beautiful, the staff are excellent, and most of the food is very enjoyable. Just be prepared for additional drink expenses, a disappointing first lunch, and some minor cleanliness issues. Despite those drawbacks, we still had a pleasant experience and would recommend it to travelers looking for an affordable Ha Long Bay cruise.
