Elite of the Seas Ha Long Bay Review: Luxury Cruising in Vietnam
Ha Long Bay is one of those places that feels almost unreal - thousands of limestone karsts rising out of emerald-green waters, shifting in the light throughout the day. And while there are plenty of ways to see it, nothing compares to sailing through on Elite of the Seas, one of the most luxurious cruises in the bay.
Vibe & Location
Elite of the Seas sails on Lan Ha Bay, the quieter and less crowded neighbor to Ha Long Bay. This area is known for its cleaner waters, unspoiled karst formations, and peaceful lagoons, making it one of the best choices if you want the dramatic scenery without the heavy boat traffic.
The cruise itself balances modern luxury with a relaxed atmosphere. While it’s undeniably elegant - think marble bathrooms, private balconies, and 24-hour room service - it never feels stiff. The vibe onboard is easygoing: guests spend mornings on excursions, afternoons lounging by the pool or kayaking, and evenings sharing cocktails at sunset.
Itinerary Options
One of the great things about Elite of the Seas is that you can choose how long you want to spend on board. Each option offers the same level of luxury and service, but the length of the itinerary shapes how much of Ha Long Bay you’re able to see:
2 Days / 1 Night (most popular onboard)
This quick option is great if you’re short on time. You’ll see the bay’s highlights and experience the ship’s luxury, but the schedule is tighter. Many travelers I met onboard were on the 2D/1N cruise, and while they loved it, they all said they wished they had booked at least one more night.
3 Days / 2 Nights (what I did and loved)
In my opinion, this is the perfect choice. Two full days on board gives you time to join kayaking, tai chi, cooking classes, and cave explorations—without feeling rushed. You get to fully settle into the rhythm of the cruise, savor the butler service, and still leave time in your Vietnam trip for Hanoi or Ninh Binh. It felt like the ideal blend of relaxation and adventure.
4 Days / 3 Nights
A great balance for those who want to go beyond the highlights. This itinerary allows for more off-the-beaten-path excursions, like quieter lagoons and lesser-visited caves. You get the luxury of unhurried mornings and more variety in activities.
5 Days / 4 Nights
The most in-depth option. Perfect if you want to see Ha Long Bay at a slower pace, explore further into Lan Ha Bay, and really indulge in everything the ship offers. Best suited to travelers with plenty of time and a desire for an extended retreat.
The Room Options
Elite of the Seas offers a range of thoughtfully designed cabins and suites to suit different styles of travel - from cozy luxury to full indulgence. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect (and which I stayed in):
Deluxe Cabin
A comfortable entry-level option with all the essentials: queen bed (or twin), en-suite bathroom, and a window that lets you soak in the scenery. Great for travelers who want style and comfort without splurging too much.Junior Suite
More space, upgraded amenities, and better views. The Junior Suite often includes a seating area, extra storage, and more thoughtful touches (bathrobes, premium bathroom products).Executive Suite
A significant step up: expanded living space, larger windows or balconies, and upgraded service. This category is ideal if you want both comfort and room to relax without going full premium suite.Executive Premium Suite (my pick during the cruise)
The top tier in terms of luxury and experience. My suite came with a private balcony (perfect for morning coffee and bay views), a spacious bathroom (marble, rain shower), and a lounging area. The butler service really made it shine - everything was handled seamlessly. If you want your stay on the cruise to feel truly indulgent, this is the suite to aim for.Presidential Suite
The ultimate option with all the bells and whistles: multiple rooms, wrap-around balconies, extra privileges, and the highest level of personalized service. Perfect for honeymooners or travelers celebrating something special.
Each cabin/suite is designed to showcase the views of Lan Ha Bay, with floor-to-ceiling windows or private balconies so you can feel like you’re floating above the water even when you’re inside.
Food & Drink
Dining aboard Elite of the Seas is built to feel more like a boutique restaurant experience than a cruise buffet. The staff pays attention to detail; every meal feels curated and thoughtful.
Signature Dining
Multi-course dinners with a blend of international and Vietnamese flavors. Fresh seafood, local produce, and elegant plating are standard.
The tasting menus are designed to surprise and delight, with each course often paired to complement the scenery outside your window.
Casual / All-Day Options
For lighter moments, the ship offers a more relaxed café-style option or bistro with small plates, salads, and snacks.
24-hour food service is available, meaning if you want something late at night after a day out exploring, it’s just a call away.
Beverages & Bars
Specialty cocktail hour or Happy Hour is included, with curated drinks and a view that makes the moment feel special.
Non-alcoholic and alcoholic options (wines, local spirits) accompany your meals or are available during lounge/bar time.
Welcome drink on arrival, often featuring Vietnamese flavors or locally inspired touches.
Extras & Service Details
Room service is complimentary and available around the clock - perfect for when you just want to eat in your suite.
Unlimited bottled water replenished daily.
Cooking demonstrations (food & drink) are part of the cruise’s experience offerings, giving guests insight into Vietnamese cuisine and cocktail culture.
Activities & Experiences
Elite of the Seas is built around letting you feel the environment, not just see it. The onboard activities are designed to weave relaxation and exploration seamlessly, so whether you want quiet moments or memorable adventures, there's something for you:
Kayaking & Rowing - Glide past limestone karsts, paddle through hidden lagoons, and approach caves like the Dark & Bright Cave by small boat. These moments feel intimate and always photogenic.
Swimming in Ao Ech Lagoon - When the water is calm, take a dip in secluded coves where it often feels like you have the bay all to yourself.
Cooking Classes / Food Demonstrations - Learn Vietnamese dishes - from fresh spring rolls to local specialties -led by the onboard chef.
Tai Chi on Deck - Morning movement as the sun rises over the water, breathing in calm and setting your pace for the day.
Cave Exploration - Venture into caves with local guides. The contrast of light and shadow, water and stone, makes these moments feel almost magical.
Sunset Tea / Cocktails / Happy Hour - Daily rituals to pause, toast the day, and watch the light fade over the bay.
Squid Fishing by Night - An old tradition in the bay - cast your line off the side and try your luck under a starlit sky.
Drone Photo Sessions - A photographer onboard with help capture your ship in the bay’s dramatic setting from above.
Mini Golf - Gentle fun built into the cruise, and optional lessons if you want to sharpen your swing.
Relaxation on Deck - Lounging on sunbeds, reading in the library, sipping drinks by panoramic views.
Local Cultural Elements - Sometimes the cruise will include traditional music, storytelling, or art-related experiences (e.g., painting workshops, local crafts).
Each of these experiences is optional, never forced - so you can pick your own balance of activity and downtime. The result is a trip that’s luxurious but never exhausting.
Standout Moments
A few moments that made the trip unforgettable:
Watching sunset from the top deck, champagne in hand.
Kayaking through waters so still it felt like gliding on glass.
Returning to the suite after dinner to find it transformed for the evening - candles lit, curtains drawn, and fruit waiting.
Falling asleep to the gentle sway of the boat, with Ha Long Bay’s limestone silhouettes fading into the night.
Booking Details
The Executive Premium Suite is one of the most spacious and exclusive options on the ship. Prices vary by season but expect to pay a premium for the luxury and personalized service.
👉 Check current rates for Elite of the Seas
Pro tip: Book early, as the suites sell out quickly - especially for the 3D2N itinerary, which offers more time to explore the bay at a relaxed pace.
Elite of the Seas is easily one of the best ways to experience Ha Long Bay. Between the butler service, luxurious suite, thoughtfully planned activities, and those unbeatable views, the cruise offers an experience that feels truly once-in-a-lifetime.
If you’re planning a trip to northern Vietnam and want to see Ha Long Bay in style, this should be at the very top of your list.
Sailing through Hạ Long Bay on Elite of the Seas was one of the most memorable experiences of my time in Vietnam. Between the views, the elegant suite, and days filled with kayaking, cave explorations, and sunset cocktails, it felt like the perfect way to experience this UNESCO World Heritage site in comfort and style.
The landscapes here are unlike anywhere else - limestone cliffs rising from emerald waters, changing colors as the light shifts throughout the day. Whether you choose a quick 2-day trip or the more relaxed 3-day, 2-night itinerary, a cruise on Hạ Long Bay is the kind of travel memory that stays with you long after you’ve left.
If you’re planning a broader Vietnam itinerary, make sure to also read my guides to Hanoi and Hoi An. Together, these destinations give you a perfect balance of city energy, cultural charm, and natural beauty - the very best of Vietnam in one trip.
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