Essence Grand Halong Bay Cruise – Detailed Review 2024

1. Overview of Essence Grand Halong Bay Cruise

Essence Grand Halong Bay Cruise 6 Stars combines the luxury vacation experience of Halong Unique Cruise with the freedom of a boat trip. Essence Yachts intends to give authentic onboard experiences on this custom-designed sailboat cruising through the Gulf of Tonkin.

Essence Grand Halong Bay Cruise is dedicated to honoring the natural treasures that span Vietnam’s S-shaped topography, and it strives to provide an eco-friendly retreat for its distinguished passengers as they experience the glories of nature.

Furthermore, Essence Grand Halong Bay Cruise is at the forefront of preserving and promoting its distinctive natural qualities. This top cruise line exemplifies Vietnamese expertise and inventiveness, setting worldwide standards and standing out as the most environmentally responsible, safe, and cutting-edge alternative in Halong Bay.

Officially launched in the spring of 2023, cruising is all about the destinations, experiences, and memories. Experience the exclusive, comfortable, and luxurious services on the first 6-star super yacht in Vietnam. You will have moments unlike any other boat out there. You will be unique, and only you will have such superb privileges.

Dedicated to this newly launched cruise, with all the amenities and services provided, it deserves a 10/10 rating. The cost is totally worth it for the experience you will get.

2. Accommodations

The five-deck steel vessel is constructed with over 55 elegant guest rooms and suites, making it the largest overnight ship to visit Halong Bay seas.

Room facilities: Complimentary: tea, coffee, water, Minibar, Tea table, Electric kettle, Refrigerator, Multi Air conditioning, HD LED Tivi, Telephone, Electrical outlet, Wardrobe, Clothes hangers, Private bathroom, Free toiletries, Hair dryer, Slippers, Wireless Internet, Wake-up service, Safety deposit box, Life jackets, Swimming float, Flashlight, Emergency hammer.

3. Onboard Activities and Entertainment

• Enjoy seafood dishes onboard

Enjoy the flavor of the ocean with a variety of freshly prepared seafood meals served on board. The menu is likely to include the best local seafood, allowing you to savor the traditional flavors of the region while admiring the panoramic views of the bay.

• Visit beautiful caves

Discover the splendor of Halong Bay’s natural limestone caverns. These breathtaking formations provide a surreal exploring experience, with stalactites and stalagmites forming an intriguing atmosphere that narrates the geological history of the area.

• Experience morning TaiChi

Start your day with a relaxing TaiChi session on the balcony as the sun rises. The soft motions of this classic Chinese martial art provide a beautiful start to the day, bringing peace and balance against the serene background of the bay.

• Engage in 3D Golf

Test your golfing skills with a state-of-the-art 3D Golf simulator. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, this virtual golfing experience adds a unique touch of leisure and entertainment to your cruise experience.

• Kayaking and Swimming

 Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Halong Bay with kayaking and swimming. Paddle through the emerald waters to explore hidden corners of the bay, or take a refreshing swim in the calm sea, surrounded by the impressive karst landscape.

4. Amenities and Facilities in Essence Grand Halong Bay Cruise

Onboard, all clients can enjoy a wide array of modern amenities, such as an infinity pool with saltwater, a golf simulator with an impact screen, fitness and yoga facilities, a meeting space, a lounge dedicated to wine and cigars, a cozy area for reading with a mini library; and a children’s playroom, among others.

• Dining By The Bay Restaurant

Dining By The Bay offers a luxurious gastronomic experience set amidst the scenic heritage bay, with a decor influenced by European elegance. Savor a blend of Asian and European flavors that maintain the authenticity of local culinary traditions, presented in a varied set menu designed to satisfy all tastes.

• Oceania Pool & Bar

Oceania Pool is a four-season saltwater pool that is compared to a green jewel in the center of Heritage Bay. Immersed in the enchantment of the sea, you will experience a sense of freshness and vigor. Oceania Pool is suitable for both relaxing and hosting vibrant pool parties.

• Stellar Sky Bar

Stellar Sky Bar located at the highest point on the cruise ship, offers visitors a romantic “starlit” ambiance complemented by soothing sea waves and calm music. It is a place to heighten emotions via quality and diversified beverages created by Essence Grand’s skilled baristas.

• The Essence Spa

Essence Spa supports clients in their search for balance and calm from deep inside the spirit. With an experienced team and great attention to every aspect, from design style to aroma and music, this is an excellent location to unwind.

All problems and stresses are gently eased away by the skillful and sensitive hands of the specialists at Essence Spa, bringing the body and mind to a calm, tranquil condition. This makes your journey to visit Halong Bay more comprehensive and meaningful.

• Fitness Room

The gym facility is outfitted with current equipment to guarantee that travelers enjoy the finest training experience possible while on the trip. This is where dedicated clients may keep a healthy workout program while on their trip of exploration.

• Meeting room

The meeting space features a huge screen with wifi access and upscale furniture for VIP delegates. This will be the location for our respected customers to have a world-class meeting experience.

• Kids Club

The Kids Club which is specifically intended for young children and includes a range of physical sports such as ball pits and slides, is a great location to promote children’s curiosity and learning zeal.

• Voyage Cigar & Wine Lounge

Voyage Cigar & Wine Lounge, located on the second level of the cruise, allows clients to experience the actual world of the elite in a setting created with elegance and sophistication and adorned with precious collections from premier worldwide companies. On Essence Grand Cruise, you will have access to unique experiences.

• Private Function Room

An exclusive and opulent location reserved solely for VIP customers. A distinctive and ideal setting for crucial gatherings. Esteemed clients will taste excellent food in the most refined setting, exciting all senses from hearing and sight to seductive flavors. 

• Karaoke

Karaoke rooms, which have been outfitted with a modern sound system that is bright and vivid, as well as a varied song choice, are set to become a must-see destination for music enthusiasts. 

• Family entertainment room

Family Entertainment room is created with expansive surroundings, huge windows overlooking the bay, and a range of activities to meet the requirements of all family members, including a reading space, a large-screen TV, and a table football.

• Entertainment room

Entertainment room is a beautiful area outfitted with a range of fascinating activities, will be the perfect spot to meet and mingle with friends throughout your holiday.

5. Detail Itinerary of Essence Grand Halong Bay Cruise

Normally, the cruises operate mainly on a 2-day 1-night schedule. Therefore, we will only suggest a detailed itinerary for the 2-day 1-night stay aboard the Essence Grand Cruise in Halong Bay.

 2-day 1-night itinerary

• Day 1: Hanoi – Halong Bay

08:00 – 08:30 Pick up

Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in the Old Quarter or at our cruise waiting lounge (if you have booked the shuttle with us). The journey time to Halong Bay takes approximately 2.5 hours.

09:50 Comfort stop

A short break on route for refreshments (15 minutes).

11:30 – 11:45 Tuan Chau International Marina

You will be presented at Tuan Chau International Port (Navigation: ), where Essence Grand Cruise staff will welcome and assist with check-in procedures.

12:30 Check-in

You will check in at the reception, on the first floor.

13:00 – 14:30 Enjoy the welcome drinks and have lunch

Enjoy our welcome drink and be introduced about the itinerary and safety policies.

Lunch will be served in the Dining By The Bay restaurant.

15:30 – 16:30 Explore the Sung Sot Cave

The transfer boat and the Essence Grand Cruise staff team will take you to the Sung Sot Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay, discovered by a group of French explorers in 1901.

*For the guests who do not get involved in experience activities.

You can enjoy our services on the cruise including spa & massage, 4-season pool, cigar & lounge, kid clubs, etc.

17:30 – 18:30 Sunset and Happy Hour time

Enjoy the best moments of the day as the sun hits the water between the dramatic limestone peaks and emerald-green coves, choose and savour Canapé and your favourite drink offerings at the Sky bar.

19:00 Dinner at restaurant

Tantalise your taste buds with a selection of Western and Vietnamese cuisine.

21:00 After dinner

After dinner, chill out in your suite; pamper yourself at the spa; experience squid fishing back of the boat on the first floor; or spend time with your fellow companions at our cigar and wine lounge, karaoke club, sky bar or the pool bar.

Overnight on the Essence Grand Halong Bay Cruise. 

*Some activities may incur an additional charge – see the exclusions.

• Day 2: Halong – Sung Sot Cave – Hanoi

05:30 – 06:00 Amazing sunrise time

Enjoy the magnificent sunrise across heritage bay, immerse yourself in the sound of waves and be ready for a chill and fresh day.

06:00 – 6:30 Tai Chi on Sundeck

Start the day on our Essence Grand Halong Bay Cruise with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck or a workout in the gym, or you may just want to sleep in.

06:30 – 7:30 Light breakfast

A light breakfast will be served in the restaurant.

07:30 – 08:30 Visit the Luon cave by a bamboo boat

Our speed boat will transport you to Luon Cave – the best destination for visiting by rowing bamboo boat, located on the north-eastern part of Bo Hon Island.

09:30 – 10:30 Check out and enjoy a brunch buffet

Check out at our reception desk on the first floor.

Enjoy the brunch buffet on the cruise while returning to the port.

10:45 Get back to the Essence Grand Lounge

Cruise back to the Essence Grand Cruise port.

11:00 Start your trip back to Hanoi

Arrive back in Hanoi approximately 14:30 – 14:45.

End of your 2 days 1 night trip.

6. What’s include in Essence Grand Halong Bay Cruise

In 2-day 1-night or 3-day 2-night journey, the cost includes the following services and accompanying activities:

• Fully furnished luxury en-suite guest rooms with cold water, central air conditioning, and marble bathrooms.
• All meals are provided abroad (2D1N: 1 breakast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner; 3D2N: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners)
• Tender-speedboat transfers.
• Welcome drink
• Daily replenished bottled fresh water
• A canapé gathering as part of the Happy Hour ritual.
• Entry and sightseeing fees
• Tai chi, exercise, four-season and saltwater swimming pool, poker, table soccer, and children’s club.
• Activities include kayaking, bamboo rowing boats, cave exploration, and squid fishing.
• Onboard amenities include wifi, satellite, and HD LED TV
• Guides are available in English and Vietnamese.
• Tax on Value-Added Accommodations

7. What’s exclude in Essence Grand Halong Bay Cruise

Any costs not explicitly mentioned in section 7 will incur standard fees if utilized, including transportation, additional beverages not listed, spa and massage services, tips and other personal expenses, as well as surcharges during the Christmas and New Year’s Eve periods and over the Vietnamese Tet Lunar New Year.

8. How to book a cabin?

Very easy, You may book through the Metta Voyage website, and our consultant will provide extra advice, handle the booking procedure for you, and offer special deal or package at this time

Drop your contact details and any specific preferences or requirements you have for your cruise. After submitting your information, a representative from Metta Voyage will reach out to you within 24 hours to discuss the details. 

9. What should you bring?

When packing for a cruise, it’s important to consider the duration of your trip, the climate of your destination, and the activities you plan to participate in. We recommend some items that will suit you when visiting Halong Bay

• Travel Documents
• Cash, Credit, or Debit Cards
• A tiny first aid bag including necessary supplies. 
• Sunglasses and Sunscreen
• Some plastic or resealable bag
• Clothing & Footwear
• Water Bottle

Contact us:

• Website: https://mettavoyage.com/ 
• Email: [email protected]
• Hotline 24/7: + 84 989 383 572