Two days on the water can feel surprisingly personal. Doris Cruise is a newly 5-star ship, with cabins that include a private balcony and the rare bonus of an onboard swimming pool.

What I like most is how the itinerary leans into calmer Lan Ha Bay waters, with time for swimming and kayaking around scenic islets. You also get a Tai Chi session on the sundeck early in the morning, but the schedule starts around 6:30 on day two, so late sleepers will feel it.

Key things to know before you book Doris Cruise

• Private balcony cabins with ocean views so you can step outside without hunting for a photo spot.
• A true onboard swimming pool on a Halong Bay cruise, which changes how you can pace the day.
• Lan Ha Bay cruising plus islet stops such as Con Vit (Duck Islet), Thumb Islet, and Gia Luan Harbor area.
• Activity-packed evenings including a cooking class, night squid fishing, and a sunset party on board.
• Small-ish group size with English speaking support, with a reported maximum of 60 travelers.
• Service detail matters, and one staff member named Dan was singled out for fast, professional attention.

A newly 5-star Doris Cruise experience, with balcony time that actually works

If your ideal Halong Bay trip includes a bit more comfort than the typical party-boat scene, Doris Cruise is designed with that in mind. It’s a newly 5-star cruise and, unlike many ships, it offers an onboard swimming pool. That sounds like a small detail until you realize it gives you a real option when the water is busy or when you want a reset between activities.

The other big upgrade is the cabin setup. Every cabin has an ensuite bathroom and a private balcony with ocean view. For me, that’s the practical difference between “I saw the bay” and “I lived on the bay for a bit.” You can drink your tea, watch the light change, and get fresh air without waiting for deck space.

Finally, the ship runs with a maximum of 60 travelers, which usually means less shuffle and less standing around. You’ll still be on a group itinerary, but the vibe should feel more manageable than the mega-boat experience.

Getting from Hanoi to Tuan Chau: what’s included and what usually costs extra

The cruise experience centers around Tuan Chau Harbor. If you want door-to-harbor convenience, the tour can pick you up in the Hanoi Old Quarter by limousine. In that case, you leave Hanoi around 8:30 to 9:00, drive about 2.5 hours, and stop in the Hai Duong province area for a short break.

One practical point: the roundtrip Hanoi limousine transfer is not included in the tour price. The listing says pickup is offered, but you’ll pay only if you choose that transfer service. If you’re counting dollars, plan to add it or arrange your own ride to the meeting point near Ha Long.

Once you reach Tuan Chau, you transfer from the harbor to the Doris Cruise by speedboat (around 12:00 to 12:30). You’ll also get the welcome moments right away, including a welcome drink and a quick introduction to how the cruise will run.

This is also where you’ll get your bearings. If you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s smart to sit near the middle of the boat for the first few minutes, just to let your body adjust.

Day 1 sailing in Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay: islets, lagoons, and real swimming time

Day one is built around cruising, scenic stops, and getting you into the water. The route moves from Ha Long Bay into the Lan Ha Bay area, where the waters tend to feel calmer and more lagoon-like than the busiest views people associate with Halong.

After boarding, you continue cruising past standout islets including Con Vit (Duck Islet) and Thumb Islet, then head toward Gia Luan Harbor in the Cat Ba region. These names matter, because they signal a specific kind of route: lots of time spent threading through the islands rather than just doing one quick photo stop and rushing away.

From there, the ship anchors so you can choose your own pace. You’ll have options like swimming or staying relaxed while others gear up for water time. The “choice” part is underrated. On some cruises, the schedule forces you into every activity. Here, you can usually balance deck time with swim time.

Worth noting: the itinerary is described as exclusive and different from other cruises, with additional scenic highlights referenced for the overall trip. That includes mentions of places like Ba Trai Dao Islet (for swimming and kayaking) and caves such as Dark and Bright Cave (Hang Sang and Toi). Even if the exact order of cave versus swim depends on conditions, the intent is clear: you’re not just looking at the bay, you’re moving through it.

A small day-one caution

Day one includes driving and then a speedboat transfer, so the morning is active even before you’re on the cruise. If you land in Hanoi earlier the same day, give yourself cushion time so you’re not sprinting to the pickup.

The onboard rhythm on day 1: welcome party, cooking class, and squid fishing

Once you’re settled, the ship turns into a floating social and activity space. The experience includes a welcome drink, plus a sunset party on the boat. Even if you’re not a party person, I like these moments because they pull you out of “travel mode” and into “vacation mode.”

You’ll also have a cooking class. The exact style isn’t described in detail, but the value is practical: you get to do something with your hands while the bay views roll by. It’s the kind of activity that makes the evening feel like part of the trip, not just waiting for dinner.

Then comes one of the more memorable traditional-style activities: night squid fishing. The key word here is night. If you prefer bright daylight activities, treat the night slot like a bonus, not a requirement. And if you don’t love being out on deck after dark, you can still enjoy the overall atmosphere and choose how involved you feel.

One detail I’m glad you have from the feedback: service quality. A staff member named Dan was singled out for being attentive and professional, and for handling requests quickly. On a cruise with multiple activities, that matters. It can turn a “we hope it works out” trip into one that runs smoothly.

Day 2 in Lan Ha Bay: early Tai Chi, tea, and kayaking or bamboo boats

Day two starts with one of the most scenic parts of the trip, and yes, it begins early. Around 6:30, you can join a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck. This is one of those low-key activities that feels good because it matches the pace of the bay. You’re moving slowly while the morning light is still fresh.

Breakfast comes after that morning window, with tea or coffee and the chance to enjoy the view before you eat. The timing is built for people who like peaceful moments, not people who want to sleep in until noon.

Later, you’ll get time for activities such as kayaking or riding a local bamboo boat, plus more swimming options. This is the part of the trip that feels most “you are actually on the water.” It also helps break up the long stretches of cruising, so you don’t feel stuck staring out a window.

If you’re sensitive to sun, plan for it. Morning can still be bright, and you’re outside for water time plus time on deck.

How to choose between kayaking and bamboo boat time

The tour provides both options, so you can decide based on comfort. If you want gentle motion and less effort, the bamboo boat may feel easier. If you want more hands-on paddling and control, kayaking is the better match. Either way, you’re still getting that close-up feeling of passing around the islands.

Day 2 in Halong Bay: last lunch at the cruise and a return near Tuan Chau

After the Lan Ha Bay morning, the trip shifts to Halong Bay. Around 10:00, you’ll have the last buffet lunch on board. This is a good moment to recharge, because your energy needs to be steady for the handover time afterward.

By 11:30, the Doris Cruise lands near Tuan Chau Harbor. Then the cruise ends, and you’re transferred back toward Tuan Chau. The itinerary notes finishing the cruise and returning after that transfer, with the activity wrapping up around the following 12:00 to 12:30 window.

So the structure is: enjoy the morning and activities, eat lunch onboard, then head back. There’s no extra late-day mystery tour tacked on. That clarity helps if you’re connecting to another plan after.

What you pay for at $225 per person, and what to budget for

At $225 per person for a 2-day Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay cruise, the value depends on how you compare it to buying everything separately.

Here’s what’s included:

• A luxury cabin with ensuite bathroom and private balcony
• Meals onboard, including breakfast, dinner, and 2 lunches
• Welcome drink and a sunset party on board
• Entrance fees for sightseeing as listed in the itinerary
• An English speaking guide in house
• Activities including cooking class, night squid fishing, Tai Chi, and kayaking or local bamboo boat plus swimming

That’s a full package. You’re paying for transport on the water, meals, and multiple onboard activities, plus entry fees. You’re not just paying for a room and a view.

What’s not included:

• Roundtrip Hanoi limousine or shuttle transfer
• Spa and massage
• Beverages and personal expenses
• Tips for guide, driver, and crew (appreciated)
• Holiday surcharge

For budgeting, I suggest planning for the add-ons that match your style: if you want massage services or extra drinks, those can raise the final cost. If you skip those and treat tips as part of the real cost of service, you can keep this close to the advertised amount.

Who should book Doris Cruise, and who should think twice

This cruise is a strong fit if you:

• Want a 5-star cabin with a real private outdoor space, not just a small window
• Appreciate scheduled activities like cooking class, Tai Chi, and squid fishing
• Prefer a route that includes Lan Ha Bay time and calmer waters, not just the most famous shoreline viewpoints
• Like the idea of swimming and kayaking with the scenery right next to you

It may feel less ideal if you:

• Hate early mornings, since day two begins around 6:30
• Didn’t plan for the Hanoi transfer cost, since the roundtrip limousine/shuttle is not included
• Want a totally flexible, self-guided trip. This is still a planned itinerary with set meal and activity times.

Also, because the group size maxes at 60, it’s not a private yacht. You’ll share spaces and schedules, even if the atmosphere should feel more relaxed than larger boats.

Quick booking checklist before you go on Doris Cruise

A few practical things help you get more fun out of the water time:

• Bring swimwear you can actually use quickly, because day one includes swimming and day two includes more water options.
• Pack a light layer for morning deck time. Even if the air feels warm, open deck wind can cool you down.
• If you get stomach movement, consider motion-sickness prevention on day one during the cruise start and any speedboat transfers.
• Plan your photos around balcony time and sunrise. The private balcony is ideal for those first quiet minutes.

If you care about choosing the best time for water activities, remember the ship has multiple options like kayaking or bamboo boats, so you can align your comfort level with the schedule.

Should you book Doris Cruise for 2 days in Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay?

I think you should book Doris Cruise if you want a 2-day itinerary that balances comfort, real onboard activities, and time in both Lan Ha Bay and Halong Bay. The biggest reasons are the practical ones: the private balcony cabin and the onboard swimming pool, plus the activity list that doesn’t stop at “watch the scenery.”

Skip it only if you want a late-morning start, or if you’re trying to keep costs extremely tight and know you’ll need the Hanoi transfer. Otherwise, this looks like solid value because the price includes meals, entrance fees, and several hands-on experiences.

FAQ

How long is the Doris Cruise in Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay?

It runs for 2 days, with day one focused on getting from Hanoi to Halong Bay and cruising into Lan Ha Bay, and day two continuing in Lan Ha Bay before finishing in Halong Bay near Tuan Chau Harbor.

Is pickup from Hanoi included?

Pickup is offered, including limousine pick up at the Hanoi Old Quarter if you use the transfer service. Roundtrip shuttle or limousine transfer from Hanoi is listed as not included.

What meals are included on board?

Breakfast, dinner, and 2 lunches are included, along with a welcome drink. A buffet lunch is also scheduled on day two.

What activities are included in the cruise price?

The included activities are a cooking class, night squid fishing, Tai Chi, kayaking or a local bamboo boat option, and swimming. A welcome drink and a sunset party are also included.

Do the cabins have private balconies?

Yes. Each luxury cabin has an ensuite bathroom and a private balcony with ocean view.

Is there a swimming pool on board?

Yes. Doris Cruise is described as the first cruise with an available swimming pool.

What is the maximum group size?

The cruise has a maximum of 60 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 6 days in advance for a full refund. Cancel 2 to 6 days before for a 50 percent refund, and if you cancel less than 2 days before, the amount paid is not refunded.