A new ship makes Halong Bay feel fresh. The Stellar of the Seas cruise, opened Oct 19, 2018, brings you modern comfort in 22 cabins, plus a BBQ dinner on the sundeck and time to swim at Ba Trai Dao in Lan Ha Bay.

I also love the pacing and the morning ritual. You get an early Tai chi session on the sundeck in Bai Tu Long Bay, then a day that includes the kind of activities Halong travelers talk about, like cave visits and kayaking around karst scenery.

The main drawback is practical, not scenic. This experience is non-refundable, so if your dates are shaky, plan carefully before you lock it in.

Key highlights you should know before you go

• A 2018, newer-than-average ship with only 22 cabins, so the vibe feels more manageable than mega-boats
• Lan Ha Bay swimming time at Ba Trai Dao, plus a sunset party and a BBQ dinner on deck
• Tai chi on the sundeck during Bai Tu Long Bay morning hours
• Activities beyond cruising, including kayaking around caves, floating villages, cave visits, and biking on Cat Ba Island
• Small group size, with a maximum of 40 travelers, plus food and entrance fees included

Stellar of the Seas in Halong Bay: what the newer ship changes

Halong Bay is famous for the same reason it always draws people in, dramatic limestone islands and water that looks like it was painted by someone who pays attention to details. What changes your experience is how you live on the water day to day. This cruise is aboard the Stellar of the Seas, a ship that opened on Oct 19, 2018, and it runs with a modern layout and a compact size.

With 22 cabins, you should expect less crowding in hallways, dining flow that feels more controlled, and more deck time without the sense that you are sharing every inch with hundreds of people. The ship has an outdoor pool, a mini golf course, a bar and restaurant, and a sundeck setup that works especially well when it is time for sunset moments and the BBQ dinner. In other words, it is not just a floating transfer. It is a real base.

If you are the type who likes taking short breaks between activities, the onboard options matter. The pool and mini golf give you something to do when you are not on the water. And because the schedule includes daytime excursions plus onboard night activities, the ship is designed to keep you comfortably occupied.

Hanoi pickup and the Tuan Chau start: reducing day-one friction

Your cruise begins in Hanoi with pickup offered for hotels in the Old Quarter area, then you head toward the marina. The start time is listed as 8:00 am, and the meeting point is at 7 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam. You also have a drop-off back at the original meeting point at the end.

Why this matters: Halong day trips can feel stressful before you even reach the water. Here, pickup and drop-off are part of the included service, and you are not left figuring out how to get to the marina on your own. It is a small thing, but it affects your mood. You arrive ready.

The tour also specifies that it is near public transportation and that most people can participate. If you are going for a smooth, guided flow rather than self-navigating logistics, this setup matches that style.

One practical note for your planning: the cruise’s duration is listed as approximately 2 days. That means you should pack like this is a short sprint. If you are expecting a slow, unstructured overnight hangout, you may find the schedule a bit tight. Still, it is the type of tight that usually feels worth it, because you get multiple scenery and activity hits in just 48 hours.

Day 1 in Lan Ha Bay: Ba Trai Dao swim, sunset party, and deck BBQ

Day one follows a classic arc, head out from Hanoi, cruise into the Halong area, eat well, then enjoy water time and sunset on the ship. After you travel to the marina and get out onto the bay, the day includes lunch, a swim stop, a sunset party, and a BBQ dinner on the cruise sundeck.

The Ba Trai Dao natural beach swim stop

The highlight on day one is the swimming time at Ba Trai Dao natural beach area, in Lan Ha Bay. This is the kind of stop that makes a cruise feel different from pure sightseeing. You are not just looking at the karst towers. You get an actual break in the middle of the day to cool off and stretch your legs.

If you want the practical takeaway, bring swim gear you are comfortable using in salt air and sun. If you prefer not to swim, you can still enjoy the stretch of beach time, but the tour clearly builds value around water time.

Sunset party and BBQ dinner on the sundeck

Later, you shift into evening mode with a sunset party and then the main meal. The BBQ dinner is served on the cruise sundeck, which is exactly what you want in Halong Bay. Even if you have seen photos before, watching the light change across the limestone formations hits different when you are eating right where the view is.

Food is one of the strongest praised elements connected with this experience. People consistently describe it as a major win, and that makes sense given the way the day is planned. You are not snacking all day and hoping dinner saves the trip. Dinner is a scheduled moment, and it is positioned as a showpiece on deck.

Onboard night activities

After dinner, you get onboard night activities. The ship has a bar and restaurant, plus a layout that supports evening hanging out. This is important because cruises can otherwise feel like a quiet ride between port times. Here, night is not an afterthought.

A balanced expectation: the day ends with activities on board, not with a long off-boat party. If you want nightclub energy, you will not find that in a Halong Bay cruise format. But if you want a relaxed evening with a warm meal and simple entertainment, that is exactly the lane this is in.

Day 2 in Bai Tu Long Bay: morning Tai chi and a full second day

Day two is built around an early start that feels wellness-oriented without getting overly serious. You begin with a Tai chi session on the sundeck for early risers, scheduled 07:00 to 08:00. After that, you have a local breakfast (also included), and then the day continues with time in Bai Tu Long Bay.

Why I think this works: Tai chi on a moving ship can be hard on paper, but it tends to feel calming in real life because it forces slow attention. Even if you have never done Tai chi before, it is generally a gentle session. It is also a smart way to break up the day so you are not waking up only to immediately rush into another activity.

Bai Tu Long Bay is the named area for day two. The value here is practical, you get a second bay location rather than repeating the exact same scenery stop. And because the cruise has built-in activities like kayaking around caves, cave visits, and floating-village style experiences as part of what the ship can offer, day two is set up to keep you engaged even if you already did one swim and one sunset moment on day one.

One thing to plan around: an early morning. If you like late starts, set an alarm and commit. Otherwise you may spend day two tired and miss the calm benefits of the Tai chi session.

The ship amenities that actually help you enjoy the water

On most Halong cruises, the ship is either where you eat or where you wait. On this one, the ship is more active. It has an outdoor pool and mini golf, plus the bar and restaurant, and you also have a sundeck that is used for events like BBQ dinner and tai chi.

Here is what that means for your comfort:

• When you get a gap between activities, you have options besides pacing the deck.
• When the weather shifts, onboard areas help you stay relaxed rather than trapped.
• When you want to take photos, you have multiple deck spots to do it without feeling like you are crowding one narrow viewing line.

Also, the cruise is described as offering cooking class-style programming, and there is mention of activities like kayaking around caves, floating villages, and cave visits. Even when the itinerary timing varies by schedule, this tells you the ship is designed for more than passive cruising.

If you are traveling with someone who gets bored easily, these built-in diversions can be the difference between a memorable two days and a two days that feels like waiting for the next stop.

Price and value: is $460 per person a fair deal?

At $460.00 per person, this is not a budget throwaway. But value is not only about the ticket price. It is about what you get in the package.

Your included items are: pickup and drop-off, food, a guide, and entrance fees. Drinks are not included.

So you are paying for:

• Transportation between Hanoi and the cruise route base
• Meals across the overnight experience
• Guidance during the trip
• Access fees tied to the activities and stops
• A ship stay with onboard evening programming

In practical terms, this price starts to look more reasonable when you realize how many common add-ons you would otherwise pay for separately. You do not have to figure out meal logistics on day one or day two, and you do not have to purchase entrance fees for each stop on your own.

Lead time matters too. The average booking window is listed as 74 days in advance. That suggests the good availability does not always last to the last minute. If you want the specific cabin type you are aiming for, it pays to book earlier rather than later.

Booking reality check: the biggest lesson from the mismatch issue

One caution is worth putting in plain language. A negative experience described a situation where a cabin booking made through a third party did not show up correctly once they were on the boat. In that case, the boat and crew were praised, but the booking channel created a problem.

So here is how you protect yourself:

• After you book, double-check that your reservation is connected to the cruise operator, not just the reseller.
• Screenshot your confirmation and keep it offline on your phone.
• If you care about cabin category, confirm the cabin type tied to your ticket.

This is not a reason to panic. It is a reason to act like a careful traveler, because the ship experience itself sounds very solid.

Who this Halong Bay cruise suits best

This cruise fits best if you:

• Want a modern 2018 ship with a smaller cabin count (22)
• Like structured days with set meals and specific activity blocks
• Want a real swim stop at Ba Trai Dao
• Enjoy simple but meaningful morning activities, like Tai chi on the sundeck
• Prefer that pickup and drop-off in Hanoi Old Quarter are handled for you

It may not be the best fit if you:

• Need flexible plans, because it is non-refundable
• Are looking for an ultra-late, unplanned day style
• Hate dealing with booking details, especially if you plan to use a third-party seller without rechecking cabin category

If you are celebrating something or simply want your Halong Bay time to feel comfortable and well organized, the combination of ship amenities and a meal-forward schedule is a strong match.

Tips to get the most from your 2 days

Pack for sun and moving air. You will be on decks, in a swimming area, and out in daylight for most of the day. Bring swimwear and something you can easily dry. A light layer helps too, especially for early starts.

Budget for drinks separately. Drinks are not included, so plan for water, soda, beer, or any cocktails you want on the bar side.

Wake up for day two Tai chi if you can. Even if you skip it, the early morning routine can set the tone. If you are up for it, it adds a calm, memorable element that is not just another photo stop.

If you want the best shot at the cruise vibe staying relaxed, arrive ready. The itinerary has an early schedule and a tight rhythm across day one and day two.

Should you book Stellar of the Seas Halong Bay 2D1N?

If your goal is a well-paced Halong Bay experience with real comfort, good meals, and activities built into the ship time, I think this one makes sense. The strongest reason to book is the combination of a newer ship (opened 2018), an onboard setup that supports both relaxation and events, and key moments like Ba Trai Dao swimming and a sundeck BBQ.

The decision turns on your risk tolerance. If your dates are firm and you are careful about confirming your cabin through the right channel, this cruise can be a smooth, high-value two days. If your plans might change last minute, the non-refundable policy is the reason to pause.

Ultimately, you are buying a compact, guided, meal-included overnight on a modern ship. If that matches your travel style, book it with confidence, and handle your booking details with extra attention.

FAQ

How much does the Halong Bay cruise cost?

The price is $460.00 per person.

How long is the cruise?

It is listed as 2 days (approximately).

Is pickup included from Hanoi?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are offered for hotels in the Hanoi Old Quarter.

What is included in the tour price?

The price includes pickup and drop-off, food, a guide, and entrance fees.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included.

Can I change or cancel after booking?

No. This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.