BestPrice Review: 9.6
- Inspection date: 24th & 25th July, 2025
- BestPrice Travel Inspector: Mr. Huan Nguyen & Mr. Aaron Tran
Sailing with Elite of the Seas felt like the perfect mix of comfort, great food, and warm service. From the spacious cabin and infinity pool to the delicious meals and well-planned activities, everything was thoughtfully arranged.
What impressed me most was the crew’s dedication, which made the whole trip truly unforgettable. While the cruise comes at a higher price, it includes almost all services—even limousine transfers—and offers standout highlights such as high-speed Wi-Fi (rare among Halong cruises), modern facilities, complimentary drone photography, and excellent dining.
The only downsides were that the daily itinerary felt a bit similar to other cruises and the bathroom had limited storage space.
Facilities & Amenities—9.2/10
Despite the launch a few years ago, the yacht still feels brand new, with a beautifully modern design highlighted in the dining hall and lounge. Every detail has been carefully considered, creating a refined and stylish atmosphere. Guests can enjoy an array of outstanding amenities, from elevators, a spa, and a sauna to minigolf, a gym, and even a wine cellar, catering to a variety of preferences.
Our Junior Suite was spotless, featuring cozy beds and exceptional room service. Each private balcony was generously sized, offering the perfect blend of contemporary comfort and breathtaking natural views.
Pros
- Strong Wi-Fi connection available in every corner onboard, a big plus while cruising in the middle of the bay
- Grand infinity pool located on the second deck, offering panoramic views
- Intelligent amenities such as sensor trash cans and smart toilets for extra convenience
- All cabins feature bathtubs and private balconies/terraces, with larger average sizes than most other cruises.
- Junior Premium Suite and President Suite are equipped with in-room body massage chairs.

The chic styling makes Elite of the Seas stand out among first-class cruises in Halong.
Cons
- The elevator only operates between the first and third decks; access to the fourth deck and sundeck requires taking the stairs.
- Average cabin sizes (30-40m²) are smaller compared to other 5-star cruises.
- Bathroom design is not optimal: the vanity shelf is small, and there are no hooks for hanging clothes.

The bathroom is modern and minimalist, though slightly lacking in convenience.
Food & Drinks—9.7/10
The culinary experience is another highlight of Elite of the Seas. The menu features a wide selection, from Western dishes to traditional Vietnamese specialties, served in both buffet and à la carte styles. The food is of excellent quality, with authentic flavors that avoid the generic taste often found on cruises. Most dishes are well-prepared using fresh ingredients, ensuring a satisfying dining experience.
Pros
- Set menus for lunch (Western) and dinner (Western & Vietnamese) with refined flavors, generous portions, and elegant presentation.
- Authentic Vietnamese dishes with true homemade taste; the Ca Kho To (braised fish in clay pot) is a must-try.
- Fresh pastries every morning, soft and fluffy; the panna cotta stands out as a highlight.
- Open kitchen concept adds an engaging touch, letting guests watch the chefs in action.
- Live piano music during set-menu meals creates a refined dining atmosphere.
- Afternoon tea comes with a wide variety of delicious canapés in generous portions.
- Complimentary in-room dining with large servings, fresh fruits, and perfectly crisp French fries.

Traditional "homestyle" meal in a Vietnamese family setting with flavorful taste
Cons
- The wine list is limited and could use more variety; cocktails and other drinks are charged at a high extra cost.
- Portions are quite large—finishing two main courses often leaves little room for dessert.
- Salad options are limited, mostly featuring only basic varieties.

Portions are quite large, sometimes making it difficult to finish and fully enjoy the flavors.
Itinerary & Activities—9.5/10
The cruise program is well-organized and relaxing, with highlights such as kayaking or swimming at Ao Ech and exploring Dark & Bright Cave by kayak or rowing boat. Longer itineraries (3D2N and 4D3N) offer deeper discovery of Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba, including a visit to Viet Hai Village for cycling and cultural insights.
Evening entertainment is varied, featuring live music, fireworks, squid fishing, and even private yacht services, making the journey both enjoyable and memorable.
Pros
- Diverse cruise itineraries ranging from 2-day to 4-day tours, offering a complete experience of Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay.
- Complimentary drone photography session on the sundeck around 17:30 (weather permitting), with photos delivered the next morning.
- Live music every evening at the second-deck pool area until 22:00; guests can request songs or even join in to sing.
- Firework show every Saturday night, and it's available for private charter groups.

The mesmerizing cycling trail amidst the biodiversity of Cat Ba Island.
Cons
- Limited activities on the 2D1N itinerary, mainly water-based options such as kayaking and bamboo boat rides.
- The cooking class making rice dumpling cake is interesting and unique, but the session is quite short and ends quickly.

Elite of the Seas offers a unique cooking class where guests can make rice dumpling cake.
Services—10/10
The attention to detail and kindness of the staff made a remarkable difference throughout the journey. From bartenders and butlers to cleaners and managers, every team member demonstrated unparalleled dedication and warmth, ensuring a truly memorable experience. The manager, in particular, was exceptionally attentive and always ready to assist with any request, reflecting the outstanding service standard onboard.
Pros
- Professional, dedicated, and attentive crew, ensuring guests are well cared for during and after excursions.
- Round-trip limousine transfer is included in the cruise price.
- Best room services on Halong Bay cruises: free Netflix, complimentary fruits and snacks, 24/7 in-room dining, and laundry service for 4 items per room per night.
- Unlimited drinks at lunch and dinner: water, soft drinks, juice, cocktails, mocktails, beer, tea, and coffee.
- Thoughtful details: bed decorated before check-in, handwritten thank-you note, farewell gifts (two packs of tea and a hat at the final brunch)
- Private yacht service is available (additional charge) for a more exclusive exploration of the bay.

Personalized handwritten thank-you note with a small thoughtful gift
TripAdvisor Review: 5/5
- Number of reviews: 2,181
- Excellent: 2,165/2,181 reviews
According to the latest Elite of the Seas Cruise’s TripAdvisor, this cruise was rated with Excellent scores. This impressive number indicates a very high level of customer satisfaction with the cruise's service quality.
For its luxury experience and outstanding service, many guests appreciate the attentive care provided throughout their cruise. The personal butler service is frequently mentioned, with guests highlighting how thoughtfully they were taken care of from the moment they boarded.
Food and dining are another recurring highlight, with reviews praising the quality of the food, attentive waiters, and enjoyable meals throughout the journey. Guests also describe their time exploring Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay as a wonderful cruise experience, whether on a one-night stay or a longer three-day journey. Many reviews include special thanks to the crew for their warm hospitality and personalized service, with guests describing the cruise as a memorable luxury experience and highly recommending it to others.

The staff always gives the most attentive care to all passengers.