Athena Royal Cruise 3 Days 2 Nights

Athena Royal Cruise, with a capacity of 42 people, promises to bring guests the best facilities possible for a relaxing journey:

Restaurant

Semi-classical architecture is used in the restaurant's design. Lights are illuminating the dining room. The leather upholstery on the oak chairs gives you a sense of luxury and relaxation.

Restaurant on board with Majestic Decor.

Spa  & Sauna Room

Numerous double and single massage rooms, as well as luxurious sauna rooms, are available on the trip, providing a very soothing experience.

Enjoy Relaxing Sauna & Spa Services.

Sundeck with a Jacuzzi

The luxury cruise has a sizable sunbathing area with enough equipment to unwind in the magnificent sunshine. The outside bar also accepts drink orders.

There is also a huge Jacuzzi on the sundeck. After a long, active day, guests can get in and have a moment of relaxation.

Topdeck Jacuzzi with Panoramic View

Decks 1 & 2

Cruise Overview & Sundeck

The luxury Athena Royal cruise will bring you to explore the fascinating Bai Tu Long Bay and its stunning attractions. In the 2-day-1-night route, you can visit the mystical Thien Canh Son Cave, kayak in the Cong Do area, and get priceless photos. Moreover, the 3-day-2-night program expands more routes on day 2 to travel to Vung Vieng Village. 

Kayak in the emerald water

While exploring the Cong Do area on the 1st day, you can relax by kayaking in the cool and fresh waters of the beautiful area while admiring the imposing limestone islands.

Have fun with kayaking in the Cong Do area.

Visit Thien Canh Son Cave

On the last day, you get your chance to discover the signature cave of Bai Tu Long Bay, which is Thien Canh Son Cave. Let's stroll around and take pictures of the intricate stalactites and stalagmites here.

Visit the stunning Thien Canh Son cave.

Explore Vung Vieng Village

On the extra day of the 3D2N cruise, travelers will join an engaging trip to the serene Vung Vieng floating village to learn about the fascinating local life amid the sea and get a glimpse of the pearl-raising process.

Sunset party & Cooking Class

This program at dusk is where you have a Happy Hour offer. You can enjoy every drink onboard with famous wines and liquors at the cruise bar or have some fresh desserts & fruits.

Another program is established in the sunset, also. Try this class; you will learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes under a professional chef’s instruction. 

Join the interesting Vietnamese cooking class.

Massage

After participating in several activities outside the trip, relaxing aboard the ship, and receiving expert massage therapy may help you unwind.

Taichi session

You can stretch early in the morning while guided by your Taichi instructor and breathing in the fresh air among the ocean scenery.

Squid fishing

After dinner, you should try this exciting activity. You will learn new skills under the cruise coach on a tender in Bai Tu Long Bay.

Depending on the tour you choose, the on-board cafeteria is always ready to provide you with a variety of tasty and wholesome meals:

• 04 meals on the two-day, one-night trip: one brunch, one light breakfast, and one lunch buffet.
• 07 meals on the 3-day, 2-night cruise: two buffet lunches, two dinners from a set menu, one breakfast, one early-bird coffee, and one brunch.

On the Athena Family Cruise, Western fusion cuisine and traditional Vietnamese meals are given to make the trip enjoyable for all guests. If you follow a specific diet, such as vegetarian, lactose, or gluten-free, you must inform the manager.

Two bars on the board serve many drinks, such as wine, cocktails, juice,... Let's visit the bar during Happu hour to buy one and get one drink free.

Enjoy a Tasty Buffet with various dishes

The passengers on Athena Royal Cruise will use a luxury limousine with a capacity of 15 seats for transfer. This bus is wholly furnished with amenities like air conditioning, plush leather seats, complimentary beverages and snacks, internet on board, and USB ports for charging phones and gadgets.

From Hanoi

The pickup takes place from 8.00 to 8.30. Then, guests will be transferred to the pier. Check-in and travel to the main boat by tender.

On your own

Guests who travel alone to Halong Bay must arrive at the waiting lounge at No 9 Halong Bay International Port no later than 11.30. 

The Waiting Lounge in the Pier

BestPrice Review: 9.2/10

Cruise: 9.3/10

Pros 

• Neo-classical architecture gives the Athena Royal cruise an authentically Vietnamese vibe.
• The facility offers a wide choice of excellent services, gracious hospitality, vital safety requirements, and stylish décor.

Cons

• The engine is pretty loud at the end of the boat.

Cabin: 9.2/10

Pros

• Cabins are very pretty, with classical decor, spacious, tidy, and clean. 
• The accommodation is well-appointed with deluxe en-suite facilities. 
• Some cabins provide a cozy balcony.

Cons

• The bed is not soft enough.

Facilities and Services: 9.0/10

Pros

• On-deck offers a variety of outdoor amenities and entertaining activities, so there's never a dull moment. 
• Passengers are given access to various modern wellness facilities, including a sauna and a spa, to optimize their stay in the highest comfort. 
• Flawless and individualized services like shuttle transfers, room service, and vehicle rentals are offered at the convenience of the visitors.

Cons

• Wifi is free, but the connection quality is poor to non-existent.
• The swimming pool is not too large, and towels are not provided, so passengers must prepare and bring their own.
• The massage service is mediocre.

Food and Beverage: 9.0/10

Pros

• Every morning is served with a buffet breakfast.
• Many Vietnamese and foreign dishes are on the set menus for lunch and dinner.

Cons

• The only bit that could be improved was the prices for drinks and water availability.

Itineraries and Activities: 9.2/10

Pros

• The 3-day/2 night excursions are a laid-back substitute for the hectic trips to the crowded Halong Bay. 
• You may unwind on the boat with a sauna if none of the pre-planned excursions appeal to you.
• Travel to Bai Tu Long Bay, a less-crowded area.

Cons

• The schedule for 2d1n is a bit hectic and short.

TripAdvisor Review

• Number of reviews: 184
• Excellent: 168/184 reviews

Guests generally praise Athena Royal Cruise on TripAdvisor for its attentive service, comfortable cabins, and well-organized experience on board. The crew is frequently highlighted for being friendly, professional, and genuinely helpful, while the food receives positive feedback for its quality, variety, and presentation. Travelers also appreciate the beautiful views, spacious suites with balconies, and a good range of activities that make the journey engaging without feeling rushed.

Some guests mention that cabins can feel relatively compact and that Wi-Fi is limited, but these are generally minor considerations compared with the overall experience. Overall, reviews describe Athena Royal as a comfortable and polished cruise with warm service, enjoyable dining, and memorable views of Halong Bay.