Athena Royal Cruise Halong Bay

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.

Lounge and Bar

While the outside lounge offers leisure and harmony with nature while sipping wine, the inside bar on the boat provides a romantic and comfortable atmosphere.

Sauna and Spa

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

Sundeck

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

Jacuzzi

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

Decks 1 & 2

Cruise Overview & Sundeck

The luxury Athena Royal cruise will bring you to explore the fascinating Halong Bay and its stunning attractions. In the 2-day-1-night route, you can visit the mystical Sung Sot cave, swim at Ti Top Beach, kayak in Luon Cave, and get priceless photos. Moreover, the 3-day-2-night program expands more routes on day 2 to travel to Tung Sau Area and Me Cung Cave. 

Visiting Caves and Islands

Get your chances to discover some signature caves of Halong Bay, such as Luon Cave, Sung Sot Cave, or Me Cung Cave. 

Swimming the emerald water

While exploring Titop Island, you can relax by swimming in the cool and freshwater of the beautiful area or climbing to the top of the island.

Happy Hours

This program is a sunset party where you Buy 1, Get 1. You can enjoy every drink onboard with famous and luxurious wine and liquor at the cruise bar. 

Cooking Class

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. 

Sauna and Massage

After participating in several beach 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 among Bai Tu Long Bay.

Explore the Magnificent Sung Sot Cave

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's Overall Rating: 9.1/10

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 hot enough (highest 27 degrees), and towels are not provided, which passengers must prepare and bring themselves.
• 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: 8.8/10

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.

Cons

• Travel to touristy places.
• The schedule for 2d1n is a bit hectic and short.