Emperor Cruises Halong Bay

Emperor Cruise is one of the most luxurious small boats in Halong Bay, with 10 first-class cabins for the most tranquil and individual experience.

On the main deck, there is Can Chanh Restaurant and a lobby at the rear. The remaining boasts 02 Signature Suites (Do Son & Lak Lake) and 02 State Suites (Hue & Vung Tau) with an average cabin size of 43m2 - 50m2.

The upper deck includes 02 Hanoi - Saigon Suites, 02 State Suites (Da Lat & Nha Trang), and 02 Royal Suites (King & Queen) - the top-notch cabin class. Located at the bow, each Royal Suite features a 70-square-meter space covering a living room, a bedroom, an ocean-view ensuite bathroom, a bar counter, and a large private terrace, making it a wonderful choice for those seeking royalty accommodation.

Apart from cabins and suites, there is also a spa & sauna, a gym, and a Mekong Lounge offering a library, a bar counter, a piano, and an exquisite art gallery for guests to chill out on the second deck.

The third deck offers an indoor panorama lounge that can serve as a restaurant and a sundeck area for relaxation and sightseeing.

With a low capacity of only 20 people, Emperor Cruise Halong Bay allows its guests to experience a more private relaxing journey on the small boat.

Mekong Lounge 

The Melong Lounge is designed in Indochina style in the center of the 2nd deck, including the Bao Dai Library, Mekong Bar, a kid corner, a piano, and exquisite art. This is the perfect place to relax at night, where you can play music, read books, or enjoy drinks.

Mekong Lounge reminds you of Vietnam's rice basket with rich nature, culture, and history.

Bao Dai Library

Inspired by the personal library of King Bao Dai, this place is a cozy corner on the 2nd floor near Ana Wellness and Spa. Designed in a neoclassical style with comfortable sofas, the library contains many precious documents about the Nguyen Dynasty, the Ancient Citadel, and the life of King Bao Dai himself.

Not only for bibliophiles, the library also serves as the cultural heart of this artistic cruise.

Pham Luc Art Gallery

Emperor Cruise Halong Bay is not only a cruise carrying historical stories, but also a journey of art. This ship owns a valuable collection of paintings by artist Pham Luc, who is considered the Picasso of Vietnam, with a large number, including works from 1956 to the present. 

If you want to admire, you can request the cruise crew to organize a tour, taking you to visit the entire Lux Gallery with Pham Luc's masterpieces, and at the same time introducing in detail this talented artist and the inspiration in each painting.

Each of his artworks is full of love, hope, and significance, conveying stories uniquely.

The Heritage Spa

Inspired by Halong Bay and the royal spa heritage of the Nguyen Dynasty, this place offers a peaceful and luxurious spa and massage experience for passengers. The treatment combines modern therapies with local botanical products, helping guests balance energy and revive all their senses. Besides, this spa also has a sauna, which guests can enjoy with a cup of ginger or jasmine tea before or after their treatment.

The Heritage Spa provides sensory retreats in this one-of-a-kind setting.

The Moments Lounge & Sails

Moments Lounge and Sail is located on the sundeck of the Emperor Cruise, possessing a large and airy outdoor space. From here, visitors can immerse themselves in nature, and spend time admiring the splendor of Halong Bay, especially beautiful and charming at sunset and sunrise.

This relaxation area leaves you with a restful atmosphere to ease your soul.

Compared to other cruises, Emperor has quite an interesting itinerary of must-visit spots in Halong and Lan Ha Bay, including Me Cung Cave, Luon Cave, Ba Trai Dao Beach, and Viet Hai Village. In addition, the cruise also provides a unique and energetic activity onboard, which is practicing Vovinam, a traditional Vietnamese martial art in the morning.

Sightseeing activities

Visit Me Cung Cave

Me Cung means “maze” which is shown clearly in the structure of the cave with many narrow slots, dividing the cave into many compartments. Visitors in Me Cung Cave can only recognize the exit by the dim light at the end of the cave. Exploring this place, you will not only be moved by the magnificent beauty of stalactites with many strange shapes, but also by the ancient cultural and historical values that it brings through the sedimentary layers, fossil, and semi-fossil sites.

Engage in historical and archaeological values from 10,000 years ago at Me Cung Cave

Kayak in the Tung Sau Area

On the first day of the trip, tourists will have the opportunity to try kayaking in Halong Bay with about 45 minutes of free time to explore the beauty of the Tung Sau Area. This place was chosen for this must-try activity as it is surrounded by undulating rocky islands, providing good wind protection, making the water here calm and safe.

Explore the breathtaking landscape of Halong Bay on colorful kayaks

Cycling in Viet Hai Village

Passengers will be able to participate in this experience on the second day if they book a 3-day-2-night trip with Emperor Cruise. Cycling is the best way to explore Viet Hai Village. You will be able to cycle on the tree-lined road through Cat Ba National Park, visit the remaining ancient houses of Viet Hai fishing village, and immerse in the slow, peaceful pace of life here.

Please note that if you don't want to cycle, electric cars are also an alternative option.

Explore the village nestled in the national park where you can see the genuine local life

Swim on Ba Trai Dao Beach

Ba Trai Dao is the area with the most beautiful view and calmest water on Lan Ha Bay which makes swimming here a must-do for any cruise trip. This place consists of 3 islets next to each other, surrounding a very beautiful small bay. The beach is located on the largest island, located in the middle, looking straight out to the magnificent bay with small green islands mixed with wild, layered rocky mountains.

Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear water surrounded by towering cliffs

Explore Luon Cave

Luon Cave is chosen as an interesting ending on the last day of sailing with Emperor Cruise. The cave has a unique geological structure that makes the ceiling far from the water surface but its floor is submerged under the sea. To explore this special attraction, visitors will be able to choose between kayaking themselves or sitting on small wooden boats rowed by locals.

Gaze at a variety of beautiful plants such as ferns and cycads on a bamboo boat trip

Onboard Activities

Practice Vovinam

For anyone who is a morning person, Vovinam is the best sunrise practice activity. Unlike the slow and gentle Tai Chi offered on most cruise tours, this traditional Vietnamese martial art is arranged as a powerful exercise, helping visitors have an extremely dynamic start for a new day.

Enjoy Vovinam exercise in the bright morning on the sundeck

Spa & Massage

• Price: US $20 - $50
• Duration: 30 - 60 mins/session

Emperor Cruise’s spa & massage service is currently one of the best in Halong. The spa & massage services here are diverse, including 7 types of treatments, from basic foot, head, neck, and shoulder massage to the advanced option with a combination of Balinese, Swedish, Japanese shiatsu, and Thai stretching.

Gym Center

In addition to practicing Vovinam on the sundeck in the early morning, guests can also find other modern and more familiar training activities at the gym center. This gym is a bit small, but it still meets the basic requirements with a treadmill and elliptical machine. All exercise equipment is placed facing the floor-to-ceiling glass doors, allowing passengers to train and admire the beautiful scenery of Halong Bay at the same time.

Fitness facilities are specifically intended to refresh and energize guests onboard.

The Emperor overnight cruise offers flavorful meals with the finest local ingredients. The dishes are served diversely with local seafood, fusion, Western, and Vietnamese cuisine. Dinner is the highlight of the culinary experience with a set menu served in fine dining style including a full course meal from light appetizers, to sophisticated main dishes, and ending with sweet desserts.

With every meal onboard, guests are treated to a fine selection by renowned chefs.

Moreover, guests can dine at many places: in their suite, on the sundeck, or in the lounge, at any time, which is unique for this luxury cruise.

Dining Time

The usual time for breakfast is 6:45, lunch is at 13:15, and dinner is at 19:30.

• The 2-day-1-night itinerary includes 04 meals: 01 set menu lunch, 01 set menu dinner, 01 light buffet breakfast, and 01 buffet brunch
• The 3-day-2-night itinerary includes 07 meals: 02 set menu lunches, 02 set menu dinners, 02 light buffet breakfasts, and 01 buffet brunch 

Note:If there are less than 10 guests on board, brunch will be served À La Carte style.

Drinks

Visitors traveling with Emperor Cruise on their journey to explore Halong Bay can enjoy complimentary water in their rooms. Other beverages at the bar (come with a surcharge) have a wide range of choices such as wine, spirits, beer, cocktails, mocktails, juice, coffee, and tea.

Gaze at the mesmerizing sunset while sipping a cocktail with a flavorsome taste

Can Chanh Restaurant

This restaurant at the heart of the 1st deck, is decorated with artwork and wood equipment to bring a royal atmosphere in the traditional Vietnamese style. Tourists may enjoy Vietnamese culture, history, and gourmet food at the luxury dining area where regal beauty and legacy blend to create the pinnacle of elegance.

The restaurant offers amazing views and stylish furnishings inspired by the 1930 design.

Panorama Lounge & Restaurant

Located on the top deck to give guests fresh air, this lounge & bar offer both indoor and outdoor dining space with a 360-degree Halong Bay view. It can be arranged to serve breakfast, and dinner upon request, as well as the sunset party, afternoon tea, cooking class, and wine tasting.

The lounge provides stunning views of the ever-changing magical scenery in Halong.

You will be transported by a limousine D-car, shuttle bus, or private car if you book with BestPrice Travel (need an additional fee). The car will guarantee you a smooth and pleasant ride.

From Hanoi

The pickup time is from 8:00 to 8:30 within the Old Quarter; the bus will transfer you to Halong Bay from Hanoi via highway.

From Tuan Chau Marina

If you move to Halong Bay by yourself, please reach the Heritage Lounge at Lot 28 Tuan Chau Marina before 11.30 to check in on time. 

Waiting lounge of Lux Group at Halong Bay cruise port

BestPrice Review: 9.5/10

Emperor Cruise Halong Bay has a unique traditional Vietnam royal style and is the only historical cruise about the last king of Vietnam - Emperor Bao Dai. With only 10 cabins, this luxury boat is perfect for honeymooners and small groups who seek a fancy holiday.

Facilities & Deck Plan - 9.5/10

The cruise regularly maintains its unique royal style by providing exquisite wooden interiors, handmade decorations, and well-appointed cabins. The entire boat is like an art gallery with paintings hanging all over the walls, whether in the guest cabins or the hallways.

Pros

• Having a unique traditional Vietnam royal style with lavish facilities.
• Only 10 cabins on board, perfect for a peaceful seascape without hustle.
• Large and luxurious cabin with elegant décor and well-thought-out design.

Cons

• Hanoi & Saigon Suites don’t have private balconies.

Every corner on Emperor Halong Bay Cruise presents a masterpiece of art.

Itinerary & Activities - 9.5/10

It is hard to find a cruise that has an exciting itinerary like the Emperor. Thanks to the combination of exploring both Halong and Lan Ha Bay on a 3d2n itinerary, passengers always have the opportunity to experience both beautiful areas including many interesting activities such as visiting caves, kayaking, rowing boats, and swimming.

Pros

• Me Cung Cave with its complex structure makes the excursion fun and engaging.
• Guests will have the chance to try both local rowing boats or kayaking on each day of the itinerary.
• Various choices of health and wellness activities onboard, like spa, sauna, and gym.

Cons

• Pearl Farm in the Tung Sau area was destroyed due to a storm, only kayaking experience there.

The Heritage Spa offers a dry sauna and complimentary ginger or jasmine tea.

Foods & Drinks - 9.0/10

Overall, Emperor Cruise offers a variety of gastronomic alternatives from European to Asian cuisine made by professional chefs. However, the food is good but not a standout feature, especially after many changes in meals and services were implemented.

Pros

• Guests can choose to have meals anywhere on board whether it is their rooms, sundeck, or restaurant.
• Seafood dishes are the highlight, very fresh and well-seasoned.
• Set menu dinner served in a fine-dining full-course fusion menu is outstanding. 

Cons

• There is no option for a royal-themed dinner like other cruises of Lux Group.
• The A la carte menu is only served for brunch if there are under 10 customers onboard.

All meals are prepared utilizing the best local ingredients to create royal-like delicacies.

Service - 10/10

There is no doubt that this boat is one of the best-service cruises in Halong. The crew is amazing! Although the butler service is not available anymore, guests are still served by a very nice and attentive crew. Besides, the staff brings an outstanding travel experience to tourists after all.

Pros

• Friendly and competent manager that takes good care of the passengers.
• A professional crew is always ready to address guests’ needs for a high-end experience.
• Guests can freely dine in many spaces onboard, not just at the restaurant.

The well-trained crew team is extremely attentive to cater for discriminating customers.

TripAdvisor Review

• Number of reviews: 411
• Excellent: 390/411 reviews

After researching Emperor Cruises on Tripadvisor, over 90% of visitors were overwhelmed by the outstanding service and professional staff. In addition, it seems like the classic royal design with comfortable and spacious rooms has really made a strong impression on customers. 

On the other hand, some senior travelers expressed their minor concerns about crowding tourist attractions and miscommunication. However, looking at the positive reviews over the past year, it is easy to see that Emperor Cruise has done a great job in overcoming its weaknesses and bringing almost perfect experiences to customers.

Emperor Cruise with impressively excellent reviews on TripAdvisor

Overall, this small boat has been one of the best choices for a tranquil and intimate journey to Halong Bay with a low capacity and 1st-class service on board.