Grand Pioneers Cruise - Explorer's Journey 3 Days 2 Nights

There are two luxury vessels named Grand Pioneers 1 and Grand Pioneers 2 to meet the ongoing demand of travelers for high-class service, each with different deck plans.

Grand Pioneers 1 (55 cabins)

Grand 2 has 7 decks with a variety of amenities that can accommodate up to 160 passengers onboard:

• The bottom deck is a suitable area for 02 karaoke rooms, 02 billiards & 3D golf room.
• 1st floor (Wellness Deck) includes 06 cabins (Ocean & Ocean Triple Suite); and a range of facilities: reception, 02 elevators, a security room, a medical center, a Family Entertainment room, a Kids Club, a Spa, a Gym, and a Meeting Room.
• 2nd floor (Pool Deck) is where the 16 suites (Ocean Balcony and Veranda), the Pool, Pool Bar, Cigar & Wine Lounge, Entertainment Room, and Private Dining Room are located.
• 3rd floor (Essence Deck) features 18 suites (Ocean Balcony, Executive, 01 Oceania at the rear, and 01 Owner’s Suite at the front).
• 4th floor (Panorama Deck) is for 14 suites (02 Essence at the back, and the remaining Ocean Balcony & Executive).
• 5th floor (Gourmet Deck) is designed for the Dining by the Bay Restaurant and Open Kitchen.
• 6th floor (Sky Deck) offers an open-air sundeck for the Sky Bar, a wonderful spot to enjoy the gorgeous bay from high up.

Ocean Suites have floor-to-ceiling windows. Ocean Balcony Suites stay on both the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th decks with partial-view balconies. Veranda and Executive Suites have full-view private balconies of 5m2.

Essence Suites have 20m2 private terraces, while Oceania Suites don't have a terrace but a larger size (95m2) with panoramic windows. The Owner Suite has the largest cabin size of 150m2 with a 200m2 terrace.

The Deck Plan of Grand Pioneers I

Grand Pioneers 2 (53 cabins)

Same as Grand I, Grand 2 Cruise has the same number of 7 decks.

• Bottom deck has 02 karaoke rooms and a Cinema room. 1st deck(Serenity), 5th (Gastronomy) & 6th (Majestic) floors have the same layout as Grand I, except for a new gift shop on the 1st floor.
• 2nd floor (Crystal Oasis) is the pool area and 19 suites (Ocean Balcony, Veranda, 02 Pearl Suites, and the President Suite).
• 3rd floor (Lavish) includes a Bay View Restaurant, Cigar & Wine Lounge at the back; a Private Dining Room & Jacuzzi deck at the front; in the middle are 14 suites (Ocean Balcony, Executive, and 02 Essence Suites).
• 4th floor provides a Wheelhouse & Terrace area, 14 suites (the remaining Ocean Balcony and Executive Suites, and 02 Essence Suites at the deck's rear)

The Pearl Suites (42m2) only have bay view windows. Signature and Essence Suites both have private balconies with the sizes as follows: 9m2 and 20m2. The President Suite (109m2) is the largest cabin on board.

The Deck Plan of Grand Pioneers II

Oceania Pool & Pool Bar

This is a 4-season infinity pool on the rear of the 2nd deck of the two Grand Pioneers Cruise, offering sweeping views of Halong Bay. Guests can take a refreshing swim or simply lounge on the sunbeds with a drink in hand, which you can have at the bar nearby. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Sea Spas & Sauna

The spa features 5 - 7 spacious treatment rooms, located on the 1st deck of both ships. Each room is equipped with modern facilities and just one bed to ensure comfort and privacy. In addition, guests can rejuvenate in the sauna or experience the unique salt stone steam room.

Fitness Center

Stay at the bow of the 1st deck, the fitness room is fully equipped with a variety of modern machines, including treadmills, cardio equipment, a Smith machine, and free weights of different levels, ideal for keeping up with workouts while enjoying the bay view.

Meeting Room

The meeting room, opposite the fitness center on the 1st deck, offers an intimate and professional space for small gatherings. With a capacity of up to 20 people, it is well-suited for business meetings, private discussions, or group workshops.

Kid Clubs

The Kids Club on the 1st deck is a bright, spacious play area designed for younger guests. It features a slide, a fun ball pit, and a well-stocked bookshelf filled with comics and storybooks, making it a welcoming space where children can play.

Karaoke Rooms

On the bottom deck, the cruise offers 02 spacious and modern karaoke rooms, perfect for lively evenings with friends or family. Guests can book these private spaces for an additional fee and enjoy singing, music, and entertainment.

Exclusive Amenities

Moreover, each cruise ship has some different amenities to meet the varied needs of many travelers:

• Grand Pioneers I: 3D Golf & Billiards, Entertainment Room, Panorama Dining Club (private)
• Grand Pioneers II: Oasis Cine (Mini Cinema), Oceania Gift Shop, Prestige Dining Club (private)

Passengers embarking on the 2D1N cruise will discover the marvels of Halong Bay, which include trips to renowned sites like Sung Sot Cave and Luon Cave. For the classic 3D2N trip, the extra day will add visits to Trinh Nu Cave, and Pearl Farm.

The highlight of Grand Pioneers is the unique Legacy Journey of 3 days that brings you to the border of Bai Tu Long Bay with the sea and returns to Halong Bay. You will encompass stunning attractions such as Thien Canh Son Cave, Da Xep Nature Park, etc.

Regardless of the chosen tour, an unforgettable experience awaits on this extraordinary 6-star overnight cruise.  

Explore Sung Sot Cave

The 1st day of the 2-day itinerary allows approximately one hour to explore Sung Sot Cave, an enchanting site where you can delve into captivating legends and myths. Immerse yourself in the diverse and abundant natural beauty that this cave presents, creating a truly mesmerizing experience.

Inside The Magnificent Sung Sot Cave

Discover Luon Cave

On the last day of the 2d1n itinerary, an opportunity awaits to explore Luon Cave. Delve into the captivating legends and myths while immersing yourself in the abundant natural biodiversity on a rowing boat.

Spend time in Thien Canh Son Cave

On the Legacy Journey, you will take time to visit this remarkable cave on the 1st day, which offers a unique and contrasting experience, where you can witness the awe-inspiring formations of stalactites and stalagmites. 

Visit Da Xep Nature Park

On the 2nd day of the 3-day Legacy schedule, guests will visit one of the most spectacular and pristine areas of the bay - Da Xep Nature Park. This attraction is a fascinating outdoor geological museum that has existed for more than 320 million years.

Spa and massage

• Price: From US $25/ service
• Duration: 30 - 75 minutes/ session

NOTE: The price is for reference only

Professional masseuses with age-old techniques are perfected by the Vietnamese people. You will have a chance to experience a soothing massage and hot stone body treatment with high-class standards. We also have a couple of services to make the passengers’ experience more perfect. 

Sunset Party, Happy Hour & Cooking Class

From 17:30 - 18:30, guests can unwind with the sunset program featuring Happy Hour (buy 01 get 01 free) at the Sky Bar on the highest deck. It’s the perfect time to savor delicious canapés, sip your favorite drinks, and soak in the golden views as the sun sets. Or else, you can join the Vietnamese cooking class and make some tasty fried Spring rolls.

Recreational Activities

With an array of upscale facilities, the two Grand Pioneers Cruises turn every moment on board into an experience. Travelers can enjoy various onboard amenities and have fun, such as taking a dip in the pool, singing favorite songs in karaoke, watching a movie, trying their luck at squid fishing, or playing a round of 3D golf or billiards, just a taste of the many activities that you may find interesting.

Cuisine Style

Grand Pioneers Cruise offers a delightful dining experience that will satisfy your taste buds. You can indulge in mouthwatering meals carefully crafted to offer a diverse range of flavors.

Guests can savor diverse buffets with Asian and Western dishes, live stations offering freshly prepared specialties, and indulgent desserts. The set menus impress with generous portions and creative flavors, such as charcoal-grilled octopus with peanut sauce or tender dry-aged duck breast. Traditional Vietnamese meals are also well-prepared, balancing authentic taste with international palates. 

The usual meal serving hours are as follows: breakfast is served starting at 6:30, you can enjoy brunch at 9:30, lunch is available around 12:00, and dinner is typically served around 19:00.

• 2-day cruise (04 meals): 01 buffet lunch, 01 Western set menu dinner, 01 light breakfast, 01 buffet brunch
• 3-day cruise (07 meals): the 2nd day will have 01 Vietnamese set menu lunch and 01 buffet dinner. Other meals are similar to 2-day cruises.

Note: If you have any special dietary needs, please let us know, since the crew team always customizes to meet your demands. This cruise can offer Halal menus, Indian, vegan, and kids' menus.

Enjoy a high-class dining experience.

Drink

As part of the package, guests will receive two complimentary bottles of mineral water per day. However, any additional beverages not included in the cruise price will be charged separately. The prices for these beverages can be found on the bar menu and will be billed accordingly.

• Alcohol: From US $53/ bottle & US $10.5/ shot
• Cocktail: From US$8.5/ glass
• Non-alcoholic: From US$3/ item

NOTE: The price is for reference only.

Delight in a wide array of refreshing flavors from our extensive alcohol selection, featuring spirits such as whisky, rum, gin, vodka, and more. 

For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, indulge in a glass of mocktails, fruit juice, smoothies, hot drinks, water, and a variety of soft drinks. We offer a diverse range of beverage choices to cater to every guest's preferences.

Dining Areas

• Dining by the Bay Restaurant: Available on both cruises on the 5th deck with an open kitchen.
• Private rooms: For those looking for intimate moments, you can book private dining at Panorama Dining Club (Grand 1), Bayview Restaurant & Prestige Dining Club (Grand 2)

Departing from Hanoi

For your convenience, the bus will pick you up from your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter between 8:00 and 8:45. You will enjoy a comfortable journey to Tuan Chau Port in Halong City in a 9-16 seat limousine.

Departing on your own

If you are arranging your own transportation, arriving at the designated waiting station for Grand Pioneers before 11:30 is important for checking in on time.

The Waiting Lounge in Tuan Chau Marina

BestPrice Review: 9.4/10

• Inspection date: 7 - 10/7/2025
• Cruise ship: Grand Pioneers II
• BestPrice Travel Inspector: Mr. Aaron & Ms. My Uyen

NOTE: This is the old Legacy Journey; this itinerary is no longer available.

Following a 3-day-2-night Legacy Journey on the Grand Pioneers II Cruise, I confidently recommend it to travelers seeking an unforgettable adventure in Halong Bay. With its one-of-a-kind itinerary that explores the most exclusive corners of Bai Tu Long Bay, paired with outstanding service, luxurious amenities, and delightful cuisine, this 6-star cruise delivers a truly memorable experience.

Facilities & Amenities: 9.5/10

Grand Pioneers Cruise sets itself apart with some of the most extensive facilities among Halong Bay cruises, blending luxury comforts with thoughtful design. From amenities to entertainment, the ship ensures that every guest finds a space to relax, play, or rejuvenate.

Pros

• Various options for recreation: pool, karaoke, sky bar, entertainment rooms, and more.
• Top well-equipped gyms in the bay, featuring many pieces of equipment: treadmills, cardio machines, a Smith machine, weights, etc.
• Spacious Kids Club with a slide, ball pit, and a large, well-stocked comic library.
• Two elevators connecting all decks up to the 6th floor, accommodating 4-5 people.
• The Dining by the Bay restaurant offers a scenic bay view, as it is on the 5th deck, with ample seating.
• Sea Spa has 5 private rooms, plus a sauna and Himalayan salt steam, providing secluded wellness experiences.

Cons

• The cinema room, while spacious, has only 10 sofas. This limited seating can be inconvenient.
• Some amenities are only provided on Grand 2, not Grand 1, and vice versa.

Cabins: 9.0/10

Our Veranda Suite offers a comfortable and modern retreat with ample space and a private balcony, creating a pleasant environment for relaxation. The cabin is kept spotless and features a stylish design that enhances the overall luxury feel of the cruise.

Pros

• Spacious and clean Veranda Suite (40 m²) with modern and luxurious interiors. The private balcony provides a great spot to enjoy the bay views.
• The room size on the cruise is larger than average. All rooms are well-maintained.
• The highest-class suites are spacious, more than 100 m², with a huge private terrace.
• 55 cabins, varied options for all kinds of travelers: families, seniors, couples, etc.

Cons

• Bathroom in the Veranda Suite is relatively small and a bit dim.
• Standard Ocean Suites don't have a balcony. Ocean Balcony Suites have private balconies but with partial views.
• From Essence Suites to lower-class suites, bathtubs aren't available; only standing showers are.

Food & Drinks: 9.3/10

Dining at this luxury hotel was a delightful experience, offering a mix of Western cuisine and authentic Vietnamese flavors. The variety across set menus and buffets ensured that every meal felt fresh and exciting, with standout dishes and attentive service that elevated the culinary journey.

Pros

• All buffet meals were diverse, featuring both Asian and Western dishes, including freshly prepared sushi. Staff even served hot dishes directly to the table during the meals, such as beef Wellington.
• The 5-course European dinner on the 1st night stood out with large portions and impressive presentations, especially the fresh grilled octopus and the flavorful dry-aged duck breast.
• Day 2 Vietnamese set menu lunch was authentic and flavorful, with highlights like caramelized pork with egg, roasted pork, steamed crab, and sea bass.
• Vegetarian-friendly: the chef tailored menus for non-meat eaters, offering extra options.
• Desserts, especially cakes and ice cream, were excellent and satisfying.

Cons

• Plating is not impressive for a luxury cruise.
• Portions were generous, but maybe too much food for some, and it can be a waste.

Itineraries & Activities: 9.5/10

The 3-day Legacy Journey truly sets Grand Pioneers apart, exploring the most secluded corners of Bai Tu Long Bay where no other ships venture. Excursions were well-paced, never rushed, and offered plenty of opportunities to enjoy peaceful landscapes without the usual crowds.

Pros

• Almost all destinations (except day 3) felt private, with only Grand Pioneers guests visiting.
• Kayaking near Thien Canh Son Cave on day 1 was a highlight—no litter and absolute serenity.
• Visiting the secluded Cay Bang Island on day 2 was another standout, with golden sands and tranquil scenery.
• Kayaking in Vung Vieng village is highly recommended for active travelers, as the route is longer (around 3 km), allowing for more adventure and scenic immersion.
• The schedule allowed for breaks on the main ship after each excursion.

Cons

• Some day 2 stops, like Da Xep Nature Park and the bay-sea border, were mainly sightseeing with no activities.
• Only the Legacy Journey visits Bai Tu Long Bay.

Services & Others: 9.7/10

The service on Grand Pioneers II was exceptional from start to finish, with a professional yet warm approach that made every guest feel well cared for. 

Pros

• Staff were proactive in communication, supportive in unexpected situations, and went above and beyond to create a memorable journey.
• Supportive: belongings left behind during excursions were safely kept at reception until returned.
• Staff actively engaged during excursions, providing information about destinations and offering to take photos for guests.
• Entertainment during dinner added a unique touch: a Bai Tu Long Bay video presentation, traditional music performances, and even table-to-table magic tricks.

Cons

• The staff delivered outstanding hospitality throughout the trip. However, this is a high-capacity ship, which can be noisy at times.

TripAdvisor Review

• Number of reviews: 2,052
• Excellent: 2,013/2,052 (~98%)

After analyzing hundreds of guest comments about Grand Pioneers Cruise on TripAdvisor, we found that most travelers are highly impressed with Grand Pioneers Cruises for its luxurious facilities, attentive service, and well-designed itineraries for the Legacy Journey. Many reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the crew, who go the extra mile to assist guests, from explaining daily schedules to helping with forgotten items or taking photos. The overall hospitality creates personalized and memorable experiences.

However, some travelers feel that the room quality and food can still be improved to meet its 6-star standard. All in all, Grand Pioneers Cruises is highly rated on TripAdvisor as a top choice for those seeking a premium Halong Bay journey. With excellent service, delicious food, and a thoughtfully designed itinerary, it delivers a memorable cruise experience well worth recommending.