Frequently Asked Cruise Tour Questions (FAQ)

Are drinks and beverages included in a cruise trip?

Generally, drinks and beverages are not included unless specifically stated in the cruise package. Meals are usually included, and complimentary bottles of mineral water are normally provided in each cabin.

Some cruises may offer complimentary tea or coffee during meals, while other beverages will be charged separately. Please check the inclusions of your selected cruise before booking.

Can I go on a cruise if I am pregnant?

If you are pregnant, we strongly recommend consulting your doctor before traveling.

Cruise policies regarding pregnant passengers may vary between operators and may depend on the stage of pregnancy. Some cruise activities also involve getting on and off boats, climbing stairs, kayaking or other physical activity.

Please inform Vietnamism about your pregnancy before booking so that we can check the specific cruise operator’s policy.

Do we need to pay entrance fees when visiting caves?

For most cruise packages, entrance fees and sightseeing tickets listed in the itinerary are already included.

However, inclusions may vary between cruise operators and packages. Please check the specific inclusions of your selected cruise before booking.

Can I order children’s meals and special dietary food?

Yes. Most cruises in Ha Long Bay can accommodate common dietary requirements, including vegetarian meals and meals for children.

Please inform Vietnamism of any dietary requirements, food allergies or special requests when making your reservation so that the cruise operator has enough time to prepare.

How long does it take to get to Ha Long Bay?

Travel time from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay depends on your departure point, traffic conditions and type of transportation.

With the modern expressway, the journey is generally much faster than in previous years. Travelers should nevertheless allow additional time for traffic, particularly during weekends and public holidays.

Vietnamism can arrange shared shuttle buses or private transfers according to your requirements.

What should I bring with me on board?

We recommend bringing:

  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Insect repellent
  • A hat
  • Swimwear
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Light clothing during warmer months
  • Warm clothing during winter
  • Personal medication
  • Your original passport or required identification for check-in

If you are traveling with young children, bringing snacks, books, small games and other familiar items may also be helpful.

Will I be picked up from my hotel in Hanoi?

Each cruise operator has its own transfer policy. Some packages include transportation, while others charge an additional transfer fee.

Shared shuttle buses usually pick up passengers from designated hotels or locations in Hanoi, often within the Old Quarter.

If your accommodation is outside the designated pickup area, Vietnamism can advise you of the nearest meeting point or arrange a private transfer.

Should I stay one night or two nights in Ha Long Bay?

The answer depends on your available time, budget and preferred travel experience.

If you have enough time, a 3-day/2-night cruise provides a more relaxed experience than a 2-day/1-night itinerary.

A longer cruise generally gives you more time to explore quieter areas of Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay, depending on your selected itinerary.

You may also have more time for activities such as:

  • Kayaking
  • Swimming
  • Bamboo boat trips
  • Cave visits
  • Village visits
  • Cycling or trekking on selected itineraries
  • Relaxing on board

Many longer cruises use a smaller day boat for excursions on the second day, allowing passengers to explore areas farther away from the main overnight anchorage.

Is it possible to book a 2-day/1-night cruise during Tet?

Yes, but availability during Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) and other major holidays can become limited very quickly.

Christmas, New Year, Tet and Vietnamese public holidays are among the busiest travel periods.

We recommend booking as far in advance as possible if you plan to travel during these periods.

Contact Vietnamism to check current availability and any applicable holiday surcharges.

Does the cruise price include transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay?

Transfer is not automatically included in every cruise package.

At Vietnamism, we aim to give travelers flexibility when choosing their transportation. Depending on your selected package, transfers may be included or booked separately.

We can arrange shared shuttle buses or private transfers between Hanoi and Ha Long Bay at an additional cost where applicable.

Please check the “Included” and “Excluded” sections of your selected cruise before booking.

Are there cruises that offer spa services?

Yes. Some luxury and premium cruises offer spa and massage services on board.

However, spa facilities are not available on every cruise, and treatments are usually subject to additional charges and advance reservation.

Please contact Vietnamism if an onboard spa is an important part of your cruise experience, and we can recommend suitable options.

What types of entertainment are available on board?

Entertainment varies depending on the cruise.

Activities may include:

  • Kayaking
  • Swimming
  • Bamboo boat excursions
  • Cooking demonstrations
  • Sunset parties
  • Squid fishing
  • Tai Chi sessions
  • Board games
  • Karaoke on selected cruises
  • Movie or entertainment facilities
  • Spa and massage services on selected luxury cruises

Please check the itinerary of your selected cruise for the exact activities available.

What is the minimum age requirement for infants to sail in Ha Long Bay?

Policies regarding infants and young children vary between cruise operators.

Some cruises accept infants, while others may have specific age restrictions or safety requirements.

Children’s rates, baby cots and other services also vary between cruises.

If you are traveling with an infant or young child, please provide the child’s age when contacting Vietnamism so that we can recommend a suitable family-friendly cruise.

What payment methods are accepted?

Available payment methods may include:

  • Credit/debit cards: Online card payment may be available for your reservation.
  • Bank transfer: Bank transfer may be available, particularly for larger bookings.
  • Other payment methods: Additional options may be available depending on your booking and location.

Please contact Vietnamism for the current payment options applicable to your reservation.

I am a vegetarian. Can I request vegetarian meals on board?

Yes. Most cruises can accommodate vegetarian meal requests.

Please notify Vietnamism about your dietary requirements when making your reservation, ideally at least 48 hours before departure.

For vegan meals, food allergies, gluten-free meals or other specific dietary requirements, please provide detailed information in advance.

How far in advance should I make the reservation?

We recommend making your reservation as early as possible, particularly if you plan to travel during:

  • September to December
  • Christmas and New Year
  • Tet Holiday
  • Vietnamese public holidays
  • Weekends and peak tourism periods

Popular cruises and premium cabins can sell out well in advance.

Planning ahead will give you a wider choice of cruises, cabins and departure dates.

What if I want to cancel my booking?

If you need to cancel your booking, please notify Vietnamism as soon as possible.

Cancellation and refund conditions vary depending on the cruise operator, travel date, selected package and how far in advance the cancellation is made.

Please refer to the cancellation policy provided with your booking confirmation for the conditions applicable to your reservation.

What does the listed price include?

Unless otherwise stated, cruise packages may include:

  • Accommodation in your selected cabin
  • Meals according to the itinerary
  • Entrance and sightseeing fees listed in the itinerary
  • English-speaking guide or onboard staff
  • Scheduled cruise activities
  • Applicable taxes and service charges as specified

The listed price may not include:

  • Transfers unless specifically stated
  • Drinks and beverages
  • Spa and massage services
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Optional activities
  • Holiday or peak-season surcharges
  • Other services not specifically listed as included

Always check the detailed Included / Excluded section of your selected cruise.

How to Reserve a Cruise Trip with Vietnamism

You can reserve your Ha Long Bay cruise with Vietnamism in a few simple steps:

1. Find your preferred cruise

Browse the available Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay cruise options and choose the itinerary that best matches your travel dates, budget and preferred experience.

2. Compare cruise options

Review the cruise details, including:

  • Itinerary
  • Cabin types
  • Cruise duration
  • Included activities
  • Meals
  • Transportation options
  • Photos
  • Included and excluded services
  • Cancellation conditions

3. Send your booking request

Click the “Book Now” button or complete the Booking Request Form with your travel details.

4. Vietnamism checks availability

Our team will check availability with the selected cruise operator and contact you with confirmation, payment instructions or suitable alternatives if your preferred cabin is unavailable.

5. Receive your booking confirmation

Once your reservation has been confirmed and the required payment has been completed, Vietnamism will send your booking confirmation and all necessary information for your cruise.

For any questions about choosing the right cruise, cabin type, itinerary or transfer option, please contact Vietnamism. We’ll be happy to help you plan your Ha Long Bay experience.