Designed to combine the signature luxury travel lifestyle and the unparalleled freedom of a yachting vacation, the Essence Grand Cruise will offer authentic experiences for guests onboard this architecturally-bespoke ship cruising the Gulf of Tonkin.
The eight-deck steel craft is designed with 55 elegant guestrooms and suites, making it the largest overnight ship to grace Halong Bay’s waters. But what makes it unique is a stunning selection of cutting-edge facilities on board.
Hanoi or Halong
Daily
08:15 – 08:45 Pick up
Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in the Old Quarter or at our cruise waiting lounge (if you have booked the shuttle). The journey time to Halong Bay takes approximately 2.5 hours
09:50 Comfort Stop
A short break on route for refreshments (about 20 minutes)
11:30 – 11:45 Welcome
Arrive at the Halong International harbor (Sun Harbor) – Halong City. You will be warmly welcomed at our Essence Grand Cruise waiting lounge by our staff.
12:00 – 12:15 Embark – Cruise briefing – Check-in Essence Grand Cruise
Once on board our Essence Grand Cruise, enjoy a welcome drink in restaurant during the cruise briefing. Check-in to your luxury spacious suite
13:00 Lunch – Restaurant
Lunch will be served in restaurant while our Essence Grand Cruise cruises among thousands of islands and islets of stunning Halong Bay.
14:30 – 15:15 Tung Sau area – Kayaking
Visit Tung Sau, an ideal area for kayaking. This is one of the must-do activities in the bay. A chance to see the incredible karst formations of the bay close-up.
15:30 – 16:30 Titop island – Climbing or Swimming
Your next stop is Titop island with its famous crescent moon-shaped beach and tranquil beautiful blue waters. Viewing Halong Bay from the peak of Titop island is another not-to-be missed activity. Climb the 400 steep steps to see the scale and majesty of Halong Bay from a height of 100 meters.
14:30 – 17:30 If you prefer to stay on board, and for after the excursion, you can simply relax in your comfy suite or take part in the various onboard services and activities: spa and massage, swimming pool, pool bar, cigar and wine lounge, poker, 3D golf simulator, table soccer, and for children there is a kid’s club
17:30 Sunset & Happy Hour time
Halong Bay has been rated as one of the most beautiful sunset spots in Asia. You can enjoy the best moments of the day at our sky bar as the sun hits the water between the dramatic limestone peaks and emerald-green coves, enjoying cocktails and a cooking demonstration
19:00 Dinner at Restaurant
Tantalize your taste buds with a selection of Western and Vietnamese cuisine.
After dinner, chill out in your suite; pamper yourself at spa; try some squid fishing; or spend time with your fellow companions at our poker club, cigar and wine lounge, karaoke club, sky bar or the pool bar
05:30 – 06:00 Amazing sunrise time
Watch the sunrise over Halong Bay.
06:15 Tai Chi on Sundeck
Start the day on our Essence Grand Cruise with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck or a work-out in the fitness centre; or you may just want to sleep in.
06:45 Light Breakfast
A light breakfast will be served in restaurant.
08:00 A morning cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay
Our transfer boat will pick you up from Essence Grand Cruise for a morning cruise to Thien Canh Son cave in Bai Tu Long Bay.
10:30 Excursion to Thien Canh Son Cave
Visit the Thien Canh Son Cave area and enjoy the view of Bai Tu Long Bay. After exploring the cave, you can relax on the white sandy beach or go kayaking to explore Cong Do island.
12:30 Lunch time
13:45 Visit Vung Vieng fishing village
Visit Vung Vieng fishing village by a rustic rowing boat; a chance to meet and interact with the local villagers and learn above their lives and the community.
14:45 – 16:15 Cruise back
Cruise back by transfer boat to our Essence Grand Cruise for ultimate relaxation and entertainment.
17:30 Sunset & Happy hour time
You can enjoy the best moments of the day at our sky bar as the sun hits the water between the dramatic limestone peaks and emerald-green coves, enjoying cocktails and a cooking demonstration .
19:00 Dinner at Restaurant
Tantalize your taste buds with a selection of Western and Vietnamese cuisine.
After dinner, chill out in your suite; pamper yourself at spa; try some squid fishing; or spend time with your fellow companions at our poker club, cigar and wine lounge, karaoke club, sky bar or the pool bar.
Overnight at Essence Grand Cruise
***some activities may incur an additional charge – see the exclusions
05:30 – 06:00 Amazing sunrise time
Watch the sunrise over Halong Bay.
06:15 Tai Chi on Sundeck
Start the day on our Essence Grand Cruise with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck or a work-out in the gym; or you may just want to sleep in.
06:45 Light Breakfast
A light breakfast will be served in restaurant.
07:30 – 08:15 Excursion to Sung Sot Cave
Our speed boat will transport you to Sung Sot Cave – the biggest and most stunning cave in Halong Bay.
09:00 Room check-out
After visiting the cave, return to our Essence Grand Cruise to pack your luggage and check-out.
09:30 Brunch at restaurant
Cruise back through the bay to Ha Long harbor over a delicious morning brunch.
10:45 Farewell & Disembark
Goodbyes and transfer back to the harbor.
11:00 Arrive at the harbor & return to Hanoi
Once back on land, our staff will meet you and arrange your transportation back to Hanoi.
11:30 Start your trip back to Hanoi
Arrive back in Hanoi approximately 14:30-14:45.
**Please note
