Sapphire Cruise Halong Bay 2Days 1Night on 4 Star Cruise

Travelers seeking a blend of comfort, natural beauty, and authentic experiences often turn to Halong Bay for its dramatic limestone karsts and tranquil waters. The Sapphire Cruise offers a luxurious option, promising a 2-day, 1-night adventure aboard a 4+ star vessel with all the bells and whistles — private balconies, jacuzzi baths, and gourmet seafood meals. This review takes a detailed look at what you can expect from this cruise, based on extensive traveler feedback, itinerary details, and practical insights that will help you decide if it’s right for your Vietnam trip.

One of the standout features of Sapphire Cruise is its modern design and attention to comfort. All 21 cabins come with private balconies and luxurious bathrooms with bathtubs and jacuzzis, ensuring you’ll have a cozy retreat after a day of exploring. The cruise departs from Got Ferry in Hai Phong, which is conveniently accessible from Hanoi, making it an easy escape from the city’s hustle.

While the cruise is praised for its smooth organization, friendly staff, and stunning scenery, a potential consideration is that it’s a relatively short voyage, with just one night on board. Travelers who want a more extended maritime experience might find this a bit quick. Nonetheless, if you’re after a taste of luxury combined with spectacular vistas, this cruise is a fantastic choice, especially suited for those who appreciate high-end accommodations and well-curated excursions.

Key Points

• Luxury and Comfort: All cabins feature private balconies and modern amenities, including bathtubs with jacuzzis.
• Beautiful Itinerary: From Lan Ha Bay to Cat Ba Island, with opportunities for kayaking, Tai Chi, and exploring caves.
• Organized Experience: The tour includes hotel pickup, transfers, meals, and entrance fees, making it convenient.
• Authentic & Scenic: Expect breathtaking views, friendly staff, and well-organized activities.
• Value for Money: Priced at around $196 per person, the cruise provides a luxurious experience at a competitive rate.
• Traveler-Approved: Consistently high ratings and positive reviews underscore its quality.

The Experience in Depth

Booking and Price

At approximately $196.16 per person, this cruise combines luxury with value. It’s an all-inclusive package that covers hotel pickup, transfers, meals, and entrance fees. Considering the quality of the ship, the private balconies, and gourmet seafood, many travelers feel it offers good value, especially when booked about 13 days in advance — the average lead time for reservations.

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure kicks off in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where you’re picked up from your hotel and transported comfortably to Hai Phong. The transfer itself is a smooth 40-minute ride, and most reviews note that the logistics are well-organized, with punctual pickups and drop-offs. The journey to Got Ferry is straightforward, and the support vessel from which you’ll board Sapphire Cruise provides a seamless transition, setting the tone for a relaxing experience.

Embarking on the Cruise

Once aboard around midday, you’re greeted with a complimentary drink, and the crew conducts a safety briefing — important for peace of mind. The ship’s interiors are described as luxuriously-appointed, with modern decor and ample space for each guest. Travelers can explore the ship, settle into their cabins, and enjoy the spectacular views streaming past.

Day 1: Lan Ha Bay & the Cruise Journey

The first day is packed with scenic cruising through Lan Ha Bay, a quieter alternative to the more crowded Halong Bay, but equally stunning. The cruise offers a leisurely start, with a gourmet seafood lunch served at 1:15 pm, featuring fresh ingredients. Reviewers confirm the food quality is high, with some even mentioning it being delicious and generous.

The highlight here is the spectacular landscapes of limestone islets and calm waters, ideal for taking photos or simply soaking in the tranquility. Passengers often comment on the friendly and professional crew, with some mentioning staff members like Luc, Tom Cruise, Jack Sparrow, and Hannah — who go out of their way to ensure guests are comfortable and well-cared for.

Day 2: Exploring Cat Ba Island & Caves

On the second day, the early morning offers the chance to participate in Tai Chi on the upper deck — many guests find this a peaceful way to start the day while enjoying the sunrise. A light breakfast follows, which includes pastries, tea, and coffee.

The day’s main activities revolve around a boat trip through the Dark and Bright Cave area and exploring the remote islets via traditional rowing boats. The reviews rave about the stunning scenery and the peaceful, almost untouched atmosphere of these locations. Guests often comment on how helpful and passionate the crew is during excursions, with some noting the excellent organization.

By late morning, guests check out and return to the pier, concluding their cruise with a sense of fulfillment from the scenic views, good food, and smooth logistics.

What Makes This Cruise Stand Out?

Private balconies in every cabin mean you’ll wake up to panoramic views, a feature praised repeatedly by guests. The jacuzzi baths add an indulgent touch, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.

The food merits special mention; reviewers describe it as delicious and plentiful, with vegetarian options often highlighted for being superb. The crew’s attentiveness also receives compliments, with staff like Nhat earning praise for their kindness and personal touches, which elevate the entire experience.

The itinerary offers a good balance of scenic cruising, active excursions, and relaxation. Unlike more hurried tours, this cruise allows ample time to enjoy the surroundings, whether Tai Chi at dawn or kayaking in the afternoon.

Practical Details & Tips for Travelers

Timing and Duration: The cruise lasts approximately 2 days with 1 night on board, ideal for those with limited time or seeking a quick yet luxurious getaway.

Booking in Advance: The tour is most often booked around 13 days ahead, so plan accordingly if you want to secure a spot at this popular rate.

What’s Included: Pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter, all meals, sightseeing, entrance fees, and on-board accommodation are covered, making it a hassle-free experience. Just remember, drinks outside of meals are not included.

Group Size: The cruise accommodates up to 30 travelers, which keeps the experience intimate enough without feeling crowded.

Accessibility & Participation: Most travelers can participate, and the tour is suitable for a wide range of ages and fitness levels.

Authentic Touches & Review Insights

Travelers consistently mention the friendly, attentive staff as a highlight, with some like Nhat going above and beyond. The cleanliness of the ship and the comfort of the cabins are other common points of praise.

One reviewer noted that the meals were composed of several dishes, and the bathtub with a view was a delightful luxury. Others appreciated the organized excursions, which felt well-paced and thoughtfully curated.

Who Should Consider This Cruise?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a high-end, hassle-free way to see Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. It’s ideal if you value luxury accommodations, good food, and scenic tranquility. It’s also a good fit for those who appreciate well-trained, friendly staff who make the experience memorable.

However, if you’re seeking a longer or more adventure-packed voyage, or prefer a more budget-friendly option with fewer amenities, this cruise might feel somewhat limited in scope. But for a luxurious short escape that combines comfort with stunning vistas, Sapphire Cruise hits the mark.

The Sum Up

The Sapphire Cruise offers a compelling blend of luxury, scenic beauty, and authentic local excursions. Its private balconies, gourmet seafood, and well-organized itinerary make it an excellent choice for travelers craving a high-quality experience in Halong Bay. The consistently positive reviews underscore the attention to detail and friendly service that define this cruise.

If you’re looking for a comfortable, hassle-free way to enjoy the natural wonders of Halong Bay, this cruise provides good value and memorable moments. It suits those who want a touch of indulgence amid breathtaking scenery and appreciate attentive, knowledgeable staff.

For travelers after a quick but luxurious taste of Halong Bay, with all the comforts of a 4+ star vessel, the Sapphire Cruise is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Hanoi Old Quarter, all meals, entrance fees, and accommodation aboard the cruise.

How long is the cruise?
It’s a 2-day, 1-night experience, with approximately 8 hours on the water each day.

Where does the cruise depart from?
It departs from Got Ferry in Hai Phong city, with pickup arranged from Hanoi Old Quarter.

Is there a maximum group size?
Yes, the tour accommodates up to 30 travelers, maintaining an intimate experience.

Are vegetarian meals available?
Yes, reviewers mention that vegetarian options are well catered for, with some describing the catering as superb.

What kind of cabin is included?
All cabins have private balconies, bathrooms with bathtubs and jacuzzis, and modern furnishings.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues should consider cabin facilities and tour activities.

What activities are included?
Activities include sightseeing in Lan Ha Bay, kayaking, Tai Chi sessions, and boat trips to caves and islets.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking about 13 days ahead is typical, especially to secure the best rates.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 3 days before the start for a full refund.

Is this cruise good value for money?
Considering the luxury amenities, scenic locations, and included services, most guests feel it offers excellent value at around $196 per person.

This detailed review should help you gauge whether Sapphire Cruise is the perfect fit for your Vietnam adventure. Whether you crave luxury, stunning vistas, or smooth organization, this cruise promises a memorable journey through one of Southeast Asia’s most spectacular regions.