Top 10 Halong Bay Luxury Cruises Review 2026: The Ultimate Guide

So, you’re thinking about splurging on Halong Bay in 2026. If you’ve seen photos of emerald waters dotted with limestone karsts, you know it’s a bucket-list destination. But here’s the thing: the cruise you pick makes or breaks the experience.

You can go budget and squeeze into a crowded junk boat with questionable air conditioning. Or, you can do it right. Luxury cruises in Halong Bay (and the neighboring Lan Ha Bay) have leveled up in 2026. We’re talking private balconies, refined onboard bars, and dining experiences that rival 5-star city hotels.

I’ve sifted through the noise to bring you the ultimate guide to the Top 10 Luxury Cruises this year.

Not all “luxury” cruises are created equal. Here are the three things you need to check before booking:

Ship Size
In Halong Bay, smaller usually means more exclusive – at least in luxury cruising, where “small” typically means 20 or fewer cabins. If you want peace and quiet, avoid ships with more than 35 cabins.

Route: Halong Bay vs. Lan Ha Bay
Ha Long Bay offers different routes where the experience can vary. Most overnight cruises choose between the two: Route 2 highlights Halong Bay’s signature scenery, while Route 3 reveals hidden natural and cultural beauty with fewer crowds. Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay are quieter, but not all cruises sail deep enough into those areas. So, choose wisely!

Accommodation & Facilities
Luxury in 2026 isn’t just about a soft bed. Look for:

• Private Balconies: Non-negotiable for sunset views.
• Jacuzzis/Pools: A plunge pool on the sundeck is the ultimate flex.
• All-inclusive vs. À La Carte: Some cruises look cheaper upfront but hit you with surcharges once you’re onboard. Always clarify what’s covered before booking.

Here are the top cruises in 2026, reviewed honestly.

1. Bhaya Soul
   $350–$700 per person/night | Boutique cruise with wellness focus.

This boutique cruise focuses on slow travel, featuring a horizon pool and jacuzzi, and a dedicated wellness space for guided practices. Wellness sessions are included!

Longest cruising route across Halong – Lan Ha Bay, best itinerary on this list.

Comfortable waiting lounge and seamless embarkation from a private pier.

• Activities: inclusive wellness treatment, morning mindful walk, cave visit, local village, beach.
• Best For: Traditionalists who love cultural experiences, and wellness-conscious travelers.

2. Stellar of the Seas
   $350–$1,000 per person/night | Modern yacht-style luxury

Think Instagram heaven: a massive sundeck jacuzzi and an elegant dining room. Stellar of the Seas is all about modern design and photo-worthy moments.

Speedboat transfer to the cruise, no private pier.

• Activities: Dark & Bright Cave kayaking, Cat Ba Island visit (only for 3-day itinerary).
• Best For: Instagrammers and couples who want modern style.

3. Elite of the Seas
   $400–$1,250 per person/night | Refined luxury for romance

With two jacuzzis, a wine and cigar cellar, and a mini-golf course, this ship is the more polished sibling of Stellar of the Seas.

Speedboat transfer to the cruise, no private pier.

• Activities: Dark & Bright Cave kayaking, Cat Ba Island visit (only for 3-day itinerary).
• Best For: Instagrammers and couples who want modern style.

4. Catherine Cruise
   $260–$420 per person/night | Art Deco floating hotel

A mini-golf course and spacious sundeck make this feel less like a boat and more like a luxury hotel, all tied together with stunning Art Deco design. It’s also Halal-certified, making it a great option for Muslim travelers.

Speedboat transfer to the cruise, no private pier.

• Activities: Cave visit, swim at Titop Island (may be crowded).
• Best For: Groups and families, Muslim travelers.

5. Capella Cruise
   $270–$600 per person/night | Luxury that likes to party

Yes, that’s a water slide on a luxury cruise. Add a large swimming pool and a nightclub, and you get a ship that knows how to have fun without skimping on comfort.

Tender boat transfer to the cruise, no private pier.

• Activities: Dark & Bright Cave kayaking, inflatable waterslide.
• Best For: Fun-seekers who want luxury without the quiet zen.

6. Lyra Grandeur Cruise
   $280–$700 per person/night | Family-friendly and spacious

Enormous suites with connecting rooms make this a lifesaver for parents. The pacing is kid-friendly.

Tender boat transfer to the cruise, no private pier.

• Activities: Dark & Bright Cave kayaking, inflatable waterslide.
• Best For: Families needing space and connecting rooms.

7. Scarlet Pearl Cruise
   $320–$520 per person/night | Art Nouveau romance

Dark wood interiors and the serene Lan Ha Bay route. This is the ship you book for serious couple time. Scarlet Pearl use a catamaran for its excursions.

Speedboat transfer to the cruise, no private pier.

• Activities: Dark & Bright Cave kayaking, Cat Ba Island (only for 3-day itinerary), swimming, cooking class.
• Best For: Honeymooners and couples.

8. Grand Pioneers Cruise
   $230–$1,250 per person/night | Big, stable

The largest luxury ship on this list. Panoramic windows, a swimming pool, gym, and high-tech amenities make it a floating resort that barely moves.

Speedboat transfer to the cruise, no private pier.

• Activities: Cave exploration, kayaking, swimming.
• Best For: Travelers who want maximum stability and lots of facilities.

9. Indochine Grand Cruise
   From $220 per person/night | Colonial nostalgia at a solid value

Step back to the 1930s with stunning Indochine architecture, a spacious dining room, and rich itineraries.

• Activities: Dark & Bright Cave kayaking, cave on Cat Ba Island.
• Best For: History buffs and value-conscious luxury seekers.

10. Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan
    $300–$500 per person/night | A nostalgic boutique voyage

Inspired by the “King of Ships,” Bach Thai Buoi, the vessel blends 20th-century Vietnamese heritage with modern luxury.

• Activities: Ba Trai Dao Beach or Tra Bau; Dark and Bright Cave.
• Best For: History/art enthusiasts looking for a boutique, culturally rich experience.

Comparison Table

Here is the quick cheat sheet to decide which ship sails your way:

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Source: Vietnam Insider