Highlights
The sister ship of Stellar of the Seas, Elite of the Seas combines the best of 5-star boutique hotels with the acclaimed cruising experience of Halong Bay, Vietnam’s most impressive natural attraction. Outfitted with 35 stylish suites tastefully decorated in contemporary trends, guests have access to uninhibited panoramic views from the floor-to-ceiling windows, private terraces, and large marble bathtubs. Dining is a true pleasure aboard Elite due to a fine mix of fresh seafood and Vietnamese classics reimagined in artistic displays, whether within the restaurant or atop the sundeck during a sunset BBQ. Daring cocktails, internationally sourced wines, craft beers, roasted coffees and fine-leafed teas are served at the Panoramic Bar, just next to the open-air swimming pool which can be enjoyed year-round. And with a mini-golf course, children’s playground, spa, sauna, and gym all located aboard, there’s plenty to keep the whole group happy while sailing through the exquisite karst formations and emerald-hued waters. Elite of the Seas presents an excellent range of itinerary lengths, from short and sweet overnight cruises to 5-day expeditions for those who want the utmost in relaxation.
Details
Day 1: Hanoi - Tuan Chau Marina - Halong Bay (L/D)
09:00 – 09:15 | Let us whisk you away from your Old Quarter hotel for the 2.5-hour journey by road to Halong Bay in our comfortable, spacious limousine vans or MPV Kia Sedona.
12:00 – 12:30 | Upon arrival to Tuan Chau Marina, transfer to our speedboat to reach the ship, Elite of the Seas. Freshen up with our special welcome drink and refreshing towel before meeting the captain and crew for the safety briefing.
13:00 – 14:00 | Join us for a typical lunch in the luxury dining room with indoor and outdoor seating available. Marvel at each dish as the chef presents it directly at your table, savouring every bite. Once lunch is finished, lay your eyes on your suite for the very first time and the amazing views your private terrace affords you. The ship will set sail through Halong Bay to reach Ao Ech Area, passing such famous places as Con Vit and Thumb Islets.
14:30 – 16:30 | Drop anchor and explore the beautiful area of Ao Ech, otherwise known as “Frog Lake”, by kayak. Alternatively, you can take a swim in the emerald-coloured waters and find your own private golden sand beach, or, if you prefer, stay on the boat and sunbathe next to our stunning swimming pool.
17:00 | As the sun dips below the horizon and the sky is painted in vibrant hues of pink and orange, head to the Panorama Bar for complimentary cocktails. If you prefer, you can head to the spa and try out the sauna as well as massage treatments utilizing indigenous herbs and mixtures.
18:00 | Learn all about the differences and nuances of fried and fresh spring rolls, a quintessential Vietnamese dish, during our cooking demonstration on the sun deck with our chef.
19:00 | Come and enjoy a fabulous BBQ dinner served next to the swimming pool, under the stars. Once dinner has finished, the evening is yours to do as you please. Wine aficionados should definitely spend some time in the Wine & Cigar cellar, while cultural enthusiasts can try their luck at catching squid under the moonlight from the bow of the ship.
Overnight on board
Day 2: Lan Ha Bay - Cycling at Viet Hai Village (B/L/D)
06:30 | Early risers will adore a Tai Chi session on the sun deck as the sun rises. Tai chi helps focus the mind and condition the body and there is no better environment to practice this than amongst the limestone peaks and islands. Likewise, you can follow your own exercise regime at the fitness area next to the golf course.
07:30 – 08:30 | Welcome the morning with a piping hot bowl of pho or any of the other delicious breakfast options as the ship continues to cruise further into Lan Ha Bay for the afternoon’s activities. The morning is spent aboard Elite of the Seas at leisure as the ship navigates its way through the hundreds of islands in the Cat Ba Archipelago. Families with children may want to spend some time in the playground, or splashing around in the swimming pool.
10:00 - 11:30 | Head to the Cirrus Cloud Restaurant for a mouth-watering Vietnamese buffet lunch with plenty of northern delicacies and specialities of the area. Afterwards, prepare a small backpack for your upcoming adventures in Viet Hai Village.
13:15 | Transfer by speedboat to Viet Hai Village. Once we arrive to the port, you can choose to navigate the jungle roads by bicycle or electric car. Take a brief pause to visit a local family’s house to see their day-to-day tasks before returning to the speedboat for further discovery of the area.
15:00 – 16:30 | Our speedboat will stop at a secluded, pristine beach area for swimming and leisure time. It’s the perfect spot to take photos and revel in the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
18:00 | Free at leisure aboard the ship to bask in the sunset and enjoy happy hour at the bar or a swim in the pool as the ship cruises to its resting place for the night.
19:00 - late | Another gourmet dinner is served to perfection in the restaurant. Afterwards, get cosy during movie night or have a look at our selection of board games.
Overnight onboard
Day 3: Dark & Bright Cave - Disembarkation - Departure (B/L)
06:30 | Greet another day with a Tai Chi lesson or stay tucked in under the covers in your comfortable suite, we don’t mind!
07:00 – 07:45 | Local light breakfast is served at Cirrus Cloud restaurant.
08:00 – 08:45 | Choose from kayaking or taking a magical bamboo boat rowed by local fisherwomen through the iconic Dark & Bright Cave. Admire the dazzling combination of white limestone karsts, emerald green waters, and the dark shadows of the cave interiors, creating a truly unforgettable moment. While the Light cave is always accessible, please be aware sometimes the Dark cave is not due to tidal patterns.
09:30 | Check-out from your suite.
10:00 | Sit down for a traditional Vietnamese lunch as the ship sails back towards Tuan Chau Marina.
12:00 | Disembark from the cruise as our crew say farewell and return to the port by speedboat to board the spacious limousine vans or MPV Kia Sedona. Arrival back to Hanoi will be around 15:30.
Special Rates
Please contact us for the best rates.
Services included
+ Your choice of 2D1N or 3D2N cruise
+ Luxury suites with en-suite bathroom
+ Meals as mentioned in the program
+ Welcome drink
+ Live Music
+ 24-hour room service
+ Cooking demonstration
+ Cocktail Sunset Party
+ Tai Chi, board games, gym, golfing, swimming pool, and library
+ Kayaking, bamboo boating, caving, squid fishing
+ English-speaking guide
+ Tender or speedboat transfers
+ Entrance and sightseeing fees
+ Onboard insurance, tax, and service charges.
Services not included
+ Beverages, drinks
+ Spa treatments
+ Hanoi - Halong transfer services
+ Airfares and airport transfers
+ Tips and other personal expenses
+ All other services not clearly mentioned above.
Terms & Conditions
PAYMENTS
A deposit of 30% of the total booking is required within three days from the date of confirmation. The balance payment is due at 45 days prior to embarkation date. For bookings made less than 45 days, full payment is required. Bookings will be cancelled if payments are not received by the due date(s).
Payment can be made via bank transfer or credit cards. In addition to the total payable amount, credit card payments will incur a merchant fee of 2.5% for MasterCard and Visa, 3% for American Express. Any bank charges and merchant fees must be covered by the customer.
CANCELLATIONS
Confirmed bookings must be cancelled by the party leader in writing (by email) and this will only be effective once the written cancellation is confirmed by FantaSea Vietnam. Cancellation by the party leader will be subject to the following cancellation fees from the date the written cancellation is received:
+ more than 45 days prior to embarkation date - 10% of total cost
+ between 31 and 45 days prior to embarkation date - 25% of total cost
+ between 16 and 30 days prior to embarkation date - 50% of total cost
+ within 15 days prior to embarkation date or “no show” - 100% of total cost.
AMENDMENTS
Any amendments to confirmed bookings must be requested by the party leader in writing (by email). Whilst we will endeavor to assist, we cannot guarantee that requests will be met. If we can make the requested change, you will be provided with a quote detailing any additional costs, whether incurred due to your amendments, imposed by a Third-Party Travel Provider, or our amendment fees. In all cases, the following amendment fees shall apply:
+ If amendments are made more than 45 days prior to embarkation date: the first amendment is free of charge. From the second amendment: a charge of U$30 per amendment.
+ If amendments are made within 45 days prior to embarkation date: the above standard cancellation fees will apply, and full price will apply to new travel arrangements.
We will not charge any cancellation/amendment fees if it is due to a breach by us of any of our obligations or due to our fault; or if the Third-Party Travel Provider amends your booking through no fault of the customer.
