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.