HALONG BAY | VIETNAM
2-Day / 1 Night
HOTEL ROOM TYPE
Lan Ha Duplex Suite.
YTF OVERALL RATING:
Discover the beauty of Halong Bay through our La Regina Grand Cruise Review!
After soaking up the vibrant vibes of Hanoi, we craved some calm and natural beauty, so we headed to Halong Bay. Considering our schedule, we chose the 2-day/1-night trip on the La Regina Grand River Cruise. Even though the 3-day option sounded tempting for a more relaxed adventure, the shorter one was still able to deliver a taste of Halong Bay’s wonders on and off the cruise ship.
The choice to opt for the La Regina Grand River Cruise came after extensive research, and we were delighted with everything. There’s a boatload (pun intended!) of companies offering similar experiences. Still, the type of boats and the overall quality of the services provided can sometimes be a bit hit or miss, and for this reason, it is essential to read reviews and look at pictures to know what to expect.
Some Information About La Regina Grand River Cruise:
Before digging into La Regina Grand Cruise Review, let’s look at some general information about the boat and what it offers. Design reminiscent of the colonial Indochina in the 1930s featuring timeless and sophisticated aesthetics, La Regina Grand Cruise boasts 27 spacious suite cabins complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies that offer spectacular panorama views of Lan Ha Bay. Every suite is a beautiful and tranquil retreat, a blend of timeless elegance, modern conveniences, and luxuries accompanied by impeccable and personalized service.
Services included with your stay:
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Welcome drink, two bottle of mineral water in each suite
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Luxury cabin with private balcony
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Full meals onboard
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Sightseeing entrance fees
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Kayaking, rowing boat, swimming (if the weather permits)
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Squid fishing, music entertainment
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Cooking demonstration
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English-speaking tour guide
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Insurance onboard
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Morning Tai Chi class onboard
Not included with your stay:
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Drinks in restaurant, bar, and in-room minibar
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Spa services
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Outdoor public Jacuzzi
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Surcharge tourist site tickets due to changes in government policy
This is the program for the 2-day/1-night cruise.
CHECK OUT MY LA REGINA GRAND CRUISE REVIEW
Having provided all the essential information, it’s time to delve into La Regina Grand Cruise review.
STAFF: 5 OUT OF 5 STARS
This staff was by far one of the most organized staff I have ever encountered. A single star goes to me because I accidentally deleted a note with their names! Thank you for a fantastic experience and an introduction to cruise life. The staff was organized, helpful, resourceful, and attentive. Anything you asked (which was in their means), they were able to provide. Moreover, during our excursions, they made sure to stay with us not only for safety but also for guidance and keeping us on schedule. All while getting brief history and cultural lessons in the process.
HOTEL ROOM: 5 OUT OF 5 STARS
We initially booked the Bai Tu Long Suite, and upon arrival, we asked if upgrades were available. Realizing it now, upgrading once at the pier was cheaper than online. When we upgraded to one of the Jr. Suites, we were pleasantly surprised to realize they put us in the available Lan Ha Duplex Suite. It was simply amazing! Regardless, any of the rooms will leave you speechless. Each room we saw had a deck perfect for relaxing during sunset. Our room was clean and well-kept.
HOTEL GROUNDS: 5 OUT OF 5 STARS
There is a play area for kids, a gym (which wasn’t open at the time), a small space to receive spa services (not included in the package), common areas with enough lounge chairs for guests on the boat, and two dining areas (indoor and outdoor).
LOCATION: 5 OUT OF 5 STARS
Middle of nowhere, to somewhere. Depending on the length of time, you take different excursions where you are chartered off the boat (optional) to visit points of interest around Halong Bay. You will never miss your boat; your guide while on the boat is also your guide while on excursions, so you always stay with a familiar face and a person making sure your safety is their number one priority.
Halong Bay was a perfect escape from the busy cities of Vietnam to enjoy something more tranquil and at a slower pace. If you are looking for a party boat, this is not the boat for you. If you want to meet more like-minded people there to relax, have a few laughs, and cook vegan pork spring rolls (inside joke), this is the ideal choice. Our itinerary included the Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island and kayaking/boating to the Dark and Light Cave. Both are a must-see and are breathtaking. There are also early morning Tai Chi Yoga classes offered on board to get the day started before the other activities. Everything is included in the price of your stay.
OVERALL: 5 OUT OF 5 STARS
I highly recommend La Regina Grand River Cruise! Good food, people, and entertaining time! Plus, the boat is beautiful and well-maintained (which is not always the case if you read reviews for other companies).
We recommend using Booking.com for your reservation (which also includes your shuttle transportation). The scheduled pickup at your hotel (if you are staying in the Old Quarter) or meeting point if you are outside of that area also includes a brief pit stop/bathroom break at Legend Pearl, where you can learn about different types of pearls and purchase various kinds of jewelry if you are inclined to do so. The trip from Hanoi takes approximately 2/2 and a half hours.
I hope you found my La Regina Grand Cruise Review useful. Please keep in mind that the same company has 4 different ships (plus one for day trips).
A Few Things To Know About Halong Bay:
You will probably hear contrasting opinions about Halong Bay. Some people swear by it, and others suggest skipping it altogether. We had a very pleasant experience, but there are definitely a few things to keep in mind.
• There are many companies offering packages for Halong Bay, and the types of boats vary enormously. Prices can be pretty expensive, but we highly recommend not opting for the cheaper options because they usually equate to older, smaller boats, sucky food, and lousy service.
• If you have more time and a bigger budget, choose the 3-day/2-night package that will allow you to fully relax and disconnect, especially after visiting a chaotic city like Hanoi.
• Halong Bay is a highly saturated destination (especially during high season). Expect to be surrounded by a multitude of cruise ships while staying at sea. We went during the low season and had a peaceful experience, but keep in mind that that might not always be the case. I am mentioning this to spare you an “Instagram VS Reality” moment.
