Thank you for choosing Athena Cruise for your luxury voyage to Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay.
Please carefully read the following terms and conditions before confirming your reservation. By booking a tour with us, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to all terms and policies herein. If booking on behalf of a group or third party, you confirm acceptance on their behalf.
1. Rates & Currency
All tour rates are quoted in USD (United States Dollars) and VND (Vietnamese Dong) per cabin based on double occupancy. Rates include onboard accommodation, full board gourmet meals, sightseeing entrance tickets, kayaking, morning Tai Chi sessions, and onboard entertainment as specified in the itinerary.
Rates exclude airfares, visa processing fees, spa treatments, private car transfers (unless booked), beverages from the bar, and personal gratuities.
2. Deposit & Payment Schedule
To guarantee your reservation, a deposit of 50% of the total booking value is required within 48 hours of booking confirmation. The remaining balance of 50% must be fully settled at least 14 days prior to the departure date.
For bookings made within 14 days of departure, full payment (100%) is required at the time of reservation.
3. Booking Confirmation
Upon receiving your deposit or full payment, Athena Cruise will issue an official Electronic Booking Voucher containing your reservation code, passenger details, confirmed travel dates, and check-in instructions.
4. Payment Methods
We accept payment via international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, JCB, American Express) through the secure OnePay Online Payment Gateway, international bank wire transfer, and cash payments at our sales offices.
5. Passenger Information Requirements
In compliance with the regulations of the Halong Bay Port Authority, guests must provide the following passenger details at least 24 hours prior to departure:
- Full name as printed in passport
- Gender and date of birth
- Nationality and passport number
- Vietnam visa expiry date (where applicable)
- Special dietary requirements, allergies, or mobility assistance needs
6. Cancellation Policy & Fees
Cancellations must be submitted in writing via email. The following cancellation charges apply based on the notification date prior to departure:
| Time of Cancellation | Individual Bookings (1-3 Cabins) | Group / Charter Bookings (4+ Cabins) |
|---|---|---|
| More than 30 days prior | Free of charge (0%) | 10% administration fee |
| 15 to 30 days prior | 20% of total cruise fare | 30% of total cruise fare |
| 7 to 14 days prior | 50% of total cruise fare | 70% of total cruise fare |
| Less than 7 days or No-Show | 100% of total cruise fare | 100% of total cruise fare |
7. Cancellation Due to Severe Weather & Force Majeure
Cruise operations in Halong Bay are strictly supervised by the Halong Bay Management Board and Port Authority. In case of typhoons, tropical storms, dense fog, or sudden weather hazards, the Port Authority may withhold sailing permits for passenger safety.
In the event of weather cancellations:
- If cancelled before departure from Hanoi: 100% full refund of all cruise services or free rescheduling to another date.
- If cancelled upon arrival at harbor: Full refund of cruise fare; only transportation fee applies if transfer was used.
- If shortened during cruise: You will only be charged for the meals and services actually consumed; the remaining balance will be fully refunded.
8. Refund Processing Policy
Approved refunds are processed via the original method of payment within 7 to 14 business days, depending on your issuing bank’s international processing timeline.
9. Transportation & Transfer Services
Athena Cruise offers luxury Limousine bus transfers between Hanoi Old Quarter and Tuan Chau Marina. Guests must be ready at their hotel lobby at the scheduled pick-up time. Athena Cruise is not liable for flight delays or road traffic congestion beyond our reasonable control.
10. Limitation of Liability
Athena Cruise is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to personal valuables, money, or luggage not deposited in the stateroom digital safety box or with the Cruise Manager. Guests are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance prior to departure.
11. Passenger Safety Regulations
All guests must attend the mandatory onboard safety briefing upon embarkation. Wearing life jackets is mandatory during all tender boat transfers, kayaking excursions, and bamboo boat tours. Jumping from the sundeck or cabin balconies into the sea is strictly prohibited.
12. Privacy Policy & Data Protection
Athena Cruise respects your personal privacy. We collect personal identification data solely for booking administration, port authority compliance, and providing customized 5-star hospitality services. We never sell or disclose your data to unauthorized third parties.