Frequently Asked Questions

Booking in advance is definitely better than late booking because you will have more time to check the prices of the cruises and select the best cabin for your journey. Athena cruises are often fully booked far in advance during peak season, so booking early ensures the best rate and cabin availability.

You will need to present: 1. Booking confirmation / voucher. 2. Identification documents (passport / national ID and visa / immigration papers for check-in). 3. Credit card or cash used for your onboard incidental expenses.

Yes, on Athena Cruises, you can pay in USD or VND, as well as major international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, JCB). However, having some local currency (VND) is recommended for small personal purchases during excursions.

No, you do not. When you book a cruise with Athena Cruise, your package already includes all entrance fees, sightseeing tickets, and bay navigation permits. You do not have to pay any additional fees for cave excursions.

For 2 Days 1 Night itineraries, you stay continuously on your luxury mother vessel. For 3 Days 2 Nights itineraries, on day 2 from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, you will transfer to a dedicated day boat to explore deeper karst lagoons, cave systems, and pearl farms before returning to the main cruise for overnight.

The distance from Hanoi to Halong Bay is approximately 175 km via the modern expressway. Traveling by our luxury Limousine shuttle bus takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, and by private transfer approximately 2 to 2.5 hours including a short comfort stop.

Yes! Complimentary door-to-door pick-up and drop-off are available for all guests staying in hotels within the Hanoi Old Quarter. If you stay outside the Old Quarter, we can arrange a private transfer or specify a central meeting point.

We schedule a short 20 to 30-minute comfort stopover midway on the expressway for restroom breaks, refreshments, and driver safety rest in compliance with passenger transport safety regulations.

All gourmet meals (breakfast, set-menu / buffet lunch, gala dinner) are fully included in the cruise package. Complimentary mineral water, tea, and coffee are provided daily in your stateroom. Additional alcoholic drinks, wine, and mocktails from the Bar are charged separately according to the menu.

Yes, absolutely! Athena Cruise caters to all special dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and food allergy accommodations. Please inform us at least 24 hours prior to departure so our executive chef can prepare tailored menus for you.

Guests are kindly advised that outside beverages brought onboard may be subject to a standard corkage fee. Our onboard bar is fully stocked with premium spirits, international wines, and soft drinks at reasonable prices.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available onboard. However, please note that internet connection may be intermittent or slower in remote karst areas and deep lagoons where limestone mountains block cellular satellite signals.

Each stateroom features an internal telephone for reception and room service. Mobile 4G/5G phone coverage is generally available throughout most sailing sectors of Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay.

Limited express laundry service is available upon request at the Reception Desk for emergency garment freshening during your voyage.

Yes! Athena Luxury and Royal Cruises feature a serene onboard Spa & Sauna with certified therapists providing Swedish massage, aromatherapy, facial treatments, and reflexology. Appointments can be booked at the Reception Desk.

Yes! 100% kayaking activity is included in all 2D1N and 3D2N itineraries. Guests can paddle through tranquil lagoons, karst archways, and hidden caves with high-grade kayaks and safety life jackets provided.

We recommend packing: original passport, sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brim hat), swimwear, comfortable walking shoes for cave exploration, a light waterproof jacket, personal medication, and camera gear.

We recommend bringing 1 medium suitcase plus 1 hand carry piece per guest. If you have bulky excess luggage before or after your cruise, secure luggage storage is available at our harbor office in Tuan Chau Marina.

For kayaking and beach visits, pack a waterproof phone pouch and dry bag. For visiting Sung Sot or Thien Canh Son caves, slip-resistant trainers or hiking shoes are essential for wet stone steps.

Pregnant guests are welcome aboard Athena Cruise if within the first 32 weeks of pregnancy with doctor confirmation. Please inform our reservations team in advance so we can assign an easily accessible stateroom and customized dietary options.

Our crew members are certified in First Aid and CPR, and our vessels are equipped with comprehensive medical emergency kits and oxygen supplies. In serious emergencies, our speed tender can transfer guests to the mainland hospital within 45 to 60 minutes.

Halong Bay features sheltered inland waters surrounded by thousands of limestone islands, making wave conditions exceptionally calm. Furthermore, Athena Cruise vessels are engineered with heavy steel hulls and modern bilge stabilizers to prevent rocking. Motion sickness pills are always available at Reception.

Cruise permissions and weather-related cancellations are strictly governed by the Halong Bay Port Authority and Maritime Safety Administration. If a typhoon, tropical storm, or heavy fog warning is issued, sailing permits are withheld for passenger safety.

In rare cases of severe tropical storms, if the Port Authority cancels the cruise, Athena Cruise will promptly notify guests. You will receive a 100% refund for unused cruise services or can reschedule your voyage to another available date without penalty fees.