Why do we need to wait around 20 mins between Hanoi and Halong? - Athena Cruises Official website - Luxury Cruise line in Halong Bay
Why do we need to wait around 20 mins between Hanoi and Halong?

We need to stop over for 30 minutes in between Hanoi & Halong Bay (vice-versa) for bathroom breaks and for our drivers to have some time to rest as they work the whole day, every day.

Is Spa available on the cruise?

The spa is available on luxury cruises. Please kindly notice that this is an exclusive service. You will book the service with Cruise Manager directly and pay yourself on the cruise.

Do I stay continuously on the same cruise?

With 3 days 2 nights itinerary, you will be transferred into a day boat on the second day from about 8.30 am to 4.30 pm.

The day boat is smaller which can reach places in the shallow water and explore further parts of the Bay.

Is there any risk that the cruise may be cancelled?

Cruising and sailing in Halong Bay are strictly regulated by a local board: the Halong Bay Management Board (also known as Halong Bay Port Authority). Every morning, the Port Authority delivers a permit to each cruise company allowing them to sail in Halong Bay. Both day cruises and overnight cruises are regulated this way.

In case of bad weather conditions and risks of tropical storms, the Port Authority might limit the possibilities of cruising and even decide to cancel all cruises.

In those cases, we will inform you as soon as the information is available, which unfortunately might only be upon the guest’s arrival at the harbor.

You will be refunded money for the itinerary that you have not experienced and only pay for the service you used – detailed information is listed down here

Is it possible to use US Dollars in Athena Cruise?

Please prepare some local currency because it is better for you to pay by VND rather than in USD when you stay in Vietnam.

However, on Athena cruises, you can pay in USD if you want.

Is Halong Bay Cruise suitable for sea-sick passengers?

Athena Cruise is a brand new with high technology. Your overnight trip will be the same as an overnight at hotel in the land

Therefore, it is hard to get sea-sick.

Do you have a medical service or a doctor on board?

There is no doctor available neither on board nor on the bay.

However, all vessels are equipped with First Aid Kits and basic medicine supply.

If there is a serious medical emergency, the tender can take you back to the harbor. We can take you to the nearest hospital within 01 hour.

Should I book in advance?

Booking in advance is definitely better than late booking because you will have much time to check the prices of the cruises and select the best cruise for you.

Athena cruises are often fully booked far in advance so you will not have many choices in the last minutes.

Booking in advance also helps us and the cruise to prepare your trip better and you will also get to know everything about your trip before you go.

Do we have a kayak in Halong Bay with our cruises?

Sure! Kayaking is a part of the itinerary – You could check it here

What should I bring with me on board?

You are suggested to bring sunblock, sunglasses, insect repellents, wide brim hats, swimming suites, warm clothes in winter, and your original passport for check-in. If you are traveling with young kids, candy, picture books, minigames, learning tools may be helpful.

Do we need to pay for entrance fees when visiting caves?

No, you don’t. When you make a booking with us, your cruise trip is already included entrance fees and sightseeing tickets, you don’t have to pay any additional fees.

Is there anything special I need to pack?

If you intend to do kayaking, plan to have a change of clothes as you will easily get wet.
As for shoes, choose what is appropriate according to the temperatures and bring along trainers/walking shoes for the excursions (visiting caves, hiking, cycling, etc.).
Don’t forget your bathing suit!

If you are cruising for 3 days / 2 nights, you will be transferred on the second day, from about 8.30 AM to 4.30 PM on our day boat. You can plan to have a small backpack to take to the day boat as you will be able to leave the rest of your baggage in your cabin.

Why do we need to wait around 20 mins between Hanoi and Halong?

We need to stop over for 30 minutes in between Hanoi & Halong Bay (vice-versa) for bathroom breaks and for our drivers to have some time to rest as they work the whole day, every day.

How many luggage should I bring on board?

You should bring with you the necessary ones as there is not much space on the shuttle bus. In addition, we will drop you at the same hotel after Halong Bay trip so you can leave your big suitcase at the hotel. If you need to go directly to Airport or train station you can bring your entire luggage.

Do you provide a laundry service on board?

There is no laundry service available on board. Please contact the Reception Desk for information.

Can I bring liquor or non-alcoholic beverages (from home or from a port) on board?

Guests are not allowed to bring alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages onboard for consumption or any other use. Our bar stocks a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at very reasonable prices so there is no need to bring any on board. However, if you would like to request any special alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages then please contact our Sales Department.

What documents do I need to present at the Athena pier in Bai Tu Long Bay?

You will need to present:

– Booking confirmation

– Identification documents (proof of citizenship) for each guest

– Credit card or cash used for your onboard expense.

Who decides the cancellation of the Halong Bay cruise?

The cancellation of the cruise is decided by the local authority in Halong Bay. They closely monitor the weather conditions; they usually do not give official notice but instead do not give permission for boats to go out. Most often in case of storms, Athena Cruise informs guests a day before the cruise. In case there is no knowledge beforehand of any storms, Athena cruise may announce the cancellation on the morning of the cruise or as soon as we receive information from the local authority that no boats are allowed to go in the Halong Bay.

Can I use a telephone or cell phone on board in Bai Tu Long bay?

Each cabin has its own telephone for cabin-to-cabin calls. Ship-to-shore calls can be placed at the Reception Desk; the charges will be added to your shipboard account. Please note that mobile/ handphone coverage may be intermittent in some places due to the area’s topography.

Do we have wifi onboard and can we use them?

Yes, WiFi connection is available onboard but has limited internet connectivity throughout the itinerary due to the sea and the karst limestones and mountains blocking the signal from the satellites. Please pay attention and arrange your time to use wifi in order to avoid any inconvenience or interruption.

Wifi signal may be strong at this time as below:

– From 12.30 pm to 13.30 pm on the first day and from 09.30 am to 11.30 am on the second day (apply for 1-night itinerary); wifi signal is more steady in the restaurant area.

– There is no wifi in Cong Dam area (apply for 2-night itinerary).

Will I be picked up from my hotel in Hanoi?

Each cruise has their own policy regarding transfer: some cruises include transfer in their cost, others charge extra fee for transfer.

“If you book the transfer by shuttle bus, you will only be picked up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter Area (and the West Lake area such as Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake or Sheraton Hanoi)”. If you book the transfer by shutt. If you stay outside of these areas, you need to take a taxi on your own to our office or to the cruise office to get picked up. An alternative is to book a private transfer. (Popular hotels located outside of the Old Quarter include Lotte Hotel Center, JW Marriot, to name a few).

Can I order kid meals and special dietary food?

Yes, you can. Most of cruises in Halong Bay will happily meet any of your special requests. However, please kindly be reminded that you should make note with us well in advance so we can have more time to prepare the most perfect meal for you and your family.

Can I go on a cruise if I am pregnant?

If you are pregnant, we advise you to make a serious check-up with your doctor. If your doctor say you can go, you can. However if you are more than 32 weeks pregnant, we recommend you to hold off your trip as the cruise trip still requires some light activity such as climbing up and down or getting on and off board.

Are drinks and beverages included in a cruise trip?

No, they are not included in any cruise packages. In general, meals are included and in each cabin there are complimentary bottles of mineral water. Other beverages will be charged as your order

How long does it take to get to Halong Bay

The distance from Hanoi to Halong Bay is around 175 km. Traveling by shuttle bus will takes around 4 hours and by private car it is 3.5 hours one way. The road from Hanoi to Halong may experience traffic jam so please allow extra time for that.

Customer Support

Got a question? Call us now:
(+84) 979.596.78
Email: [email protected]

Contact Us Online