Calypso Cruise Halong Bay

Built with a robust double-bottom, double-side steel hull, the cruise ensures the highest safety standards for all guests. With a total length of 55m and total width of 10.5m, the boat creates a cozy and fun space spanning 3 decks that serves up to 50 passengers.

On the first deck, there are 12 deluxe cabins, each thoughtfully designed to offer both privacy and comfort. The second deck features 8 additional cabins, each with a private balcony, allowing guests to enjoy stunning views in a serene setting.

Beyond its indoor amenities, Calypso Cruise also offers guests a range of shared areas, including a sundeck, a restaurant, a bar, and a jacuzzi pool.

Sundeck

The sundeck is elegantly crafted to provide an exceptional space for relaxation and sightseeing. With its lush artificial grass flooring, the sundeck offers a harmonious and inviting environment. Ample sun loungers are available, ensuring that guests can comfortably soak up the sun at their leisure.

Tourists can bask in the sun while admiring breathtaking views of the bay.

Jacuzzi pool

Calypso Cruise boasts an outdoor jacuzzi pool at the bow of the ship, providing guests with a serene spot to unwind while enjoying the awe-inspiring bay views. Featuring an elegant wooden design and refreshing cool water, the pool offers a superb venue for socializing, relaxation, and appreciating the scenic surroundings. With a capacity of up to 10 guests, the jacuzzi is ideal for couples, families, and larger groups of friends.

The jacuzzi pool is perfect for relaxing, socializing, and gazing at the scenery.

The 2-day, 1-night itinerary invites tourists to explore the wonders of Dark and Bright Cave and Trung Trang Cave. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the 3-day, 2-night itinerary expands the journey to include additional destinations in Cat Ba Island, such as Viet Hai Fishing Village, Ba Trai Dao Island, and Tai Queo Cave, offering an enriching blend of natural splendor and cultural immersion.

Both itineraries are complemented by a variety of onboard activities and services, ensuring a comprehensive and unforgettable experience for all who embark on this adventure.

Sightseeing Activities

Discover Dark and Bright Cave

Nestled in the heart of Lan Ha Bay, Dark and Bright Cave stretches nearly 100 meters through a mountain, with its water-filled passage and ceilings adorned with stalactites sculpted over thousands of years. On the 1st day afternoon, you can opt to explore the cave by bamboo boat or by kayak, drifting through the tranquil waters.

Embrace the serenity of the sea, sky, and towering cliffs on a kayak

Explore Trung Trang Cave

Trung Trang Cave is a dry cave situated about 12 kilometers from Cat Ba National Park. On the last day of the itinerary, you will reach Gia Luan port and transfer by bus to the cave. Embarking on a guided walk that lasts about an hour, you can fully appreciate its natural wonders and historical significance with insights from knowledgeable guides.

Trung Trang Cave is distinguished by its unique geological and historical attributes.

Cycle in Viet Hai Village

Viet Hai Village, a 100-year-old fishing village, boasts a rich ecosystem of mountains, dense forests, and serene coastal waters. On the 2nd day of the 3-day itinerary, you can enjoy a scenic 5-kilometer bicycle or electric car ride through the lush landscapes to reach this tranquil village and a peaceful retreat into traditional Vietnamese culture.

Cycling to Viet Hai Village allows you to explore the lush landscapes and local culture.

Kayak at Tai Queo Cave

Tai Queo Cave appeals as a truly hidden gem in Lan Ha Bay. The excursion to this cave is typically scheduled on the 2nd day of a 3-day itinerary. For those looking for a more exclusive experience, kayaking around the Tai Queo Cave area reveals an enchanting adventure enveloped by pristine natural beauty.

Relax on Ba Trai Dao Island 

Also on the 3-day itinerary, the cruise takes guests to the serene Ba Trai Dao Islets, a perfect spot to relax. Known for their mountainous scenery and year-round crystal-clear waters, these islets offer a tranquil escape. On calm days, the water is so transparent that you can see the sandy bottom and marine life.

Ba Trai Dao Beach is a perfect spot to immerse yourself in the emerald waters.

Onboard Activities 

Vietnamese cooking class

Join an interactive culinary demonstration on the cruise to learn the art of preparing traditional Vietnamese dishes. Watch as the chef crafts iconic dishes like Nem ran (Spring rolls) and Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancakes), or try your hand at cooking under the chef's guidance. 

Uncover Vietnamese cuisine through hands-on experiences at Calypso’s cooking class

Happy Hour

Savor the vibrant atmosphere of Happy Hour on board, where a selection of discounted drinks provides the perfect way to relax and connect after a day of adventure. The bar invites you to indulge in a delightful mix of expertly crafted cocktails, refreshing mocktails, and an extensive wine collection, ensuring there's something to delight every taste.

Enjoy the mesmerizing bay’s sunset on board with rejuvenating drinks

Night squid fishing

Join the cruise staff for a night of squid fishing and test your luck. This activity offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the tranquil beauty of Halong Bay at night while sharing stories with friends and casting lines for squid. If you catch one, you will be rewarded with a freshly prepared squid dish, adding a delicious end to a memorable experience.

Stay calm and try your luck with squid fishing at night

Dining time

Calypso offers a variety of meals and snacks throughout your journey, with breakfast served at 6:30, brunch at 9:30, lunch between 12:15 and 12:45, and dinner at 19:00. Depending on your itinerary, you will enjoy 2 to 3 meals per day:

• 2-day 1-night itinerary: On the first day, you will enjoy a buffet lunch and a set menu dinner. The second day begins with a light breakfast, followed by a buffet brunch before disembarking.
• 3-day 2-night itinerary: The first day mirrors the 2-day itinerary, while on the second day, you will enjoy three full meals - breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Both itineraries provide a variety of delicious dining options, allowing guests to fully enjoy their time on board while savoring a range of flavors and dishes.

Cuisine style

The Calypso’s restaurant offers a variety of cuisine, ranging from authentic Vietnamese dishes to a fusion of Asian and European flavors, as well as fresh, delicious seafood. Each dish is beautifully presented, ensuring a visually appealing dining experience that complements the exquisite flavors.

Calypso Cruise's menu blends Vietnamese cuisine with Western flavors.

Restaurant & bar services

Located on the second floor of the Calypso Cruise, the restaurant offers a luxurious dining experience with its elegant Indochina-inspired decor. It comfortably seats up to 50 guests and features a warm wooden floor, rich brown tables, and leather chairs, providing a refined and inviting atmosphere.

Calypso's restaurant boasts a state-of-the-art interior design.

With expansive windows overlooking Halong Bay, guests can enjoy their meals while taking in the breathtaking views, making every dining experience a perfect combination of exquisite cuisine and natural beauty.

The windows frame breathtaking views of the bay, enhancing the dining experience.

Besides, the bar is situated outdoors on the sundeck, providing the perfect spot for guests to enjoy a refreshing drink while taking in the sweeping panoramic views of Halong Bay.

The bar lounge offers a diverse selection of drinks, from fine spirits to crafted cocktails.

Note: The drink fee is not included in the service cost.

Additionally, guests celebrating special occasions like birthdays, honeymoons, anniversaries can enjoy complimentary treats such as cakes, drinks, or table decorations. This service is available upon request, so if you are booking a cruise for these occasions, please consult BestPrice Travel in advance.

A romantic dinner for honeymooners on Calypso’s sundeck.

When booking the Calypso Cruise through BestPrice Travel, you can choose to include a transfer service with two options: a minivan or a shuttle bus. 

• The minivan transfer, suitable for 9 to 16 passengers, offers pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter between 8:00 and 8:30.
• The shuttle bus, accommodating around 29 passengers, is suitable for a mid-range budget.

Please keep in mind that you should arrive at Tuan Chau Pier by 11:30 for check-in. The transfer from Hanoi to the pier typically takes between 2.5 to 3 hours. Around 12:00, a tender will transport you to the boat, where your dream journey begins.

BestPrice’s Review: 9.3/10 

Facilities & Deck Plan - 9.0/10

Pros

• The cruise is compact but clean, featuring modern equipment and all the necessary facilities for a pleasant trip.
• The onboard restaurant and bar boast Indochine-style interiors with breathtaking views of Lan Ha Bay.
• Calypso Cruise also features ample swimming pools for guest enjoyment.

Cons

• Cabins are relatively small, each about 20.5 square meters with limited balcony options.
• There are only two cabin classes available: Deluxe and Deluxe Balcony, which is deficient for a 4-star cruise.

The Jacuzzi is usually the facility that guests enjoy the most on Calypso Cruise.

Itinerary & Activities - 9.5/10

Pros

• Well-planned itinerary, a walking tour to Trung Trang Cave and kayaking to Dark and Bright Cave, offers a great experience while allowing guests to avoid the crowds.
• The cruise suggests a variety of engaging outdoor and onboard activities, ranging from exploring the natural beauty of Lan Ha Bay to squid fishing on board.
• Kayaking at Tai Queo Area is a highlight, taking tourists to one of the less-explored spots in the area.

Cons

• The current 2-day, 1-night itinerary mainly focuses on cave exploration, while lacking trips to other spots in Cat Ba Island, such as beaches and fishing villages.

Calypso’s itineraries are well-organized with flexibility in transportation and activities

Foods & Beverages - 8.8/10

Pros:

• Meals on the Calypso Cruise are designed to provide guests with the energy needed for their activities and excursions.
• Vietnamese-styled dishes are the highlight, making a favorable choice for Vietnamese foodies.

Cons:

• The quality and taste of lunch and dinner could be elevated to meet 4-star standards, with a stronger emphasis on hygiene before serving.

Dishes on Calypso Cruise should be improved to enhance travelers’ experiences

Services: 9.7/10

Pros

• The staff is friendly, professional, and responsive, always ready to help guests with their needs.
• Transportation services are punctual and spacious enough to accommodate visitors comfortably.
• Calypso provides boats and kayaks for tourists to explore Lan Ha Bay.

Cons 

• The dining service could be further refined to enhance guest satisfaction.

Staff’s friendliness and responsiveness are the highlights of the Calypso Cruise.

TripAdvisor’s Review

• Excellent reviews: 75/108 reviews ~ 70%

As of August 2024, Calypso Cruise Halong Bay has garnered 108 reviews on Tripadvisor, with over a half reflecting a high degree of customer satisfaction. Guests frequently praised the staff for their exceptional service, noting their professionalism and friendliness as significant factors contributing to a positive cruising experience.

Calypso Cruise has received numerous positive reviews on TripAdvisor.

However, some reviews highlighted areas where improvements could be made. Several guests felt that the food lacked sufficient flavor, suggesting a need for more varied and refined culinary options. Additionally, there were comments about the size of the ship, with some travelers finding it a bit small and crowded, which might impact comfort levels during the cruise.

Overall, Calypso Cruise on Tripadvisor is an excellent choice for exploring Lan Ha Bay, combining beautiful scenery with great service. While feedback suggests improving food flavor and addressing space constraints, positive reviews highlight a memorable experience. By enhancing these aspects, Calypso Cruise can further boost guest satisfaction.