Swan Cruises Halong Bay

Swan Cruise Halong Bay has an average size designed with 02 main decks and 01 sundeck offering a capacity of 40 people.

The 1st deck includes a kitchen, 02 Suite Triple Cabins (22m2), and 08 Deluxe Cabins (18m2). Deluxe cabins can be connected to create an adjoining room for families or small groups.

The 2nd deck has a restaurant, the remaining 02 Suite Triple, 03 Suite cabins (18m2), and 02 Suites Balcony (28m2) at the ship's rear with a private balcony.

The sundeck boasts the remaining 01 Suite Balcony and an airy area with many loungers and set tables for guests to sunbathe and relax.

The top deck is equipped with sun chairs and tea tables to facilitate tourists' trips while enjoying the magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay. The area is pretty decorated with artificial green grass, wall paintings, and colorful flags, enhancing the overall design.

Well-designed sundeck, an ideal spot for sightseeing Bai Tu Long Bay

On Swan Cruise Halong Bay, passengers can visit the lovely Cap La Island & Thien Canh Son Cave in Bai Tu Long Bay on the 2D1N tour. For the 3D2N tour, you will spend the extra 2nd day in Vung Vieng Village, Pearl Farm, and Trinh Nu area.

Here are some exciting activities during the trip that you can take part in:

Sightseeing activities

Swim & kayak in Cap La Island

In the afternoon of the first day, you’ll have 1.5 hours to chill out and immerse yourself in the tranquil area surrounding Cap La Island or Cong Do area. Let’s sail through the imposing karst mountains and see the breathtaking nature or take a dip in the clear sea to unwind.

Chilling time on the unspoiled sandy beach of Cap La Island

Uncover Thien Canh Son Cave

On the last day, guests can visit the well-hidden Thien Can Son Cave in the Cong Dam area. This place is one of the best spots to witness the gorgeous stalactites and stalagmites in Bai Tu Long Bay, which was created millions of years ago.

Join an energetic hike to Thien Canh Son Cave and admire its beauty

Visit Halong Pearl Farm & Trinh Nu Cave

The additional day of the 3-day cruise will allow you to visit the fish & pearl farming area where you may learn about the fascinating process of pearl cultivation. 

Following that, there will be some enjoyable kayaking and swimming in the hidden gem of the Trinh Nu area.

Discover the renowned Halong Bay on an extra day of the 3-day itinerary

Onboard Activities

Sunset Party & Cooking Class

Around dusk, guests can get to the sundeck to join the sunset party and taste some delicious fruits and desserts. Alternatively, there will be a cooking class for those who want to learn how to make Nem Cuon or challenge themselves in fruit and vegetable carving.

Try your skill in making traditional Vietnamese food or try food craving

Tai Chi class

Let’s start your day actively with a refreshing Tai Chi Class on the sundeck. What else could be better than stretching your body and improving your balance just as the morning sun is rising?

Exercise with Tai Chi Class to warm up in the morning

Squid fishing

After dinner, you can have some fun with a fun recreational activity, which is squid fishing. The cruise provides the fishing rods for you, let’s wait and see if you are lucky enough to catch some fresh squid.

When booking with Swan, all of your meals onboard are included. Except for the buffet breakfast that includes International dishes, other meals are set menu with around 7 - 9 dishes in Vietnamese styles. There are also many seafood dishes such as shrimp, fish, oysters, prawns, etc. Vegetable menus are also available.

The usual time for breakfast is 7:00, lunch is at 13:00, dinner is at 19:00, and brunch is from 10:00. Based on your chosen tour, you will be served the following meals:

• The 2-day-1-night offers 04 meals: 01 lunch, 01 dinner, 01 breakfast, and 01 brunch.
• The 3-day-2-night serves 07 meals: 02 lunches, 02 dinners, 02 breakfasts, and 01 brunch.

Enjoy delicious Vietnamese-style meals for dinner

Drinks

• Alcohol: From US $35 bottle & US $6 shot
• Non-alcohol: From US $2 item

Two mineral water bottles and fresh fruit will also be provided for free in each cabin. Other beverages will be charged separately following the bar menu. The bar is right next to the dining room so that passengers can easily choose various kinds of drinks to enjoy: Wine, cocktails, mocktails, smoothies, juices, etc.

The bartender always mixes the best drink customized for guests’ tastes.

Restaurant & Bar

Let’s enjoy a wonderful meal in a minimalistic and chic setting of the dining area with rich wooden interiors. Stay on the 2nd deck with a capacity of 40 people, this restaurant will take you on a flavorful cuisine journey amid the serene Bai Tu Long Bay.

Bright and spacious restaurant and bar area onboard

You can choose a shuttle bus or a private car (extra fee needed) to travel to Halong Bay by booking with BestPrice Travel or Swan Cruise Halong Bay. The car is modern and is equipped with comfortable seats, air-con, free water, etc.

Transport from Hanoi

If you book the transfer service, a driver will pick you up in the Hanoi Old Quarter at around 8:00 - 8:30 and get you to Halong International Harbor.

From Cruise Port

Tourists who self-transfer to Halong Bay must arrive before 11:30 to check in at the Swan Cruise Lounge at Halong International Harbor and take a tender boat to the cruise.

Modern shuttle bus for convenient transport from Hanoi to Halong

BestPrice Reviews: 9.2/10

After a 2-day inspection tour on Swan Cruise Halong Bay, it is pretty easy to tell that this is one of the most suitable cruises for budget travelers who want to visit a less touristy area. With the routes in the pristine Bai Tu Long and a low guest capacity of 40, Swan will satisfy customers who want a peaceful experience and excellent service.

Facilities & Amenities: 8.8/10

Swan Cruises seems well-maintained; the boat was launched in 2017, but the facilities are in excellent condition and look the same as in online pictures. My Deluxe Cabin cabin was well-equipped with a classic wooden design. However, since this was a 3-star cruise, few recreation areas exist.

Pros

• Well-thought design, the cruise's decoration was cohesive, with wooden-based furniture and a warm palette that created a cozy and elegant vibe. 
• Spacious restaurant; the dining area is vast, airy, and can hold up to 40 people.
• Beautiful sundeck with artificial grass, many sunbeds, and gorgeous painting on the wall.

Cons

• Don’t have a spa room on board
• The sundeck floor has grass so it may have standing water when raining.
• The cabin size is not big enough if each guest brings more than 1 piece of luggage. Deluxe cabins and Suite cabins don't have a balcony.

A well-maintained cruise ship with a pretty design

Foods & Drinks: 9.3/10

The food & drinks on Swan Cruises Halong Bay are great to its 3-star standard. All the meals are set menus (except for breakfast) with great potions. Most of the food is well-cooked and follows Vietnamese style.

Pros

• A significant quantity of food. There are 7-9 dishes for two people.
• Delicious seafood, the ingredients feel very fresh, and the dishes are cooked well.
• Most of the meals are set menu, so everyone can have the same quantity.
• Drink menus are diverse with fresh and well-made drinks.

Cons

• The menu mostly includes Vietnamese food, so it may lack variation for Western customers.
• The vegetarian menu was a bit limited.

Activity & Itinerary: 9.1/10

Overall, the schedule of Swan Cruises for its 2d1n itinerary is pretty interesting, with the two main activities being kayaking and swimming in the Cong Do Area and visiting Thien Canh Son. It is no doubt suitable for many kinds of travelers.

Pros

• The quieter and less touristic route in Bai Tu Long Bay helps you enjoy the spectacular bay peacefully.
• Swimming and kayaking in the emerald water of Cap La Island is great to unwind.
• After visiting Thien Canh Son Cave, you can chill out on the beach close to it.

Cons

• Kayaking in the Cong Do Area will take about 35 - 40 minutes round-way, you may take the tender if you want to avoid kayaking.
• There are only a few things to do at night except for squid fishing.

Create wonderful experiences on Swan Halong Bay Cruise

Service: 10/10

The service on Swan Cruises is excellent; all the staff is well-trained. There is nothing to blame with the services on this budget ship.

Pros

• Most of the crew is knowledgeable about Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. 
• Everyone is friendly, cautious, and attentive to all of the visitors.
• The guide speaks good English and connects with every guest very well.

The crew team is always ready to help and adapt to guests’ requirements.

TripAdvisor Reviews

• Number of reviews: 5,728
• Excellent: 5,203/ 5,728 reviews

Among the budget cruises in Halong, Swan is adored by its worldwide passengers, with many reviews and around 97 % of them give positive reviews. Generally, Swan Cruises Halong Bay on TripAdvisor is praised for its fantastic service, with many positive reviews about the amazing sceneries, great food, kind staff, and great guide.

However, there are some complaints about the average amount of food and the short duration of the 2-day cruises.