Grand Pioneers Cruise Halong Bay
At a glance
Grand Pioneers Cruise Halong Bay is a 2 days 1 night cruise in Halong Bay, hosting up to 320 guests. Cabins range from $432 to $1836 across 11 cabin categories. Book online at GoVietTour — pay now or pay later after confirmation.
- Duration
- 2 days 1 night
- Location
- Halong Bay
- Cabin categories
- Ocean Suite, Ocean Balcony Suite, Ocean Suite Triple, Veranda Suite
- From
- $432
- Capacity
- Up to 320 guests
Cabin categories compared
| Cabin category | Price | Sleeps | Beds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Suite | $432 | 2 | Double or Twin |
| Ocean Balcony Suite | $432 | 2 | Double or Twin |
| Ocean Suite Triple | $672 | 3 | Triple |
| Veranda Suite | $526 | 2 | Double or Twin |
| Executive Suite | $580 | 2 | Double or Twin |
| Essence Suite | $782 | 2 | Double or Twin |
| Oceania Suite | $1242 | 2 | Round bed |
| Owner's Suite | $1836 | 2 | Double or Twin |
| Pearl Suite | $938 | 2 | Round bed |
| The Signature Suite | $1092 | 2 | Double |
| The President Suite | $1836 | 2 | Double |
per cabin / 2 days 1 night
Prices and availability last checked on September 30, 2026.
More Halong Bay cruises →
Onboard Amenities
Overview
Launched in 2023, Grand Pioneers (formerly Essence Grand Cruise) is one of the largest luxury vessels sailing Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. The ship spreads across seven decks and 55 cabins with a capacity of around 320 guests, delivering a refined six-star overnight experience.
Onboard highlights include an all-weather saltwater swimming pool, a sky bar, a wine cellar, a fitness centre, plus karaoke, billiards and a family entertainment room. Guests can enjoy kayaking, squid fishing, cave visits and morning yoga or taichi, with all meals, transfers and sightseeing fees included.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day-by-day breakdown of your journey.
11:30 - 12:00 | Check-in at Tuan Chau Marina
Your luxury journey starts at the Grand Pioneer waiting lounge, where a warm welcome awaits before you are transferred to the superyacht by tender boat. Enjoy a refreshing signature welcome drink while the Cruise Manager gives a safety briefing, then settle into your elegant suite with private balcony and panoramic bay views.
13:00 - 14:30 | Gourmet Lunch at Sea
Savour a fusion of Asian and Western cuisine at the Dining by the Bay restaurant as the cruise glides past iconic limestone karsts such as Kissing Rocks and Finger Islet.
15:30 - 17:00 | Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave)
Disembark to explore Sung Sot Cave, the largest and most spectacular cave in Ha Long Bay, walking through vast chambers filled with thousands of stalactites and stalagmites. The view over the bay from the cave exit is breathtaking.
17:30 - 19:00 | Sunset Party & Cooking Class
Head to the sundeck for Happy Hour at the Lighthouse Sky Bar, join a cooking demonstration to learn traditional Vietnamese spring rolls, and watch the sun set over the emerald waters.
19:00 - 21:00 | Fine Dining Experience
Enjoy a sophisticated dinner prepared by 5-star chefs, featuring fresh local seafood and premium imported ingredients.
21:00 - Late | Nightlife & Relaxation
The evening is yours - try squid fishing on the first floor, sing in the karaoke room, or unwind at the saltwater swimming pool or La Spa.
Cabin Types
Choose your perfect accommodation.
30 m2 cabin with floor-to-ceiling windows for natural light and bay views.
40 m2 suite with a small private balcony and partial bay views.
43 m2 cabin for up to 3 guests; choose three singles or a double plus single.
40 m2 suite with modern amenities and a private balcony.
40 m2 suite on the higher decks with elevated bay views.
60 m2 luxurious suite with an expansive balcony, located on the 4th floor at the rear of the ship.
100 m2 exclusive suite at the rear of the 3rd floor with panoramic windows and a separate living room.
150 m2 top-tier suite at the bow with a huge terrace and outdoor jacuzzi, two bedrooms and a living room.
42 m2 cabin on the 2nd deck with high-class interiors, a round bed and an en-suite bathtub.
50 m2 premium suite on the 3rd deck with luxurious facilities and an airy private balcony.
109 m2, the most luxurious cabin on Grand Pioneers II; 2nd deck with sauna, dressing room, dining area and bar.
What's Included
Included
- Stay in a luxury cabin
- All onboard meals (breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner)
- Sightseeing entrance fees
- Kayaking or bamboo boat ride
- Cooking class and sunset party
- English-speaking tour guide
Not Included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal costs such as shopping, drinks, laundry, phone calls and snacks
- Hotel stays in Hanoi
- Any services not listed in the inclusions
- Emergency costs such as chartered helicopter evacuation
Good to Know
Cancellation & Rescheduling
Reviews
Frequently asked questions
About Grand Pioneers Cruise Halong Bay.
Which cabin should I choose?
The entry 30 m2 Ocean Suite (floor-to-ceiling windows) and the 40 m2 Ocean Balcony Suite both start at $432 per cabin for two — take the balcony version if you want outdoor space. Mid-range, the Veranda Suite ($526) and higher-deck Executive Suite ($580) are both 40 m2, and the 60 m2 Essence Suite ($782) adds an expansive rear balcony; top suites run from the Pearl ($938, round bed and bathtub) up to the 150 m2 Owner's Suite ($1,836) with terrace and outdoor jacuzzi. Groups of three can book the 43 m2 Ocean Suite Triple ($672), and children under 4 typically cruise free sharing a bed while ages 5-11 pay a child rate on an extra bed (confirm at booking).
What is the daily schedule like?
Day 1: check in at Tuan Chau Marina 11:30 AM-12:00 PM, lunch while cruising past Kissing Rocks and Finger Islet, Sung Sot Cave 3:30-5:00 PM, then a sunset party with a Vietnamese spring-roll cooking class before dinner at 7:00 PM, with squid fishing, karaoke, the pool or La Spa in the evening. Day 2: optional tai chi at 5:30 AM, kayaking or a bamboo-boat ride at Luon Cave 7:30-8:45 AM, then a brunch buffet before disembarking at 11:00 AM.
What facilities are on board?
Grand Pioneers spreads across seven decks with 55 cabins for around 320 guests, and carries an all-weather saltwater swimming pool, the Lighthouse Sky Bar, a wine cellar, a fitness centre, La Spa, karaoke, billiards and a family entertainment room. Every cabin has air conditioning, a minibar, TV, safe, WiFi and a private bathroom.
How do I pay for the cruise and for onboard extras?
You can book online now and pay now or later — after booking, the team confirms by email instantly and coordinates payment by email or WhatsApp. On board there are no ATMs, so bring enough cash; extras such as drinks and spa services are settled at the end of the cruise during brunch, and major payment methods are typically accepted.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancel more than 30 days before departure for a full refund minus a USD 10 per-cabin handling fee; 15-30 days before departure you get a 50% refund; less than 15 days before departure there is no refund. If the Bay Management Board cancels a sailing for rough weather (mainly the Jun-Sep typhoon season), you receive a full refund or free rebooking.
Do cabins have Wi-Fi, hot showers and charging?
Yes — every cabin has power outlets for charging, a private bathroom with hot water, and Wi-Fi, which also covers most public areas of the ship. Connection speed varies with your location in the bay and can drop in more remote spots.
How much do transfers between Hanoi and Halong Bay cost?
Transfers are optional and priced separately: shared shuttles start at around $15 per person each way, and private cars are available if you prefer a more comfortable ride. Contact us by WhatsApp or email and we will arrange the option that suits your dates.
How fit do I need to be, and is a guide included?
No particular fitness is needed — the pace is relaxed and kayaking is entirely optional, with a bamboo boat rowed by a local as the easy alternative at Luon Cave. An English-speaking guide is included and accompanies the excursions, so there is no need to arrange one yourself.