1. 1. The luxury van picked us up at our hotel in Hanoi and tok us to meet the boat as we neared halong bay the scenery got more and more industrial and I started to worry what Had I booked, we transferred to a tender to go out to the boat at the end of a dodgy looking road
      As the tender pulled up to the back of a very nice looking modern boat and we saw all of the staff lined up waving I started to feel better we were then shown up to the dining room and all of my concerns disappeared
      This is a beautiful boat with a high standard of decor and great facilities the food was excellent and our cabin was first rate
      The staff could not have been more attentive and friendly
      With Kayaking, visits to a cave in a bamboo boat , a floating village and a cookery demonstration, time flew past
      A first class operation and great value for money.

   Voted by mrakel.

2. I wanted to spend extra to make the experience more relaxing. Unexpectedly this experience was spectacular. The staff alone makes you appreciate the experience (mine was on Orchid ship #2). My room actually looked the way it did in photos. It was very clean and neat. They also cleaned the room during the day. I did the 3-day and sooooo glad I did because 2-days is too short on this boat. Maybe thats fine on the cheaper junks. I couldnt believe how much service I got, everyone was so professional and friendly. Food was good and there were a variety of dishes. The rooms… amazing. The balcony is great too. Bathroom with tub was great in the evenings when the sun sets. Great company on the deck with happy hours and good music. I did solo which was fine although its all couples. Bike riding was light and fun. It was worth every penny, I wouldnt advise working folks to skimp out and take anything else to Halong Bay.Voted by lanieldee.
3. We did quite a bit of research about Halong Bay cruises and formed the opinion that we wanted 2 nights and also to visit Bai Tu Long Bay because that helps get us away from the masses of boats at Halong Bay. For those reasons we chose the 3D 2N cruise with Orchid Cruises and could not have been happier.

The transfer by tender to the ship was easy, you can easily step from wharf to tender and then from tender to ship and our bags were all taken care of for us.

The included activities were good, nothing too difficult so everyone can enjoy them. They included kayaking, swimming, squid fishing, tai chi, cycling to a local village, cave trip in a bamboo boat, cooking lessons. If you aren’t interested in doing the excursions, no worries, stay on board the ship and relax.

The food was great and the staff go out of their way to ensure they cater for your needs. I don’t eat mushrooms and that was no problem, alternatives were made.

The rooms are really lovely, large and clean with a bath that looks out over the water and a private balcony.

But the best thing by far are the staff, always friendly, and helpful and ready to share a laugh with you. Thank you Son for your hospitality and also to all the crew.

The only negative (or positive) is that there is no wifi so you really just have to relax and enjoy the trip.

I would not hesitate in recommending this cruise and would definitely suggest staying on for 2 nights.

Voted by Kelly.