Rita Cruise-Luxury 5 Star for Lan Ha bay with pool

Rita Cruise makes Lan Ha Bay feel calm. This newly launched 5-star ship is built for comfort, with every cabin offering a private balcony and the ship featuring a swimming pool plus a soundproof karaoke lounge. The route is aimed at quieter waters in Lan Ha Bay, not the most jammed parts of the wider Halong area.

What I love most is the mix of luxury and actual time on the water. First, you get a true onboard unwind space with that rooftop pool, not just a viewing deck. Second, the action is well-paced: kayaking or a bamboo-boat ride at caves, then a Vietnamese cooking class. One possible drawback: you start the day early and you’ll spend hours in a 2.5-hour transfer each way from Hanoi, so this is best if you like getting moving.

Key Things That Make Rita Cruise Worth Your Time

• Rooftop pool at sea: You can swim or just hang out with the bay views in the background.
• Private balcony in every cabin: Morning coffee and sunset watching without crowding.
• Soundproof karaoke lounge: A fun option when you want nightlife energy without the noise.
• Lan Ha Bay focus: You’re steered toward the quieter side of the bay system.
• Active day + relaxing morning: Caves, kayaking, optional Tai-chi, then swimming or kayaking near the ship.

Lan Ha Bay, Without the Maximum Crowds

The big idea behind Rita Cruise is simple: I like that it aims you toward Lan Ha Bay, where the limestone scenery still feels dramatic but the vibe is more laid-back. This matters because Halong Bay can feel like a sightseeing queue at times. Lan Ha tends to give you more breathing room, and the route is designed for that slower feel.

You’re also not just stuck “on one postcard view.” The day flow takes you through multiple viewing moments—limestone karsts rising out of calm water, islets you can recognize as you pass, and harbors that sit right in the Cat Ba area. In practical terms, this gives you chances for photos at different light times, plus the sense that you’re moving through the bay rather than just circling.

Hanoi to Tuan Chau: The 2.5-Hour Transfer Reality Check

Getting to Lan Ha Bay is part of the deal, so I’d plan your expectations accordingly. Your day typically begins with a pickup in central Hanoi—Old Quarter, Hanoi Opera House, or an Authentic Hanoi Travel Office pick-up if you’re staying elsewhere—then a 2.5-hour drive with one break along the way.

That drive isn’t just a formality. It sets the rhythm for the whole trip: you arrive at Tuan Chau ready to check in, eat, and start cruising right away. Still, if you’re sensitive to morning travel, buffer your sleep the night before. This is a “leave early, enjoy later” experience.

On the back end, you return the same way: transfer from the pier to Hanoi with another 2.5-hour ride and a drop-off back at hotels around mid-afternoon.

Tuan Chau Check-In and Speedboat Boarding

You arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor and check in at the Alisa & Rita Cruise Check-in Lounge (16B) around late morning. Then you board via support speedboat, leaving from the wharf to the cruise.

I like this setup because it cuts down confusion. Instead of scrambling to find staff on a big dock, you have a defined check-in point first, then the boarding step is quick. It also helps you transition from the bus-and-break rhythm into “ship time” without feeling like you’re losing half the day to waiting.

Day 1 on the Water: Welcome, Caves, and Nighttime Fun

Once you board, you’ll get a welcome drink, meet the captain and crew, and go through safety guidelines before heading to your cabin. You then get a lunch service while the boat is cruising through the bay area and passing well-known rock formations.

After lunch, the day shifts into “see and do.” You cruise through parts of the bay tied to Cat Ba, including Con Vit islet (Duck Islet), Thumb islet, and Gia Luan Harbor. Then the main activity is at Dark & Bright Cave (Hang Sang & Toi), where you can choose kayaking or sitting on a bamboo boat to explore the area around the caves.

I like how they build in options here. If you want more physical time, kayaking fits. If you want lighter effort and still want the experience, the bamboo boat is the calmer choice.

Evening on Day 1 is where Rita Cruise leans into a relaxed party-soft vibe. There’s a happy hour with a buy 2 get 1 free drink program, plus a Vietnamese cooking class where you practice making spring rolls. Dinner follows after that, so you get both hands-on activity and a proper meal—without having to bounce between multiple places.

A couple of practical notes: bring a light layer for the evening deck since it can feel cooler on the water, and keep some cash or card handy for drinks since drinks are not listed as included.

Day 2 Starts With Views (and Optional Tai-Chi)

Day 2 begins early, in a good way. There’s an optional Tai-chi session on the sundeck around 5th floor level. You don’t have to join, but it’s a nice wake-up ritual that also makes the morning feel calm instead of rushed.

Then comes the easy part: breakfast, followed by more time watching the bay as the ship cruises. If you’re the type who likes soft morning photos, this is the time.

You’ll also pass the Frog Pond area, known from the King Kong filming location. This is one of those “you’re in the scene” moments that feels fun even if you don’t care about movie trivia. It helps you connect the bay to popular culture, then you move on right after for more water activities.

The 45-Minute Water Window: Sea Swimming or Kayaking

Around 08:00 on Day 2, you get a short activity window (about 45 minutes) where you can choose sea swimming or go kayaking around the mother boat. This is a great length because it’s long enough to feel real, but not so long that the rest of the morning gets chopped up.

After that, you return to your cabin, relax, and check luggage carefully before checkout. There’s also room for you to enjoy the ship while it’s still moving—then the last meal on board comes as a buffet lunch.

By late morning you’re back at Tuan Chau pier by tender boat, then the cruise ends and the return trip to Hanoi begins. This makes the overall experience feel tidy: no long, awkward waiting stretch at the end.

Rooftop Pool + Cabin Balcony: Luxury You Can Actually Use

Let’s talk about the onboard stuff you’ll notice every day.

First: that private balcony. In a place like Lan Ha Bay, fresh air and the view are the whole point. I like that the design gives you a personal outdoor space, so you’re not always competing for the best deck angle or standing elbow-to-elbow.

Second: the rooftop pool. Many cruises claim luxury but give you a tiny “wading pool.” Here, the pool is a real selling point, meaning you can cool off properly or just enjoy the scenery with a drink nearby.

Third: the soundproof karaoke lounge. This matters if you’re traveling with people who want entertainment but you still want quiet at night. It’s separated enough that the ship’s mood doesn’t get ruined for everyone else.

One note to keep you safe from disappointment: I’ve seen at least one account where cabin bathroom cleanliness didn’t meet expectations. That doesn’t erase the overall quality, but I’d recommend doing a quick check when you arrive—especially towels, toilet area, and sink area—then mention it to staff right away if something feels off.

Food on Board: Included Meals, Different Styles, and Diet Options

Food is one of the most consistent reasons people feel good about Rita Cruise. You get breakfast, a dinner, and two lunch services included, plus a cooking class that turns into a fun food memory.

What this usually means for you: you spend less time hunting for meals and more time on activities. Lunch is served while cruising, so you’re eating with scenery instead of treating lunch as a break from the experience.

The meals also vary in style. Some days lean toward set-menu service, and some lean toward buffet-style dining. In plain terms, that gives you both structure (nice for taste and pacing) and flexibility (nice for trying a bit of everything).

Vegetarian options are mentioned, which is helpful if you want to travel without turning every meal into a negotiation.

That said, one account pointed out the food being more standard. So if your priority is Michelin-level originality, I’d treat the food as very solid and enjoyable, not as a total culinary masterclass. It’s still a big part of the value because it’s included in the price.

Value Math: Why $196 Feels Fair Here

At $196 per person for about 2 days, the value depends on what you compare it to. For many people, the win isn’t just the ship—it’s what the package tries to reduce for you: logistics and meal planning.

Here’s where the price earns its keep:

• Limousine round-trip transfers from Hanoi are included, which can be a big cost if you’d pay for private transport.
• Meals are included (breakfast, lunch twice, dinner), so your spending is lighter once you’re on the water.
• You get multiple included activities: cave exploring plus kayaking or bamboo boat, cooking class, Tai-chi option, and that second-day swimming/kayaking window.

Also, the ship is capped at 70 travelers. That’s not tiny, but it’s small enough that the experience often feels less like a floating convention hall.

If you’re doing this as a short getaway from Hanoi, the package structure tends to feel efficient: one clear pickup, one boarding flow, two full days on the bay, then you’re back by mid-afternoon on Day 2.

Things to Watch Before You Book

A few practical considerations will help you enjoy the trip more:

• Drinks are not included. You’ll want to budget for drinks, especially with the happy hour format.
• You’re starting early. Day 2 begins before sunrise for Tai-chi and morning views.
• You’ll be on transfers twice. That’s 2.5 hours each way, plus pier handling time.
• Cabin expectations can vary. One account mentioned bathroom cleanliness falling short. Do a quick check when you arrive.
• Food quality is generally praised but not universal. Most people like it, but one note said it felt more common.

If you’re the type who likes relaxed mornings and doesn’t mind early starts, this cruise fits well. If you’re hoping for a sleep-in vacation, you might find Day 2 a bit too punctual.

Should You Book It?

I’d book Rita Cruise if you want a 5-star-style experience on a Lan Ha Bay-focused route, and you care about comfort details like balconies and a real pool. The combination of cave time, kayaking or bamboo-boat options, plus a cooking class is a strong mix for a short 2-day trip.

You might skip or choose another option if you’re extremely sensitive to early wake-ups, if you’re expecting drinks to be fully covered, or if you prefer lots of quiet time with zero scheduled activities. Also, do a quick cabin cleanliness check on arrival since that’s the one area where satisfaction wasn’t totally consistent.

FAQ

How long is the Rita Cruise?

It’s about 2 days.

What’s included in the price?

Dinner, breakfast, and lunch (two meals), plus limousine round-trip transfers.

Is pickup from Hanoi included?

Yes. Pickup is offered from locations such as the Hanoi Old Quarter, Hanoi Opera House, or an Authentic Hanoi Travel Office if you’re staying outside to Halong Bay. You also return to Hanoi at the end.

Where does the cruise start?

The tour starts at Tuan Chau International Marina (the meeting point is listed with a specific location code). It then boards from Tuan Chau Harbor.

What activities are included on board and around the bay?

You can do kayaking or a bamboo boat option at Dark & Bright Cave (Hang Sang & Toi). On Day 2 you can do sea swimming or go kayaking. There’s also an optional Tai-chi session and a Vietnamese cooking class.

Is a swimming pool available on the ship?

Yes. The ship is described as offering a swimming pool.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are listed as not included.

How many people are on the cruise?

The maximum group size is 70 travelers.

What’s the cancellation rule?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What if I have dietary needs like vegetarian food?

Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are mentioned, which can help.