Halong Bay does not do subtle well. This 2-day cruise turns the drama up a notch with a modern ship, real swim time, and a schedule that mixes scenery with onboard fun. I especially like the BBQ dinner on the sundeck and the fact you get Tai Chi early on day two, which helps the whole trip feel less like a nonstop bus ride.

The standout value is that your fare covers pickup and drop-off in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, meals, a guide, and entrance fees. One thing to think about: drinks are not included, so you’ll want to plan for that if you drink a lot of bottled water, soft drinks, or beer onboard.

Key Highlights I’d Plan Around

• Sundeck BBQ dinner with a classic Halong Bay setting
• Tai Chi session on the sundeck early in the morning
• Ba Trai Dao natural beach swim during the Lan Ha Bay portion
• A newer ship (opened Oct 19, 2018) with 22 cabins
• Small group size with a maximum of 40 people

Stellar Of The Seas: Modern 2018 Comfort on the Water

Stellar of the Seas is a newer Halong Bay cruise ship, opened on Oct 19, 2018. It’s operated as part of the Aclass Cruise Group, and the ship runs with 22 cabins, which usually means you’re not stuck in a huge floating factory. You still get the big-cruise vibe, but with a little more elbow room.

Onboard, you’ll find the basics you actually use: a bar and restaurant, plus an outdoor pool and a mini golf course. The pool is the kind of thing that turns a long day outdoors into a softer landing, especially if you get sun on your shoulders from swimming and sightseeing.

Then there’s the stuff that makes the cruise feel like a cruise, not just transport. The itinerary-style highlights you’ll hear about include a sunset party and BBQ dinner on the sundeck. That matters because Halong Bay days can feel long and busy. A sundeck dinner gives you a built-in moment to slow down, enjoy the view, and actually reset.

Price and Logistics: What $460 Covers (and What It Doesn’t)

The price listed is $460 per person for a 2-day, 1-night experience. On paper, that’s not cheap. In practice, you should judge it by what’s included, because you’re covering a lot of moving pieces at once: hotel pickup and drop-off in Hanoi Old Quarter, food, guide support, and entrance fees.

Here’s why that inclusion is meaningful. A lot of Halong Bay trips sell you the cruise but then charge extra for the parts that make the day work: transfers, entry fees, and at least one meaningful meal. With this one, your money already covers the core logistics so you’re less likely to hit surprise add-ons for the main sightseeing blocks.

Two costs to plan for:

• Drinks are not included.
• If you want a specific cabin category (like an executive suite), it’s worth being proactive about how it’s confirmed, especially if you book through a third-party site.

Also note that this cruise commonly sells well ahead. The average booking time shown is 74 days in advance, so if you have flexible dates, you still want to book sooner than you think.

Day 1 in Halong Bay: Old Quarter Pickup to Ba Trai Dao Swim

Day one starts with a pickup and drop-off in Hanoi Old Quarter. The meeting point is at 7 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam, and the start time is 8:00 am. The area is also described as near public transportation, which is useful if you’d rather not rely on a pre-booked taxi to get to the meeting point.

The day is structured around a transfer from Hanoi to the water:

• You go from Hanoi to the Tuan Chau marina.
• Then you cruise through Halong Bay.
• You get lunch onboard.
• You swim at Ba Trai Dao natural beach area in Lan Ha Bay.
• You finish the day with a sunset party, then BBQ dinner.
• And you get onboard night activities.

Why I like this day plan for most people: it front-loads the “big wow” but also includes a real break. The Ba Trai Dao swim is not just a quick dip. Natural beach time usually means you can get your swim energy out, take photos without rushing, and get your timing right before dinner.

The drawback to keep in your mental checklist: day one is long. The Halong Bay portion listed is about 6 hours, and you’re starting in central Hanoi at 8:00 am. If you’re sensitive to early mornings or long car rides, it helps to pack your calm. Bring water, sunscreen, and something light to cover up during the transfer and midday sun.

Onboard Rhythm: BBQ, Sunset Party, and the Activities That Keep It Fun

This cruise doesn’t only rely on scenery. It builds a social rhythm that helps you feel like you’re part of the day, not just watching from a seat.

Here’s what’s specifically called out as part of the experience:

• BBQ dinner on the cruise sundeck
• Sunset party
• Tai Chi class (you’ll do this early on day two)
• Cooking class
• Onboard night activities
• Plus a list of active sightseeing options such as kayaking around caves, floating village visits, cave visits, biking on Cat Ba island, and swimming under pure water (wording varies by schedule)

Even if you don’t join every activity, it helps that there’s variety. You can be active—kayak, swim, bike—or you can choose slower moments like pool time or just relaxing on deck while the boat moves through the bay.

One practical thought: the ship has an outdoor pool and mini golf. That’s a nice option if you want something playful when the weather is calm or if you simply want a break from boat deck filming and sun. It also gives families and groups a shared activity that doesn’t depend entirely on stepping off the boat.

Day 2 in Bai Tu Long Bay: Early Tai Chi and a Scenic Shift

Day two begins with an early start, and the highlight is clearly Tai Chi on the sundeck. The time block shown is 7:00–8:00 am, described as for early risers. If you’ve never done Tai Chi on a moving deck, the idea can sound a bit abstract. In reality, it’s a nice way to reset your body after day one’s walking, sun, and swimming. It also helps you start the morning with less hustle and more focus.

After Tai Chi, you’ll have local breakfast and then spend the day on Bai Tu Long Bay, with a 6-hour day segment listed. The main takeaway here is the scenery and the cruise feel. Bai Tu Long is the quieter cousin vibe people often look for in this region, and the early morning pacing helps you enjoy it without feeling like you’re constantly sprinting to the next stop.

The exact sequence of activities beyond Tai Chi and breakfast isn’t fully spelled out in the schedule details you have here. That said, the cruise program includes activities like kayaking around caves, floating village visits, and cave visits, and it also mentions Cat Ba island biking and additional swimming opportunities. When you board, watch for the daily activity plan so you can choose what fits your energy.

Who This Cruise Suits (and Who Should Rethink It)

This is a good match if you want:

• A structured 2-day experience without having to coordinate transfers and entry tickets yourself
• A ship with comfort extras like a pool and mini golf
• A mix of active time (kayaking, biking, swimming) and easy onboard downtime
• A moderate group size (up to 40 people) which usually feels more relaxed than mass tours

You might want to rethink it if:

• You’re highly budget-sensitive and prefer drinks included in the price
• You hate early starts; day two’s 7:00 am Tai Chi is part of the concept
• You’re picky about cabin category and want zero hassle with confirmation

The One Thing I’d Be Careful About: Cabin Records

I’ve seen at least one caution worth taking seriously. If you book something specific online (like an executive suite category), I recommend you confirm your cabin type directly with the provider before boarding. There was an account where the ship crew said they had no record of the cabin category at check-in, even though the ship and staff experience itself was otherwise positive.

That doesn’t mean the cruise is poorly run. It means you should protect your time by verifying the booking details. A quick message or email can save you a lot of stress when you’re arriving at the marina and trying to start the trip smoothly.

Practical Tips That Make This Trip Easier

A few small choices can make your day feel smoother:

• Plan for drinks not included. If you want bottled water, soda, or beer, budget for it.
• Bring swimwear and quick-dry clothing. You have at least one confirmed swimming stop at Ba Trai Dao natural beach area.
• Wear sun protection. You’ll be outdoors for transfers, deck time, and beach time.
• If you want photos, bring a way to keep your phone or camera safe and dry. Boat days can be splashy, especially around water activities.
• Since pickup is in Hanoi Old Quarter, decide if you’re okay starting your day at 8:00 am and spending time in the car before the boat portion begins.

Should You Book Stellar Of The Seas Halong Bay 2D/1N?

I’d book this cruise if you want a modern ship feel, a full Halong Bay day with a real beach swim, and an onboard schedule that includes things like sunset party energy and a morning Tai Chi reset. The overall value is helped by what’s included: pickup/drop-off, guide, entrance fees, and food—and the ship offers comfort features like a pool and sundeck dining.

I would not book it blindly if you’re depending on a specific cabin category. Do the extra step: confirm your cabin details so you don’t waste time at the marina. If you handle that, this looks like a solid, enjoyable way to do Halong Bay plus a Bai Tu Long Bay day without turning the trip into logistics work.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at 7 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam and ends back at the same meeting point, with pickup and drop-off offered in Hanoi Old Quarter.

What time does the experience start?

The listed start time is 8:00 am.

How long is the cruise?

It’s listed as a 2-day experience (2 days, 1 night).

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pick up & Drop off at hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter is included.

What is included in the price?

The included items are food, guide, entrance fee, and pickup & drop-off.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included.

What onboard activities are mentioned?

The experience notes include a BBQ dinner on the sundeck, a sunset party, a cooking class, a taichi class, onboard night activities, plus a pool and a mini golf course.

What swimming time is included?

Day one includes swimming at Ba Trai Dao natural beach area in Lan Ha Bay.

How big is the group?

The experience has a maximum of 40 travelers.

Is it refundable if plans change?

The experience is listed as non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.

What confirmation method will I receive?

You should receive confirmation at the time of booking, and the experience supports a mobile ticket.

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