Ocean Suite
- Size
- 30 m²
- Beds
- One king or two twin beds
On the lowest guest deck with a large window and no balcony. On both ships.
Price on request
Grand Pioneers Cruise Tuan Chau through Ha Long Bay
Five-star class, two sister ships on one route
A night on Grand Pioneers Cruise
Grand Pioneers runs two near identical ships, each about 110 metres long with seven guest decks and room for up to 160 guests. Both board at Tuan Chau and follow the same two day route through Ha Long Bay: Sung Sot Cave in the afternoon, sunset on the top deck, and Luon Cave by kayak or bamboo boat the next morning. It feels more like a floating resort than a boat, with a pool, a kids club, a gym and a spa on board.
- Night in
- Ha Long Bay
- Boards at
- Tuan Chau International Marina, Ha Long
- Programs
- 2 days, 1 night · 3 days, 2 nights
- Ship
- Five-star class, two sister ships on one route
- Operated by
- Grand Pioneers Cruise, named in your written confirmation
- 10cabin types
- 350 m²largest suite
- 12stops on the 2 day route
Hour by hour
Grand Pioneers Cruise route, day by day
-
Day 1 · 11:00
Check in at Tuan Chau
Check in at the Grand Pioneers lounge at Port 1 of Tuan Chau marina. Arrive on time, late guests may pay for a separate boat out.
-
Day 1 · 12:00
Tender to the ship
A fast tender carries you from the lounge to the ship at anchor. Keep a small bag for the night within reach.
-
Day 1 · 12:15
Welcome and safety talk
A welcome drink while the cruise manager explains the program, the decks and the safety rules, then you get your suite key.
-
Day 1 · 12:45
Buffet lunch under way
Lunch is a buffet in the restaurant while the ship sails out among the limestone islands of Ha Long Bay.
-
Day 1 · 15:30
Sung Sot Cave
A tender takes you to Sung Sot, one of the largest caves in the bay. There are many steps, so wear shoes with grip.
-
Day 1 · 17:45
Sunset at the Sky Bar
Canapés and a short cooking class on the top deck as the sun goes down. Cocktails are on happy hour prices but still paid extra.
-
Day 1 · 19:00
Dinner on board
A set dinner in the restaurant. Tell us about allergies or vegetarian meals early, the kitchen asks for 48 hours notice.
-
Day 1 · 21:00
Squid fishing or a quiet deck
Squid fishing off the stern is included. The spa, karaoke and wine lounge are open too, but those cost extra.
-
Day 2 · Sunrise
Light breakfast
Coffee, tea and a light breakfast in the restaurant while the bay is still quiet and the light is soft.
-
Day 2 · 07:30
Luon Cave by boat
Paddle a kayak or sit in a bamboo boat rowed by a local through the arch of Luon Cave into a calm lagoon.
-
Day 2 · 09:00
Check out and brunch
Settle any drinks or spa bills at reception, then a buffet brunch as the ship turns back toward the port.
-
Day 2 · 10:30
Back at Tuan Chau
The tender drops you at the lounge before 11:00. Ride back to Hanoi, or cross to Cat Ba with us on the car ferry from the same island.
The ship sets the final route on the day, with the weather and the harbour authority. The 3 days, 2 nights program is also available: ask us for its plan.
The ship in pictures
Inside Grand Pioneers Cruise
Photos: Grand Pioneers Cruise, used with permission.
Our honest view
We suggest Grand Pioneers to families who want space and things for children to do, and to guests who like a resort with a pool. Be honest with yourself about scale: each ship carries up to 160 guests, so meals and tenders are busier, and Sung Sot is the most visited cave in the bay. The cheapest Ocean Suites have a window, not a balcony. We confirm your ship, suite and price in writing before you pay.
Right for you if
- You are a family and want a pool, a kids club and room to move.
- You like resort comforts: spa, gym, sky bar and a large suite with a balcony.
- You want the classic Ha Long caves on a first visit to the bay.
- You plan to continue to Cat Ba after the cruise rather than return straight to Hanoi.
Tell us early if
- You want a small, quiet boat. Each ship takes up to 160 guests.
- You expect a balcony in every suite. The Ocean Suite and Ocean Suite Triple have a large window only.
- You need the shuttle from Hanoi. It is not in the cruise price, so we add it or arrange a car.
- You travel between July and September. Storms can cancel sailings, so keep a spare day.
Where you sleep
Grand Pioneers Cruise cabins and suites
Sizes and beds as the ship publishes them. We confirm your exact cabin and deck in writing before you pay.
Ocean Suite Triple
- Size
- 43 m²
- Beds
- Three single beds, or one double and one single
On the lowest guest deck, a window and no balcony. Fits three adults and a child. On both ships.
Price on request
Ocean Balcony Suite
- Size
- 40 m²
- Beds
- One king or two twin beds
Decks 2 to 4, with a balcony that has a partial view. On both ships.
Price on request
Veranda Suite
- Size
- 40 m²
- Beds
- One king or two twin beds
A sliding window onto a private balcony with chairs. On both ships.
Price on request
Executive Suite
- Size
- 40 m²
- Beds
- One king or two twin beds
Higher up on decks 3 and 4, with a straight balcony facing the bay. On both ships.
Price on request
Essence Suite
- Size
- 60 m²
- Beds
- One king or two twin beds
A large balcony and a dining corner. Adds house wine, afternoon tea, turndown and a sauna session. On both ships.
Price on request
Pearl Suite
- Size
- 42 m²
- Beds
- One round bed
Ship II only, deck 2, with an open bathtub facing the bay.
Price on request
Signature Suite
- Size
- 50 m²
- Beds
- One king or two twin beds
Ship II only, deck 3, with a bathtub by the window and a one hour massage included.
Price on request
President's Suite
- Size
- 109 m²
- Beds
- One extra large double bed
- On board
- 1
Ship II only, at the bow, with its own bar, an open bathtub, butler service and speedboat transfer.
Price on request
Owner's Suite
- Size
- 350 m²
- Beds
- Two king or four twin beds
- On board
- 1
Ship I only, two bedrooms and a 200 m² private sundeck with a jacuzzi. Sleeps four adults and two children.
Price on request
On board
On Grand Pioneers Cruise
- Dining by the Bay restaurant
- Rhythm of the Bay sky bar on the top deck
- Four Seasons saltwater pool with a pool bar
- Kids club
- Sea Spa with sauna and massage rooms
- Fitness centre
- Wine and cigar lounge
- Karaoke room
- 3D golf and billiards on ship I, a small cinema on ship II
Included
In the price
- Suite with air conditioning and a marble bathroom
- Four meals: lunch, dinner, a light breakfast and a brunch buffet
- Tender transfers between the Tuan Chau lounge and the ship
- Welcome drink and canapés at sunset
- Sung Sot Cave and Luon Cave visits
- Kayak or bamboo boat at Luon Cave, and squid fishing
- Pool, gym, kids club and morning stretching
- Wi-Fi in public areas and TV in the suite
- English and Vietnamese speaking guides
- Onboard insurance, VAT and service charge
Not included
Pay on board
- Transport between Hanoi and Tuan Chau
- All drinks, including happy hour cocktails
- Spa and massage
- Karaoke, wine and cigar lounge, 3D golf and cinema
- Tips, travel insurance and personal spending
After the cruise
Don't ride four hours back to Hanoi
Most ships land around noon. The car ferry to Cat Ba leaves from Tuan Chau. Stay a few nights with us and see the bay again from the other side.
About 2 hoursShared seat or private car
Ha Long to Cat Ba by the Tuan Chau Ferry
The short hop from Ha Long: the little green ferry from Tuan Chau to Gia Luan, or a through bus. We tell you which suits your day and book it.
Ask for a price
Our house3 days, 2 nightsMax 4 guests
Two Nights at Rustic House & a Day on the Bay
Two nights at our own guesthouse, a day out on Lan Ha Bay, and a host who plans both. The simplest way to see Cat Ba our way.
Ask for a price
Quiet sideFull dayMax 12 guests
Lan Ha Bay Cruise & Kayaking
One full day on the quiet side of the bay. Paddle into lagoons, swim off an empty beach, eat lunch cooked on board.
from$55
Good to know
Questions about Grand Pioneers Cruise
Which of the two ships will we be on?
Grand Pioneers I and II follow the same schedule and share most suite types. The difference is in the top suites and a few facilities. Tell us your suite and we confirm the ship in writing.
Is the transfer from Hanoi included?
No. The company's own two day package lists transport from Hanoi as extra. They run their own seven seat cars, or we arrange a car. Coming from Cat Ba, we bring you over by ferry.
Does the cruise go to Bai Tu Long Bay?
Not on the two day trip, which stays in Ha Long Bay with Sung Sot and Luon Cave. The three day program adds a day on a smaller boat into Bai Tu Long, including Vung Vieng fishing village.
Is it a good choice with children?
Yes, it is one of the better ships for families, with a pool and a kids club. The company lists children under five free, one per cabin, a child rate from five to ten, and adult price from eleven.
How much does it cost?
The company's website shows the two day trip from USD 230 per guest. Rates are charged in Vietnamese dong and change with the date and suite, so we send you today's real price.
Can we finish on Cat Ba instead of Hanoi?
Yes. The ship is back at Tuan Chau before 11:00, and the car ferry to Cat Ba leaves from the same island. We meet you there and you reach the island early in the afternoon.
Check dates
Ask for Grand Pioneers Cruise
Send your dates and number of guests. We ask the ship what is really free and reply with cabins, today's price and the payment terms, in writing, before anything is charged.
Prices from Grand Pioneers Cruise's own website, checked on 7 October 2026. Ships change prices, cabins and routes, so we confirm everything again when you book.
Ask a family on Cat Ba
Not sure this is the right ship?
Tell us who is travelling and what matters most. We will say honestly whether this ship, another one, or our own small boat suits you better.
We usually reply within minutes, 7am to 11pm daily.