Halong Bay on a brand-new ship. Stellar of the Seas opened Oct 19, 2018, and with only 22 modern cabins it feels more in-your-control than the big floating factories. I really like the BBQ dinner on the sundeck and the Tai Chi session that sets day two’s tone; just keep in mind drinks cost extra and the tour is non-refundable.

What makes this cruise practical is that it mixes scenery with real downtime and activities. You’ve got an outdoor pool, mini golf, a bar and restaurant, plus onboard night activities, a sunset party, and even options like a cooking class while you’re sailing.

One possible drawback is paperwork. A low-star note in the mix says the boat and crew were great, but a cabin booking made through a third party didn’t match what the cruise had on file, so double-check your cabin details before you board.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Stellar is newer (opened Oct 19, 2018) and has just 22 cabins, so the feel is calmer.
• Sundeck BBQ dinner plus sunset party means the day has built-in rewards, not just sightseeing.
• Lan Ha Bay swimming at Ba Trai Dao natural beach area, with time to cool off before the evening.
• Tai Chi on the sundeck (07:00–08:00) is an early-riser activity that actually changes the pace.
• Bai Tu Long Bay cruising gives you a different feel from the most crowded routes.
• Small group cap (max 40) helps keep the schedule manageable.

First look: Stellar of the Seas and what the onboard setup means for you

Stellar of the Seas positions itself as a newer 6-star cruise, opened in late 2018 under the Aclass Cruise Group. The ship runs with 22 luxurious and modern cabins. That matters, because fewer cabins usually means less crowd pressure when you want a moment to breathe—especially after time in caves or on boats.

Onboard comfort isn’t just marketing here. You’ve got an outdoor pool and even a mini golf course, plus a bar and restaurant. Those are big deals on a 2-day itinerary, because you’ll have “in-between” time: the parts between cave time, beach time, and dinner time.

There’s also a BBQ dinner on the cruise sundeck, and the schedule includes onboard night activities. So you’re not stuck sitting in your cabin waiting for the next stop.

Hanoi Old Quarter to the water: how the start of the trip really works

This cruise starts in Hanoi with pickup and drop-off in the Hanoi Old Quarter area. The meeting point listed is at 7 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, and the start time is 8:00am.

Expect a day that begins early, then moves fast into transport mode. The day one flow takes you from Hanoi toward Tuan Chau marina, then out onto Halong Bay for lunch and swimming, followed by sunset party and dinner.

This is one of those trips where being ready at pickup helps. If you have even a small delay at the hotel, you can lose time before the long boat day begins.

Also note: the tour includes entrance fees and a guide, and it’s designed for a group with a maximum of 40 travelers. A smaller group number can make the pickup and timing feel less chaotic, even when the schedule is packed.

Day 1 on the water: Halong Bay, Lan Ha swim at Ba Trai Dao, and that sundeck BBQ

Day one starts with Hanoi to the Tuan Chau marina, then it’s out on the water in Halong Bay. You’ll get lunch onboard as part of the included program.

The standout physical break on day one is the swimming stop at Ba Trai Dao natural beach area, located in Lan Ha Bay. This is the kind of stop you remember because it turns a boat day into an actual break. If you’ve only ever looked at Halong Bay from a distance, this gives you direct water time.

After the swim, the evening builds toward the sunset party and the BBQ dinner. Dinner is served on the cruise sundeck, which is exactly the kind of detail that changes the vibe. Eating outside while the light drops is a different experience than eating indoors at the wrong time of day.

Then you wrap with onboard night activities. That last part matters if you’re traveling with someone who hates idle time. It also means you don’t need to find your own entertainment after dinner.

Practical note: drinks are not included. If you drink more than a casual amount, it’s smart to budget for it ahead so the evening doesn’t surprise you.

Day 2 morning on the sundeck: Tai Chi, local breakfast, and Bai Tu Long Bay

Day two begins with an early Tai Chi session on the sundeck from 07:00 to 08:00. The idea is simple: you wake up with movement and calm focus, then you’re ready for the rest of the day.

After Tai Chi, you’ll have local breakfast onboard. This is a good pairing because breakfast right after Tai Chi makes the early start feel less like punishment.

Then the route shifts to Bai Tu Long Bay. That’s where the cruise format can feel different from the most famous Halong Bay routes. You get the same wow factor of “limestone-and-water” scenery, but with a slightly less predictable rhythm day-to-day.

Now, you may see time built in for other featured experiences during the cruise such as kayaking around caves, floating village area visits, and cave sightseeing. The tour overview also mentions biking in Cat Ba island and swimming opportunities. The exact order can vary, but the key is that this itinerary aims to mix water views with active moments.

The active side: kayaking, cave visits, floating villages, and Cat Ba biking

This is not just a sit-and-stare cruise. The experience includes activities like kayaking around caves, floating villages, and visiting caves. It also lists biking in Cat Ba island and swimming under clear-water conditions.

If you like variety, that’s the biggest value in the active program. A sightseeing-heavy day can blur together. Here, you’re switching modes: paddling, walking or transferring to caves, and then biking if your schedule includes Cat Ba time. Those changes keep your brain engaged and help the trip feel longer than two days.

What I’d plan for, practically:

• Water-friendly shoes or sandals you can trust for any swim or kayak time.
• A way to keep your phone/dry items safe during cave and kayak segments (a small dry bag or sealed pouch).
• Sun protection because sundecks and beach time can stack fast.

If you prefer a slower pace, you can still do plenty of this cruise without making every activity your main focus. But the itinerary is built around movement, so bring a mindset that you’re getting out of your seat and doing things.

Food, hosts, and onboard extras: why the vibe gets praised

The strongest repeated theme in the positive feedback is food and host service. People point out that the meals are genuinely good, and that the crew’s tone makes the experience feel cared for. That lines up with what the itinerary includes: lunch onboard, a BBQ dinner on the sundeck, plus breakfast on day two.

There’s also a restaurant and bar onboard, so you have options beyond the big meal moments. And because the ship includes activities like a cooking class and onboard night activities, there’s a sense that the cruise is trying to keep the day moving in a fun way rather than purely transporting you.

Mini golf and the outdoor pool are the kinds of “small luxuries” that matter when you’re stuck on a ship. They give you something to do that doesn’t require a ticket, a hike, or a transfer bus.

Price and value: what $460 really buys on this 2-day cruise

At $460 per person, you’re paying for a packaged experience: pickup and drop-off in Hanoi Old Quarter, a guide, entrance fees, and food across both days. Drinks are not included.

When a deal feels fair, it’s usually because costs that add up individually are bundled. Here, entrance fees and meals are part of the package, and you’re also paying for the transport between Hanoi and the marina plus the onboard schedule.

Is it the cheapest way to do Halong Bay? Probably not. But the combination of a newer ship (opened in 2018), 22 cabins, and onboard amenities like pool, mini golf, and sundeck dining is what you’re paying for. You’re buying comfort and structure, not just a boat ride.

One timing detail that can help your planning: this itinerary is often booked about 74 days in advance on average. That suggests demand builds, so if you want a specific sailing, don’t wait until the last minute.

One booking warning to take seriously before you step aboard

One of the less-than-perfect comments is important even if everything else looks excellent. The note says the boat and crew were perfect, but a cabin booking made online showed up as not recorded onboard. That led to a stressful mismatch at boarding.

So here’s the simple rule: before you go, verify that your cabin category and booking details are actually on file with the cruise operator or their check-in desk. Save your confirmation email, screenshot the booking page, and check that your cabin type matches what you expect.

The lesson is not that the ship is bad. It’s that admin errors can ruin day one fast. With a trip that’s non-refundable, you want zero uncertainty.

Should you book Stellar of the Seas for Halong Bay 2 days 1 night?

I’d book this if you want a modern, smaller-cabin cruise with real onboard comfort (pool, mini golf, bar/restaurant) and a schedule that includes swimming plus an evening BBQ on the sundeck. If you enjoy active sightseeing—kayaking, caves, and possibly Cat Ba biking—this format fits that style well.

You might skip it if:

• you’re the type who needs maximum flexibility, because the booking can’t be changed and isn’t refundable, and
• you’re booking through a reseller and can’t be bothered to double-check your cabin details in advance.

If you’re organized, though, this is a strong value way to experience Halong Bay plus the Lan Ha/Bai Tu Long feel in just 2 days, without wasting the whole trip staring at water from inside a bus.

FAQ

How long is the Stellar of the Seas Halong Bay 2 Days 1 Night cruise?

It’s about 2 days total (around 2 days 1 night).

Where does the tour start in Hanoi?

It starts at 7 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam, with a start time of 8:00am. Hotel pickup is offered in the Hanoi Old Quarter area, and you’re dropped back there.

What is included in the price?

The price includes pickup and drop-off in Hanoi Old Quarter, food, a guide, and entrance fees.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included.

What does day 1 include?

Day 1 includes travel from Hanoi to Tuan Chau marina and Halong Bay, lunch, swimming at Ba Trai Dao natural beach area in Lan Ha Bay, a sunset party, BBQ dinner on the cruise sundeck, and onboard night activities.

What happens on day 2 morning?

You’ll have a Tai Chi session on the sundeck from 07:00 to 08:00, followed by a local breakfast. Day 2 focuses on Bai Tu Long Bay.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 40 travelers.

Do you use a mobile ticket?

Yes. Mobile ticket is listed as part of the experience.

Can I cancel or change the booking?

No. This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.