Athena Royal Cruise Halong Bay
CRUISE PRICE
$169.00 /pax
Cruise Rating
Rated 4.8/5 on TripAdvisor
- Cruise Overview
- Cabins & Rates
- Cruises Itinerary
- Cruise Reviews
Athena Royal Cruise: Balcony Suites, Jacuzzi Sundeck and Sauna in Quiet Bai Tu Long Bay
Athena Royal Cruise is a 5-star ship from Athena Group, launched in September 2019, that sails from Halong International Cruise Port into Bai Tu Long Bay for kayaking at Cong Do and Thien Canh Son Cave, with a balcony or terrace in every suite, a sundeck jacuzzi, spa and sauna. It is one of the best-value top Halong Bay luxury cruises on a quieter route, booked with our Best Price Guarantee.
Athena Royal Cruise at a Glance
| Operator | Athena Group (sister ship: Athena Luxury Cruise) |
| Launched | September 2019 |
| Ship | 5-star cruise, up to about 46 guests |
| Cabins | 21 suites in 5 categories, 25–58 m², all with balcony or terrace |
| Route | Bai Tu Long Bay – Cong Do – Thien Canh Son Cave |
| Itineraries | 2 Days 1 Night; 3 Days 2 Nights (adds Vung Vieng) |
| Departure port | Halong International Cruise Port, Bai Chay, Ha Long City |
| Check-in / out | Check in about 12:00; disembark about 10:45 |
| On board | Sundeck jacuzzi, outdoor bar, spa, sauna, open-air cinema |
| Food | Vietnamese and international set menus; buffet breakfast |
| Transfer | Athena limousine from the Old Quarter, quoted separately |
| TripAdvisor | Rated 4.8/5 on TripAdvisor |
| Price | Seasonal, see the live calendar below; Best Price Guarantee |
| Best for | Couples and families who want a calm bay with fewer boats |
| Not ideal for | First-timers set on Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island |
What Makes Athena Royal Cruise Different
Bai Tu Long Bay instead of the crowds
Athena Royal Cruise sails east of the main Halong Bay zone, where far fewer boats anchor, kayaking at Cong Do and visiting Thien Canh Son Cave.
An outdoor soaking tub in the Athena Royal Cabin
The 45 m² flagship suite has a freestanding bathtub on its private balcony, one of the few on any ship in the bay.
Jacuzzi, sauna and open-air cinema
The sundeck jacuzzi and evening open-air cinema give a lot to do on a mid-size ship.
Who Athena Royal Cruise Is Best For
Book it if you are
- A couple wanting a quieter bay and a balcony suite
- A repeat visitor who has seen Sung Sot Cave
- A family needing a 58 m² connecting suite
Choose another cruise if you want
- The classic Halong Bay caves on the sister ship: Athena Luxury Cruise
- A newer ship in Bai Tu Long Bay with a pool: Cycad Cruise
- A budget option in the same bay: Signature Cruise
Athena Royal Cruise Itinerary
2 Days 1 Night
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| Day 1, 12:00 | Check in at Halong International Cruise Port |
| 12:45 | Board; lunch at 13:00 while sailing to Bai Tu Long Bay |
| 15:00 | Kayaking, bamboo boat or swimming at Cong Do |
| 17:30 | Cooking class and Happy Hour |
| 19:00 | Dinner; open-air cinema |
| Day 2, 06:00 | Tai Chi on the sundeck |
| 07:30 | Thien Canh Son Cave |
| 09:00 | Check-out; brunch at 09:30 |
| 10:45 | Disembark at the port |
3 Days 2 Nights
The 3-day trip adds kayaking at Vung Vieng Fishing Village, one of the last floating villages in the bay, and a second night on board.
Athena Royal Cruise Cabins & Facilities
| Cabin | Size | Outdoor | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Balcony | 25 m² | Balcony | Double or twin |
| Elegance Balcony | 28 m² | Balcony | Upgraded amenities |
| Premium Terrace Royal | 30 m² | Terrace | Bathtub |
| Athena Royal Cabin | 45 m² | Balcony | Outdoor soaking bathtub |
| Deluxe Family Connecting | 58 m² | Balcony | Two connected cabins |
- Sundeck jacuzzi and outdoor bar
- Spa and sauna
- Open-air cinema
- Reception lounge on the main deck
Dining on Athena Royal Cruise
Lunch, dinner and brunch are set menus of Vietnamese and international dishes with fresh seafood, with a buffet breakfast and a cooking class.
- Special diets: tell us at least 3 days ahead
- Halal: not offered; see halal Halong Bay cruises
- Drinks are paid on board
Getting from Hanoi to Athena Royal Cruise
Halong International Cruise Port in Bai Chay is about 2–2.5 hours from Hanoi by expressway. The Athena limousine can be added from the Old Quarter; self-drivers should check in by 12:00.
Athena Royal Cruise vs Similar Luxury Cruises
| Cruise | Route | Cabins | Signature | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athena Royal Cruise | Bai Tu Long Bay | 21 | Outdoor soaking tub suite, sauna | Value |
| Cycad Cruise | Bai Tu Long Bay | 24 | New 2025 ship, pool | Mid-range |
| Heritage Binh Chuan | Lan Ha Bay | 20 | Heated pool, heritage design | On request |
| Athena Luxury | Halong Bay | 21 | Classic caves | Value |
Our view: Athena Royal Cruise is the best-value luxury ship in Bai Tu Long Bay. Choose Cycad Cruise for a newer ship with a pool.
Not to be confused with
Athena Luxury Cruise is the sister ship on the classic Halong Bay route; Athena Premium is a separate, newer brand.
Local Expert Notes from Our Hanoi Team
These tips come from more than a decade of arranging Halong Bay trips for international travellers; ship details are checked against Athena Group’s published 2026 information.
- There is only one Athena Royal Cabin; book it early for honeymoons
- Bai Tu Long Bay is calmer, good for first-time kayakers
- Thien Canh Son Cave has steps; wear trainers
- Tell us about diets at least 3 days ahead
Athena Royal Cruise Price 2026
Rates change by season and cabin; see the live calendar on this page. Booking with Halong Tour Expert includes our Best Price Guarantee.
- Included: suite, meals on the itinerary, kayaking or bamboo boat, entrance fees, cooking class, Tai Chi, guide
- Not included: limousine transfer, drinks, spa, tips
- Children: under 5 free; 5–10 years 75%; 11+ adult rate
- Cancellation: free over 30 days; 15–30 days 20%; 7–14 days 50%; under 7 days 100%
Message us on WhatsApp +84 886 261 368 for a quote. Answers to common questions are in the FAQs below.
Deluxe Balcony
Price: $338 USD
2 Adults pax 25 m2 Double / Twin
- LOCATION: 1st deck
- SIZE: 25 m2
- MAX: 2 adults + 1 child
- BED(S): Double bed / Twin beds
- VIEW: Large window with private balcony and ocean view
- BATHROOM: Standing Shower
- UNIQUE FEATURES: Extra (Twin) Bed available for 1 Child
- SMOKING: Non-smoking
- NUMBER OF ROOM: 12
Elegance Balcony
Price: $358 USD
2 Adults pax 28 m2 Double / Twin
- LOCATION: 2nd deck
- SIZE: 28 m2
- MAX: 2 adults + 1 child
- BED(S): Double bed / Twin beds
- VIEW: Private Balcony, Ocean View
- BATHROOM: Standing Shower
- UNIQUE FEATURES: Extra (Twin) Bed available for 1 Child
- SMOKING: Non-smoking
- NUMBER OF ROOM: 6
Premium Terrace Royal
Price: $418 USD
2 pax 30 m2 Double / Twin
- LOCATION: 2nd deck
- SIZE: 30m2
- MAX: 2 adults + 1 child
- BED(S): Double
- VIEW: Private Sun Terrace with Panoramic Ocean View
- BATHROOM: Wooden Bathtub & Shower
- UNIQUE FEATURES: Extra (Twin) Bed available for 1 Child
- SMOKING: Non-smoking
- NUMBER OF ROOM: 2
Deluxe Family Connecting
Price: $688 USD
4 pax 58 m2 Double / Twin
- LOCATION: 2nd deck
- SIZE: 58 m2
- MAX: 4 adults + 4 children
- BED(S): 1 Double + 1 Twin Connecting Cabin
- VIEW: Private Balcony
- BATHROOM: Standing Shower
- UNIQUE FEATURES: Extra (Twin) Bed available for 1 Child
- SMOKING: Non-smoking
- NUMBER OF ROOM: 1
Athena Royal Suite
Price: $588 USD
2 pax 45 m2 Double
- LOCATION: 3rd deck
- SIZE: 45 m2
- MAX: 2 adults + 1 child
- BED(S): Double
- VIEW: Large window with private balcony
- BATHROOM: Wooden Bathtub & Shower
- UNIQUE FEATURES: Fresh fruits, extra bed available for 01 child & a bottle of wine
- SMOKING: Non-smoking
- NUMBER OF ROOM: 1
Cruise Inquiry
- Athena Royal Cruise Bai Tu Long Bay 2 Days - 1 Night Itinerary
- Athena Royal Cruise Bai Tu Long Bay 3 Days - 2 Night Itinerary
Morning
8:00 – 8:30: Guests who book the transfer service (extra fee needed) will be picked up in Hanoi Old Quarter, then transferred to Halong Bay.
12:00 – 12:45: The Signature Team will warmly welcome you to Halong International Harbour. Before boarding the cruise, complete the luggage check-in procedure at the waiting lounge.
Let’s transfer to the Signature Cruise Halong by a tender boat. Upon getting onboard, a safety briefing and clearing out the itinerary will be delivered while you enjoy the welcome drink.
Afterward, lunch is served at the cozy restaurant. As the cruise departs towards Bai Tu Long Bay – a hidden gem of Halong Bay Complex, absorb yourself in the gorgeous scenery and famous sights of limestone.
Afternoon
The boat anchors at the Cong Do area, a perfect spot for guests to go kayaking among majestic limestone mountains and enjoy swimming freely at pristine beaches. You can also relax on the endless stretches of white sandy shores and sightsee the natural beauty.
Later, we will get back to the Signature Cruise to relax. Massage is available -please book in advance with the Cruise Manager. You can take advantage of the Happy Hours “Buy 1 get 1 free” drink while the sun sets, or join a Vietnamese cooking demonstration.
Evening
A fusion set menu will be served to warm up your stomach after a long, active day. Then it’s your leisure time for evening activities: film entertainment, mini-games (in the dining room), squid fishing,…
Morning & Afternoon
Start your new day by joining Tai-Chi Exercise on the sundeck in 30 minutes whilst cruising to the next stop. Then, a light breakfast is ready to serve at the restaurant.
We then visit Thien Canh Son Cave, which comprises three caverns in total, each one strewn with stalactites and stalagmites. You will also challenge the 200 steps before reaching the cave. Later, you can walk along the white sand beach near the cave and enjoy the paradise view.
Afterward, come back to Signature cruise, relax, and pack your luggage for check out at 9:00. You can leave them outside the door, the Signature team will collect and get them ready on the Pier. Enjoy your brunch buffet at the restaurant while cruising toward the port.
10:45: Transfer by tender back to Halong International Harbor and disembarkation. Let’s say goodbye to the cruise team and wait for your transportation to Hanoi (book with an extra fee).
After a 2.5-hour drive from the harbor, you will return to your hotel in the Old Quarter at approximately 14:30. Trip ends.
- PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE
- Please kindly provide us your passport information at least 01 week before the cruise date.
- If you have any specific food request (vegetarian, allergic, non-seafood, etc.), feel free to let us know so we can serve your demands with the best.
CRUISE INCLUSIONS:
- Accommodation at Athena’s suite cabin
- All dining experiences on-board
- Welcome drink and refreshing cold towel upon boarding
- Complimentary activities: kayaking, cave exploration, swimming, mountain trekking, and night squid fishing
- Morning Tai Chi class on the sundeck
- Complimentary room setup for honeymooners, anniversaries, or birthdays
- Free in-room tea, coffee, and traditional Vietnam
CRUISE EXCLUSIONS:
- Round trip transfer Hanoi – Halong
- Drinks, Spa, and Laundry service
- Traditional woven (bamboo) boat rowed by a local boatman (public ticket 50.000đ/person)
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Value Added Tax (VAT)
- More than 21 days before check-in: FREE of charge
- From 11 to 20 days before check-in: 30% of total rates
- From 7 to 10 days before check-in: 50% of total rates
- Less than 7 days before check-in & no Show: 100% of total rates
If the cancellation be announced by the Management Board of Halong Bay, depend on the timing of the cancellation, following policies will be applied:
- Before departure from Hanoi to Halong Bay (none of the services has been used): 100% refund.
- During the trip (some services have been used: transfer, lunch, day trip, hotel in Halong, etc.): used services will be charged, the rest will be refunded.
- The trip be cut down from 2 nights to 1 night, tourists will be charged a 2 days/1 night trip, plus other used services, the rest will be refunded.
- The final cost will be confirmed by your consultant via email. In all cases, please contact us directly for any urgent help. We are here to support you with all of our best!
- Children under 5 years old: FOC, sharring EVERYTHING with parents (Limited to 1 child/1 cabin), from 2nd children: charged 50% adult (without extra bed)
- From 5 to under 11 years old: 01 Child stays in the double/twin cabin with 2 adults: charged 75% adult.
- From 11 years old: Children from 11 years old will be charged as adults. Two children below 11 years stay in a private cabin are charged at 100% of the full cabin rate.
- Charged 100% for the third person using an extra bed
Morning
8:00 – 8:30: If you book the transfer service (extra fee needed), you will be picked up in Hanoi Old Quarter, then transferred to Halong Bay.
12:00 – 12:45: We reach the cruise’s waiting lounge in Halong International Harbour. Before boarding the cruise, let’s complete the luggage check-in procedure. Then you transfer to the Signature Cruise Halong by a tender boat, listen to a safety briefing, and set out on the itinerary while you enjoy the welcome drink.
Afterward, lunch is served at the cozy restaurant. As the cruise departs towards Bai Tu Long Bay – a hidden gem of Halong Bay Complex, absorb yourself in the gorgeous scenery and famous sights of limestone.
Afternoon
The boat anchors at the Cong Do area, a perfect spot for guests to go kayaking among majestic limestone mountains and enjoy swimming freely at pristine beaches. You can also relax on the endless stretches of white sandy shores and sightsee the natural beauty.
Later, we will get back to the Signature Cruise to relax. Massage is available, please book in advance with the cruise manager. You can also enjoy the Happy Hours “Buy 1 get 1 free” drink while the sun sets, or join a Vietnamese cooking demonstration.
Evening
A fusion set menu will be served to warm up your stomach after a long, active day. Then it’s your leisure time for evening activities: film entertainment, mini-games (in the dining room), squid fishing,…
Morning
Let’s attend the sunrise Tai Chi class on the sundeck and enjoy the stunning view of the bay in the morning. Then you may have a buffet breakfast with tea and coffee.
Later, a day boat will pick you up to explore further the majestic Halong Bay. Relaxing on the boat with a view of amazing limestone, we visit the brilliant cave named “Me Cung” cave (Maze). It has a complex structure that will make visitors feel fascinated while walking inside.
After the cave tour, we arrive at Tung Sau Area to visit the pearl farming area and go kayaking. Let’s learn about how local people raise pearls in the middle of the sea and take some pictures of the breathtaking landscape.
Around noon, we will return to the day boat to enjoy a nice traditional Vietnamese lunch to recharge our energy.
Afternoon
After your meal, you can simply sit back and relax, then enjoy an afternoon tea break on board. This is a great opportunity to learn about Vietnamese tea culture.
Then we return to the main Signature Cruise and chill out as the ship cruises to the overnight anchor area. Massage service is available; you can contact the cruise manager to book in advance.
You can rest on the sundeck and witness the most brilliant sunsets in the bay. Let’s participate in Happy Hour (Buy one, get one free) at the cruise bar and join a Vietnamese cooking class afterward.
Evening
Enjoy a flavorful dinner in the restaurant, then have leisure time. The entertainment services are available: film entertainment, mini-games (in the dining room), squid fishing, etc.
Morning & Afternoon
Start your new day by joining a Tai Chi class on the sundeck in 30 minutes whilst cruising to the next stop. Then, you can have a light breakfast to get ready for the next activity.
We then visit Thien Canh Son Cave, which comprises three caverns in total, each one strewn with stalactites and stalagmites. You will also challenge the 200 steps before reaching the cave. Later, you can walk along the white sand beach near the cave and enjoy the paradise view.
Afterward, return to Signature Cruise, relax, and pack your luggage for check out at 9:00. You can leave them outside the door, and the staff will collect and get them ready on the pier. Then enjoy your brunch buffet at the restaurant while cruising toward the port.
10:45: You will get on the tender back to Halong International Harbor and disembark. Say goodbye to the crew and wait for your driver (book the transfer service with an extra fee).
At approximately 14:30, you will reach your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter. This marks the end of your tour.
- PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE
- Please kindly provide us your passport information at least 01 week before the cruise date.
- If you have any specific food request (vegetarian, allergic, non-seafood, etc.), feel free to let us know so we can serve your demands with the best.
CRUISE INCLUSIONS:
- Accommodation at Athena’s suite cabin
- All dining experiences on-board
- Welcome drink and refreshing cold towel upon boarding
- Complimentary activities: kayaking, cave exploration, swimming, mountain trekking, and night squid fishing
- Morning Tai Chi class on the sundeck
- Complimentary room setup for honeymooners, anniversaries, or birthdays
- Free in-room tea, coffee, and traditional Vietnam
CRUISE EXCLUSIONS:
- Round trip transfer Hanoi – Halong
- Drinks, Spa, and Laundry service
- Traditional woven (bamboo) boat rowed by a local boatman (public ticket 50.000đ/person)
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Value Added Tax (VAT)
- More than 21 days before check-in: FREE of charge
- From 11 to 20 days before check-in: 30% of total rates
- From 7 to 10 days before check-in: 50% of total rates
- Less than 7 days before check-in & no Show: 100% of total rates
If the cancellation be announced by the Management Board of Halong Bay, depend on the timing of the cancellation, following policies will be applied:
- Before departure from Hanoi to Halong Bay (none of the services has been used): 100% refund.
- During the trip (some services have been used: transfer, lunch, day trip, hotel in Halong, etc.): used services will be charged, the rest will be refunded.
- The trip be cut down from 2 nights to 1 night, tourists will be charged a 2 days/1 night trip, plus other used services, the rest will be refunded.
- The final cost will be confirmed by your consultant via email. In all cases, please contact us directly for any urgent help. We are here to support you with all of our best!
- Children under 5 years old: FOC, sharring EVERYTHING with parents (Limited to 1 child/1 cabin), from 2nd children: charged 50% adult (without extra bed)
- From 5 to under 11 years old: 01 Child stays in the double/twin cabin with 2 adults: charged 75% adult.
- From 11 years old: Children from 11 years old will be charged as adults. Two children below 11 years stay in a private cabin are charged at 100% of the full cabin rate.
- Charged 100% for the third person using an extra bed
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Calendar & Prices
Other Similar Halong Bay Luxury Cruises
FAQs
Athena Royal Cruise is a 5-star Athena Group ship sailing Bai Tu Long Bay since 2019. Compare other Halong Bay luxury cruises.
Bai Tu Long Bay, with Cong Do and Thien Canh Son Cave. Read about Bai Tu Long Bay cruises.
No. For Sung Sot Cave, choose Athena Luxury Cruise.
Kayaking at Vung Vieng Fishing Village.
Yes, on Day 2 morning. Read our guide to Thien Canh Son Cave.
The 45 m² Athena Royal Cabin. Ask for availability on our contact page.
Yes, a shared sundeck jacuzzi, plus a sauna and spa. More tips in our Halong Bay FAQs.
Yes, the 58 m² Deluxe Family Connecting suite. See the Athena Royal Bai Tu Long cruise page for rates.
Halong International Cruise Port in Bai Chay; check in about 12:00. Plan the drive with our FAQs.
No; the Athena limousine can be added via our contact page.
Under 5 free, 5–10 years 75%, 11+ adult rate. Confirm on the Athena Royal Bai Tu Long cruise page when booking.
No. Athena Luxury Cruise is the sister ship on the Halong Bay route.
It depends on season and suite; check the live calendar on this page. Our Best Price Guarantee applies; ask via our contact page.
Yes. Send a cheaper verified offer for the same Athena Royal Cruise suite and date through our contact page and we match it.
If the port authority closes the bay, you get a new date or a refund under the operator’s policy. See the best time to visit Halong Bay.
No. Muslim travellers should read our guide to halal Halong Bay cruises.
