Grand Pioneers I Cruise Halong Bay
CRUISE PRICE
$212.00 /pax
Cruise Rating
- Cruise Overview
- Cabins & Rates
- Cruises Itinerary
- Cruise Reviews
Grand Pioneers Cruise I: 110-Metre Ship with 55 Suites, a Four-Season Pool and a 350 m² Owner’s Suite
Grand Pioneers Cruise I is a 110-metre luxury ship with 55 suites on seven guest decks, run by Viet Thuan Group and sailing from Tuan Chau to Sung Sot Cave and Luon Cave, with a four-season pool, Sea Spa, kids’ club, sky bar and suites from 30 m² up to a 350 m² Owner’s Suite with its own sundeck jacuzzi. It is one of the top Halong Bay luxury cruises, booked with our Best Price Guarantee.
Grand Pioneers Cruise I at a Glance
| Operator | Viet Thuan Group (formerly Essence Grand); sister ship Grand Pioneers II |
| Launched | 2023 |
| Ship | 109.99 m long, 7 guest decks, up to 160 guests |
| Cabins | 55 suites in 8 categories, 30–350 m² |
| Route | Halong Bay – Sung Sot Cave – Luon Cave |
| Itineraries | 2 Days 1 Night; 3 Days 2 Nights (adds Bai Tu Long Bay) |
| Departure port | Port 1, Tuan Chau International Marina, Ha Long City |
| Check-in / out | Check in 11:00–12:00; disembark about 10:30 |
| On board | Four-season pool and bar, Rhythm of the Sky bar, Sea Spa, gym, kids’ club, poker room, karaoke, wine and cigar lounge |
| Food | Panorama dining room; set menus and buffet |
| Transfer | Shuttle or private car arranged by us, quoted separately |
| TripAdvisor | Rated 5.0/5 on TripAdvisor (Grand Pioneers Cruises page, shared by Grand Pioneers I and II) |
| Price | Seasonal, see the live calendar below; Best Price Guarantee |
| Best for | Families, groups and couples who want a resort-scale ship on the classic route |
| Not ideal for | Travellers who want a small, intimate boat |
What Makes Grand Pioneers Cruise I Different
One of the largest ships in the bay
At almost 110 metres with seven guest decks, Grand Pioneers Cruise I has the space of a small resort: pool, spa, kids’ club, cinema-style family room, poker room and karaoke.
Suites from 30 m² to 350 m²
Ocean suites start at 30 m²; the Oceania suite has a round bed and open bathtub, and the 350 m² Owner’s Suite adds a 200 m² sundeck with jacuzzi.
The classic caves with plenty of space
Day 1 visits Sung Sot Cave and Day 2 Luon Cave, so first-timers see the famous sights on a ship that never feels crowded.
Who Grand Pioneers Cruise I Is Best For
Book it if you are
- A family with children who will use the kids’ club
- A group or company event needing many suites
- A couple wanting a big suite on the classic route
Choose another cruise if you want
- The sister ship with a cinema and sauna suite: Grand Pioneers Cruise II
- Halal-certified food on the same route: Catherine Cruise
- Quieter Lan Ha Bay: Elite of the Seas Cruise
Grand Pioneers Cruise I Itinerary
2 Days 1 Night
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| Day 1, 11:00–12:00 | Check in at Port 1, Tuan Chau International Marina |
| 12:45 | Lunch while cruising |
| 15:30 | Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave |
| 17:45 | Canapés at the sky bar |
| 19:00 | Dinner |
| Day 2, morning | Tai Chi and breakfast |
| 07:30 | Kayaking or bamboo boat at Luon Cave |
| 09:00 | Check-out and brunch |
| 10:30 | Disembark at Tuan Chau |
3 Days 2 Nights
Day 2 adds the Explora day boat into Bai Tu Long Bay for Thien Canh Son Cave, Thay Cave and Vung Vieng, then a second night on board.
Grand Pioneers Cruise I Cabins & Facilities
| Suite | Size | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean | 30 m² | Window view |
| Ocean Balcony / Veranda / Executive | 40 m² | Balcony |
| Ocean Triple | 43 m² | For 3 guests |
| Essence | 60 m² | Larger suite |
| Oceania | 100 m² | Round bed, open bathtub |
| Owner’s Suite | 350 m² | 200 m² private sundeck with jacuzzi |
- Four-season pool and pool bar
- Rhythm of the Sky bar
- Sea Spa and gym
- Kids’ club and family entertainment room
- Poker room, karaoke, wine and cigar lounge
Dining on Grand Pioneers Cruise I
The Panorama dining room serves Vietnamese and international set menus and buffets, with canapés at the sky bar before dinner.
- Vegetarian: tell us when you book
- Halal: not offered; see halal Halong Bay cruises
- Drinks are paid on board
Getting from Hanoi to Grand Pioneers Cruise I
Tuan Chau International Marina is about 2.5–3 hours from Hanoi by expressway. We arrange a shuttle or private car; self-drivers should reach Port 1 by 11:30.
Grand Pioneers Cruise I vs Similar Luxury Cruises
| Cruise | Route | Cabins | Signature | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Pioneers Cruise I | Halong Bay | 55 | Resort-scale ship, kids’ club | Mid-range |
| Grand Pioneers II | Halong Bay | 53 | Cinema, sauna suite | Premium |
| Catherine Cruise | Halong Bay | 39 | Halal, elevator | Mid-range |
| Ambassador Cruise | Halong Bay | 45 | Live band | Value |
Our view: Grand Pioneers Cruise I is the family and group favourite on the classic route. Choose Grand Pioneers II for its cinema, or Ambassador for a lower price.
Not to be confused with
Grand Pioneers Cruise II is a separate sister ship with 53 suites; the two share one TripAdvisor listing. Older listings may use the name Essence Grand.
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 Grand Pioneers’ published 2026 information.
- Tell us which ship you want; agents sometimes mix up I and II
- Ocean suites have no balcony; choose Ocean Balcony if you want one
- The kids’ club makes this one of the easiest ships for young children
- Sung Sot Cave can be wet; wear trainers
Grand Pioneers Cruise I Price 2026
Rates change by season and suite; 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, guide
- Not included: Hanoi transfer unless quoted, drinks, spa, tips
- Children: adult rate from 11 years; ask us for younger children
Message us on WhatsApp +84 886 261 368 for a quote. Answers to common questions are in the FAQs below.
OCEAN SUITE
Price: $424 USD
2 pax 30 m2 Double/ Twin
Step into a space designed with minimalist elegance, featuring calming tones of brown, white, and beige alongside contemporary wooden furnishings. With expansive glass windows framing breathtaking natural vistas, Ocean Suite invites you to unwind and enjoy moments of pure relaxation.
OCEAN SUITE TRIPLE
Price: $612 USD
3 pax 43 m2 3 Single Beds or 1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed
Set aside the hustle and bustle to immerse in the complete retreat space, Ocean Suite Triple is where to listen to the call of nature and feel the breath of the ocean seeping into every nook and cranny of the room.
OCEAN BALCONY SUITE
Price: $424 USD
2 pax 40 m2 1 King Bed or 2 Twin Bed
Waking up under the dawn light or sipping afternoon tea at the balcony corner will be amazing peaceful moments. The Ocean Balcony Suite opens up a relaxing space to fully appreciate the majestic beauty of Ha Long Bay.
VERANDA SUITE
Price: $497 USD
2 pax 40 m2 Double/Twin
Sunset is an ideal time to enjoy the magnificent beauty of the World Wonder. Possessing a large slide window and private balcony, the Veranda Suite is like a perfect space bringing sparkling rays of sunset and the vitality of the ocean into every corner of the suite.
EXECUTIVE SUITE
Price: $535 USD
2 pax 40 m2 Double/Twin
Located on the 3rd and 4th floors of Grand Pioneers Cruise, the Executive Suite boasts a magnificent view to admire the majestic beauty of thousands of islands in the heritage bay. With an area of 40m2, featuring a minimalist and sophisticated design, combined with a large window leading to a straight balcony, this is a place to relax and enjoy the sea breeze. The Executive Suite is an ideal space to unwind and regain a sense of balance.
ESSENCE SUITE
Price: $724 USD
2 pax 60 m2 Double/Twin
Like an oasis in the vast ocean, Essence Suite boasts a unique design with double bedrooms connected by an elegant dining space. From the balcony of Essence Suite, you can enjoy the early sunrise, listen to the sound of the ocean, or marvel at the spectacular scenery of untouched nature. This place becomes an ideal peaceful retreat to escape from the hustle and bustle of life.
OCEANIA SUITE
Price: $1170 USD
2 pax 100 m2 Double/Twin
Amidst the poetic beauty of the Natural Wonder, the Oceania Suite welcomes you to a world where every moment of the day is a vivid nature painting, from radiant dawn to romantic dusk. This is the only room boasting a panoramic view of Heritage Bay, likened to a special child cradled in the tender embrace of Mother Nature.
OWNER'S SUITE
Price: $1731 USD
4 pax 350 m2 2 King Beds
The Owner’s Suite makes a profound impression with its opulence and grandeur at first sight. Spanning an impressive 350m2, this “premium apartment” features 2 bedrooms, a spacious living room offering panoramic views of Heritage Bay, and a private jacuzzi on the expansive 200m2 sundeck – a standout symbol of exclusive privilege for the owner.
Cruise Inquiry
- Grand Pioneers I Cruise 2 Days – 1 Night: The Classic Journey
- Grand Pioneers I Cruise 3 Days – 2 Nights: The Legacy Journey
08:30 – 08:50: Our shuttle bus will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter (book in the next step with an additional fee).
11:00 – 12:00: Check-in at the Grand Pioneers Lounge, Port 1, Tuan Chau International Marina.
12:00 – 12:15: Transfer to the cruise by high-speed tender.
12:15 – 12:45: Welcome drink and safety briefing on board.
12:45 – 14:30: Buffet lunch as the cruise sails into Halong Bay.
15:30 – 17:00: Tender to Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) with the Grand Pioneers crew.
17:45 – 18:45: Sunset canapés at the Sky Bar. Drinks are charged separately.
19:00 – 21:00: Dinner at the restaurant, Western and Vietnamese cuisine.
21:00 – 23:00: Evening at leisure. Squid fishing, kayaking and the four-season saltwater pool are included; spa and massage, karaoke and the cigar lounge are charged separately.
07:30: Light breakfast served as the sun rises over the bay.
07:30 – 08:45: Luon Cave excursion by bamboo boat or kayak.
09:00 – 09:30: Check-out at the reception desk and settle onboard expenses.
09:00 – 10:15: Brunch buffet while the cruise returns to port.
10:30 – 10:45: Disembark at Tuan Chau International Marina and return to the Grand Pioneers Lounge.
The shuttle bus transfers you back to your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter, where the journey ends (part of the transfer option booked in the next step).
The operator may adjust the itinerary without prior notice due to weather, tides or operational conditions. The Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi shuttle transfer is not included in the cruise fare and can be added at the booking step.
CRUISE INCLUSIONS:
- Accommodation in a private en-suite suite with air conditioning and marble bathroom
- All meals on board as listed in the itinerary
- Welcome drink and canapés during Happy Hour
- English-speaking cruise guide
- Tender transfers between the marina and the cruise
- Entrance and sightseeing fees for the caves and islands in the itinerary
- Kayaking or bamboo boat rowing, and squid fishing
- Four-season saltwater swimming pool, gym, Tai Chi and library
- Daily drinking water in the suite
- Basic travel insurance
- 3D golf simulator on board
CRUISE EXCLUSIONS:
- Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi shuttle transfer, bookable at the next step for an additional fee
- Spa and massage treatments
- Karaoke room, cigar lounge and meeting room
- Beverages other than the welcome drink and drinking water
- Peak-season surcharge, where applicable
- Tips, personal expenses and anything not listed under inclusions
Transportation Service
- Timings
- Expected pick up and departure times from Hanoi: 08:15 AM – 08:45 AM
- Expected pick up and drop off time at Tuan Chau International Marina: 11:30 AM – 11.45 AM
- Expected departure time from Tuan Chau International Marina: 11:45 AM – 12:00 PM
- Expected arrival time back to Hanoi: 14:30 PM – 15:00 PM
- Pick-up and drop-off location in Hanoi
- Pickup venues around Hanoi Old Quarter
- An additional charge will be applied for locations outside the above areas.
Shared Limousine 9 seats
|
Category |
Rates |
|
Rates for adults |
VND 1,100,000 = 42 USD/person/round trip |
|
VND 600,000 = 23 USD/person/1 way |
|
|
Rates for children 05 – 10 years old |
VND 825,000 = 32 USD/child/round trip |
|
VND 500,000 = 19 USD/child/1 way |
|
|
Rates for children 0 – 04 years old |
Free of charge (limited to 01 child/cabin, without extra seat) |
|
For the 2nd child: rate of 05 – 10 years old is applied |
08:30 – 08:50: Our shuttle bus will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter (book in the next step with an additional fee).
11:00 – 12:00: Check-in at the Grand Pioneers Lounge, Tuan Chau International Cruise Port.
12:00 – 12:15: High-speed tender transfer to the cruise.
12:45 – 13:00: Welcome drink and safety briefing at the 5th-floor restaurant.
12:45 – 14:30: Buffet lunch at Dining by the Bay.
15:30 – 17:00: Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave).
17:30 – 18:30: Sunset, canapé party, chef’s cooking class and Happy Hour.
19:00 – 21:00: Bayfront Dining Journey, dinner at Dining by the Bay.
21:00 – 23:00: Evening at leisure. Squid fishing, kayaking and the pool are included; spa, karaoke and the cigar lounge are charged separately.
07:30: Breakfast at Dining by the Bay restaurant.
08:15 – 08:30: Transfer to Explora by Grand Pioneers, the day boat that operates the Bai Tu Long Bay leg. You spend the day aboard Explora, including lunch, and return to your suite on Grand Pioneers in the evening.
08:30 – 10:00: Sail past Dau Nguoi (Human Head), Yen Ngua, Dragon and Con Vit (Duck) islets.
10:00 – 11:45: Thien Canh Son Cave, kayaking and beach time at Hon Co Island.
11:45 – 12:00: Return to Explora for lunch.
13:30 – 14:00: Thay Cave and Con Vit Islet, arriving at Vung Vieng fishing village.
14:00 – 15:00: Vung Vieng floating village by bamboo boat or kayak. Vong Cave and the aquaculture farm are optional.
15:00 – 16:00: Thung, Trong and Trinh Nu caves, then back aboard Grand Pioneers.
19:00 – 21:00: Bayfront Dining Journey, dinner.
21:00: Evening at leisure and onboard entertainment.
06:30 – 07:30: Light breakfast and sunrise over the bay.
07:30 – 08:45: Luon Cave, a natural rock arch, by bamboo boat or kayak.
09:00 – 09:30: Check-out at reception and settle onboard expenses.
09:00 – 10:15: Brunch buffet at Dining by the Bay.
10:30 – 10:45: Disembark at Tuan Chau International Cruise Port and return to the Grand Pioneers Lounge.
The shuttle bus transfers you back to your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter, where the journey ends (part of the transfer option booked in the next step).
The operator may adjust the itinerary without prior notice due to weather, tides or operational conditions. The Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi shuttle transfer is not included in the cruise fare and can be added at the booking step.
CRUISE INCLUSIONS:
- Accommodation in a private en-suite suite with air conditioning and marble bathroom
- All meals on board as listed in the itinerary
- Welcome drink and canapés during Happy Hour
- English-speaking cruise guide
- Tender transfers between the marina and the cruise
- Entrance and sightseeing fees for the caves and islands in the itinerary
- Kayaking or bamboo boat rowing, and squid fishing
- Four-season saltwater swimming pool, gym, Tai Chi and library
- Daily drinking water in the suite
- Basic travel insurance
- 3D golf simulator on board
CRUISE EXCLUSIONS:
- Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi shuttle transfer, bookable at the next step for an additional fee
- Spa and massage treatments
- Karaoke room, cigar lounge and meeting room
- Beverages other than the welcome drink and drinking water
- Peak-season surcharge, where applicable
- Tips, personal expenses and anything not listed under inclusions
Transportation Service
- Timings
- Expected pick up and departure times from Hanoi: 08:15 AM – 08:45 AM
- Expected pick up and drop off time at Tuan Chau International Marina: 11:30 AM – 11.45 AM
- Expected departure time from Tuan Chau International Marina: 11:45 AM – 12:00 PM
- Expected arrival time back to Hanoi: 14:30 PM – 15:00 PM
- Pick-up and drop-off location in Hanoi
- Pickup venues around Hanoi Old Quarter
- An additional charge will be applied for locations outside the above areas.
Shared Limousine 9 seats
|
Category |
Rates |
|
Rates for adults |
VND 1,100,000 = 42 USD/person/round trip |
|
VND 600,000 = 23 USD/person/1 way |
|
|
Rates for children 05 – 10 years old |
VND 825,000 = 32 USD/child/round trip |
|
VND 500,000 = 19 USD/child/1 way |
|
|
Rates for children 0 – 04 years old |
Free of charge (limited to 01 child/cabin, without extra seat) |
|
For the 2nd child: rate of 05 – 10 years old is applied |
Traveler Reviews
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Calendar & Prices
Other Similar Halong Bay Luxury Cruises
Frequently Asked Questions about Grand Pioneers I Cruise Halong Bay
Grand Pioneers Cruise I is a 110-metre luxury ship with 55 suites sailing Halong Bay from Tuan Chau. Compare other Halong Bay luxury cruises.
Yes, on Day 1 afternoon. Read our guide to Sung Sot Cave.
Yes, kayaking or bamboo boat at Luon Cave on Day 2.
A day boat into Bai Tu Long Bay with Thien Canh Son Cave and Vung Vieng.
Yes, a four-season pool and bar. Compare luxury cruises with pools.
Yes; it has a kids’ club and family room. See the Grand Pioneers I cruise in Halong Bay page for rates.
A 350 m² suite with a 200 m² private sundeck and jacuzzi. Ask on our contact page.
From 30 m² Ocean suites to the 350 m² Owner’s Suite. More tips in our Halong Bay FAQs.
Port 1, Tuan Chau International Marina. Plan the drive with our FAQs.
No. It is quoted separately and can be booked at the next step for an additional fee; we arrange a shuttle bus or a private car via our contact page.
No. Grand Pioneers Cruise II is the sister ship with 53 suites.
Yes; 55 suites take up to 160 guests. Ask for group rates on our contact page.
It depends on season and suite; check the live calendar on the Grand Pioneers I cruise in Halong Bay page. Our Best Price Guarantee applies.
Yes. Send a cheaper verified offer for the same Grand Pioneers Cruise I 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.
