Grand Pioneers Cruise Halong Bay 1
CRUISE PRICE
$215.00 /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: $430 USD
2 pax 40 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: $645 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: $430 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: $460 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.
EXCECUTIVE SUITE
Price: $480 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: $580 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: $888 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: $999 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
- 2 Days - 1 Night Itinerary
- 3 Days - 2 Nights Itinerary
8:30 – 8:50: Our shuttle bus will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter for departure to Halong Bay.
11:30 – 11:45: Check-in at the Grand Pioneers Waiting Lounge
12:30: Embarkation procedures, commence the journey aboard the cruise, you will enjoy a welcome drink and admire the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay through iconic landmarks
13:00: Enjoying lunch at Dining by the Bay restaurant
15:30-16:30: The transfer boat and the Grand Pioneers crew will take you to the Sung Sot Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay, discovered by a group of French explorers in 1901.
*For the guests who do not get involved in experience activities: You can enjoy our services on the cruise including spa & massage, four seasons pool, cigar & lounge, kid clubs, etc.
17:30-18:30: Enjoy the best moments of the day as the sun hits the water between the dramatic limestone peaks and emerald-green coves, choose and savour Canapé and your favourite drink offerings at the Sky bar.
19:00: Tantalize your taste buds with a selection of Western and Vietnamese cuisine.
21:00 After dinner, chill out in your suite; pamper yourself at the spa; experience squid fishing back of the boat on the first floor; or spend time with your fellow companions at our cigar and wine lounge, karaoke club, sky bar or the pool bar.
05:30 -06:00: Enjoy the magnificent sunrise across Heritage Bay, immerse yourself in the sound of waves and be ready for a chill and fresh day.
06:00-6:30: Start your new day full of energy with meditation exercises that help balance and regenerate energy or fitness exercises at the gym on the cruise ship.
06:30 – 07:30: A light breakfast will be served in the restaurant
07:30 – 08:30: Our speed boat will transport you to Luon Cave – the best destination for visiting by rowing bamboo boat, located on the north-eastern part of Bo Hon Island.
09:00: Check out and settle payments for onboard services.
9:00 – 10:30: Enjoy the brunch buffet on the cruise while continuing the journey back to the port.
11:00: Cruise docks at Tuan Chau International Marina.
The shuttle bus will transfer you back to your hotel in Hanoi. Tour ends at your hotel.
CRUISE INCLUSIONS:
- English and Vietnamese speaking guides on cruise
- Fully equipped luxury en-suite guest room with chilled water central air- con and marble bathroom
- All meals onboard (1 lunch, 1 dinner, 1 light breakfast, 1 brunch buffet)
- Speedboat transfers
- Welcome drink
- Daily fresh water in room amenity
- Canapé during the Happy Hour
- Tai chi, gym, four seasons and salt water, swimming pool, table soccer, and kid’s club
- Activities: cave visiting, squid fishing, kayaking
- Wifi, satellite – HD LED TV onboard
- Onboard insurance
- VAT
CRUISE EXCLUSIONS:
- Transportation: Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi
- Beverages
- Spa (spa and massage)
- Karaoke, cigar and wine lounge, use of conference facilities, 3D golf simulator
- Tips and other personal expenses
- Personal travel/health insurance
- Peak season surcharge
- All other services not clearly mentioned above
8:30 – 8:50: Our shuttle bus will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter for departure to Halong Bay.
11:30 – 11:45: Check-in at the Grand Pioneers Waiting Lounge
12:30: Embarkation procedures, commence the Heritage Journey aboard the cruise, guests enjoy a welcome drink and admire the natural beauty of the core area of Ha Long Bay through iconic landmarks such as the Kissing Rocks, Dinh Huong Rock, and Dragon Rock,…
13:00: Enjoying lunch at Dining by the Bay restaurant
14:00: Relaxing and experience activities, and services on the cruise
15:30: Check-in at the first destination on the journey: Thien Canh Son Cave – an archaic and unique cave in Bai Tu Long Bay, join in kayaking activities and relax on the beach.
17:30: Cruising to the sleeping spot at Cap La area – the prime spot for witnessing the most beautiful and panoramic sunsets amidst the vast and majestic natural scenery of the bay, complemented by an unforgettable Sunset Party on the sundeck.
19:00: Enjoying the exquisite cuisine journey by the chefs at Dining by the Bay restaurant
20:00: Relax and enjoy the services and entertainment activities on the cruise.
7:30: Enjoy breakfast at Dining by the Bay restaurant as the cruise begins its journey, taking guests to the most beautiful spots of Zone 4
9:30: Admire Dragon island and check in at the iconic marker symbolizing the final boundary of the Heritage
10:00: The journey explores the final islands of the Heritage, Halong Bay’s sea gateway, and checks in at the Da Xep Nature Park – an outdoor geological museum that has existed for 320 million years.
Choose from activities to explore pristine areas:
– Explore the Da Xep Nature Park, capturing moments with the Xep Rock – the icon of this region.
– Get lost on one of the area’s beaches with long white sand beaches forming a path connecting majestic rocky mountains (based on tidal conditions)
12:30: Enjoying lunch at Dining by the Bay restaurant
14:30: Visiting Vung Vieng fishing ancient village and the seafood farming area
16:00: Exploring Phao Dai Rock, Tien Ong Cave, and Con Coc Rock – the border icon of Lan Ha Bay & Ha Long Bay
19:00: Let’s party with The Legacy Gala Dinner
21:00: Enjoying the night view of the bay, explore entertainment activities and services on the cruise.
6:30: Immersing in the sunrise and enjoy breakfast at Dining by the Bay restaurant
7:30: Choosing 1 of 2 activities to explore:
– Visiting Sung Sot Cave – The largest and most beautiful cave in Halong Bay
– Enjoying the panoramic view of the bay from Titop Island and swimming
9:00: Check out and settle payments for onboard services.
9:30: Having brunch buffet at Dining by the Bay restaurant
11:00: Cruise docks at Tuan Chau International Marina
The shuttle bus will transfer you back to your hotel in Hanoi. Tour ends at your hotel.
CRUISE INCLUSIONS:
- English and Vietnamese speaking guides on cruise
- Fully equipped luxury en-suite guest room with chilled water central air- con and marble bathroom
- All meals onboard (2 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 light breakfasts, 1 brunch buffet)
- Speedboat transfers
- Welcome drink
- Daily fresh water in room amenity
- Canapé during the Happy Hour
- Tai chi, gym, four seasons and salt water, swimming pool, table soccer, and kid’s club
- Activities: cave visiting, squid fishing, kayaking
- Wifi, satellite – HD LED TV onboard
- Onboard insurance
- VAT
CRUISE EXCLUSIONS:
- Transportation: Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi
- Beverages
- Spa (spa and massage)
- Karaoke, cigar and wine lounge, use of conference facilities, 3D golf simulator
- Tips and other personal expenses
- Personal travel/health insurance
- Peak season surcharge
- All other services not clearly mentioned above
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Calendar & Prices
Other Similar Halong Bay Luxury Cruises
Frequently Asked Questions about Grand Pioneers Cruise Halong Bay 1
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.
It is quoted separately; we arrange a shuttle or 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.
