Grand Pioneers Cruise 1
CRUISE PRICE
$250.00 /pax
Cruise Rating
9.8 Excellent 315 reviews
- Cruise Overview
- Cabins & Rates
- Cruises Itinerary
- Cruise Reviews
Grand Pioneers Cruise – Redefining Luxury and Sustainability in Halong Bay
Inspired by a profound passion for preserving the beauty of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Grand Pioneers Cruise (formerly known as Essence Grand Cruise) was developed and operated by Viet Thuan Group. Backed by decades of experience in shipbuilding and maritime transport, Grand Pioneers Cruise embodies the philosophy of “Passion for Perfection”, pioneering a new standard for luxury cruise experiences in Vietnam.
Vision: Leading Vietnam’s Sea Tourism to the Global Stage
Grand Pioneers Cruise envisions elevating Vietnam’s sea tourism by expanding internationally and offering exceptional luxury sea voyages around the world. With every journey, the cruise aims to celebrate the essence of Vietnamese maritime heritage while pushing boundaries in service, design, and sustainability.
Mission: A Green Pioneer in Halong Bay
As a trailblazer in eco-friendly cruising, Grand Pioneers Cruise is committed to protecting the heritage of Halong Bay. Every aspect of the ship has been carefully designed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing comfort and safety for passengers.
What Makes Grand Pioneers Cruise Unique?
1. The Green Cruise – Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
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Advanced Chiller Air Conditioning System by Daikin (Japan) for energy efficiency.
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15ppm Oil-Water Separator by Han Young (South Korea), certified by both Korean Register (KR) and Vietnam Register (VR) for marine safety.
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Exclusive use of premium International Paint (Netherlands) – environmentally safe and highly durable.
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All interior furnishings are made from industrial wood sourced from short-cycle forests, supporting sustainable forestry.
Grand Pioneers is among the first eco-conscious luxury cruises in Halong Bay, making it ideal for travelers who value green travel.
2. The Safest Cruise in Halong Bay
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Uses 100% purified and softened water onboard for all activities.
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Water heating powered by an eco-friendly Heat Pump system.
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Engines and generators imported from YANMAR (Japan) – renowned for durability and performance.
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Equipped with bow thruster technology from DTG (Netherlands), certified by BV (France) and VR (Vietnam).
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Built using double-bottom and double-hull technology, ensuring maximum safety in case of emergencies.
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The only cruise in Halong Bay equipped with two fully stocked lifeboats.
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First to feature a dedicated medical room and onboard healthcare staff – offering peace of mind throughout the journey.
3. The Modern and Spacious Cruise
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Features superior design and space compared to other international cruises departing from Indonesia, Singapore, and beyond.
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Integrated with a Building Management System (BMS) for smart automation, reducing energy use and optimizing the cooling system.
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Designed to offer maximum comfort, minimal staff footprint, and enhanced guest privacy.
Why Choose Grand Pioneers Cruise?
✅ Eco-conscious design – ideal for responsible travelers
✅ Top-tier safety standards – peace of mind onboard
✅ Luxurious interiors and spacious cabins
✅ First-class amenities with cutting-edge technology
✅ Unmatched experience in Halong Bay with Vietnamese heritage and innovation
✅ Itinerary Highlights: Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Ti Top Island
Book Grand Pioneers Cruise Today!
Step aboard Grand Pioneers Cruise and experience the future of luxury cruising in Halong Bay – where sustainability meets sophistication. Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, a family holiday, or a corporate retreat, this cruise offers unforgettable moments on Vietnam’s most iconic waters.
🎉 Limited cabins available
💰 Best price guaranteed when booking early
📩 Contact us now for custom packages and offers

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