Grand Pioneers II Cruise Halong Bay
CRUISE PRICE
$212.00 /pax
Cruise Rating
Rated 5.0/5 on TripAdvisor
- Cruise Overview
- Cabins & Rates
- Cruises Itinerary
- Cruise Reviews
Grand Pioneers Cruise II: 53 Suites, Oasis Ciné Cinema and a President’s Suite with Sauna
Grand Pioneers Cruise II is the 53-suite sister ship of Grand Pioneers I, run by Viet Thuan Group and sailing from Tuan Chau to Sung Sot Cave and Luon Cave, with the Oasis Ciné cinema, a four-season pool, Sea Spa, kids’ club and suites from 30 m² up to a 109 m² President’s Suite with a private sauna. It is one of the premium top Halong Bay luxury cruises, booked with our Best Price Guarantee.
Grand Pioneers Cruise II at a Glance
| Operator | Viet Thuan Group (formerly Essence Grand); sister ship Grand Pioneers I |
| Launched | 2023 |
| Ship | About 110 m long, 7 guest decks, up to 160 guests |
| Cabins | 53 suites, 30–109 m², including Pearl, Signature and President’s Suites |
| 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 | Oasis Ciné cinema, four-season pool and bar, Rhythm of the Sky bar, Sea Spa, gym, kids’ club, karaoke, wine and cigar lounge, Prestige Dining Club |
| Food | Bayview Restaurant; 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 the most facilities on the classic route |
| Not ideal for | Travellers who want a small, intimate boat |
What Makes Grand Pioneers Cruise II Different
A real cinema on board
The Oasis Ciné is a dedicated cinema room, rare on any Halong Bay ship and a hit with families on rainy evenings.
Suites with round beds and a private sauna
The 42 m² Pearl Suite has a round bed, the 50 m² Signature Suite more space, and the 109 m² President’s Suite its own sauna.
The classic caves on a resort-scale ship
Like its sister, Grand Pioneers Cruise II visits Sung Sot Cave and Luon Cave, with a kids’ club, spa and pool for the rest of the day.
Who Grand Pioneers Cruise II Is Best For
Book it if you are
- A family who will use the cinema and kids’ club
- A couple wanting a Pearl or Signature Suite
- A group needing many suites on one ship
Choose another cruise if you want
- The sister ship at a slightly lower price: Grand Pioneers Cruise I
- Halal-certified food on the same route: Catherine Cruise
- A superyacht in Lan Ha Bay: Capella Cruise
Grand Pioneers Cruise II 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; cinema or karaoke |
| 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 II Cabins & Facilities
| Suite | Size | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean | 30 m² | Window view |
| Ocean Balcony / Veranda / Executive | 40 m² | Balcony |
| Pearl Suite | 42 m² | Round bed |
| Signature Suite | 50 m² | Larger lounge |
| Essence Suite | 60 m² | Spacious suite |
| President’s Suite | 109 m² | Private sauna |
- Oasis Ciné cinema
- Four-season pool and bar
- Sea Spa and gym
- Kids’ club
- Prestige Dining Club, wine and cigar lounge, karaoke
Dining on Grand Pioneers Cruise II
The Bayview Restaurant serves Vietnamese and international set menus and buffets; the Prestige Dining Club hosts private dinners.
- 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 II
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 II vs Similar Luxury Cruises
| Cruise | Route | Cabins | Signature | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Pioneers Cruise II | Halong Bay | 53 | Cinema, sauna suite | Premium |
| Grand Pioneers I | Halong Bay | 55 | 350 m² Owner’s Suite | Mid-range |
| Catherine Cruise | Halong Bay | 39 | Halal, elevator | Mid-range |
| Capella Cruise | Lan Ha Bay | 30 | Superyacht | Premium |
Our view: Grand Pioneers Cruise II is the best-equipped ship on the classic Halong Bay route, ideal for families. Choose Grand Pioneers I if the Owner’s Suite or a slightly lower price matters.
Not to be confused with
Grand Pioneers Cruise I is a separate sister ship with 55 suites; the two share one TripAdvisor listing.
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
- Book the cinema session at check-in on busy nights
- Ocean suites have no balcony; choose Ocean Balcony or higher
- Sung Sot Cave can be wet; wear trainers
Grand Pioneers Cruise II 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 Balcony Suite
Price: $424 USD
2 Adults & 1 Infants pax 40 m2 1 King Bed or 2 Twin Bed
Ocean Suite Triple
Price: $638 USD
3 Adults & 1 Infants pax 43 m2 3 Single Beds or 1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed
The Essence Suite
Price: $724 USD
2 Adults & 1 Infant pax 60 m2 1 King Bed
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.
Pearl Suite
Price: $870 USD
2 Adults & 1 Infant pax 42 m2 1 Round Bed
With soft round bed design and an open bathtub facing the bay, the Pearl Suite will guide you into a private oasis, where it’s just you in harmony with the stunning nature of World’s Wonder.
The Signature Suite
Price: $1020 USD
2 Adults & 2 Infants pax 41 m2 1 King Bed
Possessing a sophisticated design with a large sliding window and Bayview bathtub, the Signature Suite opens an ideal space to immerse yourself in pristine and majestic nature.
The President's Suite
Price: $1731 USD
2 Adults & 1 Infant pax 109 m2 1 Extra-large Double bed
Situated at the ship’s bow, the President’sl Suite presents the quintessential venue to immerse yourself in the grandeur of Heritage Bay. Crafted akin to a lavish apartment, this suite boasts a well-appointed bar stocked with top-shelf spirits, an expansive open-air bathtub, and a private sauna, ensuring a bespoke experience for the elite traveller.
Cruise Inquiry
- Grand Pioneers II Cruise 2 Days – 1 Night: The Classic Journey
- Grand Pioneers II 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
CRUISE EXCLUSIONS:
- Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi shuttle transfer, bookable at the next step for an additional fee
- Oasis Ciné, the dedicated cinema room on board, charged separately on request – a rarity among Halong Bay cruise ships
- 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
CRUISE EXCLUSIONS:
- Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi shuttle transfer, bookable at the next step for an additional fee
- Oasis Ciné, the dedicated cinema room on board, charged separately on request – a rarity among Halong Bay cruise ships
- 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
FAQs
Grand Pioneers Cruise II is a 53-suite luxury ship sailing Halong Bay from Tuan Chau, sister of Grand Pioneers I. Compare other Halong Bay luxury cruises.
Yes, the Oasis Ciné cinema room, a rarity among Halong Bay cruise ships. It is charged separately on request and is not included in the cruise fare. See the Grand Pioneers II cruise in Halong Bay page for dates.
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.
The 109 m² President’s Suite. Ask on our contact page.
Yes; it has a kids’ club, and the Oasis Ciné cinema room is available for an additional fee. 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 I is the sister ship with 55 suites.
A 42 m² suite with a round bed. Ask for availability on our contact page.
It depends on season and suite; check the live calendar on the Grand Pioneers II cruise in Halong Bay page. Our Best Price Guarantee applies.
Yes. Send a cheaper verified offer for the same Grand Pioneers Cruise II 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.
