Last month, I embarked on a truly memorable overnight Halong Bay cruise aboard the magnificent Elite of the Seas, widely regarded as one of the most modern, 6‑star luxury options on the bay. High-speed WiFi in the middle of Halong Bay – something I never expected on most other cruises – set the tone for what turned into a seamless blend of nature, comfort, and cutting-edge technology.
Exploring Luxury Amenities and Entertainment
When I first saw the price – over $300 per person for the two-day trip – I admit, I hesitated. But after stepping on board, I realised how every detail justified the cost. If you’re ready to book Elite of the Sea Cruise, you’re signing up for a next-level experience.
Onboard Entertainment & High-Tech Facilities
The first thing I noticed was how modern everything looked. There’s an understated elegance with first-class facilities and panoramic views. But beyond the style, it’s the technology that really impressed me.
- Wi‑Fi throughout the ship
Wifi is a normal thing on land, but becomes such a rare thing in the middle of the sea. However, the Internet connection on this cruise was fast, not just in public spaces but strong enough in cabins to stream music, browse, or even video call – something many Halong cruises struggle with because of limited signals when far from shore.
- Modern public facilities
Every corner of the cruise is built with modern convenience in mind, reflecting a perfect blend of luxury and smart design. Such as touchless sinks – allow guests to wash hands effortlessly with motion sensors, automatic trash bins, or an elevator system that connects multiple decks, making it easy for guests to move around the cruise without climbing stairs.
These thoughtful details elevate the onboard experience, ensuring comfort from the moment you step aboard.
- Premium conveniences
The cruise has a fully equipped fitness room, a swimming pool, a sauna, a spa, and even a mini-golf course.
The fitness room has everything you need for a proper workout, even while you’re surrounded by nature. The mini-golf course adds a fun and relaxing activity between excursions. The sauna and spa are perfect for unwinding after a long day of exploring the bay. There’s an infinity pool – great for relaxing or capturing stunning photos. The pool stays open in every season, so you can take a dip no matter when you travel.
- High-class dining & drinking
I was impressed by the opulent dining and premium drink options on board. Whether enjoying a crafted cocktail by the pool at sunset or savouring a fine dinner in the elegant restaurant, every moment felt elevated. The indoor restaurant is cosy and sophisticated, perfect for intimate conversations, while the outdoor bar brings wide-open views and a refreshing breeze. With both spaces, it’s easy to enjoy a drink or gourmet meal no matter the weather. My favourite moment was still by the pool at sunset, cocktail in hand, watching the sky turn gold over Halong Bay.
Luxurious Cabin Experience
The cabin is incredibly spacious, with a large balcony offering stunning views of Halong Bay and plenty of fresh air. What truly sets it apart is the complimentary Netflix account on the TV, allowing you to watch movies and shows at your leisure. Coupled with the strong Wi‑Fi, you can easily browse the internet, listen to music, or catch up on your favourite series without interruptions.
The bathroom is equipped with a luxury automatic toilet, offering multiple cleaning modes, heated seats, and gentle drying functions. These features elevate your comfort, creating a bathroom experience that rivals high-end 5-star hotels.
On top of that, the 24-hour room service is included in the price, covering everything from meal orders to laundry, ensuring complete convenience throughout your stay.
Memorable activities throughout the day
During the day, I had the chance to kayak in the tranquil Tra Bau area, enjoying the serene waters and dramatic limestone karsts up close. We also sampled light canapés while watching the sunset, and later participated in a cooking class, learning how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes, Banh Beo.
One of the highlights was the drone photography and video session on the sundeck – the crew captured stunning aerial shots and delivered the photos the next morning, a service I haven’t seen on other cruises.
After dinner, there was live music every evening and even squid fishing for those looking for some evening entertainment.
The following morning started with Tai Chi or yoga on the deck, paired with the breathtaking sunrise over the bay. Afterwards, we explored the Dark and Bright Cave by bamboo boat, combining gentle adventure with the natural beauty of Halong Bay.
The Elite of the Seas is truly one of the most luxurious cruises in Halong Bay, combining cutting-edge technology with impeccable service. High-speed Wi‑Fi – especially remarkable in the middle of Halong Bay – keeps you connected, while every cabin and facility integrates smart technology for convenience and comfort.
From automatic trash bins, smart toilets, elevators, to 24-hour room service, the ship’s modern features elevate the luxury experience far beyond what other cruises offer. Technology here isn’t just flashy; it enhances your stay, making it more seamless, modern, and effortless.
After a 2-day 1-night journey, it’s clear that Elite of the Seas is the perfect choice for anyone seeking to explore Halong Bay while enjoying top-tier technology, amenities, and world-class service.
