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I looked into a couple of different cruise operators for our trip to Halong Bay. I settled on Signature Cruises Halong Bay for several reasons. The interior & exterior was light and bright, which I liked. And the cruise line ranked high on service, and the Food received top marks as well.
Steven and I are on Signature Cruises deck after returning from our 3-day/2-night cruise on Halong Bay.
Need more Vietnam love? Click HERE to getaway to Hoi An.
Signature Cruises Halong Bay
3 day/ 2 night
The trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay took approximately 3 hours. We arrived at the terminal full of energy and ready for the three days/2-night cruises around the bay. We were picked up from our hotel by the cruise line for an extra $30 each. I was bummed, though. The forecast called for rain on our first day on Signature Cruises Halong Bay. Thankfully, the rain only lasted a couple of hours, and the remainder of our trip was under the excruciating glare of the sun.
Note for an extra $15 fee; Signature will provide the necessary visa approval letter to attain your Vietnam Visa. Note the visa fee has increased from $45 pp to $135 pp for American passport holders as of September 1, 2016. The passport is now valid for one calendar year instead of only one entry. I suggest you apply for your visa online at https://www.vietnam-evisa.org/apply-visa.html. A small processing fee may apply. Take your letter, passport, passport photo, and cash to the visa desk at the airport for processing.
I’m bummed. The forecast calls for rain on our first day on Signature Cruises Halong Bay. Thankfully, the rain only lasted a few hours, and most of our trip was under the excruciating glare of the sun.
The Senior Suite
Services and Amenities
Five categories range in price and size. We booked the Senior Suite, which is smack dab in the middle of the categories because it was only two of us. The two suites above ours were family rooms, more expensive because they had more beds. The Senior Suite includes a double bed, a flat-screen TV and DVD player, private balcony, ensuite bathroom with jetted tub– and that was more than we needed.
Free WI-FI is available in the public areas on the Signature Cruise Halong Bay. And although access is inconsistent based on the location of the boat. Guest Services offers DVDs that you can borrow. However, there wasn’t much time to watch DVDs or TV.
This Ain’t Junk Food.
On the Junk Boat
After dropping off our bags and taking 5 minutes to explore our home for the next couple of days, we climbed to the top deck to have lunch.
The dining room on the Signature Cruise Halong Bay is beautiful. Like the guest rooms, it’s mostly white on white. We found a table we thought offered great views and settled in. And it didn’t talk to anyone that first lunch which was three courses: a chicken starter, bbq fish and a plate of exotic fruits and cake.
I ordered a bottle of white wine, which they kept chilled until I drank it all the next day. Happy hour was buy one get one, and the crew whipped out a karaoke machine one night, and we sand into the wee hours of the morning.
The Decks and Outdoor Spaces
Signature Cruises has two levels of public decks as well as small private decks off the guest suites that are perfect for an evening cocktail, taking in the beautiful limestone cliffs, and other junk boats that glide by. But my favorite times were rising early in the morning to bask in the orange glow of the sunrises before learning a little tai chi.
Signature Cruises Itinerary
The itineraries are based upon the length of stay. This was our itinerary for a three day/two-night stay, which included a fantastic day we didn’t have to share with anyone but the cruise staff. The one thing I want yo leave you with is that no matter what junk boat line you decide to go with, choose the three day/2-night option. All the other options are excellent but rushed. The beauty of being on the bay has time to sit back and enjoy it by doing absolutely nothing at all.
Day 1
Arrival
Lunch
Tour Fishing Village and Pearl Farm
Dinner
Make Spring Rolls
Day 2
Breakfast
Full-Day on Private Boat
Kayak/ Swimming
Lunch Cruise
Dinner
Make Spring Rolls
Day 3
Breakfast
Tour of Sung Sot Cave
Departure
Final Thoughts
The Signature Cruise Halong Bay staff was very responsive during the booking process. And during three days/2-night cruises of Halong Bay in Vietnam. I especially loved the private kayak and lunch tour. The Food was delicious & service, and beautiful stateroom was top notch. I highly recommend Signature Cruise Halong Bay.
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one word amazing! that place looks beautiful I bet you had a great time there
This is a great tip! Love the adventures you had… Wish I could do a cruise like that sometime this year.
It looks like such a fun time! Cruises are so relaxing, I’d love to go again.
Omg now that’s one fabulous room!!!! I would love to take this cruise!! Looks like my kind of trip
You made such a great choice with the Signature Cruise! That room is gorgeous and the food looks so delicious!
Beautiful and gorgeous atmosphere. My husband always says no when it comes to taking a cruise anywhere. Only one day boat trips for us.
Looks like you guys had a great time! I can’t believe that’s what their cabins look like! So elegant and beautiful and not the size of a closet!
I have always wanted to take a cruise. This company looks like they have some great amenities and some good looking food.
It looks like you had an incredible time! I am glad it didn’t rain the whole time on your first day. That always gives you anxiety for the rest of your vacation!
Kaitlyn
http://www.mypostpartumlife.com
Ah, this is such another wonderful side of Vietnam. You have great pictures that evidently shows how beautiful each angle is, and the room and food looks comfortable and delicious.
Wow! You can’t really go wrong with this cruise! It’s packed with all the fun activities that will help you enjoy the islands and the view!
The Senior Suite is insane, I’d love to live in there! Sounds like a fantastic place to holiday.
That was such a fun from day 1 to day 3. The Senior suite to Decks and Outdoor Spaces was incredibly beautiful and of course the food.
Thanks. I know my pics and words still fall short of how beautiful it all was.
This is a real vacation, The place is like paradise
Too many beautiful places all around the world.
What an absolutely stunning place from ship to shore! Keep living the dream hun and make those memories beautiful 🙂 My favorite is the caverns!
The vintage furniture is so cute! My husband has asked me about going on a cruise some day. Everytime I see experiences like this it looks so fun!
How fun! I so want to go on a cruise one day. This one looks amazing.
WOW…. I have really avoided cruises up until now, but this really takes my breath away and I want to reconsider !!! I would do this in a heart beat. Gorgeous photos, and looks like an amazing time. xoxo Robin
I’ve done the traditional cruise with ports of calls too and that is totally worth it. If you are coming to Vietnam, definitely do the Halong Bay cruise, its beautiful.
What a gorgeous suite! We love crusing, and this one looks amazing. Will have to try one with signature.
That looks like an amazing fun time. Going on a cruise has been something I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid – this only made me want it more. The room was beautiful too, and your photos perfectly showed of the flawless plating at your meals.
the scenery and activities were awesome
Your suite was so pretty, and the views from the deck look amazing! What a great adventure!
the entire ship was lovely and the service and scenery too
I’ve never been on a cruise but the more I read and hear about them I get more and more convinced I need to try!
Its an amazing adventure you definitely should experience.
Looks like you had such a great time! I love cruises because it’s like you’re on a vacation while you’re sailing and then when you dock, you’re exploring somewhere new!
Thats true. Its neat to see different scenery without having to repack.
This looks like such a fun trip!! I love kayaking!
It was fun.
I would have to agree with you on the furniture choice. The lighter furniture makes the room brighter. This cruise ship looks nice, most that i see look like a hotel room inside the staterooms.
Thanks. I loved the decor too.
Wow its a wonderful place and it seems you had a wonderful time. I love seafood and i am planning to visit Bay area after reading your post.
Halong Bay is stunning and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to enjoy a cruise in Asia.
So much fun! Gosh I am in mood to go somewhere warm and sunny straight away. Best Wishes, Iga
Lets go. I need some warmth and sunshine in my life too.