What to Expect on a Cruise: Halong Bay Cruise Food & Drink Onboard

Overview

Experiencing a gourmet meal aboard an authentic junk boat while cruising through one of the world's natural wonders remains unparalleled. Vietnam is celebrated for its vibrant and fresh cuisine, with simple flavors that enchant palates globally.

Halong Bay cruises typically offer a variety of Vietnamese and international dishes, featuring an impressive selection of fresh seafood.

As cruise options vary in duration and pricing, the food quality can differ significantly. Often, premium cruises provide superior dining experiences, although this is not universally applicable.

Passengers should inform the cruise operator of any dietary restrictions well in advance to ensure their needs are accommodated.

Here is a summary of meals and beverages commonly available on a Halong Bay cruise.

Welcome drinks

The initial phase of quality cruise itineraries involves greeting guests with refreshing beverages upon their arrival at the cruise terminal. Welcome drinks typically consist of fresh juices, iced tea, or coffee. Guests can contact their cruise operator in advance to arrange for personalized specialty drinks to be ready at the terminal.

Lunch

Typically served buffet style, diners can expect a variety of dishes from Vietnamese and Western cuisines.

For Western lunches, guests might enjoy soups, artisanal European bread, cheeses, salads, and charcuterie. Seafood lovers should try the local catch, including oysters, lobster, and succulent prawns. Meat options feature grilled pork, beef, or duck for diverse palates.

Vegetarian options may include braised tofu in tomato sauce, vegetable curry, spring rolls, and vegetable noodle dishes. However, vegans might face challenges, as many Vietnamese meals incorporate fish sauce.

Desserts often present an array of fresh exotic fruits, while some cruises may serve delectable European pastries as options.

Dinner

As the sun sets over the stunning karst islands in Halong Bay, it's time to prepare for dinner. Most cruises continue to offer a variety of both Western and Vietnamese dishes, ranging from pizza to freshly grilled shrimp made before your eyes.

Some cruises feature a fixed menu, serving dishes at your table for selection. Others provide a buffet-style dinner similar to lunch, with a wide array of seafood such as prawns, squid, lobster, and baked oysters.

A barbecue option is available on selected cruises, where chefs grill tantalizing meals fresh for your enjoyment.

Some cruises include a cooking demonstration, showcasing dishes like 'Drunken Shrimp', where vodka is used to steam shrimp flawlessly in under a minute. Other cruises also let you create your own spring rolls, blending fun, education, and deliciousness into one activity.

Drinks

Essential for an enjoyable dining experience, a diverse selection of beverages is offered. For breakfast and lunch, options include fresh fruit juice, coffee, tea, and milk. During dinner, a variety of wines, beers, cocktails, and spirits are provided. While meals are covered in the cruise fare, drinks typically incur additional charges, payable by cash or card onboard or at the terminal. It's wise to have some cash on hand.

Breakfast

Many believe breakfast is the most important meal of the day. A hearty breakfast is vital during your cruise in 2025.

Alongside the traditional Vietnamese breakfast featuring Pho and fresh fruit, many cruises now offer Western-style options. This could include a continental breakfast with toast, fruit, pastries, jam, and yogurt, or a gourmet spread with eggs, smoked salmon, fresh bread, and butter. Fresh coffee and tea commonly accompany your cabin rate.

Breakfast is served exclusively on overnight cruises.

Cooking class

One of the highlights of an overnight cruise in 2025 is the opportunity to learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes. Most cruises now include optional cooking classes, where skilled chefs share the history and techniques of popular Vietnamese cuisine.

This experience provides insight into the local culinary culture while you take in the stunning views of the Bay. Spring rolls are typically featured on every menu, alongside a selection of seasonal produce and seafood-based dishes chosen by the chef for you to create.

Each cruise experience is unique. Inquire with your operator about available cooking classes and any potential dietary accommodations.

Tip: For passionate food enthusiasts, consider President Cruises, which features a Michelin Star Chef on board for an unmatched culinary journey.