Royal Palace Cruise
- A mid-range cruise in traditional wooden junk style
- Hearty meals with a lot of seafood options
- Diversity of activities: swimming, kayaking, rowing boat, Tai Chi, cooking class, fishing squid,...
- Focusing on natural and local experience
- Itinerary on Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay with signatures: Surprising Cave, Titop, Bright Cave, Ba Trai Dao Beach, etc.
Cruise information
Rooms & rates
We Price MatchDeluxe Cabin
Max children: 1(up to 12 years of age)
Ocean View Cabin
Max children: 1(up to 12 years of age)
Royal Suite with Balcony
Max children: 1(up to 12 years of age)
About Royal Palace Cruise
Launched in December 2014, Royal Palace Cruise remains a leading wooden cruise operator in Halong Bay as of 2025. With its traditional wooden junk design complemented by modern amenities, the cruise offers a unique blend of classic charm alongside essential comforts for an unforgettable experience amidst the stunning landscape.
Pros
+ Diverse range of activities available.
+ The staff is exceptionally friendly and dedicated.
+ Abundant food options for lunch and dinner.
Cons
- Excursions can be quite crowded.
- Breakfast lacks variety and could be improved.
- Wifi connectivity remains unreliable.
Bottom Line
Royal Palace Cruise offers a classical ambiance reminiscent of traditional junk boats, providing an excellent getaway complete with a plethora of activities to enjoy in Halong Bay.
Itinerary & Activities
The journey with Royal Palace Cruise includes highlights such as Titop Island, Surprise Cave, Dark-Bright Cave, and Three Peach Beach. Guests can experience breathtaking views of the numerous limestone islands and the expansive ocean. Onboard and off-boat activities include kayaking, swimming, sampan boating, cooking classes, squid fishing, and early-morning Tai Chi sessions for a refreshing start to the day amid tranquil surroundings.
Cruise Quality
This wooden vessel showcases traditional Vietnamese architecture. With a thoughtful interior design that combines elegance and intimacy, the ship maintains a unique atmosphere. While Royal Palace Cruise has undergone upgrades in recent years, certain areas may still indicate the need for further renovations.
Cabin Quality
The cruise features 14 deluxe cabins spread across three levels, each ranging from 16 to 25 square meters. Every cabin comes equipped with large windows, an ensuite bathroom featuring a rain shower, and complimentary bath amenities. The Royal Suites Cabin, considered the finest on the cruise, boasts a spacious private terrace with uninterrupted views at the rear of the ship.
- Deluxe (16 sqm): 1st level, 6 cabins, wide windows available as double or twin.
- Deluxe Family (22 sqm): 1st level, 2 cabins, equipped with 1 double and 1 single bed.
- Ocean-view cabins (18 sqm): 3rd level, 4 cabins, with expansive windows available as double or twin.
- Royal Suite (25 sqm): 2nd level, 2 cabins, featuring a large private balcony available as double or twin.
Service & Facilities
The dedicated crew aboard Royal Palace Cruise consistently aims to fulfill guest needs, offering attentive service 24/7. The cruise provides several communal facilities, including a cozy restaurant and bar, a spacious sundeck with seating, and a spa that offers various massage treatments. Queuing up for karaoke, fishing for squid, or donning traditional royal costumes are also must-try activities on board.
Food & Beverage
Dining on the cruise features a rich selection of local cuisine blended with Western influences. Most meals are served as set menus, highlighting seafood while catering to meat lovers and vegans alike. The bar stocks a variety of beverages, including cocktails, fresh juices, wines, beers, and soft drinks.
Frequently asked questions
The disembarkation time is now approximately 12:30 PM.
01 Complimentary bottles of water per guest are now provided in the cabin. For additional drinks from the bar, payment will be processed during check-out.
Yes, the cruise offers a variety of non-seafood meals for guests. Those with specific dietary preferences can enjoy alternative options during their dining experience.
Yes. Shuttle bus service is available upon request in 2025. For specific details or to arrange a pickup, please contact customer service at (555) 012-3456 or visit our website for more information.
Yes. There are now 2 Deluxe Family Cabins available. Each cabin features 1 double bed and 1 single bed, accommodating up to 3 adults and 1 child comfortably.
Things to know
- Welcome drink on board
- Complimentary Water in the Cabin
- Accommodation on board: Safe ensuite cabin with A/C, hot water
- Meals as indicated
- Cooking Class Demonstration
- Happy Hours,
- Tai Chi lesson Entrance fees.
- English-speaking guide.
- Kayaking
- Transfer to and from Halong Bay
- Beverages
- Airfare, VISA arrangements
- Beauty Spa Services & Massage
- Travel insurance
- Tips and other personal services.
- Any fee for emergency case.
- All other services not mentioned in the Inclusions
Child Policy:
- Children under 5 years old: Free of charge (FOC) when sharing a cabin with 2 adults.
- Only 1 child under 5 years old per cabin is allowed for FOC.
- Children aged 5-10: 75% of the adult rate will be charged (sharing bed with parents).
- Children aged 11 and above: Must pay the full adult fare.
Peak Season Surcharge:
- Christmas Eve (24/12), New Year's Eve (31/12), Lunar New Year (9, 10, 11, 12/2/2024), 30 April, 2 September and Saturdays (1 May to 2 September): $10/person per night.
Shuttle Bus (Round Trip): (If it is not included in the cruise package)
- Shuttle bus from Hanoi to Cruise Port: $25/person (adults and children).
- Pick-up points: Hanoi Old Quarter area.
- More than 30 days prior to check-in: free of charge
- From 30 to 7 days prior to check-in: 20% of total rates
- From 6 to 3 days prior to check-in: 50% of total rates.
- Less than 3 days prior to check-in: 100% of total rates.
- No-Show: 100% of total rates.
- Please note the cancellation must be in written form and sent to us via email.
Maps and Itineraries
Our guest's experiences (7)
| 5 star |
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6 reviews |
| 4 star |
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1 reviews |
| 3 star |
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0 reviews |
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0 reviews |
| 1 star |
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0 reviews |
The bay was speechless. There were majestic limestone rocks and the cave tour was fantastic. The hike at Titop Island was a bit difficult yet the view was well worth it. Our cabin was a bit small and the air-con did not work well. The staff was a plus on the tour. The guide and food and beverage staff were caring and attentive to details.
The cruise runs smoothly and we love the classic style of the traditional vessel. Delicious food and comfortable cabin. The downside is that the time for excursions was short and we had to keep following the schedule strictly if we did not want to miss it. We had just around half an hour for kayaking since it took some time to arrange the kayak for everyone. The drinks were at a very high price.
Shout out to the crew. My husband and I were nicely treated and well fed. The food and activities were varied. The schedule was tight yet all of the activities were exciting. We wish we had booked 2 nights so we have more time to relax onboard and enjoy activities. Halong Bay was stunning and it was a truly lifelong destination.
Had a family trip for 2 nights. There were a bunch of activities, sometimes too many that you need more break time. Food was good and allergies were well taken care of. Staff could not be more helpful and were always smiling. The tour to Surprise cave, the island was incredible. Kayaking at the pearl farm was short while it was much better at the Bright cave. Swimming at the beach in the Lan Ha Bay area was fabulous. In short, if you love activities and the old style for a mid-range price, Royal Palace is the best choice.
The ship was in traditional style with multiple activities on and offboard. Room and food were okay. The staff was friendly. Internet connection on the boat was bad.
We are 3 couples joining the Royal Palace for 2D1N. Our cabins were on the 3rd level with a stunning view of the bay. The cave and island were magnificent yet it was crowded. It would be better if we could go visit at another time but most cruises share the same itineraries. The food was great and plentiful. We will suggest this tour to my family.
A nice trip on the traditional wooden junk! The classic architecture and design offered a nostalgic vibe. The cabin was compact and had a wide window. We stayed in the Deluxe on the main deck. Food was a balance of seafood and non-seafood dishes but you can order special requests such as vegetarian, dairy-free or gluten-free, etc. Lunch and dinner were better than breakfasts.
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