Au Co Cruise

Our experience on the cruise from September 23rd to 24th was truly special as we celebrated a wedding with family and friends on board. The Au Co team made the occasion unforgettable with their excellent organization. The food and service were outstanding, and they offered a variety of meal options. The staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating. A highlight was the traditional music played during the event, particularly by Andrej, who played the zither beautifully. We look forward to returning in the near future.

My wife and I went on our honeymoon and it was truly incredible. Our cabin was set up perfectly, exceeding our honeymoon expectations. The staff was exceptionally friendly and accommodating, and the food was delightful. We even had a special dinner ceremony just for us as a couple. The activities were generally enjoyable, but the cave experience after kayaking was a bit of a letdown. The cave was smaller than we had hoped and it led to a beach where swimming was supposedly allowed. However, the beach was too dirty for swimming and there was a sign indicating that swimming was prohibited, so no one ventured into the water. It seemed like the ships might be dumping trash into the sea, as we noticed a lot of food waste floating around.

From the instant we were greeted at Hanoi airport for our seaplane journey to when we returned to our hotel in Hanoi the following day, our experience was incredible. Our host, Harry, was exceptional and ensured we were well taken care of during our overnight cruise. The food on board was absolutely delicious, enhancing the entire adventure. Everything was top-notch!

Our journey with Scenic Cruises included a delightful two-night stay on Au Co, where we managed to experience so much. The check-in process was smooth and easygoing. Our executive cabin, while cozy, was equipped with all the essentials. The cuisine was superb, and the staff were all incredibly friendly. Although the itinerary was packed, it ensured we thoroughly explored and enjoyed Ha Long Bay. Drinks weren’t covered in the package, but they were reasonably priced. All in all, it was a fantastic part of our voyage.

We recently completed a 3-day, 2-night cruise aboard Au Co as part of our Apt tour. Our journey began and concluded with a bus ride to and from Hanoi. Among the many vessels in Ha Long Bay, the boat was both comfortable and well-equipped. Our cabin, number 202, was located at the rear and featured a spacious balcony with chairs and lounges. Both the bedroom and bathroom were generously sized and extremely comfortable. The sundeck was impressive, though not frequently used, likely due to the cloudy weather. The excursions were well-organized and quite enjoyable. The food and beverages on the ship were excellent, and the staff were friendly, though many spoke limited English. It is unfortunate that the local communities and organizations don’t maintain the cleanliness of this UNESCO World Heritage site better, as the waters surrounding the thousand islands are littered with floating debris. Nevertheless, Au Co provided us with a highly enjoyable experience.

We spent a night in cabin 108, which was roomy and nicely appointed. However, a kettle would have been a convenient addition. The meals on the ship were delightful, and the crew provided outstanding service. Unfortunately, the weather was not in our favor, as it was overcast, rainy, and foggy, preventing us from enjoying the bay’s full beauty. Nonetheless, the excursions to the fishing village and the caves were both fun and engaging.

We thoroughly relished our brief two-night journey to this stunning region. The ship itself was beautiful, and the crew was welcoming, accommodating, and efficient. The food was excellent. Entertainment from Andrej and the team was amazing. Sofia was putting in a lot of effort!

The arrangements beforehand and the guidance during the cruise were excellently managed. The meals were tasty, and they even accommodated menu requests. Although the cocktails were often improvised and didn’t always follow the correct recipes, the crew was exceptionally friendly and eager to assist. Activities like kayaking and cycling to the mountain village were part of the package. However, the downside was the cabin’s damp and stale odor due to humidity, which they attempted to mask with a fragrance vaporizer.

We embarked on a three-day, two-night cruise. The ship itself was pleasant, featuring friendly staff and plentiful, tasty meals. Sadly, the bay’s condition has deteriorated, with trash and oil slicks visible throughout the water. The cruise included brief excursions for kayaking and exploring beaches and caves. We had our swimsuits ready, thinking we’d swim and relax on the beach, but we stayed in our kayak instead. The state of the water deterred us from swimming. We felt quite let down, as the stunning karst formations were marred by the excessive litter, numerous tour boats, and oil rigs. Among the various cruise options, this one seems to stand out as one of the better choices. We enjoyed a private balcony, and everything was tidy. However, our primary reason for the trip was to experience the natural environment, not just the cruise amenities. That’s why we rated it three stars.