Launching just in December 2017, the art deco inspired Era Cruise is all about upscale dining, opulent suites, endless luxury facilities, and stellar service. Spread across three large decks, Era Cruise offers four different kinds of cabin options.
Ranging from 47 up to a rather impressive 74 square meters, each cabin is as spacious as any decent hotel room. Cabins are fitted with plush upholstery, comfy beds, intimate lighting, and grand private terraces where you can choose to enjoy the spectacular scenery in privacy.
The upscale Era Restaurant exudes class; guests can come and enjoy a selection from the A la carte menu, or a buffet or barbecue if that’s more your taste. The expert chefs are not just highly skilled, but also very accommodating when it comes to individual preferences.
The Skyline Bar simply oozes glamour; it’s art deco style mirroring that of the rest of the ship. Guests can choose from an impressive menu of colourful cocktails, and selection of top shelf liquors. In terms of the ship’s facilities, there is virtually nothing left to be desired.
Guests can enjoy use of the sauna, fitness center, mini cinema, pool table, hot tub, spa and massage service, and the rooftop sundeck. Era Cruise’s brand new steel cruise vessel is not only sleek, it’s also been designed to meet the highest international standards of marine safety.
9.00 – 9.30: Get picked up from your hotel (in or near Hanoi Old Quarter and not included in cabin price) by Era Limousine a.
Follow the newest highway connecting Hanoi and Hai Phong.
12.00: You will be taken aboard our support vessel and travel from the wharf via the bay to board our luxurious craft, Era Cruise. You will be welcomed aboard and greeted with a complimentary drink. Our friendly and professional crew will conduct a compulsory safety procedure session and then you are free to check into your cabin and freshen up. We encourage you to explore our luxuriously-appointed ship then watch the magical landscape cruise past.
13.15: A special lunch of fresh seafood and an assortment of appetizing delicacies will be served. You will be enchanted when decadently dining on our luxury junk, our lavish interpretation of a traditional Vietnamese boat. Life just doesn’t get better than this! We then set sail for Lan Ha Bay, passing Da Chong islet where you can see an ancient lighthouse built by the French over a century ago.
15.00: The final part of the cruise takes us through the Cua Van area to Lan Ha Bay (part of Halong Bay). The 300 or so karst islands and limestone outcrops of Lan Ha are stunning with their pristine, snow-white beaches. You can explore Ba Trai Dao beach via kayaks or immerse yourself in the crystal clear waters.
17.00: It’s time to return to your lavish liner and cruise to your evening
17.30 – 18.30: Who doesn’t love happy hour? We offer an extensive drinks list including special offers such as two for one drinks.
18.00: Our Vietnamese cooking demonstration is a great way to learn how to prepare delicious appetizers and we will guide you through the process.
19.15: You can spoil yourself with a unique Signature Dinner in our distinctive restaurant.
20.45: It is now time to relax with an exotic cocktail and drink in the evening landscape. Our bar offers a wide range or wine, beer and liqueurs and is always a welcome sight for guests after a day sailing on the Bay. You can order an indulgent spa service, watch movies, go squid fishing or simply relax on our roof top deck under the cover of a brightly illuminated sky.
6.30: The morning is the best time of the day on Lan Ha Bay. You might like to head to the upper deck to participate in our daily Tai Chi sessions or relax with an early morning cup of tea, coffee or juice to watch the stunning scenery unfold before you.
7.00: A light breakfast of pastries, tea and coffee will be served in our restaurant.
7.30 – 9.15: The final stage of your trip is to be taken through the mysterious caves and amongst the remote islets via local rowing boats. The breath-taking beauty of this World Heritage region will certainly impress you. Following this, you will journey back to the main ship.
9.30: It’s time to check out of your cabin as we draw closer to the mainland. After a final early brunch and a last farewell from our crew at 11:30, you will board our transfer boat and head back to the wharf where you will be met by your return trip vehicle to transfer you to Hanoi.
12.30: Now you board the luxury van and return to Hanoi.
9.00 – 9.30: Get picked up from your hotel (in or near Hanoi Old Quarter and not included in cabin price) by Era Limousine.Follow the newest highway connecting Hanoi and Hai Phong.
12.00: You will be taken on our tender from the wharf and make your way out onto the bay to board our luxurious craft, Era Cruise. You will be welcome aboard and greeted with a complimentary drink. Our Crew will conduct a compulsory safety procedures session and then you are free to check into your cabin and freshen up. Take some time to have a look around the vessel or watch the magical landscape go by.
13.15: A special lunch of fresh seafood and an assortment of appetizing favorites will be served. Dining on a luxury junk with fine food and drinks doesn’t come much better than this. We set sail for Lan Ha Bay passing to Da Chong islet where you can see a lighthouse built by the French over 100 years ago.
15.00: When lunch is about to finish, it is just nice that the Cruise complete its entry through Cua Van area to Lan Ha Bay (as part of Halong Bay). The area is surrounding of a lot extraordinary limestone karst landscapes. Guests can start their journey to explore Ba Trai Dao beach, doing the kayak to immersed in the crystal clear waters of the bay and/or enjoy swimming.
17.00: Back to main boat, and cruising to a place for staying overnight.
17.30 – 18.30: Happy hour with special drink menu (Buy one get another one for free).
18.00: Our Vietnamese cooking demonstration is a great way to learn how to prepare delicious appetizers and we will guide you through the process.
19.15: Relish special Signature Dinner in restaurant.
20.45: Your free time to relax with an exotic cocktail or whatever takes your fancy. Our bar has a wide range or wines, beers and liquors and is always a welcome sight for guests after a day on Bay. Order a Spa service or take any activities on boat cruise such as watching documentary movies, squid fishing or simply relax on our roof top deck under the cover of a star filled sky.
6.30: Early birds are welcome to attend sunrise Tai Chi on our upper deck and it’s an excellent way to get your energy levels up for today’s adventures. You will be fascinated by the exquisiteness in the early hours as you enjoy a coffee or tea.
8.00: Enjoy a buffet breakfast with best local coffee brand and freshly fruit juices.
9.00: Next we board our Era Day Boat to head to Viet Hai Village. You will take the bicycle trip along the village path and go through rain forests and dark tunnel. Enjoy stunning scenery of rice fields on the way. Stop at the village to relax. Visit an ancient local house, made from straw, mud, bamboo…you will have chance to see the local life on a valley of local people. Optional electric car service is available (at an extra cost).
12.00: Have lunch with Signature set menu on our day boat.
13.45: Free kayaking and swimming at Ba Ham Lake area situated in the middle of a narrow, rectangular area, with the all four sides enclosed by vertical cliffs (if the weather permit).
16.00: Back on board Era Cruise, take some time to freshen up, take a nap or just relax at your leisure as we cruise to our overnight area. Witness one of the most brilliant sunsets you will ever see.
17.30 – 18.30: Bar opens for Happy Hour “Buy one get one free”.
18.00: Enjoy cooking demonstration to discover our Vietnamese cuisine of traditional spring rolls.
19.15: A special dinner will be served offering you outstanding food and quality service.
20.45: This evening is yours to enjoy whatever you please. Tonight we will hold a movie night with a selection of films available. We also have a selection of board games for your entertainment. Our bar is always open and is an ideal place to meet new people and share stories about your adventures.
6.30: The nicest time of the day on Lan Ha Bay is the morning. Head to the upper deck to participate in our daily Tai Chi sessions. Relax with an early morning cup of tea, coffee or juice anywhere you wish on the boat and watch the never ending miraculous scenery unfold before you.
7.00: Light breakfast will be served in our restaurant (pastries, tea, coffee).
7.30 – 9.15: Enjoy the last stage of your trip to Dark & Bright cave and islets by local rowing boats which is a wild and mysterious beauty in the middle of the World Heritage. Back to our main board afterwards.
9.30: Check out of your cabin as we draw closer to the mainland. After a final early brunch and a last goodbye from our crew at 11:30, you will board our tender and head back to the wharf where you will be met by your return trip vehicle to transfer you to Hanoi.
12.30: Get on luxury van and return to Hanoi.
Overall rating
4.0 / 5
based on 10 reviews
Review summary
- Cruise condition/Cleanliness
4.1 / 5
- Room comfort/Standard
3.6 / 5
- Staff Performance
4.0 / 5
-
Food/Dining
3.6 / 5
- Service Quality
4.5 / 5
- Value for money
4.4 / 5
Recommended
It is not an economic cruise, but among the many this has really large rooms and well furnished, with private balcony, bed facing water and bathroom all overlooking the sea, very large .. say 46 sqm. The tireless and kind guide Joy manager always attentive to customer needs. There should be about twenty rooms, even the cheapest ones are beautiful. Drinks are charged separately but at prices however popular even at double prices than normal. In any case, it remains a truly beautiful and unmissable experience if you visit Vietnam.
Sebastian E
United States
November 7, 2018
Group
2 Days 1 Night on November 2, 2018
Cannot miss this trip
A boat of 5* high class, impeccable service, dream room with shower, bathtub and balcony with deckchair. Very clean and very comfortable bed. The Chef prepared us succulent and very refined meals. A very entertaining and fun cooking class. The decks were well equipped, including deckchairs and lounges. Also kayaking through a cave was greatly fun. Everything is perfect. Do not miss out.
Madden V
Singapore
November 6, 2018
Couple
2 Days 1 Night on October 28, 2018
Wonderful
I only have good words for Cruise. Everything was perfect, the boat the food, the excursions … but the most important thing is attention and care at all times. Judy was a great help in the reserve and Thang the Cruise manager of ten. For 3 days I saw many boats and without a doubt for me this is the best. It’s not cheap but every dollar is worth it. Enjoy!
Freddie P
Canada
October 29, 2018
Family
3 Days 2 Nights on October 23, 2018
Spectacular Cruise
We just left our cruise with Era Cruises and I can say everything perfect, from the transport from Hanoi, to the boat that is the best we have seen in the whole Bay but to highlight the spectacular staterooms and especially its amazing staff. They were waiting for you at all times. A special greeting to all the personnel of Era and especially to Madame Joy the manager of the boat that has been charming.
Shane W
New Zealand
October 27, 2018
Family
2 Days 1 Night on October 20, 2018
Dream-like cruise
We were 3 days / 2 nights on the Era Cruise 1. The team was very helpful and absolutely friendly. The room with balcony was very spacious and had a fantastic view. The bathtub (whirlpool) is a highlight. Everything was very clean and the food was delicious and adequate …. there was both lunch and dinner a 5 course meal and on the last day an extensive buffet. The breakfast also had a lot to offer and it was asked at every meal, if we wanted more – which was not necessary because of the amount. The area is very quiet and not as crowded as on Halong Bay itself. Supposedly only 30 boats sail here and we often had a view without other cruise ships. The excursions were very nice and relaxed … we were afraid it would be a bit stressier, but we were always allowed to take as much time as we wanted. The kayaking around the rocks is a dream! The second day changes to a smaller dayboat, which is just 3 months old and still spacious enough for all passengers – the sundeck is great! All in all we had a breathtaking time with fantastic weather. We would recommend Era Cruises at any time. Too bad that we had to leave already. A big thank you to the crew!
Dominic E
New Zealand
October 25, 2018
Group
3 Days 2 Nights on October 16, 2018
Well done
A well-organized cruise with an efficient and friendly guide, mrs Joy. Really beautiful boat and the place does the rest. Recommended !!!
Kndrick G
New Zealand
October 22, 2018
Single
2 Days 1 Night on October 17, 2018
Great tour
It was a wonderful tour of Halong Bay. We had a room with a balcony. The decor was great, lots of space and very clean. The program is very well coordinated. There is enough time to relax. Definitely recommend the 3 day 2 night tour which is a great value for money. We will gladly come again. Many thanks to Joy and Lucky for the great care.
Joel L
Australia
October 10, 2018
Couple
3 Days 2 Nights on October 4, 2018
Unforgettable experience
We (2 adults, 1 three year old and 10 months old baby) have a great 2 days on the Era Cruise 1. Jimmy the guide was very helpful and the crew too! Really 5 star (in Asia) service. The ride was also totally comfortable and we took a short break in a rest stop, we had a great time! Our kids were the only ones on board and everyone was very attentive. We had the Family Garden Suite (front with balcony) and was much better than expected. We are glad to have been there and found it a pity that we only booked one night. The food was very good and the program was not tight, we always had 1 hour between program points. Thanks Era Cruises! Unforgettable experience and fascinating place.
Harvey J
New Zealand
October 6, 2018
Family
2 Days 1 Night on September 30, 2018
Nice ship
We had very high expectations which unfortunately were not quite fulfilled. Era cruise is a very nice ship with very nice cabins. We had booked a King Terrace Suite which was absolutely fine. The food on board was very good but not outstanding. Very friendly staff. From the excursions we had expected more, as we only experienced a kayak trip and a ride on the bamboo boat without any attraction. The rocks in Halong Bay are worth seeing, but it would also be sufficient for a day trip without overnight stay. All in all, we would rate the stay with 4 out of 5 stars, but next time prefer a different route.
Spencer V
United States
October 3, 2018
Family
2 Days 1 Night on September 25, 2018
A great experience!
Having had a very negative experience with a similar cruise in India, we have been very skeptical about this trip. Fortunately, we were positively surprised in every way – an amazingly spacious cabin in conjunction with large balcony whereon a comfort sun-bathing settee, great food, a super friendly crew … you can not expect more. It was always the impression that the ERA team was genuinely concerned about the well-being of their guests. Thus, our mini cruise became a unique experience. Unlimited recommendation from us!
Billie L
United Kingdom
September 25, 2018
Couple
2 Days 1 Night on September 18, 2018
