The gracious Ginger will be Heritage Line’s new vessel cruising the Lan Ha Bay, which is a tranquil part of the famous Halong Bay in Vietnam. Ginger hosts only 12 large suites, all naturally light-flooded and with well-sized balcony. There will be two Regent Suites in the highest room category. Additional four Signature Suites and six Junior Suites complete the suite only vessel. Ginger expresses her elegance with warm timber floors, marble bathrooms and distinguished design themes that interlace the long-lasting traditions of Northern Vietnam paired with contemporary accents.
The most exclusive facility is Ginger’s pool on the terrace deck. Surrounded by comfortable shaded sunbeds, the views from the pool are spectacular. So are the views from the spa rooms in the stern of the ship – one VIP spa room comes with steam bath. Combine relaxing spa treatments with dramatic outlooks through floor to ceiling glass windows on the bay.
Day 1: Hanoi - Tuan Chau – Cat Ba National Park – Lan Ha Bay Mooring Point
- After meeting at Heritage Line’s welcome lounge at the Tuan Chau Marina, we take a quick speedboat transfer to your luxurious floating home before starting our unique journey of exploring one of the wonders of nature – Lan Ha Bay and its main island of Cat Ba. The first highlight of the cruise is lunch, which we serve in Ginger’s nearly 360-degree light-flooded restaurant. Our live cooking in the open kitchen is a one of a kind experience – enjoy the culinary display along with fantastic panoramic views of the passing scenery. Relax on the terrace deck or on your private balcony and soak in the enchanting aura which emanates from the surreal seascape. While we cruise along in the early afternoon, there is time to enjoy some unique facilities on board. Take a plunge in the pool with infinity-like vistas or get pampered with a selection of fine treatments and massages in spa area of the ship.
- As we reach the shore of a small lagoon on Cat Ba Island, we hop on bicycles (e-cart transfers are also available) for a leisure pedaling along small paved roads towards the Viet Hai village. Little has changed in Viet Hai since the ancestors of the 80 households settled here centuries ago. Situated in a valley within the Cat Ba National Park and surrounded on all sides by think forest and mountains, the locals are isolated from the island’s other villages and towns. The only access is via sea. The community is self-sufficient, as the residents provide for themselves by cultivating vegetables and fruits in the next door fields, growing rice of cause in the valley, and go fishing out in the bay. This is truly unique and authentic opportunity to meet local inhabitants and experience their local daily life. We have a glimpse of local households, see how they make medicine organically from a tree bark and we can also try various homemade liquors.
- Back on board, and during the time we sailing northbound again, our chef invitees for an interactive cooking class in the restaurant’s big open kitchen. Learn about local ingredients as well as the preparation of classic Vietnamese dishes. You are warmly invited to lend a hand. As the sun sets, we arrive at our tranquil anchor spot for the night. Kick bank and let reveal in your mind’s eye today’s adventures as night falls gently over the bay. After a delicious dinner, you may like to unwind at our bar with a digestif or watch a movie in the cinema which is set up in the dining area later on. Or join our team and have some fun fishing for squid before retiring to your room.
Day 2: Lan Ha Bay - Tuan Chau - Hanoi
- Wake up early and join our Tai Chi session on the terrace deck to ease your mind and muscles with the first rays of the sun touching the water. Coffee, tea and breakfast pastries await in the dining room to start the day. It is time for Heritage Line Ginger to lift her anchors and cruise to a place called “Frog Lake”, a secluded area which is perfect for our energetic morning excursion. Go for a refreshing swim in the bay or explore this captivating marine landscape via kayak. The cliffs stretch vertically out of the water and you feel a sense of freedom while paddling through this labyrinth of jade-green water, rocks and vivid tree-topped islets.
- Back on board, we serve a hearty breakfast while cruising back to our off-shore embarkation spot, from where we transfer you back to the welcome lounge at the pier by your speed boat. Savour the last moments of this unique journey while relaxing on comfy sun beds on the terrace deck.
Day 1: Hanoi - Tuan Chau – Viet Hai – Lan Ha Bay Mooring Point
- After meeting at Heritage Line’s welcome lounge at the Tuan Chau Marina, we take a quick speedboat transfer to your luxurious floating home before starting our unique journey of exploring one of the wonders of nature – Lan Ha Bay and its main island of Cat Ba. The first highlight of the cruise is lunch, which is served in Ylang’s nearly 360-degree light-flooded, elegant restaurant. Enjoy a fine menu of tasty local, international or vegetarian dishes freshly prepared by our culinary team. Relax on the terrace deck or on your private balcony and soak in the enchanting aura which emanates from the surreal seascape. While we cruise along in the early afternoon, there is time to enjoy the ship’s vast wellness and spa offerings. Choose your favourite treatment from an extensive spa menu, or take a plunge in the pool with infinity-like vistas.
- As we reach the shore of a small lagoon on Cat Ba Island, we hop on bicycles (e-cart transfers are also available) for a leisure pedaling along small paved roads towards the Viet Hai village. Little has changed in Viet Hai since the ancestors of the 80 households settled here centuries ago. Situated in a valley within the Cat Ba National Park and surrounded on all sides by think forest and mountains, the locals are isolated from the island’s other villages and towns. The only access is via sea. The community is self-sufficient, as the residents provide for themselves by cultivating vegetables and fruits in the next door fields, growing rice of cause in the valley, and go fishing out in the bay. This is truly unique and authentic opportunity to meet local inhabitants and experience their local daily life. We have a glimpse of local households, see how they make medicine organically from a tree bark and we can also try various homemade liquors.
- Back on board, we are sailing a little bit to find an exclusive and undisturbed parking spot for the overnight mooring in the midst of southern Lan Ha Bay. Join an optional tea tasting lesson in the restaurant to learn about Vietnam’s traditional herbal teas and gain insight into their health benefits. Alternatively, get pampered with a spa treatment or take a sauna session in Ylang’s fantastic spa facilities. We can also provide you with a foot massage in the privacy of your suite. For dinner, you can choose assorted dishes from the delectable multiple course menu. After dining, we offer in the wellness studio a guided “singing bowl meditation”. This is an ancient Tibetan ritual which intends to invoke a deep state of relaxation – it alleviates stress and promotes a better night of sleep. You can also opt for one of the best ways to spend the evening by just taking a seat under the stars on the terrace deck or on your balcony to embrace the serenity of this surreal landscape. Or if you would like to fully immerse yourself in relaxation, our spa is open until late.
Day 2: Lan Ha Bay Mooring Point – Ben Beo – Cat Ba National Park – Lan Ha Bay Mooring Point
- Wake up early and have a coffee, tea or a pastry prepared in the restaurant before joining our Tai Chi session on the terrace deck. A great experience to ease your mind and muscles with the first rays of the sun touching the water. Afterwards you can re-energize from our wide selection of healthy or hearty breakfast offerings. Meanwhile, Ylang sails towards the very southern tip of Cat Ba Island. Here, we take our tender and visit one of a last remaining real authentic floating fishing villages, not far outside of the town of Ben Beo on the main island. This fishing village is home to approx. 300 families living in floating houses and making their living from fishing and aquaculture, much like their ancestors did. Get a close view of how the villagers live and work on the water in this unique community. We continue towards Ben Beo Pier, go ashore and travel a short distance along scenic island roads into the Cat Ba National Park. We like invite you for a leisurely and mindful walk (taking the same path both ways) through this lush, jungle-like forest to get a somewhat a feeling of this tropical island. Cat Ba National Park is designated as a biosphere reserve and hosts over 1,500 plant species, 78 avian, 20 reptilian and 32 mammalian species including deer, macaques and civets. Guests who would like to skip the light trekking, we bring back to the ship to enjoy Ylang’s facilities in the meantime.
- Once all back on board lunch is served, and the luxury Ylang resumes sailing northeast through the stony maze of Lan Ha Bay. Eventually we reach a secluded spot in the bay which will be the basis for our afternoon activities. Ylang will anchor here and we offer our guests an afternoon of “at-your-own-choice”. Our tender is available to commute between a wonderful natural island beach for relaxing or swimming. Kayaks are available as well to explore the calm area on your own. A snacks and drink station is set up on the beach if you get thirsty or need a bite to eat. Guests who like to stay on the ship, or those prefer to return from the beach, can enjoy from a treatment from our spa menu, or use the steam bath or sauna as complimentary available wellness facilities. Enjoy this afternoon the fullest as the clock is not ticking and take back home long-lasting memories from Lan Ha Bay.
- As the sun sets the ship is sailing further north to find is overnight mooring for the last night. Enjoy your last multi-course dinner in the ambient restaurant. We offering another guided “Singing Bowl Meditation” tonight to join optional, or simply unwind on your private balcony while taking in the tranquility of Lan Ha Bay.
Day 3: Lan Ha Bay Mooring Point – Tuan Chau - Hanoi
- Wake up early and join our Tai Chi session on the terrace deck to ease your mind and muscles with the first rays of the sun touching the water. A traditional Vietnamese coffee, tea and breakfast pastries await in the dining room to start the day. It is time for Heritage Line Ylang to lift her anchors and cruise to a place called “Frog Lake”, a secluded area which is perfect for our energetic morning excursion. Go for a refreshing swim in the bay or explore this captivating marine landscape via kayak. The cliffs stretch vertically out of the water and you feel a sense of freedom while paddling through this labyrinth of jade-green water, rocks and vivid tree-topped islets.
- Back on board, we serve a hearty breakfast while cruising back to our off-shore embarkation spot, from where we transfer you back to the welcome lounge at the pier by your speed boat. Savour the last moments of this unique journey while relaxing on comfy sun beds on the terrace deck.
Experiences
Dining
Accommodations
Onboard Activities
Offboard Excursions
Aboard Ginger, it is a matter of pride for us to present guests with delicious cuisine. Made from fresh locally and internationally sourced ingredients our Vietnamese and Western creations will have guests’ eagerly coming back for seconds when we dish up our chef’s live cooked plates. Breakfasts can either be taken in the restaurant, at the alfresco area on the sun deck or even served in the privacy of your room.
Overall rating
4.3 / 5
based on 15 reviews
Review summary
- Cruise condition/Cleanliness
4.1 / 5
- Room comfort/Standard
4.4 / 5
- Staff Performance
4.1 / 5
-
Food/Dining
4.1 / 5
- Service Quality
4.7 / 5
- Value for money
4.5 / 5
What a memorable trip!
From the moment we were greeted cheerfully with a smile by the cruise’s host and her team. Lan Ha bay’s scenery is breathtaking.Thank you again Ginger Cruise!
Alan Delisle
Canada
Travelled as Family
3 Days 2 Night
July 2, 2018
Beautiful voyage, amazing staff and first-rate service
There is only one word that comes across my mind- AMAZING. My hubby and I went on a 2 day 1 night trip with Ginger Cruise. That was our first time in Vietnam and there was not much things to do in Hanoi so we decided to take a cruise and Ginger Cruise was an out-standing name among cruises out in Lan Ha Bay.We had a remarkable time. We were surrounded by mind-blowing mountains and calm water. The boat was sailing the water smoothly that we barely felt its movement. The entire staff were always welcoming, accommodating and, to say they went above and beyond the standard qualification. They made us felt like we were part of their big family. That will be the part I miss out the most about our time in Lan Ha Bay: the special bond we had with people we met. I strongly recommend these people!
Heida Pohl
Germany
Travelled as Family
3 Days 2 Night
July 2, 2018
The pearl of Vietnam!
We did a 2 day 1 night with Ginger Cruise. It was an incredibly hard job picking from the endless cruise lines available, but in the end we went with Ginger Cruise because their reviews were so consistently excellent plus they gave us prompt replies to our queries. After all we weren’t disappointed. The cruise was spotless. We enjoyed our Junior Suite Cabin, the food was beautifully presented. The cooking presentation in the restaurant’s open kitchen was well entertaining. We now can make tasty Vietnamese spring rolls ourselves. It was special sitting up there watching the setting sun, with the exhausting heat of the day finally subsiding a little. The activities were fun and interesting, and kept us busy. Visiting the island which I can’t remember its Vietnamese name was the most fun part. Most notable, the staff were excellent. They were friendly, helpful, considerate, attentive and very good with names. We were given a bottle of water every time we left the main boat, and were greeted with a refreshing drink and cold face-towel every time we returned. Tons of services out there but surely this cruise gave us the best experience so far. So I can highly recommend Ginger Cruise as a great way to experience Lan Ha Bay – the pearl of Vietnam.
Richard Rivers
United Kingdom
Travelled as Family
3 Days 2 Night
July 1, 2018
Best way to experience Halong Bay
Outstanding customer service: the staff were really friendly and hospitable to on Ginger Cruise. They tried their best to add to the experience, bending over backwards for us really. The cabin we had was gorgeous and spacious. They had various options for the cabin and we picked a Signature Suite Cabin with beautiful view from upper deck. My small tip is: do your back pack as light as possible because the cruise has almost all the amenities you need. We had this beautiful private balcony – but you know what – you will spend most of your time on the main areas so the balcony is not that necessary. We spent one night and two days on the cruise and some of our highlights included visiting a water tunnel cave on a handcrafted bamboo boat, participating in a cooking class on the sundeck and relaxing Tai Chi exercise in tranquil scenery of Lan Ha Bay. Generally speaking, the cruise was amazing and memorable!
Harry Lowe
United States
Travelled as Family
3 Days 2 Night
June 29, 2018
Beautiful and remarkable experience.
It was the most amazing cruise experience I’ve ever had with Ginger Cruise. The cruise was gorgeous, the crew were pleasant & friendly & the entire experience was wonderful! Cleaning happened 24/7. Food was beyond good and the dining board looked beautiful. I can’t begin to start saying how magnificent the bay was! Not to mention the service there…we were treated like royalty!
The crew was constantly cleaning, which to me indicates that they care about the people cruising with them. When approached, crew members were helpful & friendly at all times.
Our room was very nice & well-equipped with all the utilities we needed. The shower was amazing and the private balcony was heavenly! Highly recommend!
Jan Coessens
Belgium
Travelled as Family
3 Days 2 Night
June 26, 2018
A Luxurious Experience
We booked a Regent Suite on board the Ginger Cruise. The suite was stunning with a huge king size bed & bathroom complete with spa bath. It was comfortable, spotlessly cleaned daily. The intimate dining room was world class. The sights and boat trips to the various attractions were well organised with staff from the boat guiding you through the experience. We loved Lan Ha Bay and all it had to offer and were glad to have booked the 2 day 1 night package as it was relaxed, covered the main attractions and allowed enough time between activities to relax on our own private terrace.To summarise: Amazing experience with a great tour.
Oliver Lambert
Australia
Travelled as Family
3 Days 2 Night
June 22, 2018
Great experience
From the moment we arrived the staff were so helpful and could not do enough for you. Cabins clean and lovely although a little small we had a balcony which was lovely. Good variety in the meals and drinks reasonable in price. I fell ill on board and the staff were very caring and checked in to make sure I was ok and offering ginger tea and medical attention if needed. The bay itself is amazing so beautiful tours a little rushed not a lot of time given in each spot but overall a great day experience.
Franky H
Australia
Travelled as Couple
2 Days 1 Night
June 1, 2018
Amazing cruise – highly recommended
We were so well looked after by the staff. The boat is beautiful, the food amazing, the views incomparable. Our room was so much bigger than we expected given the size of the boat – we had a king size bed, en suite and a balcony. Cooking class was great fun too.
Bryan V
Canada
Travelled as Group
2 Days 1 Night
May 25, 2018
Very nice
We stayed one night in Ginger cruise, which was a white nice boat. We visited cave, sailed skyak. Halong Bay is spectacular scenes, I was lack of words to describe how it was wonderful.
Jess F
Singapore
Travelled as Couple
2 Days 1 Night
May 19, 2018
Outstanding cruise
This was a highlight! Outstanding service, food, activities, and beautiful accommodation! Clean and well presented. Loved everything about it. The rooms were lovely, so cIean. I was worried about seasickness, but it was so smooth it didn’t cause us any problems.
Gabby J
New Zealand
Travelled as Couple
2 Days 1 Night
May 18, 2018
Love this
It is my recommended cruise for a travel around Halong Bay overnight. The meals were delicious and very satisfying. The cabin was large comprising a living room with full equipment. Activities such as caves and villages visiting were well-organized and very interesting. We truly had a good time.
Tyler C
Singapore
Travelled as Family
2 Days 1 Night
May 15, 2018
An absolute highlight!
The Ginger was sheer gracious elegance at sea in amongst one of the most spectacular sights in the world. The decor, the roomy cabins (with balcony), the food and the attentive staff were all exceptional. The one downer is that the activities ‘off the boat’ mean that you’re herded with thousands of other tourists to the same place at the same time. The operators need to stagger times or sort out other options. It cheapens the experience.
Haiden A
Canada
Travelled as Couple
2 Days 1 Night
May 12, 2018
Excellent
Great trip. Staff very friendly and accommodating to all needs. Excursions were really interesting.I greatly enjoyed kayaking and the tour through the cave, but what impressed me the most was a ride on bicycle around Viet Hai village, the beautiful and peaceful one. (As far as I know, there is no other cruise offering this kind of activity). The food was fantastic and although the drinks slightly expensive still good value for a cruise. Rooms were large enough for the stay and the bathroom was very roomy.
Ali F
New Zealand
Travelled as Family
2 Days 1 Night
May 10, 2018
Top Cruise in Halong Bay
We spent 2 days and one night trip to Halong Bay with Ginger Cruise last week, We were first warmly welcome at the Harbor before boarding. The cruise was clean and friendly with 10 suites and great view from the room, All staffs were very friendly and helpful. The food was amazing as the chef cooked out in a live kitchen for your eyes and mouth. We also really enjoy the rowing boat trip by the local people to the fishing village. This cruise is highly recommended.
Jaime B
United States
Travelled as Group
2 Days 1 Night
May 6, 2018
Great boat in the world’s most beautiful environment
Lucky to spend 2 days and 1 night on this boat. A boat with 10 cabins and very friendly staff. Great tidy meals. The trips occasionally give a group travel feeling? But there is plenty of time to quietly enjoy beautiful surroundings. Only 2 days and 1 night is really a shame!
Mei O
Canada
Travelled as Group
2 Days 1 Night
May 4, 2018
