We chose this cruise after reading several positive reviews. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite match the expectations. On a brighter note, the crew, especially Harry, was outstanding. Their attentiveness, kindness, and professionalism were top-notch, exceeding our expectations. Our rooms offered nice views and were generally comfortable, featuring spacious beds, decent showers, and cleanliness (although there’s a downside). The food was acceptable, with plenty of it, so we never felt hungry. However, anything resembling a buffet was just average. The dinner consisted of a set menu, but they were flexible if you wanted to avoid certain dishes like seafood. Breakfast was served very early, finishing by 7:30 a.m., as the day tours started early. The excursion to Cat Ba Island was intriguing, although it took two hours to get there. We enjoyed swimming and kayaking, but there wasn’t much to do on the boat in between, so we spent some time at the bar. The prices for beer and cocktails were fair, but wine was pricier. Internet access was unreliable, so if you have teenagers who rely on connectivity, be cautious! On the downside, the boat we boarded didn’t resemble the one in the photos; it appeared a bit worn both inside and out. Unfortunately, we had to switch rooms because ours developed a sewage smell, which I suspect the staff is aware of. This odor was everywhere when we disembarked, really diminishing our experience. Overall, we expected more. Others might have had a better time. Ha Long Bay is stunning with its beautiful islands, but sadly, it’s quite polluted.