Violet Cruise Halong Bay was launched on 1st November 2009, the newest five star junk – Violet Cruise Halong has fitted out in the 1930’s Indochine style. The luxurious cruise features a boutique dinning room, library & lounge, Spa & Gym and 6 individual theme cabins with marble bathroom, Jacuzzi & balcony.
Enjoy local day-caught seafood well-cooked in Vietnamese marvelous cuisine in a spacious boutique dining room, inspire yourself with glass of wine admiring the brilliant sunset of the bay or simply relax with gentle pampering at Violet spa after taking exercises in the Violet gym.
Those are just available at Halong Violet Cruise which is an ideal junk for family gatherings, honeymooners, or couples of friends who love to explore the exotic bay still enjoying, however, elegant comforts. Entertain lavishly in a 43 sqm suite offering elegant Indochina 1930 decor featuring warm, exotic woods, fabrics and hand painted walls & ceiling.. Come and enjoy your best time in Halong Bay on Violet Cruise Halong.
Day 1: Tuan Chau – Cua Van – Halong Bay Mooring Point
- Get acquainted with the facilities on board as we set sail for your Halong Bay experience. Savour your first hours in the bay on the sun deck and simply let your eyes wander over the breathtaking scenery during our first hours of cruising.
- We arrive at Cua Van, one of the last remaining floating fishing villages in Halong Bay, and which some fishermen still use as a base for their fishing and aquacultural activities. With a small bamboo boat rowed by locals, we have a look at the floating structures in this calm and secluded area to gain some insight into village life. If you prefer to be more active, borrow a kayak (complimentary for 2-night cruises) and paddle around by yourself. This is the perfect way to freely move about and explore this part of the bay. The fishing village also hosts the Cua Van Cultural Center, operated by local residents to preserve and introduce visitors to the village’s history and culture. On display are many archaeological artifacts and photographs depicting life in Cua Van.
- By tender, we transfer to the nearby Tien Ong cave. The cave shows evidence of human civilization dating back to 10,000 – 8,000 BC. Fossil evidence also proves that the cave was part of the mainland continent ages ago before Halong Bay became the marine wonder it is today. Tien Ong cave reaches a depth of 50 metres and covers a total area of roughly 1,000 square metres. Follow our guide as we loop though and learn interesting details about this cavern.
- After returning to the boat, we sail to the overnight mooring area. During this the magical “blue hour”, Halong Bay reveals its magnificent beauty. Unwind on the sun deck with your favourite drink and be fully present in this moment. As we sail along, you may like to join our cooking class by our chef. You are welcome to practice these easy, but very tasty classic Vietnamese recipes for yourself – then cook them for your loved ones back at home.
- After a bit of downtime, dinner is served. Please note: Guests aboard Heritage Line Jasmine can enjoy a terrace deck barbecue feast and side buffet (or set menu, alternatively). Passengers on Heritage Line’s luxurious Violet can choose from international or local favourites from a multi-course à la carte menu.
- After dinner, our on-board guide offers an intriguing presentation about the bay’s unique and fascinating insights. Alternatively, give yourself a try at squid fishing together with our staff – always an entertaining experience. While away the rest of the evening and treasure this special moment amidst the magical landscapes before falling into a restful slumber in the middle of Halong Bay where, once upon a time, sparkling jewels cascaded from heavenly dragons.
Day 2: Sung Sot Cave – Pearl Farm – Halong Bay Mooring Point
- Wake up at dawn to the lapping of the waves and the smell of freshly brewed coffee, which is available with pastries in the dining room. If you wish to begin your day active, join the early morning Tai Chi class on the sun deck and merge with the surrounding scenery – a truly unique experience. For today’s exciting explorations we board our cozy day boat, named Sunset. Breakfast is served as the ship sails for Sung Sot, the largest cave in Halong Bay.
- With an astonishing area of 10,000 square meters, Sung Sot is comprised of two chambers. The outer chamber welcomes visitors with stalactites acting as chandeliers hanging from the 30-metre (98 ft) high ceiling. A connecting 3-metre (10 ft) wide path then opens onto the inner chamber, known as the grand “opera house”. This magnificent room features a clear pond, plentiful plant-life, splendid stalagmites, stalactites and rock formations formed over millions of years, and the chorus of birds singing, water flowing and sometimes, monkeys frolicking.
- Back aboard, you can relax on the sun deck or in the air-conditioned dining area with a tasty “cafe sua da” before having the opportunity to explore the marine landscape on your own via kayak. The cliffs stretch vertically out of the water and you feel a sense of freedom while meandering through this green medley of water and tree-topped islets.
- The ship continues the journey to a floating pearl farm. We learn how the various kinds of pearls cultivated here are grown, harvested and processed. Watch as a skilled technician uses precision tools to carefully and gently open an oyster before implanting a seed and returning it into the water. The odds of success are low and the fascinating process requires several years, but if mother nature gives her blessing, the oyster then produces a gorgeous round gemstone. After the visit, we leisurely sail back to the mothership, where you have time for sunbathing, a relaxing spa treatment or, of course, the must-watch “blue hour”.
- Enjoy your dinner aboard (subject to the vessel you are cruising on – see our dining options from Day 1) and afterwards, join our crew once again in catching squid, which we are happy to prepare for you fresh as a late night snack. Our bar is open late and eager to serve a drink of your choice as you relax on a lounger and enjoy the serenity of Halong Bay before retiring for the night.
Day 3: Halong Bay Mooring Point – Ti Top Island – Tuan Chau
- For early risers, tea, coffee and pastries are available in the dining room. Once again, a Tai Chi class offered on the sun deck to awaken your mind and muscles. In the morning, we set sail to the small Ti Top Island. Formerly named Cat Nang, the island received a name change after former president Ho Chi Minh and the second man to orbit the Earth, Russian astronaut ‘German Titov’, toured Halong Bay together in 1962. Since the cosmonaut was so fascinated with this picturesque islet, Uncle Ho would rename the spectacle Ti Top Island to honour Titov and as a gesture of friendship between their two countries.
- Once arriving at Ti Top, you can go for a refreshing morning swim on a sandy beach beneath towering rock formations. If you prefer to be a bit more active, climb 400 stone steps (which takes about 20 minutes) to the island’s top and be rewarded with stunning, panoramic views over the bay. There is also a viewing platform about half-way up with great vistas framed by lush greenery – perfect for photos.
- Back on board, you can take a shower and freshen up. Now is the time to enjoy the final moments of sailing as we head back to the harbour while breakfast is served. Until we reach the pier, relax on the sun deck or in the dining room while savouring the last views of this iconic site.
Overall rating
4.2 / 5
based on 3 reviews
Review summary
- Cruise condition/Cleanliness
4.0 / 5
- Room comfort/Standard
4.3 / 5
- Staff Performance
4.0 / 5
-
Food/Dining
4.3 / 5
- Service Quality
4.3 / 5
- Value for money
4.3 / 5
Comfy room, amazing landscape and nice staff!
Me and my boyfriend had an enjoyable two night cruise in Halong bay with Violet Cruise. Apart from the wearying journey to and from Halong bay- Hanoi, the rest of the time was spent smoothly and enjoyably at the Bay. We had a double bed room with beautiful bed and a small balcony that enough to fit in 2 chairs and one table. The room was big enough to make us feel comfortable and it always smelt good. Everything was super clean with first-rate quality. But keep in mind you won’t spend much time in your room since there are large collection of activities to do while you are in the Bay.
The first excursion was to a majestic cave and then the fun kayaking. Some other time we went on a bamboo boat to a fishing village and at night we did squid fishing which was lots of fun. The following day we had Tai Chi lesson at 6:30 and later on a cooking performance where we learnt how to make some simple but yummy food.
A big plus was about the service, the staff were caring and always paid attention to our demands. But there were some cons such as the trip finished a bit early than the amount of hours we expected and the bay was a bit crowed with many other boats surrounded us. Overall this trip with Violet Cruise was worth every penny and suitable for couples on their honeymoon or want to savor their relationships.
Highly recommend!
Kristine Mendoza
Philippines
Travelled as Couple
3 Days 2 Nights
August 9, 2018
What a great excursion!
We were so lucky that we found Violet Cruise. We have never enjoyed a cruise so much as my wife and I and our two friends did on the Violet Cruise from the first to the last minute. The cruise manager was very thoughtful. Our friends’ luggage was left in Ha Noi by mistake. So the cruise manager managed some people to pick them up and then brought them down a boat and finally gave them back to our friends, that was a really brilliant thing she did.
The itineraries were well-organised, we had many fun activities and the most highlight was visiting the fishing Village. The fishing villagers were such peaceful and hardworking people that living away from the modern world.
We will definitely comeback next summer and highly recommend Violet Cruise for those who wanna experience halong bay.
Justen Nijman
Netherlands
Travelled as Group
2 Days 1 Night
June 13, 2018
Halong Bay with Spirit Cruises
It is a beautiful place. The on-board staff can not do enough for you. The variety of local dishes is excellent. Amazing kayak ride.
David C
United States
Travelled as Couple
3 Days 2 Nights
May 17, 2018
