Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQs provides answers to common questions about cruising with Bhaya Classic. For more information, please contact us
Before You Book
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What time do the cruise embark/ disembark?

Our cruise embarkation and disembarkation times vary slightly by cruise. For The Au Co and Bhaya Classic, embarkation is at 12:00 PM and disembarkation is at 10:00 AM. Bhaya Soul, our newest cruise, departs slightly earlier at 11:45 AM and returns later at 10:30 AM to avoid the peak hour. For Bhaya Legend Private Charter, the standard schedule is same as The Au Co (12:00 PM – 10:00 AM); however, as a private cruise, we can offer flexibility on the depature time if guests arrive later than 12:00 PM. Please note that disembarkation for Bhaya Legend is always at 10:00 AM.

Can I book the transfer service Noi Bai Airport - Halong before / after my cruise date?

Yes, Bhaya Cruises supports guests booking private one-way transfers between Noi Bai Airport and Halong Bay. For transfers from Noi Bai to Halong Bay, our cruises depart at 12:00 PM, and the travel time is 2.5 to 3 hours by car. Therefore, we recommend arriving at Noi Bai at least 5 hours before cruise departure, especially if you need a visa on arrival. For transfers from Halong Bay to Noi Bai, our cruises disembark at Tuan Chau Harbor at 10:00 AM, and the drive takes 2.5 to 3 hours. We advise scheduling your flight at least 5 hours after disembarkation to avoid any delays.

How do I get to Halong Bay from Hanoi?

For all direct bookings made through the Bhaya Cruises website, round-trip transfer by shared Limousine from Hanoi to Halong Bay is included. The journey typically takes around 2.5 hours.

If you prefer more privacy, a private car transfer can also be arranged with Bhaya Cruises at an additional cost.

Guests seeking a truly unique experience could opt for a seaplane flight from Hanoi to Halong Bay to admire the stunning view from above.

Is the cruise family-friendly?

Absolutely! The overnight cruise is perfect for families. There are a range of activities that both children and adults will enjoy, from exploring caves and beaches to swimming and kayaking. The spacious rooms and safe environment make it an ideal getaway for families with kids of all ages.

What activities are included during the cruise?

Our overnight cruise offers a variety of activities, including swimming, kayaking, visiting caves and islands, biking in remote village and exploring floating fishing villages. You’ll also enjoy early morning Tai Chi sessions on the sundeck, unwind with a sunset cocktail, and soak in the panoramic beauty of the bay. For a deeper cultural experience, guests can join a Vietnamese cooking class, and rice wine tasting session.

Is food included on the cruise?

Yes, all board meals are included on the overnight cruise of Bhaya Cruises. You will enjoy a variety of delicious Vietnamese and Western cuisines, with freshly prepared meals featuring seafood, local specialties, and international options. Special dietary requests can be accommodated with prior notice. Additionally, exclusively on all Bhaya cruises, cakes are freshly baked by our very own Bhaya bakery to elevate your dining experience.

How long is the overnight cruise in Halong Bay?

The overnight cruises typically last 2 to 3 days, giving you ample time to relax, explore, and soak in the natural beauty of Halong Bay. For those looking to delve deeper into this UNESCO World Heritage Site, longer journeys of 4 days, 5 days, or more are also available – perfect for a more immersive and rewarding experience. Bhaya Cruises offers flexible itineraries to suit every traveler’s preference, from shorter escapes to extended voyages, all crafted to deliver exceptional service and a rich variety of onboard experiences and curated excursions.

Is it safe on the cruise in Halong Bay?

Yes, we take the safety and security of our guests and crew seriously; hence, we have 24h security on board. The Captain and Cruise Manager are the Security Officers and you are welcome to ask about personal safety ashore or while cruising. Furthermore, you can use safes in the cabins or suites to store jewelry and other valuables or deposit it in the safety deposit box at the Reception Desk.

In addition, the lifeboats are located on the Sundeck; each accommodates a maximum of 12 people. Also, life vests are available in each cabin, under your bed, in the dining area under your chairs, and in the tender boat; so please check for those once on board. Guests are recommended to wear a life jacket for all excursions, kayaking, and swimming activities.

In case of emergency, please put on the life vest and gather at the reception area. We do offer life vest in children and even infant sizes. Follow the instructions of the cruise manager or chief purser. Your cabin is also equipped with a hammer for breaking the window and an emergency lamp. Tender boats and lifeboats are ready and there are enough places provided for all passengers. For emergency cases on board in Halong Bay, the reception area is the central point on board and our staff is on 24-hour standby behind the reception desk.

Do you have a medical service or doctor on board Halong Bay?

There are no onboard doctors as part of the crew. However, all vessels are equipped with First Aid Kits and a basic medicine supply. Please ensure you bring adequate supplies of prescription medications to cover the duration of your trip. We also recommend you bring medicines for colds, fever, and diarrhea. Of course, we hope you will not need them, but it is always better to be prepared. If a serious medical emergency requires assistance from onshore, we will take you back to the pier within one (01) hour. If you or one of your cruise companions is feeling ill, please inform the Reception Desk immediately.

In case of urgency, our tender can return to the pier to take you to the nearest hospital within 1 hour. The whole boat can also return to the pier within 02 hours.

Is there any restriction for the pregnant?

We regretfully have to refuse guests who have entered their 36th week of pregnancy by the beginning of the cruise. Please advise us how far along (in weeks) your pregnancy is and confirm that you are in good health and are not experiencing a high-risk pregnancy. Besides this, please also inform us of your pregnancy in order for us to take good care of you. Bhaya Cruises strongly recommends you review your health insurance coverage before Halong Bay cruise.

What is the bedding configuration on Bhaya Cruises?

Our cabins can accommodate maximum two (02) Adults and one (01) Child under the age of 12. Bhaya Cruises cannot provide extra beds; however, Bhaya Cruises can offer a mattress (80cm x 160cm) or portable baby cot by request. Additional charges may apply for occupancy of more than two guests per room or suite. Please advise your travel consultant for further details when you book your Halong cruise.

For missing or damaged luggage, or to inquire about an item you may have left on board, please email us at [email protected]. When contacting us, please ensure you give us your full name, cruise vessel name, cabin number, and the cruise date.

What is the cruise policy for children?

Occupancy of a room is limited to two adults and one child. Bhaya Cruises may, however, allow children to stay in the room with their parents, either with or without an extra mattress. Our policy is not to charge for children under 2 years of age. One extra child between 2 and 11 staying with its parents with the existing beds is charged at US$ 80/ child/ night. Two children below 12 staying in a separate cabin will be charged at 75% of the adult price. Children from 12 years older will be charged the same as adults.

What do room services and amenities include? Is there satellite TV available in cabin?

All of our cabins are provided with a set of bathroom amenities and hairdryers. If you have any questions about the appropriate place to plug in your hairdryer, razor or any other appliances, please check with our staff. Also, you can skim over our factsheet for more information about the facilities and amenities in each cabin.

Unfortunately, there’s no satellite TV in cabin onboard, due to the low signal of this area. 

Currently, there is no laundry service available on board. Ironing/pressing is available for at an extra cost. In case you need irons please kindly contact our Receptionist onboard. Other special room services like ordering drinks or booking spa package is not available from 11:00 pm to 6:00 am on the next day.

How can I stay in touch with my family and friends while onboard Bhaya Cruises?

Each cabin has its own telephone for cabin-to-cabin calls. Ship-to-shore calls can be placed at the Reception Desk; the charges will be added to your shipboard account. Please note that mobile/handphone coverage may be intermittent in some places due to the area’s topography.

The Internet (wi-fi) is only available to access at the bar area and free of charge. However, please note that the signal on-board is relatively unstable due to the far distance from land. We also provide internet access at our pier and it is free of charge based on a first come first serve basis.

Can I make any dietary request on board Halong Bay?

All meals aboard are prepared by our qualified local Vietnamese chefs under the guidance of our European management team. The schedule for meals is as below: – Buffet lunch: 1pm – 2pm – Set-menu dinner: 7pm – 9pm – Buffet breakfast: 7 am – 9:30 am Our restaurant offers Vietnamese seafood and international dishes and accommodates a maximum of 40 guests, no reservations required. A kid’s menu is available upon advance request. The Bhaya bar offers tea, coffee, soft drinks, fruit juices, mocktails, cocktails, beers, spirits, and wine. Bhaya Cruises regrets we do not offer an in-room dining service due to the limited space in the cabins, but private dinners or theme parties are possible upon request and are subject to extra charges. We make every effort to accommodate our guests’ dietary requirements whenever possible. We can accommodate dietary needs such as vegetarian meals (including Indian-style vegetarian), halal cuisine, and baby food as per your request. All you have to do is notify us at least one (01) week prior to your cruise. Please note that infant formula is not provided on board.

How can I make a special request (kayak, spa, babysitting, hotel booking,ect.)?

Your Special Requests can be made on the Room Details Page of the booking form, there where you complete the guest names and select the nationality. Please click on “Special Requests” and then simply type in your request. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and will be confirmed upon arrival. – Kayak: Normally, the kayak will be free of charge when you cruising with Bhaya. However, this activity is only allowed during the scheduled time on the itinerary and guests must follow strictly the safety guidelines. – Spa: Reservations for our Spa. If you are interested in this service, please make your reservation as soon as you come aboard – appointments tend to fill up quickly. Alternatively, you can request this extra service via email before the start of the cruise on [email protected]. – Babysitting: Babysitting is offered both in a group setting and individually. The babysitting service must be reserved through our Sales Department at least 24 hours in advance. If not, there is no guarantee that sitters will be available. The service is offered between 8:00 am and 2:00 am whenever staff is available. Sitters will be assigned on a first come first served basis. Children MUST be at least 1 year old. Approximate Rate: $12.00 per hour for one or two children within the same family or $15.00 per hour for three children within the same family. Times and prices are subject to change without prior notice. Payment must be made in cash or credit card upon checking out. – Airport transfer, visa service, or hotel booking: Besides our accommodation service, Bhaya Cruises also supports our guests in arranging hotel booking, airport transfers, Ha Long – Hanoi – Ha Long transfers and visa on arrival. If you need any extra service, please kindly contact our Sales Department for more details.

What is the Smoking Policy onboard?

For the comfort and enjoyment of all our guests, smoking is NOT allowed in any of the vessel’s interior spaces. However, smoking is permitted in the sheltered external areas designated for smoking, on the Sundeck, the open balcony and other boat decks on port and starboard. Smoking is permitted on open decks but not near open doors, windows, hatches or ventilation intakes, the petrol storage tank, kitchen area, dining area, and the bars. A guest must be at least 18 years of age to purchase, possess or use tobacco products onboard. Cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco must always be properly disposed of and never thrown overboard.