Review Author: Julia Geine

Review Date: 27 Feb 2024

Review Body: Very nice boat and team, they did everything they could so that we would have a lovely trip. Though some improvements on bar competency in making cocktails would benefit the overall experience.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Agriss

Review Date: 21 Jun 2026

Review Body: It was the perfect choice for our family The staff on the boat as well as the drivers to and from were just the best

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Emma

Review Date: 28 Apr 2026

Review Body: First of all, the information on the Seek Sophie site is not entirely correct, as it mentions the group size is up to 30 guests. We spoke to the crew and the boat can take upto 50-60 guests. The boat itself is very stylish, the food is great and the crew is extremely friendly and helpful. The general atmosphere on board is very fun. What we didn't really like, was the 30-40 min stop during our transfer from Hanoi, in some sort of silk and bamboo factory, which felt like an utter tourist trap. However, there were a lot of other cruise-busses, so it seems most of them are making some sort of stop like this. It just would have been nice to have known about this beforehand. Also, the 'caves' weren't much to look at, they were more tunnels than caves, but being rowed by a local was kinda nice.

Review rating: 4

Review Author: Adam Fleet

Review Date: 12 Jun 2026

Review Body: Cannot rate Doris cruise because at the last minute, we were moved to another. So I will assume it’s replacement was about equal

Review rating: 4

Review Author: Madeline

Review Date: 13 Feb 2020

Review Body: Amazing cruise! We loved our time on Doris Cruise! We spent two nights, three days on the boat and were very happy we did. The two night itinerary gives you an opportunity to bike in Cat Ba island which was a lot of fun! It wasn't warm enough in January to go swimming, but this would have been really fun if were able to. The food was food - very large spread with a mix of Vietnamese and western food. Only drawback with this is that I would have preferred more local food. However, it is a minor detail. My fiance has a nut allergy and they were amazing accommodating it. The staff was incredible! Manager Bruce went out of his way to make sure our stay was special, even giving us a special "congratulations" gift. The staff, specifically Hero, was amazing with helping us navigate our allergies and giving us tips for our stay in Vietnam. We also loved spending the day biking around Cat Ba island, drinking snake wine, and hearing stories from our amazing tour guide Tom (Tom Cruise haha). The time was filled with so many wonderful memories! Finally the facilities were wonderful. The rooms were big and the private balconies were a major highlight. Everything was brand new! I also really enjoyed the massage service. Overall, would recommend highly as a Halong Bay Cruise!!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: sunchymeno9

Review Date: 15 Dec 2019

Review Body: We stayed 2 nights on this cruise in December 2019 to celebrate an anniversary. The weather was actually really sunny and hot for the time of the year and we had beautiful blue skies during our day trip to cat ba Island. That day trip was probably the best day trip we've done ever and the best part of the holiday to date, with a bike ride, kayak around the fishing towns and a huge lunch, before some swimming around the bay. We also tried some snake wine which sounds gross but tasted similar to other rice wine. The boat is lovely, and itinery packed. It has a jacuzzi, constant food, happy hour (buy two get 1 drinks 530-7pm). Our room, the honeymoon suite was exceptional and worth every penny. A large balcony outdoors area, front of the ship, windows all around. The views are amazing, and the staff exceptional. The only negative is that we parked up second night right next to another cruise so their lights prevented us keeping the curtains open throughout the night as we had on the first night and waking up to the natural sunrise. I'd highly recommend this boat. You'll come back 2 Stone heavier

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Isabel Castro

Review Date: 21 Dec 2019

Review Body: Great first cruise experience in Halong Bay. Doris Cruise was a great experience! Food was amazing, they served in total 4 meals(Set menus, buffet style). I never tried Vietnamese food before, and the food they served made me enjoy it alot. Activities were nice and chill, you can do some kayakking to see the rock formations up close (there were two opportunities to do so). At night you can fish for some squid, though I wasnt able to catch anything. Views from the deck and the rooms were beautiful. Compared to other cruises, the rooms here were quite big. If youre travelling as a couple, the honeymoon suite is recommended. They even gave us a cake after we told them it was our 25thh anniversary which was very sweet of them to do! Staff and tour guide Tom Nguyen were also very friendly and accomodating. We learned interesting things about Vietnam too.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Nuria R

Review Date: 06 Dec 2019

Review Body: Wow! We got upgrated to a 5 star cruise. The rooms were unbelievable. Very clean. The service was excellent. The tours were great maybe the last day one a little too short... We loved the first day tour with Tom! Tom was the best!!!! He gave us snake wine! Hahah The food was so yummy and a lot of variety. The cooking class was really enjoyable too. They allowed us to jump frpm the top of the boat to the see. What an experience! The only negative were the price of the drinks and that we were over charged for water in the tour that they told us to be free... The yacuzzi was not hot when we came back from the tour and that our king beed were 2 singles together and it was uncomfortable for a couple. In conclusion... The positives are a lot bigger! We had such a great 3 days. Thank you!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Obey

Review Date: 15 Dec 2019

Review Body: Lifetime experience <3 We were a family of four and spent two nights-three days at Doris Cruise. Had the BEST time during our stay in Vietnam, best service,most breathtaking scenery, yummiest food, and last but not the least the most friendly and kind-hearted crew ever (specially the cruise manager Mr. Bruce Panda and Mr. Tiny and our tour guide Tom). Can't thank you all enough, worth each penny! They have the best chef Mr. Hero with his creative, yummy reciepes. Rooms are brand new with Balcony with the best view ever. on a side note, in case you are visiting Halong bay from Hanoi, arrange with them the limousine ride, they are very professional and punctual. Doris Cruise is Highlyyyyy recommended. BIG thanks to every one who made our stay unforgettable

Review rating: 5

Review Author: ElectricEx

Review Date: 05 Dec 2019

Review Body: My partner and I enjoyed nearly every aspect of this cruise, from the variety in the meals to the comfort of the room. The tours were a lot of fun as long as you get involved in the kayaking, swimming, and day trip activities. The only negatives are beverage prices while on board. My partner and I were charged 80000 for 2 bottles of water after being told they were free on a day trip boat. And prices on the main cruise dissuade from having a few to relax if you're on any sort of budget. Also the massage price vs quality wasn't the best, a it was more like a body rub. Otherwise, everything was perfect. The crew were fantastic and attentive, the facilities were phenomenal, and the experience as a whole is worth so much more than the price.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Jade Wheeldon

Review Date: 15 Dec 2019

Review Body: You need to do this cruise!! Doris cruise was spectacular, from the second we were collected on our transfer the staff could not have been more attentive and helpful. The boat is beautiful, the rooms are incredible, they even surprised me with a birthday cake. The food is like a fine dining experience, the activities are so much fun, and the setting is beautiful. I cannot recommend this trip enough. A special thank you to Frank our coordinator, he was so lovely and works so hard to ensure that you have the best time. The only thing I would recommend is to make water complimentary through the entire trip, meal times etc. Other than that it was amazing and we have had the best time, thank you!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Y E Leong

Review Date: 15 Aug 2026

Review Body: We enjoyed our 3d2n hq long bay experience with Doris Cruise. Our room was spacious and beautiful. The crew were very friendly, attentive and helpful. The itinerary was nice and relaxing with different options to cater for different preferences. On our second day we were transferred to a different boat due to some technical issues on the boat that needed repair. We were upgraded to the president suite on the new boat which was even nicer and spacious with our private deck and jacuzzi as a compensation for the inconvenience caused which was very nice and thoughtful, and showed their commitment to make every journey as pleasant and memorable for their guests.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Balazsczirjak

Review Date: 23 Dec 2019

Review Body: Really good policy. The 4 of us went to Halong Bay for the 2day 1 night excoursion. The scenery is picturesque and the ship is in a really good confition too. The food was decent, and the staff is extremely helpful. The kayaking and the bamboo boat excursion is beautifull. There was a party on the deck, which was a bit loud, but as soon as we called the reception, they stopped it immediately. On the way back we didnt fit to the transport boat, so we missed the bus too. They organized a private boat to take us to the harbour and then a car to Hanoi. The management is helpful too, they try to solve all pf your problems, if you tell them there is one.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Christopher R

Review Date: 21 Dec 2019

Review Body: Doris cruise was fantastic. Booked this tour last minute online and it was the best decision so far this trip. Transfer was lovelly and then when we got to the boat we were blown away with the quality after reading some of the horror stories from.other cruise companies on TripAdvisor. All of the tours where great and Tom Nguyen guide was very knowledgeable, friendly and always happy to help ! Bruce the cruise manager was also very helpful. All of the staff were fantastic. The food was amazing, and so much of it ! The only issue I have is that I only booked a 1 night stay I should have booked more. Will deffinatley recommend to others.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Filippo Castegnaro, Anna Dellai

Review Date: 28 Oct 2025

Review Body: The boat tour in Ha Long Bay with Doris Cruise was absolutely a blast! We went on a 3days 2nights experience and it was the perfect amount of time visiting the beautiful bay. The food was good, and entertainment and room service were also good. We visited the archipelago on the boat but we could also enjoy a ride on Cat Ba island seeing some out of the world scenarios. A special mention to our waiter and guide Gus (Hieu) who was with us all the time, sharing his knowledge about this land with us, sharing some small curiosities about Vietnamese fruits and culture. Highly recommended to take the 3d2n option if possible!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Waqas M

Review Date: 14 Dec 2019

Review Body: Couldn't be better. The experience with Doris was beyond our expectations. In a really crowded marketplace Doris really stands out. Bruce Panda and his team are doing an incredible job. The cruise itself is almost brand new and the rooms are well designed and you can see a lot of thought has gone in to the whole experience. We in particular chose this cruise as we had 2 tiny babies with us and not only did they not charge a cent. The babies were so well looked after that we honestly felt like we were surrounded by family! Amazing food, service, hospitality, and experience. Would definitely recommend.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: megsim

Review Date: 21 Dec 2019

Review Body: Highly rated cruise. Me and my husband set sail on the Doris cruise to what was the best experience ever. From start to finish the service was of a really high standard. The room, food and activities were faultless - simply amazing. The hot tub was a great highlight too! Would 100% reccommend , it will not dissapoint! A special mention to Tom Nguyen the tour guide making everything run smoothly and his friendly hospitality, Bruce for a great managing host and to our waiter Hero who was just brilliant -talk about service with a smile! I hope to visit again in the future

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Richard Wynne

Review Date: 08 Feb 2020

Review Body: Absolutely great 2 day 1 night cruise. What an amazing way to cruise Halong bay. Our junior suite was beautiful, lovely big comfortable bed, big bathtub with a window to see the bay. We done some kayaking which was great fun, and we really enjoyed the cooking class. The food onboard was delicious, and plenty of it! They really went out if their way to cater for my vegetarian wife. Would like to give our waiter Hiro (not sure how to spell it) a special mention as he was brilliant, his service was excellent and was really nice to chat to. Would definitely recommend.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Maria S

Review Date: 08 Dec 2019

Review Body: Excellent experience in Ha Long Bay. Everything was absolutely perfect about the two days that we spent on Doris cruise ship. Special thanks to the whole crew who were so friendly and helpful that we still can't believe there are such nice people our there. The rooms are beautiful and the whole ship looks very luxurious and stylish. Really like a 5* hotel. Huge plus for the amazing coffee and meals prepared by the crew. I would definitely recommend it to anyone!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: NZKate

Review Date: 28 Dec 2019

Review Body: We booked a 2 day/3 night cruise (family interconnecting rooms). I was a bit worried about what it would be like as I'd booked it when there were only a few reviews. This cruise was awesome, our family absolutely loved it. Boat is gorgeous, cabins were lovely, food was excellent, crew were great (helpful, friendly but professional). We were able to kayak all 3 days, plus did bike ride on cat ba island. Highly recommended this cruise!!!

Review rating: 5

Itinerary Day 1

Itinerary Summary: Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay cruise kayak Ba Trai Dao Beach sunset cooking demo

Itinerary Description: DAY 1: TUAN CHAU PORT – LAN HA BAY – BA TRAI DAO BEACH 08:20 – 08:50: Begin your journey with a pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter (for guests using our luxury limousine or private car service). 12:15 – 12:30: Arrive at the waiting lounge for a check-in process. Shortly after, a tender boat transfers you to the elegant Tulip Cruise. 13:00 – 13:30: Step aboard Tulip Cruise at Finger Islet and be warmly welcomed with a refreshing signature drink. After a safety briefing, check into your luxurious cabin. Savor a gourmet lunch while gliding past breathtaking limestone formations such as Turtle Islet and Man Head Islet. 15:30: The cruise anchors at Ba Trai Dao Beach, one of Lan Ha Bay’s most pristine and secluded spots. Immerse yourself in crystal-clear waters while kayaking and swimming until 16:45 or simply relax and admire the untouched natural beauty. As the afternoon fades, the cruise continues to its tranquil overnight anchorage, offering spectacular sunset views. 17:45: Unwind at the Sunset Party, featuring fresh tropical fruits, artisanal cakes, complimentary tea, and enchanting views as the sun dips below the horizon. 18:00: Join our Cooking demonstration at the Sky Bar on the 5th floor, where we introduce refined Vietnamese dishes once served to imperial families. 19:15: Having Fine Dining dinner at the cruise’s elegant restaurant. 20:30 – 22:00 Evening leisure at your own pace: enjoy soft music, try squid fishing under the starlit sky, or simply relax in the serene ambiance of the bay. Overnight on-board Tulip Cruise. Note: Guests are advised to bring swimwear and suitable footwear for water activities.

Itinerary Day 2

Itinerary Summary: Tai Chi at sunrise cycle Viet Hai Village brunch and return to Hanoi

Itinerary Description: DAY 2: LAN HA BAY – VIET HAI VILLAGE – TUAN CHAU PORT – HANOI 06:00 – 06:30: Greet the new day with a rejuvenating Tai Chi session at the Sky Bar on the 5th floor as the bay awakens in gentle morning light. 07:00 – 07:45: Enjoy the tranquil panorama of Lan Ha Bay while savoring freshly brewed tea or coffee, followed by a light breakfast. 07:45 – 07:55: Embark on a scenic cycling excursion to Viet Hai Village, a charming and peaceful enclave nestled within Cat Ba National Park. Travel by speedboat and continue by bicycle to discover authentic local life and lush landscapes. Alternatively, guests may remain on board to enjoy the cruise’s premium facilities. 09:45: Return to Tulip Cruise for relaxation and preparation for departure. 10:00 - 10:30: Check out 10:30: Delight in a leisurely brunch at the Signature Restaurant on the 4th floor, bidding farewell to the bay in style. Settle onboard arrangements at the Restaurant on the 4th floor. 11:45: Disembark and transfer back to Tuan Chau Harbor. 12:15: Arrival at Tuan Chau Harbor. 15:30 – 16:00: Return transfer to Hanoi (for guests who book transportation service). Note: Itinerary and schedule may be adjusted due to weather or operational conditions to ensure guest safety and quality of experience.