Review Author: Josh

Review Date: 31 Aug 2025

Review Body: ​The boat itself is gorgeous, but the crew is what makes this trip so special. Everyone was great, but we have to give a huge shout-out to three people who made our experience unforgettable: Gin, Nolan, and Tyler. ​As for the boat, it has everything. Our room was lovely, with incredible views of the bay from both the bedroom and bathroom. They set up a fun waterslide in the afternoon, and the pool and jacuzzi were great for relaxing. The top deck has lots of space to lounge and even a small putting green. There's a gym with a treadmill and bike, which was nice to have. ​The food also deserves its own mention. Lunches and breakfasts are buffet style, and dinner is a great multi-course set menu. Everything was delicious, especially the banana flambé with coconut ice cream. The staff in the dining room were so attentive and friendly. ​Honestly, this cruise exceeded all our expectations. We couldn't have asked for a better experience.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Timothy

Review Date: 31 Aug 2025

Review Body: Opulence. Serene. Unforgettable. The Lyra Grandeur is the greatest ship to set sail on Ha Long Bay. Making its debut in August 2025, this ship is equipped with the latest technologies, modern but culturally appropriate decor and world class service. You will leave this ship refreshed and with a better understanding of the true beauty of Vietnam.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: JL

Review Date: 22 Jun 2026

Review Body: I booked this cruise because I trusted Seek Sophie's curation, and I wanted a better way to see Halong Bay which I know is a total tourist trap. So it was on the pricey side but I wanted to do it right, so I went ahead and booked it. And it was the best decision!! This is probably the best way you can do Halong Bay by far. We came as a family - me, my partner and my parents - and Capella was better than I expected. I think they do Halong about as well as Halong can be done. Everything onboard is so slick: it all runs on time, there's a cold drink waiting after every excursion, and the team are seriously great. Also the boat and the rooms are suuper nice. We saw lots of boats when we were cruising and I think Capella is the nicest one - it's the perfect mix of luxury/design with character (a lot of the other luxury ones just look a bit bland, like each other). We stayed in the Sky Terrace rooms and omg they're so nice. My parents said it's one of the nicest rooms they've been in (and we had stayed at the Sofitel Hanoi before that so it's pretty high praise!). We loved our room so much we didn't want to leave! The food was good too, and the vegetarian options were decent - they give you loads and you can tell they try hard to make sure you're full and happy. The best thing about Capella is that they get you to all the spots before the other cruises, so you actually get to see a small glimpse of Halong in a less touristy way. Capella gets to everything early, before the other boats, so we saw Dark and Bright cave and Viet Hai village with almost nobody around. We got to the Dark & Bright Cave around 6:45am and were the first group there; by 7:30 there were already several other boats. Because we were so early we even spotted 11 Cat Ba langurs (only about 86 left in the world!). The cycle into Viet Hai was lovely and quiet too - we got Viet Hai to ourselves for about 15 minutes, before the day-trippers arrived and then it was hellish from there. Note we went in June which isn't the most crowded time. And when the boat is cruising, they steer away from the other boats, so the view out your window is just karst landscapes with 1-2 boats in the far away distance. A few tips: - do the 3D2N over the 2D1N, because the shorter one is less than 24 hours onboard which is a bit short! - For fewer people, skip weekends (Friday nights especially). We did a 3D2N and our first night was Thurs, and the second night was Fri. So we had half the boat empty for the first night which was total bliss, and the boat completely full on the next night. - if you opt for transfer from Hanoi, there is a super tourist trap stop along the way where you have to stop at a pearl farm stop for 30 mins. But there's no way to avoid this because all the cruises do this, even the luxury ones. There's a café there so you can just grab a coffee while you wait instead of wandering around the pearl shop. In all, this is probably the best way you can do Halong Bay, especially if you don't love crowds. We all loved it and wished we stayed an extra night. Highly recommended!!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Veronika

Review Date: 31 Jul 2024

Review Body: This was the most wonderful cruise we have ever been on! Words can´t describe it, you must come and experience it on your own. Everything is perfectly organized, all the staff are very friendly and trying to do the best for your satisfaction. Even though the weather wasn´t the best during our stay we absolutely loved every single minute of this cruise. Our cabin was just a dream and I almost didn´t want to leave it. They offer lots of different activities, the bay views are totally impressive and the food they serve here is very delicious. The only thing I would change is cruising time. Like the ship was anchored most of the time but I guess they have a reason for that. Also wi-fi didn´t work very well but honestly who would want to be online when you´re in such an amazing place! Highly recommend you to choose Capella for your Halong Bay cruise.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Rob

Review Date: 16 Jul 2026

Review Body: I had been to Halong Bay previously, but wanted to try a more relaxing and higher end experience this time. Our cruise on Capella did not disappoint. The rooms were nothing short of luxurious, comfortable beds, excellent bathrooms, and lovely balconies from which to admire the spectacular surroundings. Staff were friendly, meals were good and, as a couple of our group were vegetarians, they catered to our dietary requests well. Particular highlights were Cat Ba Langur spotting on our cave trip, kayaking around the bay in the afternoons, nem spring roll making pre-dinner, and sunset cocktails on the back deck. Not such a fan of the Cat Ba village trip given the well trodden itinerary, but this did not dampen our feeling that the extra spend for 3 days and 2 nights on Capella was well worth it.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Christian

Review Date: 31 Jul 2024

Review Body: We liked that everything about the trip is true to advertising. The cabins are big and in good shape. The food is great. The staff (literally everyone) is so friendly and smiling each time. You are convinced the crew loves their job as hosts to show "their" Ha Long Bay to the travelers. Water activities - especially kayaking and the waterslide - are extraordinary experiences. The feeling of swimming between the rock islands is incredible. We would book any time again and for sure only the same boat again.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Gabriella

Review Date: 31 Jul 2024

Review Body: The cruise is perfect!! Gorgeous interior and great activities. The food was UNREAL!!! Some of the best food we have had in Vietnam. Big shoutout to Chris and his team for making it a great experience. Definitely one of the best cruises we saw as we sailed. This cruise is good for couples and friends who want a more chilled experience with brill facilities and food.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Rochelle

Review Date: 31 Jul 2024

Review Body: Great cruise into Lan ha Bay seeing lots of great sights. Food was amazing and staff were very friendly. Family suite was perfect for 4. Pool and jacuzzi were great but the ocean was so warm to swim in. The water slide is a must.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Helene

Review Date: 06 Mar 2024

Review Body: Great boat with lovely food and fun activities. They served a lot of amazing food so you won't be hungry at all. Staff was so helpful and friendly. The waterslide was a fun activity and the kayak.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: N

Review Date: 04 Aug 2024

Review Body: Great experience with a very professional staff and activities. The boat is beautiful and the personnel competent and engaging. Food is good and tastefully prepared. Highly recommended!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: John

Review Date: 31 Jul 2024

Review Body: Do as many nights as possible on this FANTASTIC cruise, pls!! I reserved for only 1 night and wished I could go back in time to make it 3 nights.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Cynthia

Review Date: 05 Apr 2024

Review Body: My trip was definitely a bucket list experience. Totally recommend. The food was exceptional. Service was A1.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Ali

Review Date: 31 Jul 2024

Review Body: An amazing experience with an exceptional service, stunning facility, breathtaking view, and delicious food.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Katrina

Review Date: 31 Jul 2024

Review Body: Amazing location, superb staff and the feeling of being looked after all the time.

Review rating: 5

Itinerary Day 1

Itinerary Summary: Cruise Lan Ha Bay, enjoy water activities, cooking demo, sunset, dinner & evening fun

Itinerary Description: 08:00–08:50: Pick up at your hotel lobby in Hanoi Old Quarter (If you book our limousine bus). Please note that the shared transfer may include 1–2 short roadside stops along the way for restroom breaks, coffee/snacks, or stretching. These are usually at roadside shops, but there is no pressure or obligation to buy anything. 11:45-12:10 You're warmly welcomed by our experienced staff (Lot 20b Tuan Chau International Port). You’re guided to complete the check-in procedure at the waiting lounge before boarding for the cruise. 12:15-12:45 Transfer by Tender boat from Tuan Chau Port to board the cruise. 12:45-13:00 Guests are invited to have a welcome drink. The Cruise Manager and crew member welcome you on board with a short briefing about the cruise and disseminate safety regulations. 13:00 Lunch served at Harmony of the Sea Restaurant. As the cruise departs towards Lan Ha Bay, absorb yourself in the beautiful scenery with amazing limestone surroundings. 15:15-17:00 Cruise anchors at Frog Lagoon area for outdoor activities. Access to our high-grade entertainment facilities for loads of fun water activities. You can choose to rejoice in Infinity Oasis Pool and Jacuzzi, experience the thrills with Inflatable Water Slide, swim in the green emerald water, or relax in the Nordic-style sauna. 17:00-18:00 We invite you to relax at the Spirit of the Sea Lounge and the Ocean Sky Sundeck with the Happy hours “Buy 2 get 1 free” program. Enjoy freshly prepared snacks and your favorite drinks while watching the sunset fall over Lan Ha Bay. 18:00-18:45 After the relaxing time, you are welcome to join our fun cooking demonstration with the guidance of our chefs. 19:00-20:30 Enjoy your gourmet dinner menu in delighted fusion cuisine served at Harmony of the Sea Restaurant and witness the beauty of the bay by night. 20:45 Relax with a movie at Spirit of The Sea lounge with popcorn, try karaoke with your family and friends at Sea Melody Theatre, play exciting board games at Cigar & Poker room, catch the fresh squid or simply take a rest and watch night falling on Halong-Lan Ha Bay from the balcony in your cabin.

Itinerary Day 2

Itinerary Summary: Tai-chi at sunrise, cave boat tour, brunch cruise before returning to port

Itinerary Description: 06:00-06:15 Welcome the energetic new day with Tai-chi Class on the deck and watch the sunrise at Ocean Sky Sundeck. 06:15-06:45 A light breakfast is served at the Harmony of the Sea Restaurant. 06:45-08:30 Visit the Dark & Bright Caves by traditional rowing bamboo boats. Cruising to Bright Cave, you will see an angled passageway opening the cave at water level and a serene round lake surrounded by lush trees and precipitous stone cliffs. 09:00-09:30 Return to the cruise after the time of sightseeing. This is the time that you return to the cabin and recheck your personal belongings before checking out. 09:30-10:30 Brunch served at Harmony of the Sea Restaurant after check-out while cruising towards the port. 10:30-11:00 Back to Tuan Chau International Port by tender boat. End of the trip. Please note that the shared transfer may include 1–2 short roadside stops along the way for restroom breaks, coffee/snacks, or stretching. These are usually at roadside shops, but there is no pressure or obligation to buy anything.