• Calypso Cruise Review: Cabins, Service & Itinerary

Experience the charm of Calypso Cruise, a deluxe vessel sailing through Lan Ha Bay and Halong Bay. With 20 well-designed cabins, refined dining, and exciting activities such as kayaking, Tai Chi, and squid fishing, the cruise offers a balanced mix of comfort and adventure. This review highlights its cabins, services, and itineraries, helping travelers choose the ideal overnight Halong Bay cruise. With Vietpower Travel, booking your Calypso journey becomes seamless and secure.

1. Overview of Calypso Cruise Halong Bay

Choosing Vietpower Travel, you gain expert guidance and access to the best Halong Bay Cruise, ensuring your 2025 trip is seamless, comfortable, and unforgettable.

History & Operator Background

Calypso Cruise belongs to Oriental Sails JSC, a reputable company that has been operating premium cruises in Northern Vietnam for years. The vessel was originally launched in 2018 and later underwent an upgrade in 2022–2023, improving both design and guest facilities. With this renewal, the cruise remains one of the most trusted options for travelers wishing to explore Halong and Lan Ha Bay in comfort.

Design & Safety Features

The ship is crafted from reinforced steel with a double-bottom and double-side hull, ensuring maximum stability and guest protection even during long voyages. Beyond its sturdy build, Calypso Cruise is committed to passenger safety through a unique initiative: a safety drill dramatization. This experience simulates an emergency scenario in a calm, interactive way, helping guests understand evacuation procedures while also making them feel secure throughout the journey.

Calypso Cruise Halong Bay

2. Calypso Cruise Cabins Review

Deluxe Cabin (Standard)

  • View: Sea view
  • Number of Cabins: 12
  • Size: 20 m²
  • Maximum Occupancy: 3 guests
  • Bed Configuration: 2 Single Beds (extra bedding on request)

The Deluxe Cabin offers a cozy and stylish retreat with warm brown and orange tones. Each room is equipped with high-quality bedding, a private bathroom, and a large window that frames the natural beauty of Lan Ha Bay. Guests can enjoy sunrise or sunset from their room while staying connected to nature in a comfortable setting.

Deluxe Cabin (Standard)

Deluxe Balcony Cabin

  • View: Sea view with private balcony
  • Number of Cabins: 8
  • Size: 20 m²
  • Maximum Occupancy: 2 guests
  • Bed Configuration: 1 Double Bed

Located on the upper deck, these cabins are among the most popular choices on Calypso Cruise. Each comes with a private balcony furnished with a small table and chairs, allowing guests to relax outdoors with a coffee in the morning or a glass of wine at night. The peaceful ambiance makes this cabin ideal for couples and honeymooners.

Deluxe Balcony Cabin

Family Deluxe Cabin

  • View: Sea view
  • Number of Cabins: 8
  • Size: 20 m²
  • Maximum Occupancy: 4 guests
  • Bed Configuration: 1 Double Bed

The Family Deluxe Cabin is a versatile choice for small families. With 20 square meters of space, these cabins feature a double bed and additional bedding upon request. The interior décor reflects local influences, with wooden furniture and natural tones creating a warm and inviting environment. Large sea-view windows ensure guests never miss the beauty of the bay.

Family Deluxe Cabin

In-Room Amenities (All Cabin Types)

Every cabin on Calypso Cruise comes with:

  • Air conditioning with remote control
  • Private bathroom with hot water and toiletries
  • Minibar stocked with refreshments
  • High-quality bedding for restful sleep
  • Safety equipment, including life jackets, fa ire extinguisher, and escape tools

Suggesting Halong Cruise options:

3. Onboard Service & Facilities

Dining Experience

Calypso Cruise provides a full-board dining experience with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included in every package. The restaurant is elegantly decorated with wooden interiors and soft lighting, offering both comfort and sophistication.

Dining services include:

  • Welcome drink upon boarding
  • Buffet breakfast with Vietnamese and continental options
  • Set menu lunch and dinner featuring fresh seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes
  • Special barbecue dinner (available on 3D2N itinerary)
  • Cooking class where guests can learn to prepare Vietnamese spring rolls
  • Bar & lounge with a selection of wines, cocktails, soft drinks, and juices

Guests often mention the creative menu design, which combines clear layouts and appealing visuals, making dish selection an enjoyable part of the dining experience.

Set menu lunch and dinner

Recreational Facilities

The cruise offers multiple spaces for both relaxation and entertainment, ensuring there is something for every type of traveler.

Key facilities include:

  • Sundeck with sun loungers for sunbathing and stargazing
  • Outdoor jacuzzi pool at the bow of the ship (capacity: ~10 guests)
  • Outdoor gym area with basic exercise equipment such as cycling machines and stretching stations
  • Karaoke lounge and board games for evening entertainment
  • Library corner with books and travel guides

Passengers appreciate that the waiting time for the outdoor gym equipment is usually minimal, thanks to organized use and fewer crowds compared to larger ships.

Outdoor jacuzzi pool

Spa & Relaxation

The onboard spa is designed as a quiet sanctuary where guests can rejuvenate after a day of exploring Lan Ha Bay.

Spa services include:

  • Traditional Vietnamese massage
  • Aromatherapy massage
  • Foot reflexology
  • Facial treatments
  • Hot stone therapy

Guests particularly value the spa fragrances used during treatments, with natural scents such as lemongrass, lavender, and green tea, which create a soothing and refreshing atmosphere.

Spa & Relaxation

Staff & Hospitality

The crew on the Calypso Cruise is trained to provide warm, attentive service, ensuring every guest feels welcome and cared for.

Hospitality highlights:

  • English-speaking tour guides accompanying excursions
  • Daily housekeeping with evening turndown service
  • Bartenders and waiters providing personalized recommendations at the bar
  • Cultural exchange evenings where crew and guests share music, stories, and traditional games
  • 24/7 reception desk for assistance with special requests or travel information

Many travelers highlight the friendliness of the crew during cultural exchange sessions, which adds a personal and authentic touch to their journey.

4. Calypso Cruise Itineraries (2D1N & 3D2N)

2 Days 1 Night Itinerary

Day 1 – Afternoon

  • Guests board the cruise at Tuan Chau Harbor and are welcomed with a refreshing drink before checking into their cabins.
  • While the ship sails toward Lan Ha Bay, lunch featuring fresh seafood is served in the restaurant.
  • The first excursion takes guests to Dark & Bright Cave, where they can either kayak through calm lagoons or sit on a bamboo boat rowed by locals. Guides enrich the journey with legendary storytelling, sharing myths and tales about the limestone karsts.
  • Returning to the ship, guests may swim in the bay, soak in the jacuzzi pool, or relax on the sundeck as the sun sets.

Bamboo boat ride to Dark and Bright Cave

Day 1 – Evening

  • Join a hands-on cooking class to prepare Vietnamese spring rolls.
  • Enjoy a delicious dinner with Vietnamese specialties and Western fusion dishes.
  • After dinner, evening entertainment includes squid fishing, karaoke, board games, or stargazing from the sundeck.

Cooking class

Day 2 – Morning

  • Begin the day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, accompanied by the rising sun.
  • A light breakfast is served before transferring to Cat Ba Island to explore Trung Trang Cave, a natural grotto with impressive stalactites.
  • Guests then return to the cruise, check out of their cabins, enjoy an early lunch, and disembark at Tuan Chau Harbor, completing their overnight Halong Bay cruise.

 Tai Chi session on the sundeck

3 Days 2 Nights Itinerary

Day 1 – Same as the 2D1N itinerary.

Day 2 – Morning

  • After breakfast, guests head to Viet Hai Village. The trip can be done by bicycle or electric cart, passing through lush forests and limestone valleys. Visitors can meet residents, explore traditional homes, and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the fishing village.

Visit Viet Hai Village by bicycle

Day 2 – Afternoon

  • The cruise sails to Ba Trai Dao Beach, known for its soft sand and crystal-clear water. Guests can swim, kayak, or simply relax on the beach.
  • Later, continue with a kayaking adventure around Tai Quéo Cave, a hidden gem of Lan Ha Bay surrounded by peaceful lagoons.

Relax at Ba Trai Dao Beach

Day 2 – Evening

  • Return to the cruise for sunset cocktails on the sundeck.
  • Dinner is served with freshly caught seafood.
  • Evening leisure options include squid fishing, karaoke, or simply unwinding under the starry night sky.

Karaoke

Day 3 – Morning

  • Activities are similar to the final morning of the 2D1N itinerary: Tai Chi session, light breakfast, and a visit to Trung Trang Cave.
  • After returning to the ship, guests check out, enjoy an early lunch, and disembark at Tuan Chau Harbor.

Light breakfast

More options for you:

5. Activities & Experiences on Calypso Cruise

Adventure & Outdoor Fun

Calypso Cruise brings travelers close to some of the most stunning natural spots in Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island.

  • Dark & Bright Cave (Hang Sáng – Tối): A calm lagoon hidden behind limestone cliffs, accessible by kayak or bamboo boat. The clear waters and dramatic rock archways make it one of the highlights of the trip. Guides often share myths tied to the cave, turning the excursion into a cultural as well as natural experience.
  • Ba Trai Dao Beach: Famous for its three small islands shaped like peaches, this sandy beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the turquoise water.
  • Tai Quéo Cave: A hidden spot perfect for kayaking, where guests can paddle through narrow passages and discover lagoons surrounded by towering cliffs.

Dark & Bright Cave by kayak

Cultural & Culinary Activities

Beyond nature, Calypso Cruise provides authentic cultural encounters.

  • Cooking Class: Held in the restaurant, the chef demonstrates how to prepare Vietnamese dishes such as spring rolls. Guests then try it themselves and enjoy the results as part of the meal.
  • Tai Chi at Sunrise: Conducted on the open sundeck, this slow and graceful exercise helps travelers relax their body and mind while the bay glows with morning light.
  • Viet Hai Village (Cat Ba Island): A traditional fishing village accessible by bicycle or electric cart. Surrounded by mountains and forests, it gives visitors a glimpse into local life, with opportunities to meet residents, explore simple houses, and understand the community’s fishing heritage.

Evening Entertainment

Evenings on the Calypso Cruise are filled with options for both relaxation and fun.

  • Squid Fishing: Guests try their luck catching squid under the guidance of the crew. Any successful catch can be prepared fresh in the kitchen.
  • Karaoke & Board Games: A lively way to socialize after dinner, suitable for families, couples, and groups of friends.
  • Customizable Music Playlist: Guests can request songs, allowing the evening soundtrack to match the mood of the group—whether lively or laid-back.

Squid Fishing

Stargazing & Night Sky

After dark, the sundeck becomes a peaceful observatory. Far from the lights of the city, the sky above Lan Ha Bay reveals countless stars.

  • Rich Stargazing Program: Crew members help guests identify constellations and planets while using telescopes to magnify the view. Combined with the quiet sound of waves, it’s one of the most memorable experiences of the trip.
  • Trung Trang Cave (Cat Ba Island): Often visited in the morning of the last day, this cave features thousands of stalactites and a cool interior, adding a different dimension to the cruise before disembarkation.

Trung Trang Cave

6. Practical Tips & Travel Regulations

Required Travel Documents

To ensure a smooth check-in process, guests must carry valid identification:

  • Adults: ID card or passport
  • Children: Birth certificate

Personal details, matching the documents, should be submitted to the cruise team at least one day before departure for groups under 10 people or three days in advance for larger groups. This is a mandatory requirement for overnight stays on the bay.

Packing Essentials

Packing wisely will help you enjoy the journey comfortably:

  • Swimwear for kayaking or swimming sessions
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen for protection during outdoor activities
  • Cash or credit card for drinks and personal expenses
  • Comfortable shoes or sandals for cave exploration and beach visits

Dietary & Special Requests

Guests with dietary preferences or medical food requirements should inform the cruise staff at least one day before departure. This allows the kitchen team to prepare suitable meals and ensures a stress-free dining experience.

Safety & Eligibility Notes

For safety reasons, the itinerary may be adjusted depending on weather conditions or tides.

Participation is not advised for the following groups:

  • Travelers over 80 years old
  • Individuals weighing more than 120 kg
  • Guests with physical or sensory disabilities
  • Those with claustrophobia or sleepwalking tendencies

7. Conclusion

Calypso Cruise brings together spacious cabins, excellent dining, and exciting activities like kayaking, Tai Chi, and stargazing, making every journey across Halong and Lan Ha Bay unforgettable. From family trips to romantic getaways, the cruise delivers both comfort and adventure. For reliable booking, transparent prices, and 24/7 support, choose Vietpower Travel as your trusted partner.

  • Address: Tuan Hanh Building, No. 82, Lane 116, Nhan Hoa Street, Nhan Chinh Ward, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Hotline: (+84) 936 336 389
  • Email: sales@vietpowertravel.com