• Review of Fantasea Cruise Halong Bay Experience for Families

Exploring Halong Bay is a dream for many families, and Fantasea Cruise Halong Bay offers one of the most authentic ways to enjoy it. With traditional wooden junk design, cozy cabins, and family-friendly activities like kayaking, cooking classes, and squid fishing, Fantasea brings both comfort and cultural charm. As an affordable overnight Halong Bay cruise, it provides genuine value for parents and children alike. Let's discover with Vietpower Travel in the post below!

1. About Fantasea Cruise Halong Bay

The Cruise Concept & Design

Fantasea Cruise Halong Bay follows the traditional Vietnamese wooden junk style, giving travelers a sense of authenticity while exploring the UNESCO heritage site. The fleet includes two vessels:

  • Legend Cruise: 14 cabins – capacity for 28 passengers.
  • Elegance Cruise: 9 cabins – capacity for 20 passengers.

Fantasea Elegance Cruise

Facilities & Cabins

Cabin Types

  • Superior Double/Twin Room (15 m², sea view): air-conditioning, en-suite bathroom with shower, ideal for couples or two friends.
  • Family Room (17–20 m², sea or mountain view): includes 3 single beds or 1 double + 1 single bed, perfect for families with children.
  • Triple Cabin (20 m², mountain or bay view): accommodates three guests, providing comfort for small groups.
  • Single Cabin (15 m²): designed for solo travelers seeking privacy.
  • Private Balcony Cabin (deluxe option): features a balcony overlooking Halong Bay, offering more space and privacy.

All cabins are equipped with:

  • Air-conditioning
  • Private bathroom with shower & toiletries
  • Clean bedding and towels
  • Sea or mountain view windows

Twin Room

Onboard Services & Amenities

  • Dining Room: Serves Vietnamese and international cuisine with set menus and BBQ dinners.
  • Lounge Bar: A casual space for drinks and relaxation.
  • Sundeck: Open-air terrace with long chairs for sunbathing or enjoying the sunset.
  • Activities: Kayaking, squid fishing, swimming, cooking class, and karaoke.
  • Other Facilities: Life jackets, double-seated kayaks, safety equipment, and daily housekeeping.

Sundeck

Family-Friendly Services

  • Children under 4 years old stay free when sharing with parents.
  • Discounts for children 4–6 years old.
  • Flexible family room arrangements with extra beds available.

Let’s continue exploring more about Vietnam and its breathtaking cruise experiences. Visit our Vietnam cruise category to discover detailed guides, itineraries, and tips for exploring Vietnam from the water.

2. Itineraries – 2 Days 1 Night vs 3 Days 2 Nights

2 Days 1 Night Itinerary

This package is ideal for families with limited time but who still want to enjoy the highlights of Halong Bay.

Day 1

  • Morning: Pick-up from Hanoi Old Quarter by shuttle bus or private car. Enjoy the scenic drive to Halong Bay.
  • Noon: Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor, transfer to the Fantasea Cruise. Welcome drink and cabin check-in.
  • Afternoon:
    • Cruise through famous landmarks such as Dinh Huong Islet, Fighting Cock Islet, and Stone Dog Islet.
    • Visit Sung Sot Cave – the largest and most beautiful cave in Halong Bay, suitable for families with children who enjoy exploration.
    • Stop at Titop Island: swimming at the sandy beach or hiking to the hilltop for panoramic views.
  • Evening:
    • Sunset Party on deck with fruits and drinks.
    • Enjoy a Vietnamese dinner on board.
    • Join evening activities: squid fishing, karaoke, or simply relaxing under the starry sky.

Dinh Huong Islet

Day 2

  • Morning: Watch sunrise on the sundeck. Light breakfast served with tea/coffee.
  • Mid-morning: Go kayaking in the calm waters near Luon Cave – an activity children and parents can do together.
  • Late Morning: Cooking class (Vietnamese spring rolls) before check-out.
  • Noon: Lunch served on board while cruising back to the harbor. Return transfer to Hanoi.

Best for: Families with young children or limited schedule, but still want to enjoy Halong Bay’s highlights in a short overnight Halong Bay cruise.

Kayaking in the calm waters near Luon Cave

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3 Days 2 Nights Itinerary

This package is recommended for families who want a deeper experience of Halong Bay with less rushing and more activities.

Day 1

  • Same schedule as Day 1 of the 2D1N tour: cruising, cave visit, Titop Island, sunset party, dinner, squid fishing.

Day 2

  • Morning: Breakfast on board while sailing to less crowded areas of the bay.
  • Excursion: Continue on the same boat (no transfer required) to explore remote sites.
    • Kayak at the Trong Cave area.
    • Visit Me Cung Cave – an ancient grotto with unique rock formations.
    • Pass by the Pearl Farm Village to learn about pearl cultivation.
  • Afternoon: Relax or kayak again in quieter lagoons. Lunch served on board.
  • Evening: BBQ dinner on deck, followed by evening entertainment or stargazing. Families can enjoy games or movies together.

Me Cung Cave

Day 3

  • Morning: Sunrise watching and light breakfast.
  • Excursion: Visit the iconic Sung Sot Cave (if not visited on Day 1, depending on weather and authority schedule).
  • Cooking Class: Fun and interactive activity before check-out.
  • Noon: Farewell lunch while cruising back to the harbor. Shuttle bus or private transfer returns guests to Hanoi.

Cooking Class

3. Onboard Experiences for Families

Activities for Adults

Parents and adult travelers can fully enjoy the highlights of Halong Bay with a range of activities:

  • Kayaking through calm lagoons and caves, offering close-up views of limestone cliffs.
  • Cave exploration, such as Sung Sot and Me Cung, where the natural formations create unforgettable memories.
  • Island hiking at Titop Island, a short climb that rewards visitors with stunning panoramic views of Halong Bay.
  • For those who prefer to relax, the sundeck provides comfortable chairs where guests can unwind, sip a drink, and admire the scenery.

Kayaking through calm lagoons

Fun for Kids

Fantasea Cruise ensures younger guests are equally entertained:

  • Swimming at Titop Beach, where shallow waters and sandy shores are safe for children.
  • Cooking class on board, where kids can roll spring rolls and enjoy learning simple Vietnamese dishes.
  • Squid fishing in the evening, guided by the crew, is both fun and interactive for families to try together.

Swimming at Titop Beach

Dining Experience

Food is a highlight on the cruise, carefully prepared to suit both adults and children:

  • A mix of Vietnamese and international cuisine, served in the dining room.
  • Seafood Halong Bay specialties, such as grilled fish and prawns.
  • BBQ dinner on deck, offering a lively and memorable family evening.
  • Family-friendly menu options are available, ensuring children have suitable and tasty meals.

BBQ dinner on deck

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4. Practical Travel Information

Departure Point & Transfers

The cruise departs from Tuan Chau Harbor, about 2.5 hours by road from Hanoi. Families can choose between a shuttle bus (shared transfer) or a private car for greater comfort. Pick-up is usually available in the Hanoi Old Quarter.

Family Policies & Pricing

  • Children under 4 years old: Free of charge when sharing with parents.
  • Children from 4–6 years: 50% discount on the adult price.
  • Children from 7–9 years: Often 75% of the adult rate.
  • From 10 years old: Counted as adults.

Things to Bring

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, families should prepare:

  • Original passport (required for overnight stay on the boat).
  • Swimwear for kayaking and beach activities.
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat for sun protection.
  • Insect repellent for evening outdoor activities.
  • A camera to capture memorable family moments.
  • Extra cash for personal expenses and beverages not included in the package.

5. Comparing Fantasea Cruise vs Other Halong Bay Cruises

Feature

Fantasea Cruise

Essence Grand / Paradise Elegance

Category

2–3 star, traditional wooden junk

4–5 star, modern steel vessel

Target Guests

Families, small groups, budget-conscious travelers

Couples, honeymooners, premium travelers

Cabins

9–14 rooms, compact (15–20m²), private bathroom, A/C

Spacious suites (30–60m²), private balcony, luxury bathrooms

Facilities

Dining room, lounge bar, sundeck

Fine-dining restaurant, spa, pool, wine lounge, gym

Dining

Vietnamese and international set menus, BBQ dinner

Gourmet multi-course meals, à la carte dining

Activities

Kayaking, cave visits, Titop Island, cooking class, squid fishing

Similar activities + luxury experiences (spa, wine tasting, private excursions)

Price Range

Affordable, good value for an overnight Halong Bay cruise

Higher price, luxury segment

Overall Value

Budget-friendly, authentic, family-focused

Premium comfort, modern facilities, luxury appeal

6. Why Book Fantasea Cruise with Vietpower Travel?

Booking the Fantasea Cruise through Vietpower Travel means peace of mind. With more than 10 years of experience, Vietpower is a licensed international tour operator specializing in Halong Bay cruises and customized Vietnam tours. We promise the best price, 24/7 customer support, and authentic local insights so your family can enjoy a safe, smooth, and memorable trip.

Contact Vietpower Travel

  • Head Office (Hanoi): Tuan Hanh Building, No. 82, Lane 116, Nhan Hoa Street, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Hotline (WhatsApp/Line/Viber): (+84) 947 522 266 | (+84) 936 336 389
  • Email: sales@vietpowertravel.com
  • International Tour License: 01-711/TCDL-GPLHQT

7. Conclusion

In summary, Fantasea Cruise Halong Bay is the right choice for families seeking budget-friendly comfort, authentic Vietnamese style, and memorable experiences. From cabins and dining to family activities, the cruise balances value with enjoyment. You can find more insights and destination ideas in our Vietnam cruise category. Learn about the best cruise routes and experiences, and let Vietpower Travel help you plan your perfect journey on the water.