When it comes to packing for a trip, it always seems that we may forget at least one thing to put in the bag. And for many travelers, packing for a Halong Bay Cruise is sometimes even more daunting if you don’t know exactly what to take with you. This is our packing checklist and essential notes to consider before boarding your Halong Bay cruise ship. Let's take a look and make your own list to ensure your cruise won’t be ruined.
What to pack for a Halong Bay Cruise
1. Cruise documents and identification
Without exception, all Halong Bay Cruise passengers need to send a full valid CCCD or Passport for adults and a Birth Certificate or Passport with an identification code for children at least three days prior to the departure date for the customs order on board (an obligatory procedure when traveling by air and cruise). The cruise operator is not liable for the customer's failure to board the ship or for refunding or changing the booking if the customer fails to supply enough and accurate information to disclose to the customs authorities.
2. Personal items
Passengers should bring necessary products like hand sanitizer, shampoo, towels, and shower gel to reduce the danger of skin sensitivities or infectious diseases if you must use communal restrooms. Customers should also pack swimwear, cameras, sunglasses, sunscreen, and wide-brimmed hats since these goods will be essential for your water journey.
3. Footwear
Visitors are encouraged to wear low-soled, soft-soled footwear or sandals with a firm, low sole when traveling on board, enjoying the pool, or exploring the caves, to prevent sliding.
4. Medications
If you have access to basic pharmaceuticals bug repellent, digestive medicine, anti-intoxication drugs, allergy medication, and travel first aid kits, do so.
Important notes when traveling on Halong Bay Cruises
1. No personal food and drinks
In accordance with Vietnamese regulations, you are not allowed to bring any incendiary materials and prohibited substances when traveling on a cruise. Also, passengers are advised to abstain from carrying personal food on board as the Halong Bay Cruise serves the meals according to the schedule and has their own bar serving drinks.
2. Information changes
Customers must notify additional or remove persons from the cruise trip at least 36 hours prior to departure; these changes are not automatically made. Without warning, the cruise line will decline to take new passengers and will refuse to cover reimbursements for anybody who cancels without a valid explanation.
3. Transfer Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi
If you make a booking of transfer (shuttle bus) between Hanoi and Halong, you need to send the correct address of your hotel at least 01 day before departure date so that the driver can pick you up smoothly. In case, there are any changes of your hotel address, please inform your travel agent or the cruise operator immediately. The cruise will not be responsible for the customer's failure to board the ship if the customer does not send proper information, and there will be no refunds.
4. Diet
Please let the cruise operator know if you have a food allergy so that the appropriate meal may be substituted. When taking part in events at sea or on ships, keep your alcohol consumption to a minimum.
5. Health problems
Those with a history of heart or lung disease, or those with advanced age medical conditions, should consider the cave exploration as they will be more mobile. Adults should watch out for small children and do not leave them near railings, boats, bows, or let them play alone in the sea or pool.
6. Local purchase
Passengers are advised to refrain from purchasing items sold by locals at boat vendors located around the cruise. The cruise line is not responsible for the origin or safety of food hygiene when purchasing from then.
7. Wifi Connection
Free Wi-Fi is available in key areas of the ship, including reception, restaurants and deck areas. However, since it is far from land, the Wifi signal may not be stable.
8. Schedule and activities
Time in the program is only relative as it is subject to change without prior notice to visitors due to weather conditions and specific tides. The tour guide on board will inform you of the exact time on the day of departure.
There are a lot of activities included in the itinerary but you are not required to take part in fully. You can choose to relax and enjoy the scenery on board all day.
The above are the mandatory rules and the most basic notes you need to remember before boarding a Halong Bay Cruise. If you are unclear or have any questions, please feel free to contact our travel agents for detailed information and best deals!
