Named one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Halong Bay is a breathtaking destination ideal for a fantastic family vacation with a cool atmosphere and many exciting places! Prepare to spark your kids' curiosity as you discover the mystical caves and thousands of limestone karsts in different shapes. Choosing the best cruise for your family amidst the plethora of options, however, can be a challenge. If you’re planning a family cruise package in Halong Bay, rest assured that our following suggestions are made to provide you and your kids with special memories.
I. Best time for a Halong family cruise trip
It's important that you consider the weather before beginning your family cruise trip. The tropical weather in Halong varies significantly with the seasons. Known as the off-peak season, May through September can be extremely hot and humid, with temperatures up to 30 degrees Celsius. Though it’s perfect for beach activities, August is probably when tropical storms will occur.
The best months to visit Halong Bay are March and April, when temperatures vary from 18 to 23 degrees Celsius, the sun is warm, and there is minimal chance of rain, making it the ideal time for family and kids to take in the extraordinary sights and seascapes. Another great time to travel with favorable weather is from the end of September until the end of October. While temperatures can dip as low as 10 degrees Celsius from November to February, you will encounter mood-enhancing, dense early-morning fog, and the scenery is suitable for photography.
II. Transportation for family to Halong Bay
If you book a cruise package, make sure it includes a round-trip transfer between Hanoi and Halong. If not, you can choose one of several options, such as a public bus, tourist shuttle bus, private car, or seaplane. As you travel with your children, it’s highly recommended to travel by cruise shuttle bus or private car.
Shuttle bus service offered by cruise lines is usually the Dcar Limousine, which has 7–9 seats, and the Felix Limousine, which has 16 seats. Your family will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter. Meanwhile, a private car is a more proactive choice. Depending on the number of family members, you can reserve a private 4-seat, 7-seat, 16-seat, or even a bigger car. The pickup and drop-off points will cover Hanoi Old Quarter and the neighboring areas. The travel time from Hanoi to Halong through the new Expressway is roughly 2.5 hours.
III. Choose Your Best Family Halong Cruise Packages
Taking a family vacation is always a great choice. Below, we'll provide you with some crucial facts about Halong Bay family cruise tours that you should be aware of in preparation for your next vacation.
1. Halong Family Cruise Duration
Cruising through Halong Bay is one of the best ways to fully and truly appreciate the natural splendor of this wonder. Popular family cruise lengths will include: a day tour cruise, a 2-day 1-night cruise, and a 3-day 2-night cruise. However, most families will choose a one- or two-night cruise trip to enjoy more interesting things.
A 2-Day 1-Night Family Halong Cruise
Activities on the 2-day, 1-night Ambassador Cruise, Paradise Elegance Cruise, Paradise Sails Cruise, Alisa Cruise, Hermes Cruise, and Athena Cruise will include panoramic views of Halong Bay from the summit of Titov Island, a visit to Sung Sot Cave, the largest cave in Halong Bay, a kayaking adventure, exploring numerous stunning islands and mysterious caves in this area, and finally unwinding on the white sand beaches. The voyage will provide you with the best sights of Vietnam's Halong Bay and let you learn more about this World Heritage Site. You will also have more time to enjoy yourself with your family, take a dip in the swimming pool, lounge on the sundeck, take in the sunset, or practice Tai Chi in the morning.
A 3-Day 2-Night Halong Family Cruise
You and your family can fully explore Halong Bay with a 3-day, 2-night cruise. Apart from the same activities as the 2-day, 1-night itinerary, this thrilling trip will take you further to the less-visited areas. On the second day of this program, your family will sail on a dayboat to kayak in the middle of Halong Bay, see fishing villages, become fully immersed in the local way of life, and soak in the exceptional beauty of the heritage bay. Lastly, savor the essence of European and Asian cuisine at a cozy dinner. Families with young children can look forward to the most serene and joyous times during their three-day resort cruise in Halong Bay.
2. Halong Family Cruise Budget
Halong Bay offers a wide variety of cruise ships at affordable prices that will definitely fit into your travel budget. For your family, you want to select trustworthy and secure boats nonetheless. This will guarantee a safer and more rewarding vacation. The most well-known cruise ships in Halong Bay with rich experience and first-rate service are Paradise Vietnam Cruises, Ambassador Cruises, Orchid Cruises, etc.
3. Halong Family Cruise Capacity
When choosing the ideal Halong Bay cruise for your family, knowing the cabin details is crucial. A big cruise with connecting rooms will have a lot of cabins, which means there will be a lot of passengers. This will restrict the amount of operational space and lengthen wait times for public services like dining and entertainment. The sheer number of visitors will pose problems, particularly for the elderly and families with small children. Halong Bay Cruises only allows 5 to 46 rooms, which equates to a maximum capacity of 110 people on a big cruise, in order to ensure that guests have a comfortable and comprehensive holiday.
4. Halong Family Cruise Room
A Halong Bay cruise itinerary will not include much time to stay on the cruise cabin; instead, it includes visits to the main deck's activities and tourist sights. As a result, the stateroom is not too large to be wasted. But if you prefer to stay onboard and take in the breathtaking views outside, the space becomes perfect with a balcony or a floor-to-ceiling glass window. Besides, many family-friendly cruises offer family room types, such as triple rooms (3 single beds/ 1 double bed + 1 single bed) and connecting rooms (2 adjacent cabins with a connecting door).
5. Family Cruise Meals
All meals are served on board following the cruise’s itinerary, and you will enjoy a wide variety of international cuisine, including French, Italian, and Asian styles. Some cruise ships provide a set menu, a light meal, a Eurasian lunch buffet, abreakfast buffet, and, most notably, in-cabin dining. Special food requirements for kids and adults are also served onboard with notices in advance. Be advised that most cruises do not include drinks in the package.
IV. Tips for Choosing a Family Cruise Package
Book early to avoid cabin shortages in peak seasons.
Compare prices and gather coupon codes for families to save more.
Make reservations on reliable travel websites to ensure a smooth trip experience.
Read Halong Bay cruise reviews on different websites like TripAdvisor or travel forums.
Check in advance if the cruise offers kid-friendly facilities: baby cot, kid’s club, kid-friendly menus, etc.
Get ready for an enchanting voyage in Halong Bay, where you and your family will see a variety of stunning natural settings. Discover hidden caves that will astound your children, marvel at the magnificent white sand beaches, and sail through ancient limestone karsts. Book your dream cruise with www.halongbaycrusies.com and embark on a delightful adventure that your children will cherish forever!
