Is a Budget Halong Bay Cruises Right for Couples and Families?
Yes – and here’s exactly why!
For Couples: Private, Peaceful, Romantic
Numerous Budget Halong Bay Cruises now provide private balcony rooms, sunset cooking presentations, and tranquil itineraries avoiding crowded ports. Cruises such as Swan Cruises or Mila Cruise provide you with:
- Cozy rooms for two
- Private dining rooms
- Sundecks are ideal for sunset viewing together
- Romantic spots such as Bai Tu Long Bay or Ti Top Island
These are ideal if you’re seeking a romantic vacation at an affordable price, making them among the best budget-friendly Halong Bay cruise choices for couples!
For Families: Safe, Spacious, Fun-Filled
Concerned about the kids’ safety or space? Worry not. Family-friendly cruise offerings in Halong Bay, such as Phoenix Cruiser or Renea Cruise, are constructed with families in mind:
- Connecting cabins or triple rooms
- Children’s lifejackets, adequately trained personnel
- Scoop fishing, kayaking, and a trip to Surprise Cave are some activities.
- Peaceful waters and secure cruise vessels
They provide kid-friendly cuisine and laid-back activities, perfect for young children or grandparents.
Halong Bay cruise (Sours: kayak)
Budget vs. Luxury: What’s the Difference?
Feature
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Budget Halong Bay Cruise
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Luxury Cruise
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Price Range
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$100–150/pax
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$250–500/pax
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Rooms
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Compact, clean, often with sea views
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Larger, modern spa tubs
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Activities
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Kayak, cave visit, squid fishing
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Same, spa, fine dining
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Ideal for
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Couples, families, and sand mart spenders
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Honeymooners, VIP experiences
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Most Romantic Affordable Cruises for Couples (Updated 2025)
Swan Cruises – Peace & Romance in Bai Tu Long Bay
- Price Range: $118 per person (originally priced at $185, now 36% off)
- Port of Departure: Hon Gai, sailing in Bai Tu Long Bay
- Type: Steel hull | 18 cabins | Built 2015
- Room Type: Deluxe Sea View Cabin – queen bed, spacious window, comfortable wooden furnishing, bathroom ensuite
- Itinerary Highlights:
- Paddling through serene lagoons at Cap La
- Visit to Thien Canh Son Cave
- Sunset hour on the sundeck
- Couple-Focused Amenities:
- Sophisticated sundeck with loungers and lanterns
- Sunset cooking demonstrations in Vietnamese cuisine
- Choice for private dining arrangements onboard
Halong Bay Cruises (Sours: booking)
Amanda Cruise – Modern Style, Great Value
- Price Range: From $122 per person for 2D1N.
- Tour Route: Combination tour of Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay
- Vessel Type: Steel ship | 25 cabins | Launched in 2022
- Room Type: Deluxe Balcony Cabin (area 25–28m²) – double bed, balcony, bathroom with shower.
- Itinerary Highlights:
- Visit Surprise Cave and Titop Island.
- Kayaking and bamboo boat at Luon Cave
- Sunset party on the sundeck with wine and fruit
- Couple-Focused Amenities:
- Ideal rooftop deck for after-dinner drinks
- Contemporary dining area overlooking the bay
- Squid fishing at night, karaoke lounge
Amanda Cruise (Sours: amandacruise)
Scarlet Pearl Cruise – Affordable Luxury in Lan Ha Bay
- Price Range: $165–$175 per person
- Departure Port: Tuan Chau, discover Lan Ha Bay of Halong Bay
- Ship Type: Steel vessel | 23 cabins | Launched 2019
- Room suggestion: Golden Pearl Cabin – 40m², with a private balcony, spacious bathtub, luxury linen.
- Itinerary Highlights:
- Sail aboard a luxury catamaran through the hidden corners of Lan Ha Bay.
- Explore the Dark & Bright Cave by kayak or bamboo boat.
- Beach halt for swimming and relaxation
- Couple-Focused Amenities:
- Free 30-minute catamaran cruise
- Elegant spa treatments, spa corner
- Upscale eatery featuring international and Vietnamese fusion cuisine.
Scarlet Pearl Cruise (Sours: halongbaytours)
Phoenix Cruiser – Traditional & Intimate
- Price Range: $120 per person
- Itinerary: Classic Halong Bay tour with leisurely tours
- Type of cruise: Wooden ship | 14 rooms | Date launched: 2013
- Room Type: Deluxe Cabin with large sea-view windows
- Itinerary Highlights:
- Sung Sot Cave Tour (Surprise Cave)
- Hiking to the panoramic viewpoint on Titop Island
- Sunset from the deck with cocktails and music.
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- Couple-Focused Amenities:
- Smaller ship = fewer passengers = increased privacy.
- Local cooking classes
- Inviting dining space with wooden interiors
Phoenix Cruiser (Sours: halongphoenixcruiser)
Mon Cheri Cruise – Premium Romance at Budget Price
- Price Range: $145–$160 per person
- Port of Departure: Got Pier, venturing into Lan Ha Bay
- Voyage Type: Contemporary steel ship | Cabins: 18–21
- Room Type: Ocean Suite Balcony Cabin – spacious room, refined interior, personal balcony, marble bathroom
- Top Picks:
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- Paddle through the Tra Bau area
- You can visit Cat Ba Island or a floating fishing village.
- Onboard activities: tai chi, cooking demonstrations, and wine tasting.
- Couple-Focused Amenities:
- Western-Vietnamese fine dining
- Luxury bedding and spa treatments
- Request a candlelit dinner.
Mon Cheri Cruise (Sours: monchericruises)
Best Value Cruises for Families in 2025
Phoenix Cruise – Calm, Cozy & Classic
Price: $120 per person (around 2,900,000 VND) for a 2-day, 1-night
What’s included:
- Overnight cabin with air conditioning
- Full-board meals including 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast
- All the entrance fees to Surprise Cave, Titop Island, and Luon Cave
- Kayaking, squid fishing, cooking class, and guidance in English
- Shuttle bus round trip from Hanoi (when booked as a package)
Cabin Types for Families:
- Triple Deluxe Room: 1 double bed + 1 single bed, 18m²
- Family Connecting Rooms: Two adjoining cabins which are connected by a door, perfect for 4–5 person families
- En-suite bathrooms featuring a standing shower, towels, and toiletries
- Sea-view windows (no balconies)
Onboard Amenities:
- Traditional wooden cruise ship with a comfortable design
- Vietnamese family restaurant with family meals
- Sundeck for relaxation and stargazing, situated in
- A small number of passengers, assuring privacy and quiet time for children.
- Safety gear with child-sized life jackets
Phoenix Cruise (Sours: tuyenquanggov)
Renea Cruise – Quiet Nature in Bai Tu Long Bay
Price: From $125 per person (about 3,000,000 VND)
What’s included:
- 2D1N cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay
- Full meals (local Vietnamese and a few western alternatives)
- Trips to Thien Canh Son Cave, kayaking, cooking, squid fishing, and riding a bamboo boat
- Round-trip transfer from Hanoi is available on request
Cabin Types for Families:
- Deluxe Triple Cabin: 1 queen bed + 1 single bed, approx. 20m²
- Cabins with limited occupancy, which can accommodate 4-6 persons.
- Wooden furnishings, comfortable lighting, sea-facing windows
- Ensuite bathrooms with a shower and bathroom essentials
Onboard Amenities:
- Small wooden cruise ship (11 rooms in total)
- A large dinner area with fixed-price meals
- Open top deck featuring loungers
- Peaceful and less touristy sailing path along Bai Tu Long Bay. Increased security standards, along with emergency procedures, and children’s life vests
Renea Cruise (Sours: tripadvisor)
M’gloria Cruise – Modern Comfort for Active Families
Price: From $130–$150 per person (approximately 3,200,000–3,600,000 VND
What’s included:
- Luxury steel cruise ship launched in 2023
- Meals, kayaking, visits to the caves, beach swimming, and onboard activities
- Fitness room accessibility, children’s karaoke, and a small-sized swimming pool
Cabin Types for Families:
- Harmony Family Suite: 48 square meters, 1 king bed + 2 single beds, private balcony, standing shower, and bathtub
- Cabins: Accommodates families of 4 to 6 persons
- Each room features large sea-view windows, intelligent climate control, a minibar, and slippers.
Onboard Amenities:
- Large sundeck featuring lounge chairs and shaded seating areas
- Indoor and Outdoor Play Areas
- Spa, fitness center, and family karaoke
- On-demand baby cots and additional beds are available.
- Special food for children and allergen-conscious meal planning
M’gloria Cruise (Sours: mgloriacruise)
What to Expect Onboard: Budget, Not Basic with Budget Halong Bay Cruises
Spacious Enough: Typical Cabin Sizes and Facilities
On our Budget Halong Bay Cruises, rooms are usually around 14 to 25 square meters in size, subject to the design of the ship and the cabin class you’ve booked. Even at the lowest end of our price range, you’ll enjoy:
- Double beds or twin beds, each with clean linens
- Private bathrooms with hot showers and air conditioning
- Sea-view windows or a personal balcony in higher-end cabins
- Tasteful and clean decorating—typically wood-trimmed to create a classic
Some excellent Halong Bay budget cruise vessels, such as Amanda Cruise or Mon Cheri, even feature family-connecting cabins and bathtubs, and balcony suites for couples to enjoy some privacy.
Delicious & Diverse: Meals Onboard
Your cruise fare on the majority of low-cost Halong Bay tours includes all principal meals:
- Set menus and buffets with Vietnamese staples and international favorites
- Seafood-oriented meals, including grilled fish, squid, prawns, and clam soup
- Vegetarian and child-friendly meals are available on request.
- Optional cooking demonstrations allowing you to roll your spring rolls or experiment with neighborhood recipes
You won’t experience five-star gourmet meals like on a cruise ship, but what you’ll receive is hearty, freshly cooked food that satisfies everyone.
Sunsets & Social Vibes: The Sundeck Experience
Practically every cruise in Halong Bay has a sundeck at the top, a hub of social life. This is where passengers congregate to:
- Morning tai chi at sunrise
- Afternoon lounging with a cocktail in hand.
- Sunset parties with music and fruit platters
- Evenings are spent stargazing after squid fishing or kayaking.
Families, couples, and singles can relax in comfort on cushioned loungers while sailing by famous landmarks such as the Surprise Cave, Titop Island, or along the less crowded Bai Tu Long Bay.
Conclusion
Budget Halong Bay Cruises in 2025 demonstrate that amazing memories are not a luxury. Whether a romantic vacation or a fun family cruise around Halong Bay, it’s the experience, not the price tag, that’s most important. With private balconies to squid fishin’, and cooking classes, budget-friendly Halong Bay cruise packages today deliver significant experiences at a reasonable price point. Need to plan a trip? We’ll take you right to the best places to book safely, where to book Halong Bay cruise packages with maximum value. You choose, cruise happily, this is your Halong, your way.