- This feels like a lively, upscale day out on Ha Long Bay, balancing sightseeing with time to relax on board. The atmosphere combines scenic cruising, dining, and live entertainment.
- It suits travelers who want to see the bay's major sights without committing to an overnight stay. It's also a good fit if you're choosing between Vietnamese and Indian lunch options.
- It works best when you want to fit Ha Long Bay into a day trip, whether you're staying in Ha Long or travelling from Hanoi.
- The trade-off is time: the experience follows a set sightseeing schedule, so you won't have the flexibility of an overnight stay. Kayaking and bamboo boat rides may also cost extra.
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What you get with Ambassador Cruise in Ha Long Bay
Explore Ha Long Bay with Ambassador Cruise, whether you have a day to spare or want to stay overnight. Sail past the bay’s limestone islands, enjoy dining on board, and take in the views from the sundecks. Choose a day cruise aboard Ambassador Cruise II to see the bay’s highlights, or spend a night aboard Ambassador Cruise I, with a private balcony or terrace cabin and evening entertainment.
Ambassador Cruise overview
- Two ways to cruise: Choose a day trip aboard Ambassador Cruise II or a 2D1N overnight cruise aboard Ambassador Cruise I.
- Explore Ha Long Bay: Visit well-known sights, including Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave and Titov Island. The stops depend on your cruise itinerary.
- Enjoy dining on board: The day cruise offers a choice of Vietnamese or Indian lunch, depending on your ticket. The overnight cruise includes meals across both days.
- Take in the views: Relax on the sundecks and enjoy views of Ha Long Bay’s limestone islands and emerald waters.
- Onboard entertainment: The day cruise features live music and afternoon tea. The overnight cruise adds evening entertainment and activities such as a cooking demonstration and Tai Chi.
- Choose your departure option: Board at Ha Long International Cruise Port, or select a ticket that includes round-trip transfers from Hanoi.
- Make it an overnight stay: The 2D1N cruise offers cabin options with a private balcony or terrace, depending on your selection.
- Know before you go: Kayaking and bamboo boat rides may cost extra. Check your chosen cruise’s inclusions before booking.
Know before you book
- Choose the right departure option: Select a ticket with round-trip transfers from Hanoi or make your own way to Ha Long International Cruise Port.
- Allow enough time for the day cruise: The cruise runs for around 8 hours, excluding travel to and from Hanoi. Check your selected ticket for transfer details.
- Check what your ticket includes: Day cruise tickets offer a choice of Vietnamese or Indian lunch. Your selected option determines the meal and whether transfers are included.
- Budget for optional activities: Kayaking and bamboo boat rides may incur an additional charge. Check the terms of your selected ticket.
- Expect itinerary changes: Stops and timings may change depending on weather and cruising conditions.
- Plan for limited connectivity: Wi-Fi is available in designated onboard areas, but the connection may be intermittent while cruising.
- Check accessibility before booking: The day cruise is not wheelchair accessible.
Which Ambassador Cruise fits your plans?
Ambassador Day Cruise
Ambassador Overnight Cruise
- This feels more like a leisurely escape, with time to enjoy the bay beyond the main sightseeing stops. The onboard atmosphere combines upscale dining, open views, and evening entertainment.
- It suits couples, families, and travelers who want a more immersive cruise experience, with a private balcony or terrace offering space to unwind between activities.
- It works best when you want to slow down, enjoy the scenery at different times of day, and make the cruise itself part of your holiday rather than just a sightseeing trip.
- The trade-off is the greater time commitment. You'll need to plan around an overnight itinerary and cabin arrangements, and some activities, such as kayaking or bamboo boat rides, may cost extra.
The Ambassador Cruise fleet
Ambassador Cruise II
Ambassador Cruise II has two spacious sundecks with panoramic views of Ha Long Bay. Inside, two restaurants and two bars offer places to dine and unwind between sightseeing stops. You can also step onto the five-metre glass bridge for photos or relax by the open-air Jacuzzi. A dedicated entertainment area hosts live music during the cruise.
Ambassador Cruise I
Ambassador Cruise I is designed for overnight stays, with cabins featuring private balconies or terraces overlooking the bay. Twin panoramic sundecks offer space to enjoy the scenery, while the restaurant, piano lounge and indoor and outdoor bars provide places to dine and relax. The ship also features an outdoor Jacuzzi pool and a spa.
What happens on an Ambassador Cruise?
Ambassador Day Cruise
Check-in and boarding
Check in at Ambassador’s Lounge on the first floor of Ha Long International Cruise Port between 9am and 9:45am. From here, you’ll board Ambassador Cruise II for a day on the bay. If you’ve booked transfers from Hanoi, allow for the road journey before check-in.
Sailing past the limestone islands
The cruise sets off around 10am, passing the limestone formations of Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. Around 11am, you’ll visit Sung Sot Cave, known for its striking stalactites and spacious chambers. After the cave visit, return to the ship for lunch as the scenery continues around you.
Luon Cave, Titov Island and the return
After lunch, the itinerary continues to Luon Cave, where you can choose a bamboo boat ride or kayaking for an additional charge. Next is Titov Island, where you can swim or climb to the viewpoint. Afternoon tea and live music follow on the return journey, before disembarkation at around 4:30pm.
Ambassador Overnight Cruise
Boarding and exploring Ha Long Bay
Check in at Ambassador’s Lounge from 11am before transferring to Ambassador Cruise I. After a welcome briefing, enjoy lunch while sailing past Ha Long Bay’s limestone islands. The first excursions are Luon Cave, with optional kayaking or a bamboo boat ride, followed by Sung Sot Cave. Activity timings may vary with cruising conditions.
Sunset, dinner and evening entertainment
As the ship anchors for the night, take time to relax on the sundecks or enjoy the onboard facilities. The evening schedule includes a cooking demonstration and happy hour, followed by dinner with live band music when scheduled. After dinner, you can enjoy more live music or choose activities such as squid fishing, subject to availability and additional charges.
Tai Chi and a morning visit to Titov Island
Start the next morning with Tai Chi on the sundeck or in the Piano Lounge, depending on the weather. After a light breakfast, head to Titov Island, where you can swim at the beach or climb to the viewpoint for panoramic views across the bay. Return to the ship for a full breakfast before check-out.
Check-out and disembarkation
After breakfast, settle any outstanding bills and check out at reception on the first deck. The cruise is scheduled to return to Ha Long International Cruise Port for disembarkation at around 10:15am. If you’ve booked a transfer to Hanoi, check your voucher for the pickup arrangements and allow time for the onward road journey.
Boarding point
Ha Long International Cruise Port
Used for: Ambassador Day Cruise and the 2D1N Ambassador Cruise.
Address: Ambassador’s Lounge, first floor, Terminal, Ha Long International Cruise Port, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam.
How to get there:
- Take a taxi or private car to Ha Long International Cruise Port and follow signs for the terminal.
- If you’ve booked round-trip transfers from Hanoi, follow the pickup instructions on your booking confirmation. You’ll still check in at the port.
When to arrive: Check the time on your voucher before travelling. The operator’s published schedules differ: its day-cruise page lists an 8am check-in, while the overnight cruise page lists 11am. Confirm your product’s current check-in time before departure.
Good to know: Don’t look for the cruise ship at the terminal entrance. Check in at Ambassador’s Lounge on the first floor first; staff will guide you through the boarding process.
Plan your Ambassador Cruise in Ha Long Bay
Ambassador Day Cruise
Check in at Ambassador’s Lounge on the first floor of Ha Long International Cruise Port between 9am and 9:45am. Keep your mobile voucher and valid photo ID ready before boarding Ambassador Cruise II. If you’ve booked a Hanoi transfer, follow the pickup instructions in your booking confirmation.
Ambassador Overnight Cruise
Check in at Ambassador’s Lounge at 11am before transferring to Ambassador Cruise I. Keep your booking confirmation and photo ID handy. If you’ve booked a Hanoi transfer, use the pickup details provided with your booking.
Ambassador Day Cruise
- Check-in: 9am to 9:45am
- Cruise programme begins: around 10am
- Disembarkation: around 4:30pm to 4:45pm
Ambassador Overnight Cruise
- Day 1 check-in: 11am
- Day 2 disembarkation: around 10:15am
Best time of day: Both options include daytime sightseeing. Choose the overnight cruise if you’d also like to spend an evening on the bay.
Best season: Weather can affect outdoor activities and the cruise schedule, so check conditions close to your travel date.
Ambassador Day Cruise
Choose a Vietnamese or Indian lunch option when booking. The Indian option includes a vegetarian set menu. Afternoon tea is also part of the cruise experience. Outside food and drinks are not allowed on board.
Ambassador Overnight Cruise
Meals are served on board during your stay. Check your selected ticket’s inclusions to see which meals are covered.
Ambassador Cruise II
- Twin panoramic sundecks
- Two restaurants, two bars and a live music area
- Open-air Jacuzzi
- Five-metre glass bridge
Ambassador Cruise I
- Panoramic sundecks, restaurant and piano lounge
- Indoor and outdoor bars
- Outdoor Jacuzzi pool and spa
- Cabins with private balconies or terraces, depending on cabin type
At the pier: Check in at Ambassador’s Lounge on the first floor of Ha Long International Cruise Port.
Accessibility: Ambassador Day Cruise is not wheelchair accessible. For Ambassador Cruise I, contact the operator to confirm boarding and onboard accessibility before booking.
- Outside food and drinks are not allowed on board.
- Large suitcases and oversized luggage are not permitted.
- Weapons, explosives, and flammable materials are prohibited.
- Pets are not allowed, except registered service animals.
- Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all indoor areas.
- Wear your life jacket correctly during transfers to and from sightseeing stops.
Tips
- Check your departure option: Choose the Hanoi transfer or Ha Long self-arrival option that suits your plans, and follow the instructions in your booking confirmation.
- Head to the right place: Start at the Ambassador’s Lounge on the first floor of Ha Long International Cruise Port rather than going directly to the ship.
- Keep your documents handy: Have your booking confirmation and a valid photo ID ready at check-in.
- Choose your lunch carefully: Day cruise tickets may offer Vietnamese or Indian lunch options. Check the selected option if you have dietary requirements.
- Budget for optional activities: Kayaking and bamboo boat rides may cost extra, so check what your ticket includes before joining.
- Be ready for schedule changes: Weather and sea conditions can affect outdoor activities and sightseeing stops.
- Plan your stay: The day cruise returns to port in the late afternoon, while the overnight cruise includes a stay on board and disembarkation the following morning.
- Check your cabin selection: For the overnight cruise, compare the available cabin options and their balcony or terrace arrangements before booking.
Frequently asked questions about Ambassador Cruise in Ha Long Bay
Ambassador Cruise suits travellers looking for a large vessel with spacious sundecks, onboard dining and entertainment. Its day cruise visits Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave and Titov Island, while the overnight option adds a cabin stay. Compare routes, inclusions and vessel facilities before choosing between operators.
Book the Ambassador Day Cruise if you want to explore Ha Long Bay in one day, with lunch and sightseeing stops. Choose the 2D1N Ambassador Cruise if you want to stay overnight in a cabin with a private balcony or terrace and enjoy evening entertainment on board.
Your inclusions depend on the cruise and ticket you select. Day cruise options include lunch, afternoon tea and sightseeing, with Vietnamese or Indian lunch choices. Hanoi transfers are available with selected tickets, while kayaking and bamboo boat rides may cost extra. Check your overnight ticket for its specific meal inclusions.
Both cruises use Ambassador’s Lounge on the first floor of Ha Long International Cruise Port. Day cruise check-in is scheduled between 9am and 9:45am, while overnight check-in is at 11am. If you’ve booked a Hanoi transfer, follow the pickup instructions in your booking confirmation.
No formal dress code has been confirmed for these cruises. Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are practical for sightseeing stops, while a light layer can help on breezy decks. Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to take part in water activities.
Weather and sea conditions can affect sightseeing stops and outdoor activities, and live music may move indoors. Sailings may also be delayed or cancelled for safety reasons. Check your ticket’s cancellation and refund terms for the options available if your departure is affected.
Book once your Ha Long Bay travel dates and preferred ticket options are confirmed, especially if you need a specific lunch choice or Hanoi transfer. Availability varies, and no fixed advance-booking period is guaranteed. Check your chosen date and ticket options before finalising your plans.
Yes, if you want to combine Ha Long Bay sightseeing with onboard dining and leisure spaces. The day cruise suits a shorter visit, while the overnight option offers a cabin stay and evening entertainment. The day cruise is not wheelchair accessible, so consider access needs before booking.
Yes, these activities are offered during the day cruise, but they may cost extra. If you want to take part, check your ticket’s inclusions and register at reception before 10am. Availability may depend on weather and operating conditions, so participation is not guaranteed.
