Peony Cruise Review: Exploring Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island on 2 Days
Let’s follow me in this post to know more in detail about my Halong cruise at Peony as well as useful insights to plan your trip.
Embarkation and Ship Overview
At 8:30 AM, I departed from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Port by limousine, which took me on a 2.5-hour journey. The interior of this limousine was spacious and clean, equipped with Wi-Fi and drinking water, offering travelers absolute comfort to take a nap and relax. After arriving at Lot 34, Tuan Chau International Port, the tourists and I were instructed to check in. Notably, this port also treated us to drinks and sweets.
By 12:15 PM, we boarded the tender to reach the cruise ship. Just a few meters away, I could feel the warm and friendly greeting of the cruise as the crew happily waved to us. The staff assisted us with our luggage while we were served cool wet towels and refreshing drinks. Everything unfolded smoothly and gently, allowing me to feel completely chill and unhurried.
At first glance, the cruise gave me a rustic vibe with its traditional junk boat design; however, the interior was elegant with classic European decorations. Peony Cruise has only 20 cabins, catering to a capacity of 40 guests onboard. After lunchtime, I took a quick tour around the cruise ship to examine the amenities. The lounge had a quiet and cozy atmosphere, making it a perfect place to read a book. At the back of the second floor, the swimming pool was decorated with a wooden villa-style border, featuring two separate swimming areas for adults and kids, open from early morning until midnight. In the front was a spacious deck, an ideal space for sunbathing and admiring the beautiful scenery of the bay.
My cabin was a deluxe room with a balcony and two single beds, offering a sense of comfort and proximity to the sea. The interior was elegantly designed, harmoniously blending shades of ocean blue to create an inspiring and fresh atmosphere. The room also offered a full minibar arranged nicely. Notably, the cruise uses glass bottles, minimizing plastic waste and staying environmentally friendly. The bathroom was modern and fully equipped, but what impressed me the most was that each cabin had a luxurious bathtub and a private balcony where you could leisurely gaze at the beautiful sea.
The 2D1N Cruise Experience
Day 1: Kayaking Exploration
After a short break until 2 PM, we began our first outdoor activity: kayaking to explore the Tra Bau Area, the most exciting attraction of Lan Ha Bay. After some lively moments on the water, we returned to the boat just in time for sunset. As the sun turned red and sank into the sea, it created a spectacular scene from the deck, made even better by enjoying a cold drink during “Happy Hour.” The surrounding landscapes of Tra Bau were enchanting with magnificent rocky mountain ranges shaped uniquely. This was a one-of-a-kind experience, leaving me with unforgettable impressions of its serene beauty.
Shortly after, an interesting cooking class started right on the deck. Here, we were guided on how to make spring rolls, a traditional Vietnamese dish. The dish was made of basic ingredients like onions, pork, carrot, mushrooms, etc. rolled inside the rice sheet papers neatly. With the chef’s attentive instructions, the cooking process became easy and enjoyable, providing us not only with an experience but also with memorable moments.
After taking a shower, we enjoyed a luxurious dinner with a set course menu featuring Vietnamese fusion and Western dishes. My dining experience here was fantastic, with both flavorful dishes and a romantic atmosphere.
Day 2: Trung Trang Cave Visit
On the second day, I woke up early on Monday to prepare for a morning full of interesting activities. The day began with a relaxing Tai Chi session on the sun deck, amidst the peaceful atmosphere of the sea. After enjoying a delicious breakfast buffet, we set off to explore Trung Trang Cave, the most beautiful dry cave destination on Cat Ba Island Cruise. This was a gigantic cave with dark underground spaces, divided into numerous tunnels and chambers, featuring a diverse stalactite system hanging from the ceiling or rising from the ground.
At the end of our exploration, we returned to the cruise ship, where a delightful brunch awaited us. Afterward, I packed my luggage and completed the check-out process for disembarkation.
Service and Hospitality
The crew on the cruise ship left a strong impression on me with their friendliness and professionalism, especially since they spoke English. They not only provided attentive support but also paid attention to even the smallest requests of the guests, from enthusiastically organizing a honeymoon celebration for a couple to simply peeling shrimp for me. Additionally, the guided tours were well-organized, offering useful information for us. There was also a bar and a nice spa room, providing better and more diverse relaxation options for tourists.
Food and Dining Experience
The cuisine on Peony Cruise is well-balanced between Vietnamese flavors and delicious European delicacies, all prepared by professional chefs. I love the restaurant’s design here, which is elegantly neo-classical and minimal. Besides, you will be satisfied with the breakfast buffet here, which offers a variety of tasty dishes from Asian to Eastern cuisine.
Value for Money
Although it has a 4-star rating, the service on Peony Cruise is surprisingly as professional as that of a 5-star. Considering the affordable price range, the value and quality definitely exceed my expectations and are worth the money. Especially, this cruise provides bathtubs and private balconies in every cabin, which many cruises do not.
After this trip, I was really satisfied with the majestic scenery of the visited attractions and the kindness of the crew members. From my perspective, Peony Cruise is an ideal option for honeymoon couples or families seeking a close-knit experience, as well as for solo travelers looking for new experiences in pristine landscapes. One day, I will definitely come back here with my friends to experience a 3-day trip to explore more off-the-beaten-path sites in the cruise’s itinerary.
