Overview
Set to launch in December 2022, Nostalgia Cruise offers an unforgettable journey through the tranquil and less-explored corners of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. Featuring just 11 beautifully appointed cabins, this intimate boutique cruise emphasizes exceptional attention to detail in both its design and service. The ship's interiors are adorned with traditional Vietnamese decor and handcrafted wooden furnishings, reflecting the elegance of royal Vietnamese architecture. For those seeking a peaceful escape amidst the natural beauty of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, Nostalgia Cruise presents the perfect opportunity to unwind and embrace serenity.Itinerary
DAY 1: HANOI - TUAN CHAU MARINA - LAN HA BAY - AO ECH
08:00 – 08:30
A luxury van will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter. Enjoy the scenic views of the Red River Delta as you journey towards Ha Long Bay. (This service is optional and not included in the package.)
11:00 – 11:30
Arrive at Lot 32 - Tuan Chau Marina for check-in at the waiting lounge. Enjoy a special tea offering as you are warmly welcomed.
11:45 – 12:00
Board a speedboat for your transfer to Nostalgia Cruise. Once aboard, enjoy a welcome drink and gather in the restaurant for a brief cruise introduction and essential safety instructions.
12:45 – 13:00
Lunch will be served while the cruise sets sail to explore Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay – recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
15:00 – 15:30
Proceed to the Dark and Bright Caves – an unmissable highlight! Kayaking through these caves offers an unparalleled chance to experience the majestic beauty of Ha Long Bay up close.
Option 2:
Visit Ba Trai Dao (Three Peaches Islets), where serene waters and scenic landscapes provide a perfect setting for kayaking or simply relaxing on the beach. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters (weather permitting).
17:00 – 17:30
Nostalgia Cruise anchors for the night at Tra Bau in Lan Ha Bay, a peaceful location to fully immerse yourself in the bay's natural beauty.
18:00 – 18:15
Join a cooking demonstration onboard and enjoy Happy Hour (buy 1 get 1 free) at the bar while watching the stunning sunset over the bay.
Option:
Pamper yourself with a relaxing massage treatment. Please book directly with our Cruise Manager.
19:15 – 19:30
Indulge in a fusion dinner, crafted with the finest fresh ingredients, served in a sophisticated dining space combining elegant French neoclassical style with traditional oriental elements.
21:00 – 21:30
Enjoy the peaceful beauty of the bay at night. Visit our sundeck bar or restaurant, where you can unwind. You may also try your luck with squid fishing, watch a movie, or play a game of chess or cards.
23:00
Overnight onboard the cruise.
DAY 2: TRUNG TRANG CAVE - LAN HA BAY - TUAN CHAU MARINA - HANOI
06:00 – 06:30
Start your day with a rejuvenating Tai Chi session on the sundeck, soaking in the calm and tranquility of the bay. If you’re an early riser and wish to catch the first light, wake up between 5:30 and 6:00 depending on the season, and feel free to ask our crew for guidance.
06:45 – 07:00
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the restaurant while the cruise continues its journey through the beautiful waters.
07:15 – 07:30
We will travel to Trung Trang Cave by bus, located on Cat Ba Island. Situated within the heart of Cat Ba National Park and surrounded by the lush Kim Giao forest, this cave is a true natural wonder.
Trung Trang Cave is nestled in Trung Trang Valley, about 15km northwest of Cat Ba Town. The cave stretches 300 meters through the mountain, boasting a fascinating blend of geological formations that have evolved over millions of years, along with several historical relics. Its stalactites, shaped in various forms, will surely captivate your imagination and leave you in awe.
09:45 – 10:00
Return to Nostalgia Cruise and prepare for check-out as we make our way back.
10:00 – 10:30
Savor a light brunch at our restaurant, a perfect way to unwind and reflect on the memories made during your journey.
11:00 – 11:30
Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina, bid farewell to the crew, and conclude your unforgettable cruise experience.
14:30 – 15:00
Arrive back at your drop-off point in Hanoi, marking the end of your trip. (Note: This service is optional and not included.)
DAY 1: HANOI - TUAN CHAU MARINA - LAN HA BAY - DARK AND BRIGHT CAVE
08:00 AM – 08:30 AM – Pickup from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter
A luxury van will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Enjoy the scenic ride through the Red River Delta on your way to Ha Long Bay. (Please note that this service is not included.)
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM – Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina
Arrive at Lot 32, Tuan Chau Marina, and check in at the waiting lounge. Enjoy a warm welcome with a special tea as you prepare for your journey ahead.
11:45 AM – 12:00 PM – Transfer to Orchid Cruises
Board a speedboat for a smooth transfer to Orchid Cruises. Upon arrival, enjoy a refreshing welcome drink and gather at the restaurant for a briefing on your cruise and safety instructions.
12:45 PM – 01:00 PM – Lunch on board
Enjoy a delicious lunch served in the restaurant while we begin our cruise through Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, two of the most stunning natural wonders of the world.
03:00 PM – 03:30 PM – Visit Dark and Bright Caves
We will head toward the Dark and Bright Caves, a must-see destination. Kayaking through these caves will offer an intimate view of Ha Long Bay’s awe-inspiring beauty.
Option 2:
Alternatively, you can explore Ba Trai Dao (Three Peaches Islets), where peaceful waters and beautiful landscapes await. Kayaking and relaxing on the sandy shores are great ways to enjoy the area, and a refreshing swim in the emerald-green waters is also an option, weather permitting.
05:00 PM – 05:30 PM – Anchor in Tra Bau, Lan Ha Bay
The Nostalgia Cruise will anchor for an overnight stay in the tranquil Tra Bau area of Lan Ha Bay, allowing you to immerse yourself in the peaceful natural surroundings.
06:00 PM – 06:15 PM – Cooking demonstration and Happy Hour
Onboard, you can join a cooking demonstration and enjoy Happy Hour (buy one, get one free) at the bar while watching the beautiful sunset over the bay.
Option:
If you wish, you can also book a relaxing massage session through the Cruise Manager.
07:15 PM – 07:30 PM – Dinner on board
Indulge in a delicious fusion dinner prepared with the freshest ingredients, served in an elegant space featuring a blend of French neoclassical and traditional oriental design.
09:00 PM – 09:30 PM – Evening entertainment
Enjoy the evening by admiring the bay’s beauty from the sundeck bar or the restaurant. You can try your luck at squid fishing, watch a movie, or enjoy a game of chess or cards.
11:00 PM – Overnight on board
Spend the night on board, drifting peacefully on the calm waters of Ha Long Bay.
DAY 2: LAN HA BAY - CAT BA ISLAND - VIET HAI VILLAGE
06:00 AM – 06:30 AM – Tai Chi session on the sundeck
The day begins early onboard the Nostalgia Cruise with a rejuvenating Tai Chi session on the sundeck. Afterward, enjoy a delicious breakfast in the dining room while taking in the stunning morning views of the bay’s landscape. We will continue our journey shortly after.
06:45 AM – 07:00 AM – Breakfast on board
Savor a hearty breakfast served in the restaurant as we continue our scenic cruise through the breathtaking waters of Ha Long Bay.
07:45 AM – 08:00 AM – Transfer to the day-boat to visit Viet Hai Village
Board the day-boat for a short transfer to Viet Hai Village. Upon arrival, take a bicycle ride along the village’s tranquil paths, passing through lush rainforests and a dark tunnel. Along the way, enjoy the picturesque views of rice fields, and stop to relax at the village. Visit an ancient local house, made of straw, mud, and bamboo, and get a chance to observe the daily life of the villagers who live in this peaceful valley.
Optional: Electric car service is available at an additional cost.
Return to the day-boat and cruise through Lan Ha Bay. Lunch will be served on board the day-boat.
01:30 PM – 02:00 PM – Visit Ba Men Temple
We will visit Ba Men Temple, located by a serene body of water, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. This peaceful location is perfect for a relaxing kayaking session or simply unwinding on a sandy beach.
04:00 PM – 04:30 PM – Return to Nostalgia Cruise
After your afternoon exploration, return to the Nostalgia Cruise. You may join a cooking class, take a refreshing swim in the untouched waters, or enjoy Happy Hour at the bar (buy one, get one free) while watching the spectacular sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin.
07:00 PM – 07:30 PM – Fusion dinner on board
Indulge in a delectable fusion dinner prepared with the freshest local ingredients by our talented onboard catering team. The intimate, romantic setting provides the perfect atmosphere for this memorable meal.
09:00 PM – 09:30 PM – Evening at leisure
Enjoy the enchanting landscape of the bay at night from the top deck. Relax with a drink from the bar, or try your luck with night squid fishing. You can also enjoy a movie in the restaurant or simply unwind in the peaceful atmosphere.
Option: Massage service available. Please book directly with the Cruise Manager (please refer to the massage menu).
11:00 PM – End of Day Two
This marks the end of Day Two’s program aboard the Nostalgia Cruise.
DAY 3: LAN HA BAY - TRUNG TRANG CAVE - TUAN CHAU MARINA - HANOI
06:00 AM – 06:30 AM – Tai Chi on the sundeck
Start your morning with a refreshing Tai Chi session on the sundeck, embracing the tranquil beauty of the bay. For those eager to catch the sunrise, rise earlier, from 5:30 AM to 6:00 AM (depending on the season), and consult with our crew for the best view.
06:45 AM – 07:00 AM – Breakfast aboard
Enjoy a hearty breakfast in the restaurant while the cruise continues its journey through the breathtaking waters of the bay.
07:15 AM – 07:30 AM – Visit Trung Trang Cave
We proceed by bus to Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island, located within the heart of Cat Ba National Park, surrounded by the Kim Giao forest. Trung Trang Cave, situated 15 km northwest of Cat Ba town, stretches 300 meters through the mountain. The cave’s fascinating formations, sculpted over millions of years by geological processes, along with its historical significance, create an air of mystery. Stalactites in various shapes and sizes adorn the cave, captivating visitors with their unique beauty.
09:45 AM – 10:00 AM – Return to Nostalgia Cruise
After exploring the cave, return to the Nostalgia Cruise. Take some time to check out, and enjoy a delightful brunch at the restaurant.
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM – Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina
Disembark the Nostalgia Cruise at Tuan Chau Marina, bidding farewell as your unforgettable cruise experience comes to an end.
02:30 PM – 03:00 PM – Return to Hanoi
Arrive back at your drop-off point in Hanoi. The trip concludes here. (Transportation service is not included).