Frequently Asked Questions — Cozy Bay Cruises
Find answers to the most common questions about cruising Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay with Cozy Vietnam Travel. Can’t find your answer? Contact us on WhatsApp for instant support.
Booking & Pricing
What are your cruise prices?
Day cruises start from
$49/person (Cozy Bay Premium or Sea Lion from Sun Marina). With Hanoi transfer: $58-64 (shuttle/limousine).
Overnight cruises: Cozy Bay Grand 2D1N from $139-240/person depending on cabin type.
Tropical Cruise (Lan Ha Bay): $58-72/person. See our
full comparison.
How do I book a cruise?
Three ways: (1)
WhatsApp +84 981 886 155 for instant booking, (2)
Email [email protected], or (3) Book directly through our cruise pages. We’ll confirm availability within 1 hour during business hours.
Is it cheaper to book directly or through an OTA?
Direct booking guarantees the best price plus exclusive perks: free airport transfer for groups 3+, 15% off land tours, flexible date changes, and direct WhatsApp support. These perks are not available on OTA platforms.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes! We accept Visa, Mastercard, and bank transfers. Payment can be made online or at check-in. Our Bokun booking system supports secure online payment.
What is your cancellation policy?
Day cruises: Free cancellation 24+ hours before departure. Overnight (Grand): Free cancellation 10+ days before; 30% fee (7-10 days); 50% (3-6 days); 100% (under 3 days). Weather cancellations by operator = full refund.
Can I change my booking date?
Yes! Date changes are free when requested 24+ hours before departure (day cruises) or 10+ days before (overnight). Contact us via WhatsApp for quick changes.
Is there a deposit required?
For direct bookings, we typically require a 50% deposit to confirm. The remainder is paid on the day. Groups and peak-season bookings may require full prepayment.
Cruises & Routes
What cruises do you operate?
What is the difference between Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay?
Halong Bay has iconic attractions (Sung Sot Cave, Titov Island) but more tourists. Lan Ha Bay is quieter with cleaner, more turquoise water and hidden lagoons. Read our
detailed comparison.
Which cruise should I choose?
What is included in the cruise price?
All cruises include: meals, welcome drink, entrance fees, kayaking equipment, guide, insurance, and taxes. Overnight adds: cabin, dinner, breakfast, brunch, tai chi, squid fishing. NOT included: bar drinks, spa, tips.
What does Sea Lion’s Jacuzzi pool look like?
The
Sea Lion features an onboard heated Jacuzzi pool on the upper deck. Imagine soaking in warm water while surrounded by Halong Bay’s limestone karsts — it’s the only day cruise offering this experience.
Travel & Transfers
How do I get from Hanoi to Halong Bay?
The easiest way is our included shuttle/limousine bus (2.5 hours via expressway). Pick-up from Hanoi Old Quarter at 6:30-8:00 AM. Or self-transfer by car/taxi (~160km). See our
complete transfer guide.
What is the difference between shuttle bus and limousine bus?
Shuttle bus is a modern, air-conditioned coach. Limousine bus (extra $6-7) has wider seats, more legroom, individual charging ports, and premium comfort for the 2.5-hour journey.
Where is the pick-up point in Hanoi?
Pick-up is in Hanoi’s Old Quarter area, typically near Hoan Kiem Lake. We’ll confirm the exact address when you book. Hotel pick-up can be arranged for nearby hotels.
How do I get the free airport transfer?
Groups of 3+ guests booking directly receive a free one-way transfer from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi Old Quarter. Mention “airport transfer” when booking via WhatsApp or email. This is a direct-booking exclusive.
Activities & Experience
Is kayaking difficult? Do I need experience?
No experience needed! Waters are calm and sheltered. Two-person kayaks with instruction provided. Life jackets mandatory. Sessions last 30-60 minutes. Read our
complete kayaking guide.
Can I swim in Halong Bay?
Yes! Swimming is available at Titov Island beach (Halong Bay cruises) and secluded beaches (Lan Ha Bay cruises). Water temperature is 25-30°C in summer. Beach towels provided.
What is Sung Sot Cave like?
Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave is Halong Bay’s largest grotto with spectacular stalactites and a massive grand hall. About 200 steps total (up and down). Allow 30-45 minutes. Read our
detailed guide.
What should I pack for the cruise?
Essentials: swimwear, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, light jacket, waterproof phone case, passport, cash for drinks/tips. See our
complete packing list.
Weather & Timing
When is the best time to cruise Halong Bay?
October-November is ideal (cool, clear, dry). May-September is great for swimming with our Sail Into Summer promotions. All months are cruisable. Read our
month-by-month guide.
Do cruises operate when it rains?
Yes! Cruises run year-round except during typhoons (very rare — typically 5-10 days/year). Rain showers are usually brief. The bay often looks most dramatic in moody weather.
What happens if my cruise is cancelled due to weather?
You receive a full refund or free rescheduling to another date. Safety is our absolute priority — we never compromise on weather safety.
Children & Families
Are your cruises suitable for children?
Absolutely! Activities like beach visits and kayaking are family-friendly. Life jackets are available in children’s sizes. The crew provides extra care for families. See our
children policy for age-specific pricing.
What is your children’s pricing policy?
Grand Overnight: 0-4 FREE (1 per room, shared bed), 5-8 = 75%, 9+ = 100%. Day cruises (Premium/Sea Lion): 0-4 FREE (1 per 2 adults), 5-8 = 75%, 9+ = 100%. Tropical: 0-2 FREE, 3-5 = 50%, 6+ = 100%.
Can babies go on the cruise?
Yes! Babies are welcome and cruise free. We recommend day cruises for very young children (under 2) as the shorter duration is easier. Bring any baby supplies you need — the crew is happy to help.
Special Occasions & Groups
Can you arrange a special celebration onboard?
Yes! We can arrange birthday cakes, anniversary decorations, honeymoon setups, or special dinner requests. Contact us via WhatsApp with your requirements at least 3 days before the cruise.
Do you offer group discounts?
Groups of 3+ receive a free one-way airport transfer. For larger groups (10+), contact us for custom pricing and arrangements. We can accommodate private cruise charters for special events.
Is there vegetarian/halal/special diet food?
Yes! Please inform us of dietary requirements when booking. Our kitchen can prepare vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, and allergy-specific meals with advance notice (24 hours).
Safety & Logistics
Are the cruises safe?
Yes. All our vessels meet Vietnam Maritime Safety Administration standards. Equipment includes life jackets, life rafts, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits. Crews are trained in safety procedures. Weather is monitored continuously.
Is there WiFi on the cruise?
WiFi is available on most of our cruises but may be limited in remote areas of the bay. We recommend downloading maps and content before departure. Many guests enjoy the digital detox!
Do I get seasick on Halong Bay?
Halong Bay is sheltered with calm waters — much calmer than open ocean. Most people don’t experience seasickness. If you’re prone, take medication 30 minutes before boarding. Day cruises are shorter if you’re concerned.
What identification do I need?
Bring your passport (required for all foreign nationals). Vietnamese nationals can use CCCD/CMND. Children need their passport or birth certificate.
Current Promotions
What is the Sail Into Summer 2026 promotion?
Our summer promotion (May-August 2026) includes: (1) Free soft drink or beer per person at lunch, (2) Free one-way Noi Bai airport transfer for groups 3+, (3) 15% off Ninh Binh or Hanoi City tours. Available for direct bookings only.
Are there holiday surcharges?
Yes, for overnight cruises only: Christmas Eve & NYE (+$16/person), Tet/Lunar New Year (+$12/person), National holidays Apr 30/May 1/Sep 2 (+$8/person). Day cruises have no surcharges.
Contact
📞 WhatsApp: +84 981 886 155 / +84 985 161 359
📧 Email: [email protected]
🏢 Office: R.402, 4th Floor, 95H Ly Nam De, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
© 2026 Cozy Vietnam Travel. All content is original and protected.
Booking & Pricing
How much does a Halong Bay day cruise cost?
Day cruises start from $49/person (self-transfer to port) or $58/person (with shuttle from Hanoi). The Sea Lion 5-star Luxury Cruise is $49-64, Cozy Bay Premium is $49-64, and Tropical Cruise to Lan Ha Bay is $58-72. All prices include buffet lunch, activities, and entrance fees.
How much does an overnight cruise cost?
The Cozy Bay Grand overnight 2D1N cruise ranges from $139-240/person depending on cabin type: Deluxe ($139), Balcony ($179), or Premium ($240). Includes 2 meals, all activities, and private cabin.
How do I book a cruise?
Book directly through Cozy Vietnam Travel for the best prices and instant confirmation. You can also email [email protected] or use the contact form on our Contact page.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure. Cancellations within 24-48 hours receive a 50% refund. Same-day cancellations are non-refundable. We recommend travel insurance for flexibility.
Families & Children
What is the children’s pricing policy?
Children under 4 years old cruise FREE. Children ages 4-8 pay 75% of the adult rate. Children 9+ and above pay the full adult rate. See our full Children Policy for details.
Is a Halong Bay cruise suitable for families with young children?
Yes! Our cruises are family-friendly with safe activities, dedicated kids’ meals, and crew experienced with young guests. The Tropical Cruise has a water slide and floating pool that kids love. We recommend children be at least 2 years old for comfortable cruising.
Activities & Experience
What activities are included on a day cruise?
All day cruises include: buffet lunch, kayaking (Luon Cave or Trà Báu Lagoon), cave visit (Sung Sot or Trung Trang), swimming, sunset party with wine and fruit. The Sea Lion adds Jacuzzi pool; Tropical adds water slide & floating pool.
Can I kayak if I’m a beginner?
Absolutely! All kayaking takes place in calm, sheltered lagoons. Life jackets are mandatory. A safety boat accompanies every group. No prior experience needed — the crew provides a brief instruction before launch.
Is swimming safe in Halong Bay?
Yes. Swimming takes place at designated safe areas near Titov Island (Halong Bay) or private beaches (Lan Ha Bay). All cruises provide life jackets. The crew monitors swimming areas throughout.
Weather & Season
Do cruises operate in the rainy season?
Yes, cruises operate 365 days a year. Rain showers are usually brief and don’t affect the overall experience. Indoor areas (restaurant, bar, cabin) ensure comfort in any weather. Cruises are only cancelled in rare cases of severe typhoons (you’ll receive a full refund or rescheduling).
What is the best month to visit Halong Bay?
The best months are March-April (warm, calm) and October-November (clear, cool). However, every season has its charm. Summer (May-August) is great for swimming; winter (December-February) offers dramatic misty landscapes. Read our detailed month-by-month guide.
Transport & Logistics
How long is the transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay?
Approximately 3-3.5 hours via the Hanoi-Hai Phong-Quang Ninh expressway. Cruises include pickup from your Hanoi hotel between 7:15-8:00 AM with a comfort rest stop en route. See our transport guide.
Where does the cruise depart from?
Sea Lion Cruise departs from Sun Marina Harbor (Ha Long City center). Cozy Bay Premium, Cozy Bay Grand, and Tropical Cruise depart from Tuan Chau Harbor (Pier No.7, Ngoc Chau Street).
Can I bring my own food or drinks on board?
While meals are included, you’re welcome to bring personal snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Outside alcohol is not permitted as bar service is provided. Special dietary needs (vegetarian, halal, allergies) should be communicated when booking.