Grand Pioneers Cruise 2
CRUISE PRICE
$215.00 /pax
Cruise Rating
9.8 Excellent 208 reviews
- Cruise Overview
- Cabins & Rates
- Cruises Itinerary
- Cruise Reviews
Drawing inspiration from a deep passion to preserve and celebrate the beauty of the World’s Natural Heritage, Halong Bay, as well as to share with both domestic and international tourists the love and invaluable experiences gained from years of shipbuilding and maritime transportation, the Grand Pioneers Cruise (formerly Essence Grand Cruise) brand has been researched, developed, and operated by the Viet Thuan Group with the philosophy of ‘Passion for Perfection,’ officially pioneering a new direction in the luxury cruise resort segment in Vietnam.
VISION
Grand Pioneers aims to advance sea tourism in Vietnam, reaching out internationally and exploring unique sea voyages around the world.
MISSION
As a trailblazer in the green resort trend, Grand Pioneers Cruise’s mission is to protect the Heritage of the Bay region.
THE UNIQUENESS OF GRAND PIONEERS
The green cruise
Grand Pioneers is equipped with a Chiller air conditioning system manufactured by Daikin (Japan).
The cruise is equipped with a 15ppm oil-water separator device from Han Young (South Korea), certified by the Korean Register (KR) and the Vietnam Register (VR).
Grand Pioneers is the only cruise in Halong Bay using premium paint from International Paint (Netherlands).
All interiors are crafted from industrial wood (short-cycle cultivated trees), instead of exploiting long-term forests, which is harmful to the environment.
The safe cruise
Grand Pioneers uses a water supply system for onboard activities that is 100% purified and softened through filtration.
Simultaneously, a Heat Pump system is chosen to heat the water used on the cruise.
The main engine and generators are imported from YANMAR (Japan).
The cruise’s bow thruster is equipped with a bow thruster device from DTG (Netherlands), certified by BV (France) and VR (Vietnam) maritime authorities.
The cruise is constructed with double-bottomed and double-hulled technology, ensuring maximum safety in incidents with the risk of sinking.
Grand Pioneers is the only cruise in Halong Bay equipped with two lifeboats, fully stocked with dry rations, flashlights, signal flares, etc.,
Grand Pioneers is the first cruise in Halong equipped with a medical room and healthcare staffs throughout the cruise.
The mordern cruise
Design of Grand Pioneers predominates in terms of spaciousness and beauty compared to other international ships departing from Indonesia, Singapore, etc., to Vietnam.
Grand Pioneers is equipped with a Building Management System (BMS) that allows for more efficient management, reducing the number of staff operating the system; it also automatically adjusts the temperature and cooling space, saving energy consumption of the air conditioning system.

Ocean Suite Triple
Price: $646 USD
3 Adults & 1 Infants pax 43 m2 3 Single Beds or 1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed

The Essence Suite
Price: $580 USD
2 Adults & 1 Infant pax 60 m2 1 King Bed
Like an oasis in the vast ocean, Essence Suite boasts a unique design with double bedrooms connected by an elegant dining space. From the balcony of Essence Suite, you can enjoy the early sunrise, listen to the sound of the ocean, or marvel at the spectacular scenery of untouched nature. This place becomes an ideal peaceful retreat to escape from the hustle and bustle of life.

Pearl Suite
Price: $998 USD
2 Adults & 1 Infant pax 42 m2 1 Round Bed
With soft round bed design and an open bathtub facing the bay, the Pearl Suite will guide you into a private oasis, where it’s just you in harmony with the stunning nature of World’s Wonder.

The Signature Suite
Price: $1138 USD
2 Adults & 2 Infants pax 41 m2 1 King Bed
Possessing a sophisticated design with a large sliding window and Bayview bathtub, the Signature Suite opens an ideal space to immerse yourself in pristine and majestic nature.

The President's Suite
Price: $1815 USD
2 Adults & 1 Infant pax 109 m2 1 Extra-large Double bed
Situated at the ship’s bow, the President’sl Suite presents the quintessential venue to immerse yourself in the grandeur of Heritage Bay. Crafted akin to a lavish apartment, this suite boasts a well-appointed bar stocked with top-shelf spirits, an expansive open-air bathtub, and a private sauna, ensuring a bespoke experience for the elite traveller.
Cruise Inquiry
- 2 Days - 1 Night Itinerary
- 3 Days - 2 Nights Itinerary
8:30 – 8:50: Our shuttle bus will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter for departure to Halong Bay.
11:30 – 11:45: Check-in at the Grand Pioneers Waiting Lounge
12:30: Embarkation procedures, commence the journey aboard the cruise, you will enjoy a welcome drink and admire the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay through iconic landmarks
13:00: Enjoying lunch at Dining by the Bay restaurant
15:30-16:30: The transfer boat and the Grand Pioneers crew will take you to the Sung Sot Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay, discovered by a group of French explorers in 1901.
*For the guests who do not get involved in experience activities: You can enjoy our services on the cruise including spa & massage, four seasons pool, cigar & lounge, kid clubs, etc.
17:30-18:30: Enjoy the best moments of the day as the sun hits the water between the dramatic limestone peaks and emerald-green coves, choose and savour Canapé and your favourite drink offerings at the Sky bar.
19:00: Tantalize your taste buds with a selection of Western and Vietnamese cuisine.
21:00 After dinner, chill out in your suite; pamper yourself at the spa; experience squid fishing back of the boat on the first floor; or spend time with your fellow companions at our cigar and wine lounge, karaoke club, sky bar or the pool bar.
05:30 -06:00: Enjoy the magnificent sunrise across Heritage Bay, immerse yourself in the sound of waves and be ready for a chill and fresh day.
06:00-6:30: Start your new day full of energy with meditation exercises that help balance and regenerate energy or fitness exercises at the gym on the cruise ship.
06:30 – 07:30: A light breakfast will be served in the restaurant
07:30 – 08:30: Our speed boat will transport you to Luon Cave – the best destination for visiting by rowing bamboo boat, located on the north-eastern part of Bo Hon Island.
09:00: Check out and settle payments for onboard services.
9:00 – 10:30: Enjoy the brunch buffet on the cruise while continuing the journey back to the port.
11:00: Cruise docks at Tuan Chau International Marina.
The shuttle bus will transfer you back to your hotel in Hanoi. Tour ends at your hotel.
CRUISE INCLUSIONS:
- English and Vietnamese speaking guides on cruise
- Fully equipped luxury en-suite guest room with chilled water central air- con and marble bathroom
- All meals onboard (1 lunch, 1 dinner, 1 light breakfast, 1 brunch buffet)
- Speedboat transfers
- Welcome drink
- Daily fresh water in room amenity
- Canapé during the Happy Hour
- Tai chi, gym, four seasons and salt water, swimming pool, table soccer, and kid’s club
- Activities: cave visiting, squid fishing, kayaking
- Wifi, satellite – HD LED TV onboard
- Onboard insurance
- VAT
CRUISE EXCLUSIONS:
- Transportation: Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi
- Beverages
- Spa (spa and massage)
- Karaoke, cigar and wine lounge, use of conference facilities, 3D golf simulator
- Tips and other personal expenses
- Personal travel/health insurance
- Peak season surcharge
- All other services not clearly mentioned above
8:30 – 8:50: Our shuttle bus will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter for departure to Halong Bay.
11:30 – 11:45: Check-in at the Grand Pioneers Waiting Lounge
12:30: Embarkation procedures, commence the Heritage Journey aboard the cruise, guests enjoy a welcome drink and admire the natural beauty of the core area of Ha Long Bay through iconic landmarks such as the Kissing Rocks, Dinh Huong Rock, and Dragon Rock,…
13:00: Enjoying lunch at Dining by the Bay restaurant
14:00: Relaxing and experience activities, and services on the cruise
15:30: Check-in at the first destination on the journey: Thien Canh Son Cave – an archaic and unique cave in Bai Tu Long Bay, join in kayaking activities and relax on the beach.
17:30: Cruising to the sleeping spot at Cap La area – the prime spot for witnessing the most beautiful and panoramic sunsets amidst the vast and majestic natural scenery of the bay, complemented by an unforgettable Sunset Party on the sundeck.
19:00: Enjoying the exquisite cuisine journey by the chefs at Dining by the Bay restaurant
20:00: Relax and enjoy the services and entertainment activities on the cruise.
7:30: Enjoy breakfast at Dining by the Bay restaurant as the cruise begins its journey, taking guests to the most beautiful spots of Zone 4
9:30: Admire Dragon island and check in at the iconic marker symbolizing the final boundary of the Heritage
10:00: The journey explores the final islands of the Heritage, Halong Bay’s sea gateway, and checks in at the Da Xep Nature Park – an outdoor geological museum that has existed for 320 million years.
Choose from activities to explore pristine areas:
– Explore the Da Xep Nature Park, capturing moments with the Xep Rock – the icon of this region.
– Get lost on one of the area’s beaches with long white sand beaches forming a path connecting majestic rocky mountains (based on tidal conditions)
12:30: Enjoying lunch at Dining by the Bay restaurant
14:30: Visiting Vung Vieng fishing ancient village and the seafood farming area
16:00: Exploring Phao Dai Rock, Tien Ong Cave, and Con Coc Rock – the border icon of Lan Ha Bay & Ha Long Bay
19:00: Let’s party with The Legacy Gala Dinner
21:00: Enjoying the night view of the bay, explore entertainment activities and services on the cruise.
6:30: Immersing in the sunrise and enjoy breakfast at Dining by the Bay restaurant
7:30: Choosing 1 of 2 activities to explore:
– Visiting Sung Sot Cave – The largest and most beautiful cave in Halong Bay
– Enjoying the panoramic view of the bay from Titop Island and swimming
9:00: Check out and settle payments for onboard services.
9:30: Having brunch buffet at Dining by the Bay restaurant
11:00: Cruise docks at Tuan Chau International Marina
The shuttle bus will transfer you back to your hotel in Hanoi. Tour ends at your hotel.
CRUISE INCLUSIONS:
- English and Vietnamese speaking guides on cruise
- Fully equipped luxury en-suite guest room with chilled water central air- con and marble bathroom
- All meals onboard (2 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 light breakfasts, 1 brunch buffet)
- Speedboat transfers
- Welcome drink
- Daily fresh water in room amenity
- Canapé during the Happy Hour
- Tai chi, gym, four seasons and salt water, swimming pool, table soccer, and kid’s club
- Activities: cave visiting, squid fishing, kayaking
- Wifi, satellite – HD LED TV onboard
- Onboard insurance
- VAT
CRUISE EXCLUSIONS:
- Transportation: Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi
- Beverages
- Spa (spa and massage)
- Karaoke, cigar and wine lounge, use of conference facilities, 3D golf simulator
- Tips and other personal expenses
- Personal travel/health insurance
- Peak season surcharge
- All other services not clearly mentioned above