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Kwai W.
Couples
Malaysia,
May 19, 2013
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amazing experience
private cruise, cruise to hidden gem area, great staff
9.3
great experience, friendly staffs, prefect for my annual anniversary
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Victoria M.
Couples
Philippines,
April 21, 2013
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It was an amazing private cruise
own butler, privacy, 360 degree view of Halong Bay
9.7
It was great to have the boat to ourselves and have a 360 degree view of the limestone formations in our own deck on top. Other boats only served a 180 degree view from their balconies. We were able to tell the crew to skip some stops we weren't interested in. The only hitch was they advertised Australian beef for dinner, but served local beef which was tougher. Also it was over cooked.
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Delphine D.
Couples
France,
April 18, 2013
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horrible experience, strong gaz smell in the room
5.7
we had a very bad experience. the boat is very beautiful but badly designed: the engine is just under the bedroom and our room smelled so strong like gaz that we couldn't stay in it. we changed boat after many hours but the other boat had the same issue as it is designed the same way. so we ended up sleeping outside although the suite room was beautiful. very frustrating! it ruined our whole experience in halong bay... the company has to do something about it, you cannot pretend to be luxurious and have according prices to offer this kind of experience...i don't recommend this cruise to anyone until they fix the problem on their boats
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Basil C.
Couples
Australia,
March 23, 2013
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The best option in a breathtaking location.
The surroundings, the staff and the food.
9
I got very relaxed and felt so pampered. But the smell from the boat engine was very strong in the cabin and interrupted my sleep.
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Jonathan R.
Couples
United States of America,
March 11, 2013
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Private luxury on Halong Bay
Private, Custom Itinerary, Personal Service
9.7
All the reviews are true. Thu was one of the friendliest and nicest people we've met. He and the other crew members made our cruise amazing, cooking fresh and delicious meals and catering to our every whim. The cabin was larger than expected, and the bathroom 1st rate. Very nice boat.
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Manha Y.
Couples
United States of America,
March 06, 2013
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Best way to enjoy Ha Long Bay
Top notch service and facility, ability to stay away from the crowds
10
We had friends being disappointed at their Ha Long Bay. Choosing the right cruise will make or break your visit and it’s worth splurging on a high quality cruise. We had a fantastic time with the Life Heritage Resort Cruise. The experience is better than any 5-star hotel we had stayed at. I normally don’t like cruise and feel a bit queasy on those large cruise ships but the bay is very calm and I didn’t feel any discomfort.
The 4 crew members (captain, sailor, mechanist and butler/cook/guide) onboard the one-cabin boat provided top notch service and gave us a chance to learn local lives. The boat is very spacious - the lower deck is bedroom, living room and bathroom; the upper deck is dining area, kitchen and sundeck. The entire wood furnishings give an authentic feel.
Our butler Huy was an excellent cook. It’s worth buying some seafood from the fish farm but do bargain. We probably had overpaid a giant snail and a dozen oysters for $35 but would still do it again. Alcohol is not included in room rate and they only stock a small selection on the boat so be sure to check the menu and order in advance.
It’s a bit cool at the bay so bring some warm clothes. I used the large beach towel to keep warm on deck and wished they had blanket and more reading materials as I left my book on the train. We prefer the Western route over the central route as we really enjoyed visiting the float fishing village. The Eastern route is not available during winter.
The company has 12 boats offering both day and overnight excursions. We don’t think day cruise can do justice to the bay and overnight cruise is the way to go. If time and cost permit, 3D/2N will be more relaxing. The boat has to return to the port every day as only 24 hour sailing permit is issued for safety reasons. We spent two nights on the boat and chose to wait 30 mins at port for another permit on Day 2 rather than packing up to switch to another boat with permit ready.
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Jeffrey A.
Couples
United States of America,
February 23, 2013
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Private cruise worth every penny
Beautiful boat, nice ammenities, private butler
10
the boat is small but the living, dinning, and lounging areas are huge for two people. obviously the natural beauty of ha long bay is all around, but having a beautiful boat doesn't hurt either.
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Thanh T.
Couples
Vietnam,
February 06, 2013
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Excellent experience guided by attentive crew.
Attentive crew - wonderful accomodations
10
We were very pleased with our experience - the crew was exceptional and very attentive. Highly recommend the experience offered here - you will not be disappointed.
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Meow C.
Couples
Singapore,
January 21, 2013
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Great services, good foods
10
As this is a private cruise, good for couple who wants privacy. My guide, very friendly and speaks good English, has introduced Halong Bay very well. As me and my partner loves kayaking, we kayaked for a good long time through the caves and looking for oysters! Our meals was served very sumptuously and fulfilling! And I love the balcony in our room! We told our guide we would love to visit the caves and he changed our itinerary for us. Very flexible! I enjoyed my trip with Life Heritage ! Highly recommended!
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Michael M.
Couples
United Kingdom,
January 14, 2013
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Extraordinary
Service, service, service
9.7
Our initial correspondence with Life Resorts was handled very effiently; our transfer car was bang on time to pick us up from our hotel, and one of the hosts came with the driver to give us loads of information about the area; very interesting and useful. Our reception at the Life Resorts office was most courteous and efficient, and in fact we started out adventure almost and hour early.
Happily, after weeks of cloudy weather, we had a day of sunshine! The Cato was lovely, the crew was terrific and our host, Dhu, superb.
The whole bay area has been described by others in detail, so I'll just say, this trip was one of life's highlights. It's gorgeous.
The Life Resorts cruise is absolutely great. Dhu started off by making us coffee, then a five (yes FIVE) course lunch. Which was delicious. And we couldn't eat everything (Helen says 'Sorry, Dhu'!). The we kayaked (our first time) and Dhu treated us very gently - it was great! After we got back on board, suddenly there was coffee and fresh fruit on the table. That night, a 4 course dinner was serve- again delicious, as was the wine.
The boat itself is very nicely fitted out; a comfortable area at the back serves as lounge and restaurant. 2 sunbeds (which were used, albeit only for a short while, as it was chilly), take up much of the mid-section along with the food prep area.
The cabin was just great. A seating area, with DVD, board games; a very comfortable bed (with full turn down service, petals etc!) and a small but very well designed & equipped shower/bathroom area.
We were again fortunate to 'get' a sunset, as we anchored up in a quiet bay, and to have sun the next day! Other stops en route were the Pearl Village (very interesting and informative, but frankly very expensive to buy anything) and a 400 yr old floating village - fascinating. Massive breakfast!
The star of the show is obviously the constantly unfolding scenery, but our crew could not be faulted. If you can, do this. Just fabulous.
Travel tip:
Make sure you have more capture card capacity than you can possibly envisage using! And don't eat for at least a week beforehand!
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