A Truly Honest Review of the Stellar of The Seas 2025 VIP Cruise in Ha Long Bay

You know, choosing a cruise for Ha Long Bay is a little bit of a tough decision, right? So many pictures show these incredible emerald waters and towering limestone cliffs, but it’s actually hard to know which boat will give you that special feeling. I mean, we were looking for something a bit more than just a ride; we really wanted a top-tier, comfortable experience. That is what pointed us to the Stellar of the Seas, which apparently has this great reputation for being a VIP choice. So, this is basically our story and an honest look at what you can expect from their two-day, one-night trip.

First Feelings: Stepping Onboard the Ship

The whole thing, frankly, starts at the Tuan Chau Marina, which is this really organized and modern-looking place. We were led to a private waiting lounge, and you could just feel the difference from the typical crowded terminals. After a short wait, we were then escorted to a smaller speedboat, which, in other words, was the transport to the main ship anchored further out. The ride itself, like, was a teaser of the amazing views to come. As a matter of fact, seeing the Stellar of the Seas for the first time was genuinely impressive. It looked really clean and grand, floating there amongst the karst formations, and that feeling was pretty special. The crew, too, was waiting with these big smiles and offered a cold, refreshing towel and a welcome drink, which was basically just what we needed after the drive from Hanoi.

A Deeper Look: The VIP Rooms and Spaces

We booked the Executive Suite, and honestly, it was a fantastic choice. The moment you walk in, you know, your eyes are just drawn to the floor-to-ceiling window that leads to a private balcony. This balcony was sort of our own little private sanctuary for the entire trip. Actually, having a morning coffee out there while the mist cleared was a really top moment. The room itself was incredibly spacious and very well-appointed; the bed was extremely comfortable, so we slept like babies. And the bathroom… seriously, it had a full-sized bathtub with a giant window looking out over the bay. So, taking a bath while watching the scenery float by is basically an experience I won’t forget. Other spaces on the boat were just as nice. The sundeck, for example, had plenty of comfortable lounge chairs and a small pool that was really refreshing in the afternoon. The dining room was likewise elegant but still felt, you know, very relaxed and not stuffy at all.

Flavors of the Bay: The Food and Drink Experience

Let’s be honest, food on these kinds of trips can sometimes be a little hit-or-miss, right? Well, the food on Stellar of the Seas was definitely a hit. Lunch was this really amazing buffet with a huge variety of choices. There were plenty of fresh seafood options, which obviously you’d expect, but also lots of well-prepared Vietnamese dishes and some Western comforts too. To be honest, we were really impressed by the quality of everything. Dinner was a more formal affair, like a set menu, and each course was thoughtfully created and presented beautifully. In that case, you could really tell the chef cared about the food. One of my favorite parts, still, was the happy hour promotion. We would grab a couple of cocktails and sit on the sundeck watching the sunset, which was pretty much a perfect way to end the day’s exploring. It’s almost like they knew exactly what we needed.

I mean, you’re sitting there, a drink in hand, watching the sun dip below these ancient cliffs. It’s one of those quiet moments that actually ends up being the loudest memory of the whole trip. That feeling is just something special.

Into the Legend: What You Actually Do

The itinerary for the two-day trip was, basically, a great mix of relaxation and activity. On the first day, we headed to the Dark and Bright Cave area. You have a choice here: you can either paddle a kayak yourself or, instead, sit back and relax on a bamboo boat rowed by a local. We opted for the bamboo boat, and it was a really serene experience. Drifting through those quiet water-filled caverns, you just hear the gentle sounds of the oars and the birds. It’s very peaceful. Afterwards, there was time for swimming in a more secluded part of the bay, and the water was just surprisingly warm and very clear. The next morning started early, and for instance, you could join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun came up. It was a really energizing way to start the day. After breakfast, we visited Sung Sot Cave, or the “Surprise Cave.” Frankly, it’s a huge and impressive cavern system, and our guide did a good job of explaining the history and the unique rock formations, which, like, looked like dragons and turtles and stuff.

Read our full review: [Stellar of The Seas VIP Cruise Full Review and Details]

So, Is Stellar of The Seas the Best VIP Choice?

At the end of the day, making a choice is up to you, but our experience was absolutely top-notch. It really does feel like a floating boutique hotel more than just a tour boat. The staff were what really made a difference; they were just so attentive and friendly, and it never felt forced. They actually remembered our names and our drink preferences. This cruise is definitely for you if you’re a couple looking for a romantic escape or a family that values comfort and superior service over a party atmosphere. It isn’t a budget option, of course, but you genuinely feel like you’re getting what you paid for. The spaces on the boat never felt crowded, which, you know, is a huge plus when you are trying to find some peace in such a popular destination. More or less, it strikes the perfect balance between luxury and authentic adventure.

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Key Takeaways from Our Trip:

• The VIP treatment is real: From the private lounge to the attentive crew, you definitely feel well-cared for.
• Cabins are a highlight: Absolutely spring for a room with a private balcony and bathtub view; it’s so worth it.
• Food is a genuine pleasure: You will eat very well, with lots of fresh and varied options.
• Itinerary is balanced: You get a good mix of seeing the sights and having downtime to just enjoy the stunning surroundings from the ship.
• It’s for relaxation seekers: This is the perfect ship if your goal is to unwind in style rather than party all night.