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More ways to enjoy the bay.
Contemporary suites, refined dining and relaxed days on Ha Long Bay.
Grand Pioneers II brings contemporary resort comfort to Ha Long Bay, with 53 suites, seven guest decks and generous public spaces designed around the surrounding scenery.
At almost 110 metres long, the vessel offers the scale and facilities of a larger luxury ship while retaining the experience of an overnight journey through Ha Long Bay. Accommodation ranges from comfortable Ocean Suites to the expansive President’s Suite, with many categories offering private balconies, elevated bay views or bathtubs positioned towards the scenery.
What particularly distinguishes Grand Pioneers II is its variety of dining and leisure spaces. Alongside Dining by the Bay, guests can enjoy BayView Restaurant and the intimate Prestige Dining Club, while Oasis Cine provides a private onboard cinema and the Oceania Gift Shop showcases Vietnamese-made products. A four-season saltwater pool, Sea Spa, Fitness Centre, Sky Bar, wine and cigar lounge and Kids Club complete the onboard experience.
For guests choosing the 3 Days 2 Nights Legacy Journey, the experience reaches beyond central Ha Long Bay into quieter Bai Tu Long Bay. On the second day, guests transfer to Explora by Grand Pioneers to visit Thien Canh Son Cave, Vung Vieng Floating Village and more remote parts of the heritage landscape before returning to the main vessel.
A comfortable entry-level cabin with a contemporary, understated design and a large window looking directly towards Ha Long Bay. The Ocean Suite does not have a private balcony, but its generous window brings plenty of natural light into the room and keeps the surrounding scenery in view throughout the journey.
With ten additional square metres over the Ocean Suite and its own balcony, the Ocean Balcony Suite is one of the most practical upgrades aboard Grand Pioneers I. Large windows bring the bay into the room, while the balcony gives guests a private place to enjoy the scenery between excursions.
The Ocean Suite Triple provides a useful option for families or three adults who prefer to share one room. At 43 m², it offers more floor space than the standard Ocean Suite and can be configured with either three single beds or one double and one single bed.
The Veranda Suite combines a spacious 40 m² interior with a private balcony overlooking Ha Long Bay. Located on Deck 2, it offers an easy balance of comfort, outdoor space and direct access to the scenery without moving into the premium suite categories.
The Executive Suite offers a similar amount of space to the Veranda Suite but is positioned higher on the ship, on Deck 3 or 4. The elevated location gives guests a broader perspective over the limestone islands and makes this an attractive choice for travelers who value the view as much as the room itself.
At 60 m², the Essence Suite represents a noticeable step up in space. Located on Deck 4, it combines a larger living area, sofa and dining table with a generous private balcony overlooking the bay.
The Pearl Suite is one of the accommodation categories unique to Grand Pioneers II. Its distinctive round bed and open bathtub facing the bay create a more romantic setting than the standard suites, making it particularly appealing for couples and honeymooners.
Best For: Couples, honeymooners and special occasions.
The Signature Suite combines a larger 50 m² interior with a generous balcony and bathtub positioned towards the bay. It offers a more premium sense of space while remaining suitable for couples who do not need the full scale of the President’s Suite.
Current privileges also include a one-hour body massage alongside selected premium suite amenities.
The President’s Suite is the flagship accommodation aboard Grand Pioneers II. Positioned towards the bow, the 109 m² suite is designed more like a private apartment than a conventional cruise cabin, with panoramic views, a private dining area, private bar and separate changing room.
Premium privileges currently include butler service, in-room dining, speedboat service, massage, sauna and other suite benefits.
Best For: Honeymooners, VIP guests, anniversaries and travellers seeking the highest accommodation category aboard Grand Pioneers II
Enjoy Vietnamese and international cuisine in the ship’s spacious main restaurant, with large windows keeping the surrounding limestone scenery in view throughout the meal.
Enjoy a more intimate dining setting with wide views across Ha Long Bay. BayView Restaurant is exclusive to Grand Pioneers II and offers a refined alternative to the ship’s main dining room.
Relax in the four-season saltwater pool while watching the limestone islands drift past, or settle beside the water with a drink between excursions.
Head to the upper deck for cocktails and panoramic views as the light changes over Ha Long Bay. It is one of the best places onboard to enjoy the sunset before dinner.
Slow the pace with a spa treatment, sauna or steam bath, or maintain your routine at the onboard Fitness Centre.
Enjoy a film in the private Oasis Cine, Grand Pioneers II’s onboard cinema, with screenings scheduled at selected times during the day and evening.
Check In at Tuan Chau.
Arrive at the Grand Pioneers Cruise Lounge at Tuan Chau International Cruise Port and complete the registration procedures before boarding.
Transfer to Grand Pioneers II.
Board a high-speed tender for the short transfer from the harbour to Grand Pioneers II.
Welcome & Safety Briefing
Enjoy a welcome drink while the Cruise Manager introduces the programme, onboard facilities and essential safety information.
Lunch & Scenic Cruising
Lunch is served as Grand Pioneers II begins cruising into Ha Long Bay. Limestone towers gradually fill the view as the vessel moves away from Tuan Chau and deeper into the heritage area.
After lunch, settle into your suite or explore the ship’s public spaces.
Explore Sung Sot Cave
Transfer by tender to Sung Sot Cave, also known as Surprise Cave.
Walk through its impressive limestone chambers and natural formations before returning to Grand Pioneers II later in the afternoon.
Sunset Canapés, Cooking Experience & Happy Hour
Return in time for sunset. Enjoy canapés, join a Vietnamese cooking activity or relax with a cocktail during Happy Hour.
Beverages ordered during Happy Hour are charged separately.
Dinner
Dinner is served onboard, with the evening scenery of Ha Long Bay beyond the restaurant windows.
Evening at Leisure
Spend the evening at your own pace. Try squid fishing, enjoy the Sky Bar, book a spa treatment, sing karaoke or watch a film at Oasis Cine.
Overnight aboard Grand Pioneers II
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Light Breakfast
Enjoy a light breakfast before the morning excursion.
Luon Cave
Visit Luon Cave, where a natural limestone arch opens into a sheltered lagoon.
Choose between kayaking or travelling by traditional bamboo boat.
Check Out
Return to Grand Pioneers II, complete cabin check-out and settle any personal expenses at Reception.
Brunch
Enjoy brunch while the cruise returns towards Tuan Chau.
Disembarkation
Transfer back to the Grand Pioneers Lounge at Tuan Chau International Cruise Port.
Meals: Light Breakfast, Brunch Grand Pioneers Halong Bay Cruise
Check In
Complete check-in procedures at the Grand Pioneers Lounge at Tuan Chau International Cruise Port.
Tender Transfer
Transfer by high-speed tender to Grand Pioneers II.
Welcome & Safety Briefing
Enjoy a welcome drink while the Cruise Manager introduces the programme and onboard safety information.
Buffet Lunch & Cruising
Enjoy lunch as the vessel sails among the limestone islands of Ha Long Bay.
Sung Sot Cave
Explore the vast chambers of Sung Sot Cave before returning to Grand Pioneers II.
Sunset Party
Enjoy canapés and sunset on deck, join a cooking activity or take advantage of Happy Hour.
Dinner
Dinner is served onboard.
Evening at Leisure
Relax at the bar, try squid fishing or enjoy the spa, karaoke, cinema and other selected facilities.
Overnight aboard Grand Pioneers II
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast with a View
Enjoy a light breakfast at Dining by the Bay before preparing for a full day farther into the bay.
Transfer to Explora by Grand Pioneers
Board Explora by Grand Pioneers, the dedicated vessel used for the extended Legacy Journey.
This means guests do not remain aboard the main Grand Pioneers II vessel during most of Day 2.
Scenic Cruise into Bai Tu Long Bay
Travel northeast from the Titop area, passing limestone formations including Dau Nguoi, Yen Ngua, Dragon and Con Vit islets.
As the route moves farther from central Ha Long Bay, the scenery becomes quieter and boat traffic generally decreases.
Thien Canh Son Cave
Arrive at Thien Canh Son Cave on Hon Co Island.
Explore the cave before spending time kayaking or relaxing by the water, subject to operating and weather conditions.
Lunch aboard Explora
Return to Explora for lunch while continuing deeper through Bai Tu Long Bay towards Cong Do.
Thay Cave & Con Vit Islet
Cruise through the Thay Cave area and past distinctive limestone formations on the approach to Vung Vieng.
Vung Vieng Floating Village
Explore the Vung Vieng area by bamboo boat or kayak, with the route including the former fishing community, Vong Cave and local aquaculture areas.
Return towards Grand Pioneers II
Travel back aboard Explora, passing the areas around Thung Cave, Trong Cave and Trinh Nu Cave before rejoining Grand Pioneers II.
Dinner
Enjoy the second evening meal onboard.
Evening at Leisure
Spend your final night enjoying the bay, bars, cinema, spa or other onboard facilities.
Overnight aboard Grand Pioneers II
Meals: Light Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Luon Cave
Explore Luon Cave by kayak or bamboo boat.
Check Out
Return to Grand Pioneers II and complete the check-out procedures.
Brunch
Enjoy brunch as the vessel cruises back towards Tuan Chau.
Return to Tuan Chau
Disembark and transfer to the Grand Pioneers Lounge.
Meals: Light Breakfast, Brunch
Grand Pioneers Lounge, Tuan Chau International Marina, Ha Long, Quang Ninh.
Official FAQ currently advises check-in around 11:30 to 11:45, with embarkation by approximately 11:45 to 12:15. The detailed itinerary allows registration from around 11:00. LuxeTravel Asia should recommend guests arrive by 11:30 at the latest unless otherwise reconfirmed.
Cabin check-out is normally around 09:00 to 09:30, with disembarkation around 10:30 to 10:45.
All guests, including children, must provide passport information before departure. Grand Pioneers currently states passport details should be submitted at least 24 hours before arrival and advises passports remain valid for at least six months beyond the traveler’s final day in Vietnam.
Hanoi to Ha Long transportation is not automatically included. LuxeTravel Asia can arrange private vehicle or shared limousine transfers separately.
Current operator policy states children aged 0–4 may stay free under specified conditions, children aged 5–10 receive a child rate and guests aged 11 and above are charged at the adult rate. Extra beds are subject to availability and surcharge.
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergy-related requests can be accommodated with advance notice. Grand Pioneers currently asks for at least 48 hours’ notice. For LuxeTravel Asia, I would say: Please let us know at the time of booking whenever possible.
WiFi is available onboard, although connectivity may be inconsistent in more remote sections of the bay.
Routes and timings can change due to weather, tides, port authority decisions or operating conditions.
Grand Pioneers II is a five-star luxury overnight cruise offering 53 suites, extensive onboard facilities and two and three day journeys through Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay.
Both vessels share the same overall Grand Pioneers style and several facilities, but their premium accommodation and selected public areas are different.
Grand Pioneers II has 53 suites and features the Pearl Suite, Signature Suite and President’s Suite. It also has BayView Restaurant, Prestige Dining Club, Oasis Cine and Oceania Gift Shop. Grand Pioneers I has 55 cabins and instead features the Oceania and Owner’s Suites, 3D Golf and dedicated entertainment spaces.
No. Some categories, including the Ocean Suite and Ocean Suite Triple, have large bay-facing windows rather than private balconies.
If a private balcony is important, consider the Ocean Balcony Suite, Veranda Suite, Executive Suite, Essence Suite or Signature Suite, depending on your preferred level of accommodation.
For good value with a private balcony, the Ocean Balcony Suite is a strong starting point.
For a more romantic stay, the Pearl Suite stands out for its round bed and open bathtub facing the bay, while the Signature Suite offers more space, a large balcony and a bay-view bathtub.
The President’s Suite is the flagship category. At 109 m², it includes panoramic views, an open bathtub, private dining area, private bar and changing room, together with premium services such as butler service and in-room dining.
Yes. The ship offers a Kids Club, Ocean Suite Triple and a variety of cabin categories suitable for couples travelling with children.
For families, LuxeTravel Asia can also request nearby or suitable cabin arrangements according to availability.
The 2 Days 1 Night Classic Journey is ideal for travellers with limited time and includes Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave and an overnight stay on Ha Long Bay.
For travellers who have more time, LuxeTravel Asia recommends the 3 Days 2 Nights Legacy Journey, as the additional day reaches into Bai Tu Long Bay and includes Thien Canh Son Cave and Vung Vieng Floating Village.
Yes. On Day 2, guests transfer to Explora by Grand Pioneers for the journey into Bai Tu Long Bay.
You will spend much of the day aboard Explora before returning to Grand Pioneers II later in the afternoon for your second evening onboard.
Kayaking is included in scheduled excursions. At Luon Cave, guests can normally choose between kayaking and a traditional bamboo boat. The Legacy Journey also includes additional opportunities for kayaking around Bai Tu Long Bay, subject to conditions.
Yes. The ship has the Four Seasons saltwater pool and the private Oasis Cine. Oasis Cine is a facility specific to Grand Pioneers II.
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