Capella and Elite of the Seas are both overnight cruises sold by Ava Travel, a Hanoi travel agency, both on Lan Ha Bay. Below is everything that differs between them, taken from the same booking pages you would book on: price in each season, cabins, ship size and the timed day 1 programme.
Ava Travel prices per person, two adults sharing a cabin, taken from Ava Travel’s live booking pages on 15 October 2026.
from $225 per person, Oct to Apr, $190 May to Sep
See Capella prices and dates
from $350 per person, Oct to Apr, $315 May to Sep
See Elite of the Seas prices and datesThe short answer
- Price: Capella is $125 cheaper per person in peak season, October to April ($225 against $350).
- From May to September the cheapest cabins are $190 on Capella and $315 on Elite of the Seas.
- Route: both sail Lan Ha Bay.
- Ship size: Capella is the smaller ship with 30 cabins; Elite of the Seas has 35.
- Cabin size: the entry cabin on Capella is 32 sqm, on Elite of the Seas 23 sqm.
- Families: Capella has 2 cabin types for three or more guests, Elite of the Seas has none.
- 3 days 2 nights: both offer it, from $435 on Capella and $630 on Elite of the Seas per person.
Side by side
| Capella | Elite of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Bay | Lan Ha Bay | Lan Ha Bay |
| Star rating | 5-Star Luxury | 5-Star Luxury |
| Departs from | Tuan Chau | Tuan Chau |
| Cabins on board | 30 | 35 |
| Cabin types | 7 | 6 |
| Cabin sizes | 32 to 57 sqm | 23 to 28 sqm |
| Every cabin has a balcony | Not all | Yes |
| Cabins for 3 or more | Sky Family Suite (4 pax), Harmony Family Suite (5 pax) | None |
| 2 days 1 night, Oct to Apr | from $225 | from $350 |
| 2 days 1 night, May to Sep | from $190 | from $315 |
| 3 days 2 nights | from $435 | from $630 |
| Day 1 route | Tuan Chau – Lan Ha Bay – Frog Lagoon | Tuan Chau – Lan Ha Bay – Ao Ech Lagoon |
| Day 2 route | Dark and Bright Cave – Tuan Chau | Dark & Bright Cave – Tuan Chau |
Which one should you book?
- Price matters most: Capella.
- You travel as three or more in one cabin: Capella has more family cabin types.
- You want more room in the cheapest cabin: Capella.
- You prefer fewer guests on board: Capella.
If none of these tips it either way, book on dates: pick your day and compare both on the cabin table. We answer on WhatsApp within an hour.
Cabins and prices
Capella cabins
| Cabin | Size | Guests | May to Sep | Oct to Apr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oasis Suite | 32 sqm | 2 | $190 | $225 |
| Harmony Suite | 32 sqm | 2 | $207 | $247 |
| Sky Suite | 32 sqm | 2 | $230 | $275 |
| Sky Family Suite (4 pax) | 43 sqm | 4 | $205 | $236 |
| La Suite De Capella | 57 sqm | 2 | $435 | $495 |
| Sky Terrace Suite | 45 sqm | 2 | $290 | $340 |
| Harmony Family Suite (5 pax) | 48 sqm | 5 | $180 | $208 |
Cabins for 3 or more show the price per person with the cabin full.
Elite of the Seas cabins
| Cabin | Size | Guests | May to Sep | Oct to Apr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elite Junior Suite | 23 sqm | 2 | $315 | $350 |
| Elite Senior Suite | 25 sqm | 2 | $410 | $450 |
| Elite Executive Suite | 25 sqm | 2 | $545 | $605 |
| Elite Junior Premium | 28 sqm | 2 | $350 | $390 |
| Elite Senior Premium | 28 sqm | 2 | $445 | $490 |
| Elite Executive Premium Suite | 25 sqm | 2 | $600 | $670 |
Day 1 on board
Capella, day 1
- MorningPick-up in Hanoi if you add the transfer, to Tuan Chau International Port. Board, welcome drink and cabin check-in.
- AfternoonLunch as the ship sails into Lan Ha Bay. Frog Lagoon (Ao Ech) for kayaking or stand-up paddle (extra cost), then the waterslide, the Oasis pool and jacuzzi, or the floating ocean pool.
- EveningCooking demonstration and happy hour (buy 2, get 1 free), dinner, then squid fishing, mini-golf or the cigar and poker club.
Elite of the Seas, day 1
- 08:15 – 08:35Pick-up in Hanoi Old Quarter if you add the transfer. One rest stop on the way.
- 11:15 – 11:45Check in at the pier.
- 12:00Speedboat out to the ship.
- 12:15Welcome briefing on board.
- 12:30Lunch in the restaurant.
- 14:00Cabin keys and check-in.
- 15:00 – 17:00Swim in the bay or the panoramic pool, or kayak in Ao Ech Lagoon.
- 17:30Sunset and afternoon tea by the pool.
- 18:00 – 19:00Cooking demonstration and happy hour at the poolside.
- 19:00Dinner.
Questions
Which is cheaper, Capella or Elite of the Seas?
Capella. In peak season, October to April, it starts at $225 per person against $350 for Elite of the Seas. From May to September the cheapest cabins are $190 on Capella and $315 on Elite of the Seas. Prices are per person with two sharing a cabin.
Do Capella and Elite of the Seas sail the same bay?
Yes, both sail Lan Ha Bay.
Can I book Capella or Elite of the Seas for 3 days 2 nights?
Yes, both. Capella from $435 and Elite of the Seas from $630 per person.
Which is better for families, Capella or Elite of the Seas?
Capella has 2 cabin types for three or more guests (Sky Family Suite (4 pax), Harmony Family Suite (5 pax)); Elite of the Seas has none.
Compare more: all cruises with prices · Lan Ha Bay cruises. Star ratings are the class each operator sells the ship as. Payment is taken online at checkout; we confirm the cabin and hotel pickup within one hour.
