Last updated 22 October 2026 by the Ava Travel team in Hanoi. Prices are Ava Travel’s own, per person, two sharing a cabin, October to April first, then May to September where different.
Are drinks included on Halong Bay cruises?
The short answer, from Ava Travel’s contracts with the cruise lines: partly. The cruise price includes a welcome drink, drinking water and tea or coffee; beer, wine, cocktails and soft drinks are extra and paid on board. Elite of the Seas is the exception, with unlimited drinks from its complimentary drinks menu at meals.
This is what each contract Ava Travel holds says is included, with Ava Travel’s price for the ship:
| Cruise | Drinks included in the price | Ava Travel price from |
|---|---|---|
| Celina | Welcome drink, drinking water, tea or coffee | $182 / $170 |
| Capella | Welcome drink, water, tea or coffee; buy two, get one free happy hour at sunset | $225 / $190 |
| Lyra Grandeur | Welcome drink, water, tea or coffee; buy two, get one free happy hour at sunset | $245 / $195 |
| Grand Pioneers | Welcome drink, drinking water, tea or coffee | $213 / $196 |
| Diana | Welcome drink, tea or coffee; one bottle of water per person per day | $178 |
| Orchid Premium | Welcome drink, water, tea or coffee; two cans of cola and two of Sprite in the minibar | $375 |
| Orchid Classic | Welcome drink, drinking water, tea or coffee | $220 |
| Indochine (Indochina Sails) | Welcome drink, drinking water, tea or coffee | $139 / $130 |
| Halora Nova | Welcome drink, drinking water, tea or coffee | $165 / $153 |
| Elite of the Seas | Unlimited drinks from its complimentary drinks menu with meals | $350 / $315 |
| Nostalgia | Welcome drink, drinking water, tea or coffee | $224 / $154 |
| Victory (Bai Tho Junks) | Welcome drink, drinking water, tea or coffee | $111 / $110 |
| Aimee (Bai Tho Junks) | Welcome drink, drinking water, tea or coffee | $167 / $162 |
Is alcohol included on a Halong Bay cruise?
Not on the cruises above, apart from what Elite of the Seas lists on its complimentary drinks menu. Alcohol is sold on board and added to a bill you settle before you leave the boat. Capella and Lyra Grandeur run a buy two, get one free happy hour at sunset.
How much should I tip on a Halong Bay cruise?
The short answer, from Ava Travel: tipping is your choice. Tips are not included in the cabin price in any of the cruise line contracts Ava Travel holds, and none of them sets an amount, so there is no fixed rate. If you want to thank the crew, give it at the end of the cruise. Your guide on the Hanoi shuttle is separate from the ship’s crew.
Frequently asked questions
Is drinking water free on a Halong Bay cruise?
Yes on every cruise in the table: drinking water is in the price. Diana gives one bottle per person per day.
Are tips included in the price of a Halong Bay cruise?
No. None of the cruise line contracts Ava Travel holds includes tips or sets an amount.
More planning answers: Halong Bay travel tips, what activities are included and Halong Bay cruise prices for every ship. Ava Travel sells every cruise above online, with payment by card and your cabin confirmed in writing within 24 hours.
