Hera Grand and Athena Luxury are both overnight cruises sold by Ava Travel, a Hanoi travel agency, both on Halong 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 $126 per person, Oct to Apr, $117 May to Sep
See Hera Grand prices and dates
from $150 per person, Oct to Apr, $140 May to Sep
See Athena Luxury prices and datesThe short answer
- Price: Hera Grand is $24 cheaper per person in peak season, October to April ($126 against $150).
- From May to September the cheapest cabins are $117 on Hera Grand and $140 on Athena Luxury.
- Route: both sail Halong Bay.
- Ship size: Hera Grand is the smaller ship with 11 cabins; Athena Luxury has 21.
- Cabin size: the entry cabin on Hera Grand is 35 sqm, on Athena Luxury 25 sqm.
- Families: Athena Luxury has 1 cabin type for three or more guests, Hera Grand has none.
- 3 days 2 nights: both offer it, from $252 on Hera Grand and $285 on Athena Luxury per person.
Side by side
| Hera Grand | Athena Luxury | |
|---|---|---|
| Bay | Halong Bay | Halong Bay |
| Star rating | 5-Star Luxury | 5-Star Luxury |
| Departs from | Tuan Chau | Halong International Port |
| Cabins on board | 11 | 21 |
| Cabin types | 4 | 4 |
| Cabin sizes | 35 to 60 sqm | 25 to 35 sqm |
| Every cabin has a balcony | Not all | Yes |
| Cabins for 3 or more | None | Family Triple (3pax) |
| 2 days 1 night, Oct to Apr | from $126 | from $150 |
| 2 days 1 night, May to Sep | from $117 | from $140 |
| 3 days 2 nights | from $252 | from $285 |
| Day 1 route | Tuan Chau – Halong Bay – Sung Sot Cave | Halong International Port – Sung Sot Cave – Luon Cave |
| Day 2 route | Pearl Farm – Tuan Chau | Titop Island – Halong International Port |
Which one should you book?
- Price matters most: Hera Grand.
- You travel as three or more in one cabin: Athena Luxury has more family cabin types.
- You want more room in the cheapest cabin: Hera Grand.
- You prefer fewer guests on board: Hera Grand.
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
Hera Grand cabins
| Cabin | Size | Guests | May to Sep | Oct to Apr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Suite | 35 sqm | 2 | $117 | $126 |
| Ocean Suite | 45 sqm | 2 | $142 | $152 |
| Earth Suite | 60 sqm | 2 | $165 | $199 |
| Heaven Suite | 60 sqm | 2 | $190 | $252 |
Athena Luxury cabins
| Cabin | Size | Guests | May to Sep | Oct to Apr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Balcony | 25 sqm | 2 | $140 | $150 |
| Elegance Balcony | 28 sqm | 2 | $165 | $170 |
| Premium Terrace Suite | 32 sqm | 2 | $200 | $205 |
| Family Triple (3pax) | 35 sqm | 3 | $160 | $163 |
Cabins for 3 or more show the price per person with the cabin full.
Day 1 on board
Hera Grand, day 1
- 07:45 – 08:30Pick-up in Hanoi Old Quarter if you add the transfer.
- 11:30 – 12:00Check in at the waiting lounge, No. 12, Tuan Chau Marina.
- 12:00Board with a welcome drink and cold towel, then cabin check-in. Lunch as the ship heads into Halong Bay.
- 16:00Sung Sot Cave, the largest in Halong Bay.
- 17:30 – 18:30Sunset party and a class making Vietnamese floating rice cakes. Happy hour (buy 2, get 1 free).
- 19:30Dinner outdoors if the weather allows, otherwise in the restaurant.
- 21:30Herbal foot bath in your cabin (free), the Footsteps of Heritage costume show, the sky bar, squid fishing, or a massage at extra cost.
Athena Luxury, day 1
- MorningTransfer to Halong International Cruise Port by shuttle bus or private car (not included in the cabin price).
- 12:00Check in at the waiting lounge, Halong International Port.
- 12:30Tender to the ship. Welcome drink and safety briefing.
- 12:45Lunch as the ship heads into Halong Bay.
- 14:45The ship stops at Bo Nau Cave. Tender to Sung Sot Cave.
- AfternoonLuon Cave by kayak (free) or bamboo boat rowed by a local.
- EveningHappy hour and a Vietnamese cooking class, then dinner. Films, squid fishing, or a massage at extra cost.
Questions
Which is cheaper, Hera Grand or Athena Luxury?
Hera Grand. In peak season, October to April, it starts at $126 per person against $150 for Athena Luxury. From May to September the cheapest cabins are $117 on Hera Grand and $140 on Athena Luxury. Prices are per person with two sharing a cabin.
Do Hera Grand and Athena Luxury sail the same bay?
Yes, both sail Halong Bay.
Can I book Hera Grand or Athena Luxury for 3 days 2 nights?
Yes, both. Hera Grand from $252 and Athena Luxury from $285 per person.
Which is better for families, Hera Grand or Athena Luxury?
Athena Luxury has 1 cabin type for three or more guests (Family Triple (3pax)); Hera Grand has none.
Compare more: all cruises with prices · 2 day 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.
