Venezia Cruise is a boutique modern cruise operating 2-day, 1-night overnight tours in Lan Ha Bay in northern Vietnam, featuring 10 private-balcony cabins. As a small-group experience with intimate personalized service, Venezia Cruise combines Oriental design with modern amenities and offers unique activities including night kayaking with bioluminescent plankton, bicycle village tours, and sunset parties.
About Venezia Cruise
Venezia Cruise is designed for couples, small groups, and travelers who prefer intimate boutique experiences over large cruise crowds. Operating in the quieter southern sections of Lan Ha Bay, the vessel anchors near hidden coves and authentic floating villages that most large cruises bypass.
Venezia Cruise is a boutique-class small-group cruise accommodating passengers in 10 cabins, designed for intimate experiences with personalized service. Each cabin features private balcony, ensuite bathroom with hot rainfall shower, premium bedding, air conditioning, and daily housekeeping.
The Route: Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay lies just south of the more famous Halong Bay, accessed via Cat Ba Island. It contains over 300 limestone karst islands but receives only a fraction of the tourist traffic, making it the preferred choice for travelers seeking pristine waters, hidden lagoons, and authentic floating villages without the crowds.
The Venezia Cruise route covers less-touristed sections of Lan Ha Bay, including Cat Ba island shoreline, Tra Bau beach, Dark and Bright Cave, and traditional pearl-farming floating villages. The boutique size allows the boat to anchor in shallower coves inaccessible to larger ships.
Cabin Types & Onboard Amenities
- Deluxe Balcony Cabin: 20-22 square meters with private balcony, queen or twin beds, ensuite bathroom, large picture window facing the bay.
- Premium Suite: 25-30 square meters with extended balcony, premium bedding, enhanced bathroom amenities, ideal for couples seeking maximum comfort.
Common amenities: air conditioning with individual control, hot rainfall shower, hair dryer, electronic safe, complimentary water restocked daily, robes and slippers, room service.
Public spaces include an indoor-outdoor restaurant, a sundeck with sun loungers and bar, karaoke lounge for evening entertainment, fish foot massage area, and bicycle racks for village exploration.
Activities On Board
- Night Kayaking with Bioluminescent Plankton: Unique to Lan Ha Bay quieter coves, paddle through dark water where plankton light up with each stroke. Conditional on tide and weather.
- Squid Fishing: Evening activity with bait, fishing rods, and boat lights provided. Guides assist beginners.
- Bicycle or Electric Car Village Tour: Explore traditional Cat Ba villages, observe local pearl farming and fishing community life.
- Fish Foot Massage: Relaxing onboard wellness experience with small fish gently exfoliating feet.
- Sunset Party: Evening drinks and snacks on the sundeck with live or recorded music as the sun sets over the karsts.
- Karaoke: Onboard karaoke lounge with English, Vietnamese, and international songs.
- Cave Exploration: Guided visit to Dark and Bright Cave with kayaking through low-ceiling passages.
- Tai Chi: Sunrise sessions on the sundeck for guests interested.
Dining Experience & Sample Menu
Venezia Cruise serves Vietnamese cuisine with international touches, focusing on fresh local seafood from Lan Ha Bay. Meals are plated and served family-style in the dining room or al fresco on the sundeck.
- Welcome Drink: Tropical fruit juice or Vietnamese tea
- Day 1 Lunch (5 courses): Fresh spring rolls, sauteed clams with lemongrass, grilled prawn skewers, sweet and sour fish, jasmine rice, banana flower salad, tropical fruit dessert
- Day 1 Dinner with Sunset Party (7 courses): Smoked salmon, pumpkin cream soup, steamed grouper with ginger, sauteed beef with mushrooms, garlic morning glory, grilled squid, herb rice, coconut creme brulee
- Day 2 Breakfast (buffet): Beef or chicken pho, eggs to order, French baguettes, croissants, fresh fruits, juice, coffee, Vietnamese tea
- Day 2 Brunch (3 courses): Seafood salad, grilled fish with vegetables, tropical fruit platter
Booking Tips for Venezia Cruise
Limited inventory: With only 10 cabins, Venezia Cruise sells out faster than larger cruises. Book 4 to 6 weeks ahead during October to April high season.
Best for: Couples, honeymooners, small groups (4-10 friends), and travelers prioritizing intimate experiences over large entertainment options. Not ideal for families with very young children due to small-vessel size.
Cancellation: Full refund 30+ days before departure, 50% refund 14-29 days, no refund within 14 days. Weather cancellation by operator = full refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the Venezia Cruise 2D1N package?
The Venezia Cruise 2-day 1-night package includes overnight accommodation, welcome drink, all meals (lunch, dinner with sunset party, breakfast, brunch), squid fishing at night, night kayaking with bioluminescent plankton, bicycle or electric car tours of nearby villages, fish foot massage, karaoke onboard, English-speaking guide, and entrance fees to Lan Ha Bay. Transfer from Hanoi available as add-on.
How do I travel from Hanoi to the Venezia Cruise pier?
Venezia Cruise departs from Got Pier or Beo Pier on Cat Ba Island, accessible via the Hanoi-Halong Expressway plus ferry. The journey takes approximately 3 hours by car/van plus 30 minutes ferry. Round-trip transfers in shared shuttle or private vehicle are arranged by Venezia Cruise for an additional fee.
What makes Venezia Cruise different from larger Halong Bay cruises?
Venezia Cruise is a boutique boat with only 10 cabins, focused on intimate small-group experiences in less-touristed sections of Lan Ha Bay. Activities like night kayaking with bioluminescent plankton, bicycle village tours, and fish foot massage are unique offerings rarely found on larger cruise boats. The smaller size also means more personalized service.
When is the best time to book Venezia Cruise?
The best months are October to April when weather is dry. Book 4 to 6 weeks ahead during high season as the boutique size means cabins sell out quickly. May to September offers low-season discounts of 20-30 percent. The brand-new 2025 vessel may have limited inventory — early booking recommended.
Does Venezia Cruise offer night kayaking and bioluminescent plankton?
Yes, Venezia Cruise offers night kayaking through Lan Ha Bay hidden coves where bioluminescent plankton create natural light when paddles disturb the water. This activity is conditional on tide and weather; the cruise team will adjust timing on the night for the best visibility. Equipment and life jackets are provided.
