Stellar of the Seas: My Luxury Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise
Updated: Oct 21
Soft Life Experiences | Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Two days, one night, and a luxury cruise experience that reminded me just how beautiful it feels to live out a dream you've worked hard for.
WELCOME TO HA LONG BAY
Some travel experiences are memorable because of where you go. Others stay with you because of how they make you feel.
My overnight cruise aboard Stellar of the Seas in Ha Long Bay was both.
I booked the Executive Suite with Private Sun Terrace for a two day, one night cruise through one of Vietnam's most beautiful landscapes. Between the limestone islands, mist-covered water, beautiful accommodations, and thoughtful hospitality, the entire experience felt like a dream.
But what made it particularly special was realizing that I had worked hard enough to give myself this experience. Sitting in my bathtub overlooking Ha Long Bay, sipping champagne, and enjoying a private terrace in a destination I'd dreamed about visiting was a moment I didn't take for granted.
And I was experiencing it all on my own.
🎬 Experience Ha Long Bay With Me
Quick Facts
Cruise: Stellar of the Seas
Destination: Ha Long Bay / Lan Ha Bay region, Vietnam
Duration: 2 days, 1 night
My Suite: Executive Suite with Private Sun Terrace (listed as Senior Suite with Private
Balcony in my direct booking confirmation)
Price Paid: $426 USD after a 15% discount, excluding any
separately charged transportation upgrades.
Transportation: Luxury van transfer arranged for my trip. Shared and
private transfer options may be available depending on the booking.
Best for: Solo luxury travelers, couples, special occasions, scenic escapes,
and travelers who enjoy experiences with both activities and downtime
My Recommendation: Consider two nights if you really want time to enjoy the ship.
Stayed: March 2024
First Impressions
A Welcome Worth Remembering
After arriving at the departure port, I checked in and was directed to a separate VIP lounge included with my Executive Suite booking. Complimentary beverages were available while we waited for our transfer boat.
But one of my favorite details happened when we finally approached Stellar of the Seas.
As our smaller boat pulled up alongside the cruise ship, members of the staff were standing outside, smiling and waving to welcome us aboard.
It was such a simple gesture, but it immediately made the experience feel warm and personal. From the moment I arrived until the moment I left, the hospitality was one of the things that stood out most.
Inside My Suite
The Room That Made Me Feel Like I Was Living a Dream
I booked the Executive Suite with Private Sun Terrace, and it was exactly the kind of accommodation I wanted for this experience.
My suite had a beautiful bathtub overlooking the water, large windows framing the surrounding landscape, and a private outdoor terrace where I could relax and enjoy the views.
There were moments when I simply sat in my room with a glass of champagne, watching the boats and limestone formations outside.
Other times, I stretched out on my terrace and enjoyed having nowhere else I needed to be.
And then there was the bathtub.
Sitting there overlooking Ha Long Bay was one of those moments when I realized I was actually living something I had once only imagined.
It wasn't just about having a luxurious room. It was about being able to create that experience for myself.
The cruise experience
Two days, one night, and a surprising amount to experience.
For Arrival & VIP Check-In
My experience with Stellar of the Seas started before I even stepped onto the cruise ship.
After arriving at the departure port, I checked in at the cruise's reception area, where my Executive Suite booking included access to a separate VIP lounge. While other guests waited in the main departure area, I was able to relax in the lounge with complimentary beverages before boarding.
It was a small detail, but one that made the experience feel special from the very beginning.
When it was time to board, we took a smaller transfer boat out to the main cruise ship. The same transfer process was used when we returned to port the following day.
Day One: Settling In, Dining & Evening Activities
Once aboard, we had time to explore the ship, take in the scenery, and settle into our accommodations.
One of the afternoon activities was a Vietnamese fresh spring roll demonstration, where we learned to prepare rolls using rice paper. It was a fun, hands-on experience and something a little different from the usual cruise activities.
Later, there was a happy hour where guests could relax with drinks while surrounded by Ha Long Bay's limestone formations.
After dinner, I tried squid fishing for the first time.
It was something I'd never experienced before, and exactly the kind of unexpected activity that made the cruise memorable.
Day Two: Morning on the Water & Exploring a Cave
The following morning included a Tai Chi session on deck, surrounded by the water and limestone islands.
There was something peaceful about beginning the day with mist hanging over the bay.
We also took a smaller boat to explore a cave before returning to the ship.
I'll be honest: the cave wasn't my favorite part of the experience. But I appreciated having the opportunity to see something different and participate in another activity.
There were also opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding during the cruise. Since I don't swim, I chose not to participate.
After returning from our excursion, we eventually transferred back to the departure port, bringing our two day cruise to an end.
Dining Aboard Stellar of the Seas
Multiple meals, beautiful scenery, and dinner under the evening sky.
A Multicourse Welcome Lunch
Shortly after boarding, we were treated to a three-course lunch with wine.
It was a lovely way to settle into the experience, especially after traveling from Hanoi. Rather than simply grabbing something to eat, lunch felt like part of the cruise experience itself.
Dinner on the Upper Deck
Dinner was one of the highlights of the evening.
The staff prepared a generous buffet-style BBQ dinner on the upper deck, with grilled selections and a variety of dishes to choose from.
There was also live music, which added to the atmosphere as we enjoyed dinner surrounded by the limestone formations and other cruise ships scattered across the bay.
Even without sunshine during my trip, the setting was beautiful.
Breakfast & Brunch Before Departure
The following morning, we had breakfast aboard the ship before heading out for our cave excursion.
After returning, there was another meal before we departed for the mainland.
Between the meals, activities, and beautiful surroundings, the cruise offered plenty to experience during our short time aboard.
What I Loved Most
Sometimes the Best Part Is Simply Being There
Even with a full itinerary of activities, some of my favorite moments were the quiet ones.
Sitting in my bathtub overlooking the bay. Enjoying champagne in my suite. Relaxing on my private terrace. Watching the surrounding boats drift through the mist.
We didn't have bright sunshine during my cruise, but I actually found the fog beautiful. It gave Ha Long Bay a peaceful, almost cinematic atmosphere.
But beyond the scenery and luxury accommodations, what made this experience so special was realizing I was living out something I'd once only dreamed about.
I had worked hard enough to give myself this experience, and I was doing it alone.
For me, that was worth just as much as the beautiful suite, the activities, and everything else that came with the cruise.
The Cost
Was My $514 Cruise Worth It?
For my two day, one night cruise aboard Stellar of the Seas in March 2024, I paid $514 total, including my cruise accommodations and transportation.
My cruise fare was originally $501, but I received a 15% discount, bringing it down to $426. The remaining $88 covered my transportation arrangements.
My booking included onboard meals, activities, sightseeing fees, and access to the ship's amenities.
Between the beautiful suite, attentive hospitality, dining, activities, and incredible scenery, I felt like I received excellent value for what I paid.
There are certainly more affordable cruises in Ha Long Bay, and you don't need to spend this much to experience the destination.
But I specifically wanted a luxurious room, beautiful views, and an experience that felt special from beginning to end.
And that's exactly what I received.
Would I book it again? Absolutely.
** Prices reflect my March 2024 booking and may vary by travel date, suite category, and transportation arrangements.
Best time to Visit Ha Long Bay
Beautiful in Every Season, but Weather Makes a Difference
Ha Long Bay can be visited throughout the year, but the weather can change the experience.
March through April and October through November are generally popular months for cruising, with relatively comfortable temperatures and often favorable conditions for sightseeing.
May through September tends to be warmer and more humid, with a greater chance of heavy rain and storms that can affect cruise schedules.
December through February brings cooler temperatures, and misty or overcast conditions are common.
During my visit, the bay was covered in fog, and we didn't have much sunshine. But honestly, I loved it. Watching the limestone islands and surrounding boats appear through the mist made the entire experience feel almost cinematic.
If you're booking a cruise, I recommend checking the seasonal weather and allowing some flexibility in your plans, especially during storm season.
Honest verdict
Is One Night Enough on Stellar of the Seas?
Yes, but I would personally book two nights next time.
One night gave me enough time to experience the cruise, explore the ship, participate in activities, and enjoy the scenery.
But there is a difference between having enough time to explore the ship and having enough time to truly enjoy it.
I would have loved another full day to relax in my suite, enjoy the terrace, spend time around the heated pool, and simply appreciate the surroundings without thinking about the next activity or departure.
Would I book Stellar of the Seas again? Absolutely.
Would I consider an even more luxurious cruise next time? Also yes.
But I don't regret the experience I chose. The accommodations, cleanliness, hospitality, activities, and overall atmosphere made it one of my most memorable experiences in Vietnam.
Who is this hotel for?
Is Stellar of the Seas Right for You?
Best suited for:
Solo travelers who enjoy luxury accommodations and beautiful scenery
Couples celebrating a special occasion
Travelers who want a private balcony or terrace
Anyone who enjoys a mix of organized activities and relaxation
Travelers who appreciate attentive hospitality and comfortable accommodations
People looking for a memorable overnight experience in northern Vietnam
May not be ideal for:
Travelers working with a limited budget
Anyone who prefers smaller, more basic cruise accommodations
Travelers who want to spend most of their time exploring destinations independently
Anyone expecting a completely unstructured experience without scheduled meals or activities
Planning Your Ha Long Bay Cruise?
Ready to Experience Ha Long Bay?
If you're planning an overnight cruise, I recommend comparing the available itineraries, room categories, and transportation inclusions before booking.
Think about whether you want one night filled with activities or two nights with more time to enjoy the ship.
For me, the Executive Suite with Private Sun Terrace was absolutely worth the upgrade.
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