Athena Luxury Cruise
The Athena Luxury Cruise, launched in 2017, offers a sophisticated neoclassical design and high-class amenities for an exceptional Halong Bay experience. With 21 cabins, each featuring a private balcony, it caters to families and small groups seeking relaxation and engaging activities amidst the bay's stunning scenery.
Athena Luxury Cruise Overview
At a glance
Why choose Athena Luxury Cruise?
- Built 2017, refurbished 0
- Mid-range Cruises, Family Cruises travel styles
- Capacity for up to 50 guests
The Athena Luxury Cruise, launched in 2017, offers a sophisticated neoclassical design and high-class amenities for an exceptional Halong Bay experience. With 21 cabins, each featuring a private balcony, it caters to families and small groups seeking relaxation and engaging activities amidst the bay's stunning scenery.
The Athena Luxury Cruise, part of the esteemed Athena Group, debuted in 2017, showcasing a neoclassical and luxurious design that promises guests a refined and relaxing journey through Halong Bay. This elegant vessel accommodates up to 50 passengers across 21 meticulously appointed cabins, each boasting a private balcony and contemporary furnishings to ensure a comfortable overnight stay.
Beyond its first-rate accommodations, Athena Luxury Cruise is dedicated to delivering excellent service and delightful dining experiences. The cruise offers well-crafted itineraries, suitable for families with children and small groups, featuring a blend of engaging onboard activities and captivating excursions to Halong Bay's most iconic attractions.
The Athena Luxury Cruise consistently receives high praise, with an overall rating of 9.4/10 based on 110 reviews. Guests frequently highlight the exceptional service from the professional and attentive crew, noting their dedication to creating memorable experiences. The ship's facilities and amenities are rated 9.4/10, with particular appreciation for the spacious sundeck, the rare onboard sauna, and the exquisite, cohesive design featuring luxurious wooden interiors. While some guests found cabin layouts could be optimized and terraces (outside of the Suite Terrace) to be small, the modern facilities are generally well-maintained.
Food and beverage receive a 9.1/10, with a diverse selection of fresh European and Asian dishes, including Vietnamese delicacies and fresh seafood. Although meals are described as flavorful and satisfying, some feedback suggests a lack of standout dishes and high drink prices. Itineraries and activities are rated 9.0/10, offering a well-paced schedule visiting key Halong Bay attractions like Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, and Luon Cave. The 3-day/2-night option is recommended for a more extensive exploration. Services are rated 9.4/10, with staff noted for being friendly, helpful, and responsive, though some guests mentioned varying English proficiency among certain crew members. On TripAdvisor, Athena Cruise boasts an impressive 98% positive reviews from over 2,000 customers, reflecting broad satisfaction across all aspects of the cruise.
Cabin Types
Routes & Itinerary Comparison
Compare the published programs below. Stops and timings may change with weather, port authority instructions and the selected departure.
| Program | Duration | Route | Next departure | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athena Luxury Halong Bay Discovery Cruise - 2 Days 1 Night | 2 D / 1 N | Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave | Ask for dates | $139 |
| Athena Luxury Halong Bay Extended Journey - 3 Days 2 Nights | 3 D / 2 N | Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Tung Sau Area, Me Cung Cave, Luon Cave | Ask for dates | $264 |
Cruise Programs
Dining & Facilities
The Athena Luxury Cruise features a sophisticated design with a white color palette and a robust steel hull, presenting a neoclassical yet modern aesthetic. The ship is thoughtfully laid out across three decks, each designed to enhance the cruising experience:
- First Deck: Houses the reception area, a professional kitchen, 10 Executive Suites (Deluxe Balcony Cabins), and 2 larger Family Triple Suites.
- Second Deck: Features the main dining room and bar, 6 Elegant Suites, 1 Family Connecting Suite, and 2 Premium Terrace Suites located at the rear, uniquely offering expansive private sun terraces.
- Sundeck: An expansive area equipped with relaxing spa and sauna rooms, a cozy coffee lounge (which also serves as a library), a refreshing jacuzzi, and a spacious sunbathing area complete with numerous sunbeds.
The cruise ensures a first-class experience with modern equipment and convenient facilities, including a coffee lounge adjacent to an open-air sundeck bar, providing an airy space for guests to relax with fresh beverages. The sundeck's generous size also makes it ideal for hosting special events for up to 50 people, from weddings to team-building gatherings. The third deck's spa treatment rooms and dry sauna (available upon request) offer rejuvenating experiences, inviting guests to enjoy a massage after a day of exploration.
The Athena Luxury Cruise features a sophisticated design with a white color palette and a robust steel hull, presenting a neoclassical yet modern aesthetic. The ship is thoughtfully laid out across three decks, each designed to enhance the cruising experience:
- First Deck: Houses the reception area, a professional kitchen, 10 Executive Suites (Deluxe Balcony Cabins), and 2 larger Family Triple Suites.
- Second Deck: Features the main dining room and bar, 6 Elegant Suites, 1 Family Connecting Suite, and 2 Premium Terrace Suites located at the rear, uniquely offering expansive private sun terraces.
- Sundeck: An expansive area equipped with relaxing spa and sauna rooms, a cozy coffee lounge (which also serves as a library), a refreshing jacuzzi, and a spacious sunbathing area complete with numerous sunbeds.
The cruise ensures a first-class experience with modern equipment and convenient facilities, including a coffee lounge adjacent to an open-air sundeck bar, providing an airy space for guests to relax with fresh beverages. The sundeck's generous size also makes it ideal for hosting special events for up to 50 people, from weddings to team-building gatherings. The third deck's spa treatment rooms and dry sauna (available upon request) offer rejuvenating experiences, inviting guests to enjoy a massage after a day of exploration.
The onboard restaurant on Athena Luxury Cruise is committed to providing high-quality culinary experiences, featuring a diverse menu that includes:
- Western fusion cuisine
- Traditional Vietnamese dishes
- Freshly prepared seafood using natural ingredients
- Special dietary options such as vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free meals (available upon request)
Meal times are typically 7:00 for breakfast, 9:30 for brunch, 12:45 for lunch, and 19:00 for dinner. While dinners are served as a set menu, other meals are offered buffet style. The semi-classical restaurant, with an open kitchen and projector, can comfortably seat up to 50 guests in its wooden and leather-upholstered chairs. There are two bars on board, one within the restaurant and another on the sundeck, ensuring easy access to beverages.
Complimentary water and fresh fruits are provided in each cabin. Additional beverages from the bars and lounge, including wine, juice, tea, coffee, cocktails, and mocktails, are available for an extra charge. Alcoholic drinks start from US$7 per glass and US$32 per bottle, while non-alcoholic options begin at US$2 per item. Please note that the drink menu and prices are subject to change.
The Athena Luxury Cruise offers a blend of sightseeing excursions and onboard activities designed to enrich your Halong Bay journey:
- Sung Sot Cave: Explore one of Halong Bay's largest and most famous caves, marveling at its impressive chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
- Titop Island: Enjoy leisure time on this island, with options for sunbathing, swimming, or hiking to the summit for panoramic views of the bay.
- Luon Cave: Kayak through this majestic cave, experiencing the bay's unique geology, clear waters, and lush greenery up close. (Note: a bamboo boat option is available for a surcharge).
- Tung Sau Area: On extended tours, visit this renowned pearl farming area to learn about pearl harvesting or enjoy more kayaking.
- Spa & Massage: Indulge in professional massage therapies and treatments (facial, body, foot) in the onboard spa, with services ranging from 30-75 minutes (additional cost applies).
- Sundeck Relaxation: Unwind on the spacious sundeck, offering a jacuzzi, sun loungers, and an outdoor bar for cocktails and refreshments. It's also suitable for private events.
- Happy Hour & Cooking Class: Participate in a Vietnamese cooking class to learn traditional dishes, followed by Happy Hour as the sun sets.
- Night Squid Fishing: Try your hand at squid fishing in the evening, with your catch prepared by the cruise chefs.
- Tai Chi Class: Start your day with a revitalizing Tai Chi session on the sundeck.
Before You Book
Who this cruise suits
Mid-range Cruises, Family Cruises . Family cabin options are listed above.
Weather & special requests
Routes can change for safety or port-authority instructions. Tell us about mobility, dietary or celebration requirements before booking.
Review cancellation termsNot included
Booking Policies
- More than 21 days before check-in: FREE of charge.
- From 11 to 20 days before check-in: 30% of total rates.
- From 7 to 10 days before check-in: 50% of total rates.
- Less than 7 days before check-in & no Show: 100% of total rates.
Cancellation due to bad weather:
- Before departure from Hanoi to Halong Bay (no services used): 100% refund.
- During the trip (some services used): Used services will be charged, the rest refunded.
- Trip cut from 2 nights to 1 night: Charged for 2 days/1 night trip plus other used services, the rest refunded.
Final cost will be confirmed via email. Contact us directly for urgent assistance.
- Children under 5 years old: Free of charge (FOC), sharing everything with parents (limited to 1 child per cabin). From the 2nd child: charged 50% of adult rate (without extra bed).
- Children from 5 to under 11 years old: 1 child staying in a double/twin cabin with 2 adults is charged 75% of the adult rate.
- Children from 11 years old: Charged as adults.
- Two children below 11 years old staying in a private cabin are charged 100% of the full cabin rate.
- A third person using an extra bed is charged 100% of the full cabin rate.
Transfer services to Halong Port can be arranged via limousine bus, shuttle bus, or private car (at an extra fee). These vehicles are equipped with air conditioning, soft leather seats, complimentary drinks, and USB charging ports.
- From Hanoi: Pick-up is available at 14 Ngo Quyen, Hanoi, or door-to-door from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter between 8:00 - 8:30 for those booking transfer service.
- From Halong International Port: Passengers arriving independently should reach 09 Ha Long Road, Bai Chay, Halong City, Quang Ninh, before 11:30 for check-in at the Athena Group waiting lounge.
Guest Reviews
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| Operator | Athena Cruise |
| Cruise Line | Athena Luxury Cruise |
| Ship Type | Luxury |
| Built Year | 2017 |
| Refurbished | 0 |
| Cabins | 21 |
| Passengers | 50 |
| Home Port | Halong International Cruise Port, Halong City |