A floating activity park in Halong Bay. This 2-day Oasis Bay Cruise on the Genz Cruise mixes big-ship comfort with real on-water fun—kayaking, water trampolines, jacuzzis, and a DJ-led night plan. I also like that the schedule is packed without feeling like a sprint, and you get meals plus an English-speaking guide to keep everything smooth. One thing to consider: the vibe is social and active, so if you want silent, slow cruising, this may feel a bit loud.

The itinerary hits the classic Halong Bay highlights while still giving you a hands-on day. You start with a pickup from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, then reach Tuan Chau Harbour for lunch and a full afternoon of kayaking and beach time with trampolines. Later, you hang on board for jacuzzis and night activities, then catch a second day with a sunrise-style morning (wake early, light breakfast, and checkout before heading back).

Cost-wise, at $228 per person, this is priced like a midrange cruise, not a budget boat. The value comes from the included meals, outdoor jacuzzi time, kayaking, and onboard entertainment—but you’ll likely spend extra on drinks since beverages aren’t included. Also, it’s a non-refundable booking, so make sure the date works for your travel pace.

6 Things That Make This Halong Bay Cruise Feel Different

• Big-ship comfort with active activities: you’re on one of the largest vessels in the bay, but the day still has hands-on kayaking and water play.
• Jacuzzis are built into the plan: you’re not just looking at views—you’re relaxing in outdoor jacuzzi areas as the bay changes color.
• Daytime play runs long enough to matter: a full afternoon block for paddling and trampolines means you’ll actually get time to do things, not just watch.
• Nightlife-style onboard energy: dinner is followed by cruise entertainment like an onboard team dance and a Live DJ party.
• Cat Ba is part of the rhythm: you don’t just pass by—there’s dedicated Cat Ba time with dinner on board after.
• Clear inclusions help you budget: meals, guide, English support, entrance/sightseeing fees, and shuttle are included, while drinks are the big add-on.

Why the Genz Cruise Feels Like More Than a Sightseeing Boat

This cruise is built around an idea: Halong Bay should feel like both a view and a party. The Genz Cruise is marketed as one of the largest vessels in the bay, and that shows in the way the day is scheduled. You get a big-ship setup (cabins with A/C and hot water) plus a lot of structured activity blocks.

That matters because it changes how you’ll experience the bay. If you’ve ever taken a traditional cruise where most of the time is sitting still, this one gives you options that keep you moving: kayaking, water trampolines, time on the beach, and outdoor jacuzzi relaxation. Even the onboard night plan leans energetic, with a Live DJ and group games.

The best part for many people is balance. You have active time during the day, then you get a social atmosphere at night—so the cruise doesn’t feel like an all-day bus trip with a pretty view at the end.

Getting from Hanoi to Tuan Chau: the early pickup and smooth handoff

You’ll start in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Pickup runs roughly 08:15–08:45 (with the tour start time listed as 8:30 am). The cruise includes a shuttle round trip within the Old Quarter area, so you’re not stuck trying to coordinate taxis at the worst possible time.

Why this matters: Halong Bay trips often fail at the beginning—late pickups and confusion about meeting points. Here, the plan is clearly set, and you check in at Tuan Chau Harbour.

By around 11:00–11:30, you arrive at number 24 Tuan Chau Harbour and proceed to check-in and a welcome drink. That welcome touch is small, but it helps you transition from city morning into sea-mode. Then lunch comes onboard shortly after.

Practical tip: if you’re sensitive to early mornings, plan for a quick breakfast before pickup and keep a light layer. The travel day starts early, and weather on the water can feel cooler than it does in Hanoi.

Tuan Chau Harbour to Halong Bay: what “check-in to lunch” really means

Once you reach Tuan Chau Harbour, your first block is straightforward: check in, welcome drink, and lunch aboard (from 12:30–13:30).

This is a good setup because it prevents the classic “hangry boat” problem. You arrive, get oriented, and eat before the real activities begin. It also gives you time to settle in and see the public spaces before you’re asked to move outside for water fun.

Also, note the activity approach on this cruise. It’s not one long, passive cruise leg. You’ll be actively scheduled into the bay shortly after lunch, so the timing is built to keep your energy up.

Day 1 on Halong Bay: kayaking, trampolines, beach time, then outdoor jacuzzis

Day 1 is where the cruise earns its reputation as an active experience.

Afternoon waters: 14:00–16:00

After lunch, you get a 14:00–16:00 window exploring Halong Bay. This is when you’ll do the big “hands-on” items:

• Kayaking
• Beach time
• Water trampolines (and fun with friends)

The practical win here is simple: you get a long enough block to try something more than once, depending on how the crew staggers groups. If you’ve ever booked an excursion where kayaking is basically a 10-minute photo line, this schedule reads like it expects you to actually participate.

Late afternoon unwind: 16:00–18:30

Then the day shifts gears. From 16:00–18:30, you relax in outdoor jacuzzis arranged around the cruise.

This combo—active paddling followed by soaking—works well even if you’re not a “spa person.” You’ll likely feel it after water time. And since Halong Bay lighting changes fast, jacuzzi downtime can still feel like part of the show.

Small consideration: the bay involves movement and wet play. Bring water shoes or something with grip if you have them. The schedule explicitly includes water-based activities, so you’ll be happier prepared than dry and hoping.

Cat Ba on Day 1: dinner onboard and a full night of DJ-style entertainment

Cat Ba is your Day 1 “evening anchor.” You’ll stay onboard through:

• 19:00–20:00 dinner at the cruise dining
• 20:30–23:00 onboard nightlife-style activities

The night program includes a cruise team dance performance, a Live DJ party, and additional games. This is one of the highest-energy parts of the itinerary, and it’s a major reason the cruise feels aimed at younger or social travelers.

Why this can be a good idea: after a long day outdoors, a set entertainment block keeps the cruise from turning into a quiet floating hotel. It also makes it easier to meet people without forcing conversations.

What to watch: if you’re the type who wants early nights, this portion may run later than you expect. The tour schedule places the fun block until 23:00, so choose your cabin expectations accordingly.

Day 2: sunrise timing, light breakfast, checkout, then lunch and return to Hanoi

Day 2 starts early. You rise at 06:30 and get moving with a light breakfast from 06:45–09:00. It’s a dawn-focused start, and the timing suggests the cruise wants you up for the morning feel rather than rolling in at 10 am.

Late morning routine: 09:30–12:00

From 09:30–10:00, you pack and prepare to check out. You’ll also settle drinking bills at the main bar in the dining room—an important clue that drinks are not included and are paid onboard.

Then:

• 10:15–11:30 lunch at the cruise dining
• 12:00 get off board, with a shuttle bus picking you up from the waiting lounge

Return to Hanoi: mid-afternoon finish

The tour wraps around 15:00–15:30, with drop-off back in the Old Quarter.

This return timing is part of the value. Many Halong Bay trips swallow your entire second day. Here, you still get back in Hanoi early enough to sleep in your own bed and keep your evening open.

Cabins, food, and drinks: where your $228 goes (and where it doesn’t)

Cabins

Your cabin is full furnished with an en-suite setup, A/C, and hot water. That’s a big comfort factor on a 2-day cruise. Even if you spend most of your time outside, you’ll want a bathroom you can actually use comfortably after water activities.

You also receive complimentary mineral water (02 bottles) in the cabin.

Meals and included basics

Included meals are:

• Breakfast (Day 2)
• Dinner (Day 1)
• Lunch (2 times)

You also get complimentary morning tea and coffee, plus a welcome drink at check-in. There’s also a sunset party that includes fresh fruits and a happy hour.

Why this matters: the cruise is structured so you don’t have to constantly search for food. On day-one water time, it’s easy to burn energy. With meals built in, you can focus on the activities.

Drinks are the common add-on

Beverages are explicitly not included, listed at $5–10. And because you settle drinking bills at the main bar on Day 2, drinks are likely the main variable cost.

If you like soft drinks, beer, or cocktails, set aside a realistic “fun budget.” If you mostly drink water and stick to tea/coffee and the happy hour included items, you may keep costs closer to the base price.

Price and Logistics: what feels like a fair deal here

At $228 per person, you’re paying for:

• Round-trip shuttle within the Hanoi Old Quarter
• English speaking guide
• Entrance and sightseeing fees
• A full 2-day cruise with meals
• On-water and onboard inclusions like kayaking, outdoor jacuzzi, and sunset party items
• Entertainment like the Live DJ and onboard games

That can feel like good value if you actually plan to use the inclusions. The cruise isn’t aiming to be quiet and passive. If you sit still and treat this like a picture-taking cruise only, the price may feel heavy compared to simpler boat tours.

But if you like doing things—kayaking, water trampolines, then relaxing in jacuzzis after—you’ll likely feel like the schedule delivers.

A final logistics note: the tour caps at 68 travelers, so you’re not on an empty boat, but it also won’t feel like a floating megamall. Group size matters for kayaking time and how crowded common areas feel.

Who This Halong Bay Cruise Is Best For (and who should skip it)

This one fits travelers who want a “do something” cruise.

You’ll likely love it if:

• You want kayaking and water activities, not just sitting on deck
• You like social energy and an onboard DJ night plan
• You want a cruise that includes meals and basic drinks timing so you can budget easily

You might reconsider if:

• You want a quiet, minimalist day on the water
• You’re sensitive to noise at night since the entertainment runs until around 23:00
• You prefer traditional sightseeing-only cruises where the focus stays on nature and fewer timed activities

If you’re traveling solo, the format can work well because the ship’s activities create built-in social moments. Just remember: the cruise style is active and planned, so you’ll get the most out of it if you participate.

Booking reality check: weather, group minimums, and the non-change rule

This experience depends on the day you pick. The operator notes it requires good weather. If cancellation happens due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

There’s also a minimum number of travelers requirement. If the minimum isn’t met, you’ll get a different date/experience option or a full refund.

The tradeoff is strict: it’s non-refundable and cannot be changed if you cancel or request an amendment for any reason. That means you should only book when your Hanoi schedule is locked in and you’re comfortable with the date.

Should You Book Oasis Bay Cruise to Halong Bay from Hanoi?

I’d book this if you want the Halong Bay experience to feel active and social, not just scenic. The included kayaking time, water trampolines, outdoor jacuzzis, and the Live DJ onboard night make the cruise feel like a packaged experience where you’re meant to participate.

Skip it—or choose something quieter—if you’re after a peaceful, low-energy cruise where the biggest activity is watching the sun from a deck chair.

One last “make it work” tip: bring the right footwear for water time and plan your drink budget since beverages aren’t included. If you do those two things, the $228 price looks a lot more reasonable for what you get.

FAQ

What time do I get picked up from Hanoi?

Pickup from Hanoi’s Old Quarter runs about 08:15–08:45, with the tour start time listed as 8:30 am.

Where do we check in for the cruise?

You arrive at Tuan Chau Harbour (number 24) around 11:00–11:30, then check in on the cruise.

What activities are included during the cruise?

Kayaking and water trampolines are included, plus outdoor jacuzzi time. There’s also a squid-fishing equipment inclusion and a sunset party onboard.

What meals are included?

Breakfast, lunch (2 times), and dinner are included. Morning tea and coffee are also included.

Does the price include drinks?

No. Beverages are not included, and you’ll settle drinking bills at the main bar on Day 2. The price range listed for beverages is $5–10.

How long is the tour and when do I return to Hanoi?

It’s about 2 days. You’ll get back to Hanoi around 15:00–15:30 on Day 2, with drop-off in the Old Quarter.

Is the booking refundable if plans change?

The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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