Nothing! It was superb!

The cruise ship was fabulous and ed had a wonderful time. Our cabin was very spacious and we enjoyed the balcony. The food was excellent - my husband and I are vegetarian and they went out of their way to accommodate us.

Stayed in August 2025

Lack of water in rooms

Cabin with balcony

Stayed in August 2025

Awesome boat with super friendly team and staff. Food on board was excellent.

Stayed in June 2025

Visit to a beach that was very crowded with other tour groups. Stager the time to visit the caves so not there with hundreds of other tour groups

The ship was comfortable and a great enthuisiastic crew and a superb way to experience Ha Long Bay

Stayed in May 2025

Excellent crew and amenities on board Athena. Food was exceptional. Mr. Tim who was the main program director was wonderful as he was engaging, personable, knowledgeable and made the whole experience truly memorable. Catering staff also ensured that the food met our needs as vegetarians (food was delicious and diverse). Itinerary was also comprehensive to see the highlights of Halong Bay. Highly recommend this cruise and tour!

Stayed in May 2025

none

After lots of research, we chose Athena Luxury Cruise—and we're so glad we did! From the moment we met at the port to our final goodbye, Tim and his crew took amazing care of everyone. Even at the very crowded Sung Sot/ Surprising Cave, Tim made sure our group stayed together and well looked after. He shared fascinating history at every stop, making the trip both fun and informative. Watching how other cruise leaders handled their groups, it was clear—Tim is the best. If you're considering a Halong Bay cruise and want a premium experience with a team that genuinely cares, Athena Luxury Cruise – and especially Team Tim – comes highly recommended. They deliver not just a tour, but a memorable and enriching journey.

Stayed in May 2025

Transfer times were long on the return trip. Waiting to get off the boat (after check out and breakfast) - 45 mins. Waiting at the cruise terminal for the return bus - 45 mins.

The cruise itinerary was the classic route to the largest cave, titop island, and kayaking. The itinerary was well organised and paced. Ship is starting to be a little dated and could do with a fresh coat of paint, but otherwise comfortable, clean and functional. Staff were great.

Stayed in April 2025

The trip was fun. The ship was well maintained and the activities were well planned. Tim (Tuan) was our manager and did and excellent job. They were interactive and ensure we were comfortable at our stay

Stayed in April 2025

-

First and foremost, Tony, and everyone else, did an outstanding job—exceptionally kind, friendly, and respectful throughout. Huge thanks to each and every one of you once again.

Stayed in April 2025

We did extensive research on Ha Long Bay cruises, and choosing this one was the best decision we could have made. Everything was perfect—from the service to the attention to detail. We were celebrating our 6th anniversary, and the crew made it truly special with thoughtful gestures throughout the trip. The food was absolutely delicious, and the service exceeded our expectations. They carefully planned every moment so we could enjoy the cave and kayaking experiences before the big crowds arrived. A special mention to Tim, the manager and true maestro of this incredible team—he orchestrated everything flawlessly and made the whole experience unforgettable. Highly recommend. A solid 10 out of 10!

Stayed in April 2025

Very good!!! Friendly and kind stuff. Guide is very nice guy.

Stayed in April 2025

The drink prices ( soft drinks and alcohol) are exorbitant, at dinner there wasn't even water on the table and you have to buy it. The jacuzzi on the upper deck of the ship is not heated. Most of the time the boat is stationary and doesn't really move...

The staff was lovely and caring. The food was delicious and the rooms were clean

Stayed in April 2025

I was initially hesitant to book the Athena Luxury Cruise due to a few negative reviews on site (though it were very few on site & now i find it completely ignorable) I'm thrilled to say that choosing Athena was one of the best decisions I've made! The cruise exceeded my expectations in every way. The cleanliness and ambiance were exceptional, and the limited suites ensured a peaceful and uncrowded experience. The food was delicious, with a variety of options to cater to different tastes. What impressed me most was the personalized service - the team would come to us to confirm menu preferences before each meal, and even offered customized cooking options. Our cruise captain, Tim, was fantastic! His positive attitude and sense of humor made the experience even more enjoyable. He ensured that we had a private and exclusive experience at each sightseeing spot, taking us ahead of other cruises to minimize crowds. Overall, I would highly recommend Athena Luxury Cruise to anyone looking for a premium and personalized experience. The attention to detail, excellent service, and Captain Tim's expertise made our trip truly unforgettable. Rating: 5/5 stars

Stayed in April 2025

It’s not a team’s fault - but there was not a real opportunity for swimming on this route (Ti Top is way too dirty and surrounded by ships).

Absolutely everything was perfect from the beginning till the end - so we’ve had a great experience although we weren’t able to see the sunrise due to the cloudy weather. The cruise team were fantastic - very friendly and kind, real professionals (especially Tim - the cruise manager). The room was amazing - great views, big comfortable bed, balcony and jacuzzi. We took the classical tour - Surprise Cave (it’s worth it), Ti Top island and kayaking. Next time we will choose less crowded and touristic route. The food on board was excellent.

Stayed in March 2025

We absolutely loved our time on this cruise - it was truly one of the highlights of our trip! Everything was handled smoothly from the very beginning, including transfers and submitting dietary requirements ahead of time. I’m vegan, and the crew went above and beyond to provide me with delicious plant-based meals throughout the trip. Special thanks to Henry and Ha, who made sure every detail - from pickup to navigating the queues at the caves - was seamless and stress-free. The staff were super kind, attentive, and incredibly accommodating. We also appreciated the thoughtful tips on what to do next in Vietnam. A truly memorable experience - highly recommend!

Stayed in March 2025

The towel rack was in front of the loo would be better behind so don’t hit your head when using

We loved Tim, our host - considerate, fun and got everyone out on time. Micheal was a great second in command. We had a 3 year old with us and the main lady in charge of food ensured every course catered for us which was above and beyond. The boat is great, everything you need and lots of space for people too. Food was excellent and trips out were well organised. Highly recommend for halong bay and thank you crew team both front and back of house

Stayed in March 2025

The menu should be shared beforehand as limited choice for vegetarians and can't ask for more

Lovely cruise.

Stayed in March 2025

Breakfast was elaborate tasty and delicious. When it comes to crew I can’t find a word to describe.

Stayed in February 2025

We had a really great time! Good food and great team in board! Tim, Kevin and all the crew were amazing!

Stayed in January 2025

Why we expected a good sunrise, the crew parked the boat in a location blocking the sunrise and didn't move so we couldn't see it. Also don't request the transportation from the boat operator. It is a waste of time. They stopped in a shopping store for over 30 minutes both ways expecting we can buy something like pearls like. Really waste the time. Get your own direct transportation.

Night in Halong Bay to enjoy the sunset.

Stayed in December 2024

The boat is quite dated but still nice.

Staff were amazing. The food was delicious onboard. Very organised they have everything down pat.

Stayed in January 2025

Great service and attention to detail. Great value. Tim made sure to speak with all guests and ensure they were comfortable. Very friendly staff.

Stayed in January 2025

The cruise from start to finish was a pleasure ! The boat itself was amazing with all the facilities- the room was comfortable and clean and what made it even more amazing was the staff ! Everyone was smiling and helpful ! Our boat manager Tim was absolutely amazing ! If you going to book a cruise book this one - you will not be disappointed ❤️

Stayed in January 2025

Jacuzzi with only cold water. Sauna not working but still advertised on photo.

Amazing staff very nice. Vinnie our cruise director was amazing and friendly.

Stayed in December 2024