Grand Pioneers I Cruise (Formerly Essence Grand I) 2D1N/ 3D2N
Grand Pioneers I is the current name of the vessel formerly marketed as Essence Grand Cruise I. The 109.99-metre vessel has 55 suites across seven guest decks and accommodates up to 160 guests.
Its 2D1N Classic Journey focuses on Halong Bay, while the 3D2N Legacy Journey adds a full-day exploration of Bai Tu Long Bay aboard an excursion vessel.
Departure: Scheduled departures, subject to availability and operating calendar
Tour type: Shared luxury overnight cruise
Available packages: 2 Days 1 Night; 3 Days 2 Nights
Operating area: Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay
Departure port: Tuan Chau International Marina, Port 1, or the confirmed port
Transportation: Hanoi transfer available at an additional charge unless included in the confirmed package
Grand Pioneers I Cruise Highlights
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Sail aboard a 109.99-metre vessel with 55 suites and seven guest decks
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Explore Sung Sot Cave and Luon Cave on the 2D1N Classic Journey
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Visit Thien Canh Son Cave and Vung Vieng on the 3D2N Legacy Journey
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Enjoy a four-season pool, spa, restaurants, sky bar, cinema and fitness facilities
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Choose from balcony suites through premium signature accommodation
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Experience both Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay on the longer program
- Grand Pioneers I Cruise 2 Days 1 Night Itinerary
- Grand Pioneers I Cruise 3 Days 2 Nights Itinerary
- PRICE INFO
- TOUR IMAGES
- REVIEW
Cruise route: Tuan Chau – Sung Sot Cave – Luon Cave – Tuan Chau
Day 1: Tuan Chau – Halong Bay – Sung Sot Cave
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Check in at the Grand Pioneers lounge, transfer by tender and attend the welcome and safety briefing. Enjoy lunch while sailing through Halong Bay.
Explore Sung Sot Cave in the afternoon. Return for sunset canapés, a cooking activity, dinner and evening leisure onboard.
Day 2: Luon Cave – Tuan Chau
Meals: Light Breakfast and Brunch
Enjoy a light breakfast before visiting Luon Cave by kayak or bamboo boat.
Complete check-out and have brunch while returning to Tuan Chau.
The route, timing and order of activities may change because of weather, tides, port regulations, seasonal arrangements or safety requirements.
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Original passport or accepted identification and the confirmed booking details
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Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
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Swimwear, a change of clothes and waterproof protection for electronics
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Sun protection, sunglasses and a hat
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Light jacket or raincoat, insect repellent and personal medication
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Cash or a payment card for drinks and personal expenses
What to Know Before Your Cruise
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Passenger details must be submitted before departure for port registration.
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The exact check-in place, departure time and transfer arrangement will be reconfirmed before travel.
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The itinerary is subject to weather, tides, port regulations and operating conditions.
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Cave visits, swimming, kayaking and bamboo boating may be changed or cancelled when conditions are unsafe.
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Dietary requirements and food allergies should be reported before departure.
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Life jackets must be worn during relevant water activities and guests must follow crew instructions.
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Wi-Fi and mobile reception may be weak or unavailable while cruising.
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Large luggage is accepted subject to the operator’s policy, but a compact overnight bag is more convenient.
Important Notice
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This is a shared cruise with travellers from different bookings.
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The published schedule is indicative; the captain may change routes, timings and activity order for safety or compliance.
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Services voluntarily not used by guests are generally non-refundable.
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Exclusive use of the vessel, tender or day boat is not included unless specifically confirmed.
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Prices, promotions, deposits, child policies and cancellation conditions follow the final AZOTOUR confirmation.
Cruise route: Tuan Chau – Sung Sot Cave – Bai Tu Long Bay – Thien Canh Son Cave – Vung Vieng – Luon Cave – Tuan Chau
Day 1: Tuan Chau – Sung Sot Cave
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Board Grand Pioneers I, enjoy lunch and explore Sung Sot Cave. Return for sunset activities, dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Bai Tu Long Bay – Thien Canh Son Cave – Vung Vieng
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Transfer to the scheduled excursion vessel and travel into Bai Tu Long Bay. Visit Thien Canh Son Cave and enjoy kayaking or beach time when conditions permit.
Continue to the Vung Vieng Fishing Village area by bamboo boat or kayak. Return to Grand Pioneers I for dinner and a second overnight stay.
Day 3: Luon Cave – Tuan Chau
Meals: Light Breakfast and Brunch
Visit Luon Cave after a light breakfast. Return for check-out and brunch before disembarking at Tuan Chau.
The route, timing and order of activities may change because of weather, tides, port regulations, seasonal arrangements or safety requirements.
Price Notes
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Prices are quoted in USD per passenger or per cabin according to the final quotation.
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Double, twin, triple, family and child occupancy depend on the selected cabin category.
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A single supplement applies when one guest occupies a cabin alone.
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Seasonal promotions and holiday or peak-season surcharges may apply.
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Hanoi transportation is not included unless stated in the confirmed package.
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Contact AZOTOUR for the latest 2026 rate, cabin availability, deposit and cancellation conditions.
Tour Inclusion
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Accommodation in the selected en-suite cabin for the confirmed number of nights
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Welcome drink and passenger safety briefing
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Meals stated in the selected itinerary
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English-speaking guide onboard
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Entrance and sightseeing fees stated in the confirmed program
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Kayaking or bamboo-boat activity where stated and safely operated
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Scheduled cooking demonstration, morning activity and squid fishing
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Passenger insurance onboard
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Applicable VAT and service charges
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Wi-Fi in designated areas, subject to signal availability
Tour Exclusion
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Round-trip transportation between Hanoi and the cruise port unless specifically included
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International and domestic flights and Vietnam visa
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Personal travel and health insurance
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Drinks not stated under Tour Inclusion
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Spa, massage, laundry and other personal services
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Tips for guides, drivers, cruise crew and local boat operators
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Christmas, New Year, Lunar New Year and other holiday surcharges
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Personal expenses and services not clearly stated under Tour Inclusion
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Grand Pioneers I Cruise Accommodation
Ocean Suite
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Size: From approximately 30 m²
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Features: Ocean-facing accommodation
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Occupancy: Subject to the selected bedding configuration and final confirmation
Ocean Balcony Suite
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Size: Confirm current fact sheet
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Features: Private balcony
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Occupancy: Subject to the selected bedding configuration and final confirmation
Veranda Suite
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Size: Confirm current fact sheet
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Features: Upgraded private outdoor space
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Occupancy: Subject to the selected bedding configuration and final confirmation
Executive Suite
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Size: Confirm current fact sheet
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Features: Premium amenities
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Occupancy: Subject to the selected bedding configuration and final confirmation
Essence / Pearl / Signature Suite
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Size: Confirm current fact sheet
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Features: High-tier suite categories
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Occupancy: Subject to the selected bedding configuration and final confirmation
President’s Suite
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Size: Confirm current fact sheet
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Features: Flagship accommodation
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Occupancy: Subject to the selected bedding configuration and final confirmation
Onboard Facilities
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Restaurants and private dining
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Sky bar and sundeck
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Four-season pool and spa
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Cinema, karaoke and fitness centre
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Children’s club and reception services
Frequently asked questions
The current product range includes 2 Days 1 Night, 3 Days 2 Nights. Availability depends on the travel date and operating calendar.
Not automatically. AZOTOUR can arrange a shared limousine or private transfer, and the confirmed quotation will state whether transportation is included.
The selected itinerary covers the attractions shown in its cruise route. Destinations may be adjusted for weather, tides, safety and port regulations.
The water activity stated in the confirmed itinerary is included when safely operated. The operator may substitute or cancel it when local conditions are unsuitable.
The operator may change the route, postpone departure or cancel sailing under official instructions. Refund or rescheduling arrangements depend on the operator policy and services already used.
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