Grand Pioneers II Cruise 2-3 Days
Grand Pioneers II is the current name of the vessel previously marketed as Essence Grand Cruise II. The cruise forms part of the Grand Pioneers fleet and operates luxury overnight journeys through Halong Bay, with the 3D2N Legacy Journey extending into Bai Tu Long Bay.
The 109.99-metre vessel has 53 suites, seven guest decks and capacity for up to 160 guests. Accommodation ranges from 30 m² Ocean Suites to the 109 m² President’s Suite, while onboard facilities include multiple dining venues, a sky bar, four-season saltwater pool, spa, cinema, karaoke room, fitness centre and children’s club.
Departure: Scheduled departures, subject to availability and operating calendar
Tour type: Shared luxury overnight cruise
Duration: 2 Days 1 Night or 3 Days 2 Nights
Operating area: Halong Bay; the 3D2N Legacy Journey also explores Bai Tu Long Bay
Departure port: Tuan Chau International Marina, Port 1, or the port confirmed before departure
Transportation: Hanoi transfer available at an additional charge unless included in the confirmed package
Grand Pioneers II Cruise Highlights
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Sail aboard a 109.99-metre modern cruise with 53 suites and seven guest decks
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Choose accommodation from 30 m² Ocean Suites to the 109 m² President’s Suite
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Explore Sung Sot Cave and Luon Cave on the 2D1N Classic Journey
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Travel from Halong Bay into Bai Tu Long Bay on the 3D2N Legacy Journey
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Visit Thien Canh Son Cave and Vung Vieng Fishing Village during the longer program
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Relax beside the four-season saltwater pool or book a Sea Spa treatment
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Enjoy multiple restaurants, a sky bar, cinema, karaoke, fitness centre and kids’ club
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Join kayaking, bamboo boating, a cooking activity and squid fishing when operated
- Grand Pioneers II Cruise 2 Days 1 Night Itinerary
- Grand Pioneers II Cruise 3 Days 2 Nights Itinerary
- PRICE INFO
- TOUR IMAGES
- REVIEW
Cruise route: Tuan Chau International Marina – Halong Bay – Sung Sot Cave – Luon Cave – Tuan Chau International Marina
Day 1: Tuan Chau International Marina – Halong Bay – Sung Sot Cave
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
11:00–12:00: Complete check-in at the Grand Pioneers waiting lounge at Tuan Chau International Marina.
12:00–12:15: Transfer to Grand Pioneers II by high-speed tender.
12:15–12:45: Receive a welcome drink and attend the itinerary and safety briefing before checking into the selected suite.
12:45–14:30: Enjoy a buffet lunch while the cruise sails through the limestone scenery of Halong Bay.
15:30–17:00: Visit Sung Sot Cave, one of the largest and best-known caves in Halong Bay. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the steps and uneven surfaces.
17:45–18:45: Return to the cruise for sunset canapés, a cooking activity and Happy Hour. Drinks are charged separately unless included in the confirmed package.
19:00–21:00: Dinner is served in the restaurant. Afterwards, relax, try squid fishing or use selected onboard facilities. Spa, karaoke, cinema and other premium services may carry an additional charge.
Overnight aboard Grand Pioneers II in Halong Bay.
Day 2: Luon Cave – Tuan Chau International Marina
Meals: Light Breakfast and Brunch
Wake early to enjoy the morning scenery and have a light breakfast in the restaurant.
07:30–08:45: Explore Luon Cave by kayak or traditional bamboo boat. The selected activity depends on the operating program and local conditions.
09:00–09:30: Return to the cruise, complete check-out and settle personal expenses at reception.
09:00–10:15: Enjoy a brunch buffet while the vessel returns toward Tuan Chau.
10:30–10:45: Transfer back to the Grand Pioneers waiting lounge and continue with the confirmed onward transportation.
The route, timings and order of activities may change because of weather, tides, port regulations, seasonal operating arrangements or safety requirements.
What to Bring
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Original passport or accepted identification
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Booking confirmation on a mobile device
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Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for cave visits
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Swimwear and a change of clothes
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Sun protection, sunglasses and a hat
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Light jacket or raincoat
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Insect repellent and personal medication
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Waterproof protection for phones and cameras
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Cash or a payment card for drinks, spa services and personal expenses
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A printed booking confirmation is not normally required unless specifically requested.
What to Know Before Your Cruise
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Advance passenger registration is compulsory. Submit the full name, date of birth, gender, nationality, passport number and visa-expiry information requested by the operator.
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A valid passport or accepted identification must be presented during check-in. Boarding may be denied when the required document is unavailable.
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The final departure time, lounge and transfer schedule will be reconfirmed before travel.
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The itinerary is subject to weather, tides, port regulations and local authority instructions.
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Kayaking, bamboo boating, cave visits and beach activities may be changed or canceled when conditions are unsuitable.
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Dietary requirements and food allergies should be reported when booking or at least 24 hours before departure.
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Life jackets are provided and must be worn during relevant water activities.
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Wi-Fi and mobile reception may become weak or unavailable while cruising.
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Smoking is not permitted inside suites or indoor dining areas.
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Guests should verify which premium facilities are complimentary and which carry an additional charge.
Important Notice
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Grand Pioneers II is the current vessel name; Essence Grand Cruise II is the former name and should not be presented as a separate active cruise.
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The 2D1N Classic Journey remains within Halong Bay, while the 3D2N Legacy Journey adds a full-day exploration of Bai Tu Long Bay.
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Summer and Signature Voyage versions may use different timings or activity sequences.
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Outdoor activities are optional and subject to local safety conditions.
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This is a shared cruise with guests from different bookings unless an exclusive charter is confirmed.
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Prices, promotions, deposits, child policies and cancellation terms are subject to the final AZOTOUR confirmation.
Cruise route: Tuan Chau – Halong Bay – Sung Sot Cave – Bai Tu Long Bay – Thien Canh Son Cave – Vung Vieng Fishing Village – Luon Cave – Tuan Chau
Day 1: Tuan Chau – Halong Bay – Sung Sot Cave
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
11:00–12:00: Complete check-in at the Grand Pioneers waiting lounge and transfer to the vessel by high-speed tender.
Attend the welcome and safety briefing before enjoying a buffet lunch while cruising through Halong Bay.
15:30–17:00: Explore Sung Sot Cave with the cruise team.
Return for sunset, canapés, a cooking activity and Happy Hour, followed by dinner and evening leisure onboard.
Overnight aboard Grand Pioneers II.
Day 2: Halong Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay – Thien Canh Son Cave – Vung Vieng Fishing Village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
07:30: Enjoy a light breakfast before transferring to Explora by Grand Pioneers for a full-day excursion into Bai Tu Long Bay.
Cruise past limestone landmarks including Dau Nguoi, Yen Ngua and Dragon islets while travelling deeper into the heritage landscape.
10:00–11:45: Visit Thien Canh Son Cave on Hon Co Island, followed by kayaking and beach relaxation when conditions permit.
Return to Explora for lunch while continuing toward Cong Do and the quieter parts of Bai Tu Long Bay.
Explore the Vung Vieng Fishing Village area by bamboo boat or kayak and learn about the local aquaculture landscape.
Continue past the Thung Cave, Trong Cave and Trinh Nu Cave areas before returning to Grand Pioneers II.
Enjoy dinner and a second overnight stay aboard the cruise.
Day 3: Luon Cave – Tuan Chau International Marina
Meals: Light Breakfast and Brunch
06:30–07:30: Welcome the sunrise and enjoy a light breakfast.
07:30–08:45: Visit Luon Cave by kayak or bamboo boat.
09:00–09:30: Return to the cruise, complete check-out and settle personal expenses.
Enjoy brunch while sailing back to Tuan Chau International Marina.
10:30–10:45: Disembark and return to the Grand Pioneers waiting lounge.
The 3D2N Legacy Journey uses Explora by Grand Pioneers for the extended Day 2 program. Attractions and the operating vessel may be adjusted according to weather, tides, licensing and local authority instructions.
Price Notes
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Prices are quoted in USD per passenger or per suite according to the final quotation.
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Double, twin, triple and child occupancy depend on the selected suite category.
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A single supplement applies when one guest occupies a suite alone.
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Premium-suite privileges vary by category and must be stated in the final confirmation.
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Seasonal promotions may be available on selected departures.
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Holiday, peak-season and special-event 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, suite availability and payment conditions.
Tour Inclusion
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Accommodation in the selected en-suite guest room
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Central air conditioning and marble bathroom
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Welcome drink and safety briefing
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High-speed tender transfers between the lounge and the cruise
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Meals stated in the selected itinerary
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Daily drinking water in the suite according to the confirmed package
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Canapés during the scheduled sunset program
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English- and Vietnamese-speaking guides onboard
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Entrance and sightseeing fees stated in the itinerary
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Kayaking or bamboo-boat activity where stated
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Use of the gym, four-season saltwater pool, table football and kids’ club during opening hours
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Squid fishing and scheduled onboard activities
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Wi-Fi and satellite television, subject to signal availability
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Passenger insurance onboard
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Applicable VAT and service charges
Tour Exclusion
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Round-trip transportation between Hanoi and Tuan Chau unless specifically included
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International and domestic flights
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Vietnam visa
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Personal travel and health insurance
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Beverages and Happy Hour drinks not stated under Tour Inclusion
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Spa and massage treatments
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Karaoke, cigar and wine lounge services
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Conference facilities, 3D golf simulator and cinema when charged separately
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Premium-suite services not stated in the confirmed package
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Tips for the guide, driver and cruise crew
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Personal expenses
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Holiday and peak-season surcharges
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Services not clearly stated under Tour Inclusion
Grand Pioneers II Cruise Accommodation
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Ocean Suite
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Size: 30 m²
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Deck: 1
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Bedding: One king bed or two twin beds
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Maximum occupancy: Two adults and one child
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Bathroom: Walk-in shower
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Features: Large ocean-view window
Ocean Balcony Suite
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Size: 40 m²
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Decks: 2, 3 and 4
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Bedding: One king bed or two twin beds
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Maximum occupancy: Two adults and one child
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Bathroom: Walk-in shower
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Features: Ocean-view window and private balcony with a partial view
Ocean Suite Triple
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Size: 43 m²
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Deck: 1
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Bedding: Three single beds or one double bed and one single bed
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Maximum occupancy: Three adults and one child
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Bathroom: Walk-in shower
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Features: Large ocean-view window
Veranda Suite
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Size: 40 m²
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Deck: 2
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Bedding: One king bed or two twin beds
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Maximum occupancy: Two adults and one child
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Bathroom: Walk-in shower
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Features: Private balcony and bay view
Executive Suite
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Size: 40 m²
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Decks: 3 and 4
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Bedding: One king bed or two twin beds
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Maximum occupancy: Two adults and one child
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Bathroom: Walk-in shower
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Features: Large private balcony and bay view
Essence Suite
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Size: 60 m²
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Deck: 4
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Bedding: One king bed or two twin beds
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Maximum occupancy: Two adults and one child
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Bathroom: Walk-in shower
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Features: Sofa, dining space and large balcony
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Selected privileges may include afternoon tea, minibar, turndown service and sauna; confirm before booking
Pearl Suite
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Size: 42 m²
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Deck: 2
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Bedding: One round bed
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Maximum occupancy: Two adults and one child
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Bathroom: Open bathtub and walk-in shower
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Features: Bay view and relaxation area
Signature Suite
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Size: 50 m²
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Deck: 3
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Bedding: One king bed or two twin beds
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Maximum occupancy: Two adults and one child
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Bathroom: Bay-view bathtub and walk-in shower
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Features: Large balcony
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Selected privileges may include sauna and a one-hour massage; confirm before booking
President’s Suite
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Size: 109 m²
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Deck: 2
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Bedding: One extra-large double bed
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Maximum occupancy: Two adults and one child
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Bathroom: Open bathtub and walk-in shower
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Features: Panoramic view, private dining area, private bar and changing room
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Premium privileges and private services must be reconfirmed for the selected departure
Onboard Facilities
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Dining by the Bay Restaurant
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BayView Restaurant
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Prestige Dining Club
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Voyage Wine & Cigar Lounge
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Rhythm of the Bay Sky Bar
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Four Seasons saltwater pool and bar
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Sea Spa
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Kids’ club
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Oceania Gift Shop
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Oasis Cinema
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Karaoke room
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Fitness centre
Frequently asked questions
No. Essence Grand Cruise officially became Grand Pioneers Cruise in May 2024. The second vessel is now marketed as Grand Pioneers II.
The 2D1N Classic Journey visits Sung Sot Cave and Luon Cave in Halong Bay. The 3D2N Legacy Journey adds a full-day exploration of Bai Tu Long Bay, including Thien Canh Son Cave and Vung Vieng Fishing Village.
The vessel has 53 suites across seven guest decks and accommodates up to 160 guests.
No. The standard cruise package does not automatically include Hanoi–Halong transportation. AZOTOUR can arrange shared limousine or private transfer according to the final quotation.
The gym, four-season saltwater pool, table football and kids’ club are listed among standard inclusions. Spa, karaoke, cinema, golf simulation, lounges and other premium services may carry additional charges.
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