After eight years in Ha Long Bay and over forty cruises sailed, I’ve learned that the difference between a forgettable trip and a defining one comes down to details most travellers never think to check. Here’s what my years as a yacht broker taught me to look for.
Stellar Of The Seas is one of the most modern and feature-rich luxury cruise vessel operating in Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. Launched by the Starlight Group, this vessel redefined what travelers can expect onboard with its four-season heated pool, sky bar with panoramic views, mini-golf putting green, and spacious all-balcony cabins. Stellar Of The Seas Cruise combines cutting-edge vessel design with a classic Halong Bay/Lan Ha Bay itinerary, making it a top choice for travelers who want resort-level amenities while cruising through UNESCO-listed limestone karsts.
Stellar Of The Seas Cruise: Complete Guide
Quick Overview
If you are looking for a reliable and honest Stellar Of The Seas Cruise review, you are in the right place. | Detail | Information |
|—|—|
| Operator | Starlight Group |
| Category | 5-star Luxury |
| Route | Halong Bay / Lan Ha Bay |
| Hull | Steel (modern, safe) |
| Itineraries | 2D1N, 3D2N |
| Cabins | 22 |
| Cabin types | Deluxe, Senior Suite, Executive Suite, President Suite |
| Starting price | ~$200/person (2D1N Deluxe) |
| Rating | 4.6/5 (Booking.com), 4.5/5 (TripAdvisor) |
| Bookable on | Booking.com, Klook, Viator, Agoda |
Why Choose Stellar Of The Seas?
- Four-season heated pool — Swim year-round regardless of weather, heated during winter months (November–March)
- Sky bar — Elevated rooftop bar with 360° panoramic views, cocktails, and live music during sunset
- Mini-golf — On-deck putting green for casual entertainment — unique among Halong Bay cruises
- All-balcony design — Every cabin has a private balcony with sea views
- Hybrid route — Covers both Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay highlights on certain itineraries
- Modern interiors — Contemporary design with clean lines, unlike traditional Vietnamese-themed vessel
- Family-friendly — Pool, mini-golf, and spacious cabins make it excellent for families with children
Cabin Guide
Deluxe Balcony
- Size: 26–28 sqm
- Features: Private balcony, rain shower, air conditioning, minibar, in-room safe, flat-screen TV
- View: Sea-facing floor-to-ceiling windows
- Best for: Couples or solo travelers on a luxury budget
- Price: From ~$200/person (2D1N)
Senior Suite
- Size: 32–35 sqm
- Features: Private balcony, bathtub + rain shower, sitting area, premium amenities, upgraded toiletries
- View: Enhanced panoramic sea view
- Best for: Couples wanting extra space and a bathtub
- Price: From ~$260/person (2D1N)
Executive Suite
- Size: 40–45 sqm
- Features: Separate living area, oversized balcony, luxury bathtub, complimentary minibar, VIP welcome
- View: Wide-angle bay panorama
- Best for: Families, honeymooners
- Price: From ~$330/person (2D1N)
President Suite
- Size: 55–60 sqm
- Features: Largest cabin on the vessel. Private sundeck area, premium Jacuzzi tub, butler service, champagne welcome
- View: 270° panoramic views
- Best for: Ultimate luxury seekers, special celebrations
- Price: From ~$450/person (2D1N)
Itinerary Highlights
2-Day/1-Night
Day 1: Tuan Chau Marina → Welcome lunch → Sung Sot Cave or Dark & Bright Cave (route dependent) → Swimming/beach → Sunset sky bar cocktails → Cooking class → Dinner → Squid fishing
Day 2: Sunrise tai chi → Breakfast → Kayaking/bamboo vessel → Mini-golf → Brunch → Return
3-Day/2-Night
Day 1: Same as 2D1N Day 1
Day 2: Cua Van Fishing Village → Pearl farm visit → Kayaking in hidden lagoon → Pool & spa time → Sunset bar → Dinner
Day 3: Sunrise tai chi → Breakfast → Titop Island or Trung Trang Cave → Return to port
🔥 2026 Update: Stellar Of The Seas Cruise has introduced a premium “Sunset Sky Bar Experience” package for 2026, featuring craft cocktails paired with tapas during golden hour. The four-season pool system has also been upgraded with improved heating for the winter season.
Dining Experience
- Welcome lunch: Set menu featuring Vietnamese and international dishes with fresh Halong Bay seafood
- Dinner: Multi-course dinner with live music. Vietnamese, Western, and fusion options. Seafood BBQ on sundeck available on select nights
- Breakfast: Full buffet with pho station, dim sum, Western breakfast, fresh tropical fruits, and pastries
- Cooking class: Vietnamese spring roll making and local dish demonstration (included)
- Sky bar: Premium craft cocktails, imported wines, and cold beers with panoramic sunset views
- Drinks: Beer from $3, cocktails from $7, wine from $9/glass
Onboard Activities
| Activity | Time | Included | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sung Sot/Dark & Bright Cave | Afternoon Day 1 | Yes | Excursion |
| Swimming/Beach | Afternoon Day 1 | Yes | Beach |
| Sky bar sunset | Evening Day 1 | Drinks extra | Relaxation |
| Cooking class | Before dinner | Yes | Cultural |
| Squid fishing | Night | Yes | Entertainment |
| Tai chi | Sunrise Day 2 | Yes | Wellness |
| Kayaking/bamboo vessel | Morning Day 2 | Yes | Adventure |
| Four-season pool | All day | Yes | Relaxation |
| Mini-golf | All day | Yes | Entertainment |
| Spa treatments | On request | Extra ($30–65) | Wellness |
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
- Four-season heated pool — swim even in winter (huge advantage November–March)
- Sky bar is the best sunset spot among Halong Bay luxury cruises
- Mini-golf adds unique entertainment value
- Modern, stylish interiors that feel like a floating boutique hotel
- All cabins have private balconies
- Family-friendly with activities for all ages
- Steel hull — excellent safety standards
❌ Cons
- Modern design lacks traditional Vietnamese charm some travelers seek
- Sky bar drinks not included in package price
- Mini-golf green is small (putting only, not a full course)
- Can feel busy when fully booked (22 cabins = 44+ guests)
- Route varies — confirm if you prefer Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay sights
Who Is Stellar Of The Seas Best For?
| Traveler Type | Rating | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Families with children | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Pool, mini-golf, spacious suites — kids love it |
| Modern luxury seekers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Resort-level amenities on water |
| Winter travelers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Heated pool solves the cold weather problem |
| Couples | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Sky bar sunsets, romantic dining |
| Honeymooners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | President Suite is exceptional |
| Budget travelers | ⭐⭐ | Premium pricing. Consider deluxe alternatives |
| Traditional culture seekers | ⭐⭐⭐ | Modern vessel — less Vietnamese heritage feel |
Booking Tips
How Stellar Of The Seas Compares
| Feature | Stellar of Seas | Ambassador | Capella |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bay | Halong/Lan Ha | Halong | Bai Tu Long |
| Cabins | 22 | 45+ | 30 |
| Pool | Yes (heated) | Jacuzzi only | Yes (heated) |
| Sky bar | Yes | Piano lounge | Rooftop bar |
| Mini-golf | Yes | No | Yes |
| Starting price | ~$200 | ~$180 | ~$220 |
| Best for | Families, winter | First-timers | Nature lovers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the pool on Stellar Of The Seas really heated?
Yes. The four-season pool on Stellar Of The Seas Cruise is heated during winter months (November–March), maintaining a comfortable swimming temperature even when outside temperatures drop to 10–15°C. This is one of only a handful of heated pools among Halong Bay cruises.
Does Stellar Of The Seas visit Lan Ha Bay?
It depends on the specific itinerary and departure date. Stellar Of The Seas Cruise operates hybrid routes — some visit classic Halong Bay (Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top), while others explore Lan Ha Bay (Dark & Bright Cave). Confirm with the operator when booking.
Is Stellar Of The Seas good for families with kids?
Excellent. The heated pool, mini-golf, and spacious Executive/President Suites make Stellar Of The Seas Cruise one of the best family-friendly luxury cruises in the bay. Children enjoy the pool, and parents love the sky bar.
How does Stellar compare to Capella Cruise?
Both offer pools, mini-golf, and modern luxury. Capella operates in Bai Tu Long Bay (quieter, fewer tourists), while Stellar covers Halong/Lan Ha Bay. Capella has a water slide (better for kids), while Stellar has a heated pool (better for winter). Pricing is similar.
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Experience modern luxury on the bay. Book Stellar Of The Seas or contact us for personalized cruise recommendations.
Related: Sung Sot Cave | Sky Bar Cruises | Best Luxury Cruises | Capella Cruise Review
Learn more about Halong Bay on Wikipedia.
Source: Official Vietnam Tourism
Fair winds.
— Marcus Chen
Related Reading
- Elite of the Seas Cruise Review 2026: 6-Star Superyacht
- Hermes Cruise vs Stellar of the Seas: Premium Comparison 2026
- Stellar of the Seas vs Elite of the Seas: Comparison 2026
- Stellar of the Seas Prices 2026: How Much Does It Really Cost?
- Stellar of the Seas Itinerary 2026: Route Map & Activities
For more travel options, visit Best of Ninh Binh.
For more information, visit Halong Bay UNESCO Heritage.
