Sea Stars Cruise Ha Long Bay
by the TopOfHotel team
Sea Stars is a 5-deck luxury cruise where all 39 cabins have a balcony, it holds the top score on the list at 9.3, and it sails all three bays.
Sea Stars is a 5-deck luxury cruise where all 39 cabins have a balcony, it holds the top score on the list at 9.3, and it sails all three bays.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
Sea Stars is a big 5-deck ship that holds around 80 passengers across 39 cabins, yet it never feels crowded. Rooms run from a Deluxe at roughly 25 sqm through Executive, Premium Executive, and Captain Suite, up to a top President Suite of more than 60 sqm. Reviewers in an Executive describe about 28 sqm, with a wide wooden balcony big enough for a lounge chair. The bathroom is fully marble-clad with a rain shower, and the room comes with a large TV, strong Wi-Fi, a Nespresso machine, and a free minibar. Every cabin faces straight out over the bay.
Food and amenities
There is a spa where you can book a slot for a Vietnamese massage, and three bars — one on the deck, an indoor lounge, and a sky bar. The main restaurant serves a 7-course seafood set menu, and suite guests get an a la carte fine-dining option. Free sunset cocktails come with live music up on the deck, and mornings bring tai chi and a cooking demo. The service genuinely lives up to that 9.3.
Location and getting there
The biggest selling point is the route: Sea Stars is one of the few boats that fits in all three bays on a 3-day, 2-night trip. Day one is the main Ha Long stretch, stopping at Sung Sot Cave and the 400-step viewpoint climb on Titop Island. Day two is Lan Ha, kayaking through caves and swimming at a hidden beach. Day three takes in quiet Bai Tu Long before heading back. The 2-day, 1-night trip exists too, but it squeezes the route down to just Ha Long and Lan Ha — we think the 3-day, 2-night is much better value. You board at Tuan Chau pier.
Things to know before booking
This is the priciest cruise on the list — rates start around $329 a night per cabin and climb to roughly $629. It is also a large ship, so you will share it with more guests than you would on a small boutique boat. And it is worth flagging that Sea Stars replaces the original rank-5 cruise, which no longer has a working Trip.com page, so it is a relatively recent addition rather than a long-standing favorite.
Our take
Sea Stars Cruise Ha Long Bay is the right call for couples and families who want the highest-scoring luxury cruise on the list, with the full kit — spa, bars, live music — and a route that covers all three bays. Spring for the 3-day, 2-night package to make the most of it. The price is high, but the 9.3 quality is real. Book well ahead, since that score means cabins fill quickly, and pick a Captain Suite or higher if your budget has no ceiling.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- Large luxury 5-deck cruise rated 5 to 6 stars, with up to 39 cabins.
- Every cabin has a private balcony, and tiers run all the way up to a President Suite.
- Holds the highest real guest score in the list at around 9.3.
- One of the few cruises whose route covers all three bays — Ha Long, Lan Ha, and Bai Tu Long.
- Has a restaurant, several bars, a spa, and a viewing deck.
- Highest starting price in this list, from about $329 a night per cabin.
- It is a large ship, so it carries more passengers than a small boutique cruise.
- It replaces the original rank-5 cruise, which no longer has a working Trip.com page.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Things to do near Ha Long Bay
Day tours, attraction tickets and experiences around Ha Long Bay — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
See activities in Ha Long BayAffiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Insider Tips
- Book well ahead — the high score means cabins sell out fast.
- Join the free sunset cocktails up on the viewing deck.
- Pick the 3-day, 2-night trip so you actually get all three bays.