Athena 2D1N Cruise: Ha Long Bay, Sung Sot, Ti Top

The whole experience from pick-up until departure was excellent. The whole team of Athena has done their best to ensure we have incredible stay and experience. The cabin is comfortable. Food is ample, buffets for lunch and brunch. set dinner was well presented and tasty. Itinerary kayakking is good too. Love the taichi exercise in the morning. Overall, it is a luxury experience.

This genuinely felt like a VIP cruise, not a standard tourist tour. The ship, service, and overall organization were on a very high level. The entire staff was extremely kind, attentive, and professional. As a vegan, I was honestly impressed by how large and thoughtful the food selection was. Important: make sure to inform them in advance, it really makes a difference. The only minor downside is that we didn’t sail that much. We reached the main spot within 1–2 hours and then stayed anchored there until the next day. Still, the overall experience easily outweighs this nuance. Highly recommended.

Our Tour Operator (Alice) was proactive and texted us warmly upon confirmation. She provided us with prompt updates on the pickup timing and vehicle details. She responded to our enquiries promptly when seeking clarifications. The pickup and drop off was smooth. Our cruise managers (Anthony and Ha) along with their team provided great service (ensuring that we safety disembarked/board, checked on our dietary requirements). Highly recommend this cruise.

Athena Cruise was wonderful! The itinerary and food provided was excellent onboard! Staff were very welcoming, warm and friendly. They are also very professional in delivery service to us. Unfortunately, the vehicle transfer to Athena was not very smooth as the driver or staff did not inform us that there were 2 different stops. We alighted at the first stop which was not meant for us and could have entirely missed our cruise at the 2nd stop. However, the return journey to Hanoi was much better and well coordinated.

Service: 1. The local travel shuttle service is very thoughtful. As long as you are in the old town, the shuttle is very convenient. The tour leader also helps with luggage retrieval, reducing the burden. 2. The food and beverage on the cruise ship should also be liked by Asians, blending Western/Vietnamese/some Chinese styles. 3. The explanations at each attraction are given in English at a slower pace, and you can ask questions and consult again. With basic English listening skills, you can have a lot of fun. 4. Spending the evening on the boat was the most beautiful experience of this Halong Bay trip, releasing a lot of work pressure. Even on a rainy day, it is still beautiful. Itinerary Arrangement: Although it was a rainy day, I felt meticulous care especially during the indoor Surprise Cave tour, with raincoats provided. The detailed explanation was full of novelty and imagination. The cruise tour leader and related personnel also assist each passenger in boarding and disembarking, and pay special attention to each passenger in more dangerous places, and take practical care. Value for Money: The travel agency starts assisting and caring for travelers after the itinerary is booked. Vietnam's strength in service makes me feel beyond expectations and perfect, surpassing Taiwan. Coupled with the natural scenic advantages, I think it is worth coming again and entrusting the service.

Great services throughout the 2-day journey. The crew were so helpful, friendly and energetic, keeping all customers feeling welcome and well taken care of. Lunch and dinner were great, with lots of activities keeping the trip happening for all of us. Love the tranquility and the kayak experience.

My original booking for the Athena cruise was pending, and I was worried about whether it would actually happen. That's when SSTtravel in Vietnam immediately contacted me through the contact information I had left on their website. The representative who contacted me, Ms. Mie, was professional and efficient in her communication and coordination with me. She clearly explained the upcoming arrangements and put my mind at ease through various means, ensuring I understood everything. Concerned that I might not be able to go, she suggested changing cruises. I initially worried this was just a sales tactic, but it turned out I was wrong. The cruise Mie changed me to was more than worth the money, and she didn't even charge me the difference. The transportation arrangements and the service on the cruise were both absolutely perfect. I thought I would have to get up early to go to the meeting point, but to my surprise, they sent a car to pick us up at the hotel. Another pleasant surprise was that, even though they had said the return transportation would only take us to the Old Quarter, they actually dropped us off right at our hotel door. I highly recommend this itinerary and service to everyone. Thank you again 🙏 to Mie and all the staff for their thoughtfulness and care for the customer. I will definitely be booking with this high-quality travel agency again in the future.

This was an amazing and value for money experience. Our guide was cheerful and had clear communication. The team did a good job getting us to all the attractions first ahead of other tour boats, allowing us to enjoy them before they got flooded by a hoard of other tourists. Food was fresh and had a good variety too.

The driver only notified the pick-up time at around 9pm the previous night, but arrived on time that morning. Thanks to Chien, Son, Kelvin and other crew members of Athena for giving us a relaxing sea vacation. They are all very friendly! The bus from Hanoi was very comfortable, and there was a half-hour break during the journey, so the journey was not unbearable. The food on the boat is delicious, the activities are not too tight, and there is enough rest time between activities. You have to queue up to go up the mountain to the Surprise Cave, and climbing up the mountain to TiTop Island is a bit tiring, but the scenery is beautiful. There is a Happy Hour on the boat at dusk, with buy one get one free drinks. At the same time, you can learn how to make rice paper rolls and watch the sunset on the deck. It is really fun. The canoeing time on the second morning started at around 7 o'clock, and the advantage was that there was no sun. On the return trip, the bus will be delivered to the hotel entrance, which is very considerate. I highly recommend Athena!

It was an adventure that will not be forgotten. I left my valuable in the cabin and many thanks to the cabin crew who managed to retrieve it and Vinh our transport guide who managed to bring it back to Hanoi and delivered to our hotel. Special mention to Henry and Ding on the cruise who are most friendly and helpful. Most grateful for that. My only suggestion is to perhaps go to a beach that is less crowded after the cave trip.