Initially, the trip seemed perfectly normal, and we received decent assistance from the staff. Although we had a delay in resting because we had to change rooms due to a strong smoke smell in one of the cabins, it was resolved eventually. In the new room, we noticed some damage to the showerhead, but since it didn’t affect the water flow, we didn’t think much of it. Little did we know, this was just the beginning of a nightmare!
The next day, after checking out and while waiting for the ship to dock, a staff member suddenly informed us that we needed to return to our room. Upon arrival, the ship manager sternly told us that we had damaged the showerhead and would need to pay $600 in damages. We explained that the damage was there before we used it, but the ship manager kept repeating that everything in the room was checked and found to be in good condition before we used it, so it must have been us who caused the damage.
In reality, there were several issues in the room, including a safe whose door couldn’t be locked and a loose bathroom doorknob, among other things. When we pointed these out, the ship’s staff said they were unrelated to the current issue. Despite our refusal to pay the amount, the ship refused to let us leave. Since we had booked through a travel agent, the agent, concerned about our safety, negotiated with the ship on our behalf, and they agreed to let us leave if we paid $300.
I have attached photos of the damage. If it weren’t for intentional destruction, would the equipment be damaged? According to the ship's policy, you are supposed to check everything during check-in. If anything is broken, regardless of the reason, you have to pay for it. This policy, however, was not communicated before boarding.
It turns out that a cruise line claiming to be six-star operates under such rules. This was quite an eye-opener. While service quality can be subjective, a company’s attitude towards service can reveal a lot about what they can offer. I hope this information helps anyone considering this cruise.
This was the low point of our trip to Vietnam. While we were unfortunately struck with poor weather and a group of exceptionally noisy and self centred ‘ship mates’ the biggest let down was the amount of garbage in Halong Bay. The beauty of limestone islands is now lost in the mountain of garbage that is floating EVERYWHERE! Name the type of garbage and it was floating around the islands. Plastic bags and bottles, polystyrene, wine bottles, rope, old fishing nets and even life jackets (Clearly off charter boats). No one from our cruise would swim in the water it was that bad. We went kayaking and I had to soak my swimmers in a hotel bath tub to get rid of the smell from the small amount of water that got in. Government and tour operators need to sort this out as this is a paradise lost if immediate action is not taken.
Just back from a 3 day cruise with Dora Cruise.(30 person ship) So, so many companies to chooses from, overwhelming. Most people do the Hanoi early am pickup and the long uncomfortable ride to the port. No, if you have a choice fly into Hai Phong (cat ba) airport, catch grab and head to a hotel the night before. We chose Paradise Hotel and Suites for $40. Luxury hotel, nice room, great breakfast. Lounge around in your room, catch a Taxi to your cruise boat late am (5 minutes away). Why cruise with all your luggage? Take what you need for the two night cruise, leave the rest at the hotel. After cruise, same deal, don't get stuck in transport 3-4 hours to Hanoi.
Definetly, worth getting here the night before, and or staying the night after.
Would choose Dora cruise again!
Am married to a Vietnam woman!