🛳️ Velar of the Seas Review (2025): Ha Long & Lan Ha Bay Escape

Why Velar Of The Seas Is One of Our Favourite Overnight Cruises in Ha Long Bay

If you're hunting for the just right overnight cruise – modern, scenic, and not too flashy – Velar of the Seas might just be your match. Departing daily from Ha Long International Cruise Port, Velar sails the quieter corners of Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha, with a 2-day, 1-night route that mixes kayaking, cave visits, local flavours, and proper downtime.

It’s a beautiful mid-luxury option if you want something calm and well-designed, without splashing out on the ultra-high-end boats.

We’ve sent a lot of guests on this one, and the feedback’s always the same: peaceful, smooth, and just the right pace.

What Guests Love:

✅ A boutique-style steel ship with private balconies in every cabin

✅ Peaceful overnight route in Ha Long Bay 👉 View full itinerary

✅ All meals included: lunch, dinner, breakfast, and brunch

✅ Rooftop sun deck with loungers and full bar

✅ Optional transfer from Hanoi or meet us directly at Ha Long Port

👉 Want to check availability or prices? Click here to get cruise quotes

⛵️ About Velar of the Seas

Launched in 2022, Velar of the Seas is part of a newer class of boutique steel cruises, setting off from the upgraded Ha Long International Cruise Port (note: not Tuan Chau). The boat has a sleek, Nordic-inspired design – think natural woods, clean lines, and big glass windows to soak up those bay views.

With just 22 rooms, it never feels crowded, and the staff are pros at keeping things smooth without fuss.

Some highlights:

• Steel hull = smoother ride

• Private balconies and big windows in every cabin

• Rooftop with daybeds and cocktail bar

• Quiet, relaxed vibe onboard

• Spa service available for that extra pampering

  
  

👉 Want to include Velar in a full north Vietnam itinerary? We can help you build the whole thing →

🍽️ Onboard Experience: Food, Service & Comfort

🍤 Food & Dining

Meals are served in the indoor restaurant with wraparound bay views. The menu is a fixed-course style (not buffet), and the kitchen focuses on local Vietnamese flavours done well – nothing fancy, but it’s fresh, hot, and properly plated.

Expect things like:

• Steamed prawns, grilled fish, and lemongrass chicken

• Stir-fried veg, spring rolls, and fluffy rice

• Morning pho or eggs with toast and fruit

• A little sunset snack platter before dinner

  
  

Special diets? Just give us a heads-up when booking. Drinks (wine, cocktails, etc.) are available at the bar – tea, coffee, and filtered water are free.

🛎️ Service

This is where Velar shines. The crew are calm, kind, and know what they’re doing. No big speeches or showy moments – just solid hospitality and a very easy check-in-to-check-out experience.

You’ll get:

• English-speaking crew with helpful attitudes

• Support with kayaking or cave transfers

• Good attention to detail without being over the top

⚓️ Amenities

✅ Private balcony in every cabin

✅ Rooftop sundeck with loungers and open bar

✅ Ensuite bathrooms with walk-in showers and amenities

✅ Kayaking, tai chi, cooking demo, cave visit – all included

✅ Optional massage service available onboard

Everything’s clean, quiet, and tastefully done. It’s not flashy, but it’s well cared for – you’ll feel it from the moment you step onboard.

💬 What Guests Are Saying

Velar of the Seas consistently gets 4.7–4.9 star reviews from guests across the board. The vibe’s relaxed, the cabins are beautiful, and most people are surprised by how quiet the bay feels at night.

“We didn’t want to leave! It felt like a floating hotel with million-dollar views. Super smooth experience, lovely team, and we even got a sunny day for kayaking.”

What guests highlight:

✅ Clean, spacious cabins with proper balconies

✅ Not overcrowded – small guest numbers = relaxed feel

✅ Scenic spots for kayaking and swimming

✅ Great balance between free time and guided activities

👉 Want to check availability or request a quote

📊 Velar of the Seas Scorecard

Category	Score	Notes
Scenic Route	9.0	Quiet corners of Ha Long Bay, less boat traffic
Comfort & Cleanliness	9.3	Minimalist, modern rooms with daily cleaning
Food & Drink	9.0	Local Vietnamese menu, served plated not buffet
Service & Staff	9.2	Smooth sailing – from transfers to activities
Crowd & Atmosphere	9.4	Peaceful, grown-up vibe – no party crowds
Value for Money	9.0	Mid-range price, boutique feel, good inclusions

⭐ Overall Rating: 9.15 / 10

❓FAQs: Velar of the Seas

Is Velar family-friendly? Yes – it’s quiet and gentle, so it’s great for couples, families with teens, or kids who love nature and kayaking.

Where does it go? Mainly Ha Long Bay, with some stops that touch Lan Ha. The focus is calm waters and less crowded areas.

Is transport included from Hanoi? You can add return limousine transfers when booking, or meet us directly at the cruise port.

Is Wi-Fi available? Yes – although it’s patchy when out in the open bay (as expected!).

📅 Ready to Book or Add to a Custom Trip?

We work directly with the Velar of the Seas team and can help you:

✅ Check today’s availability and prices

✅ Reserve your preferred cabin – with or without Hanoi transfer

✅ Send over updated photos, cabin types, and itinerary breakdown

👉 Request cruise pricing

👉 Or let us build your full Vietnam itinerary with Velar included →

We’ll make sure everything’s smooth, scenic, and stress-free.Cruise sorted.

You just pack the sunscreen.