No Gimics needed! Ha Long Bay is amazing! This cruise did the absolute best they could, given the overall situation of "over touristing" in the Ha Long bay area. The time that we went seems ideal - late September because it is between the heavier summer and late fall seasons. We were also fortunate, in a way, because a major Typhoon had hit the area and done significant damage only a few weeks before our trip. Therefore there were less people verturing into the area. Also, we booked the Long Quan Suite, which is incredibly appointed and situated at the rear of the ship with a fantastic private outdoor balcony area. (only downside of that was fumes from the diesel motors when wind was in the wrong direction)

The meals were generally good, when they were served buffet style. The two set meals were most definitely not to my liking. Seems to be an extremely stilted and old fashioned way to do it.

Loved the ambiance and the whole experience. Excellent 3 days, 2 night cruise with so many activities

Nothing

Loved the rooms and style of the boat

The demographic was very off - we had 80 percent retirees and 20 percent families and solo travellers.

Boat was excellent, staff are all fantastic and the location is sublime.

Something REALLY needs to be done about the amount of rubbish floating in the water.

Almost everything! If you can afford it get the Long Quan Suite, it has a large balcony and deck chairs. Definitely do 2 nights, one night wouldn't have been enough. We could've done 3 nights.

They moved the dates on us, but we got a free upgrade as a result.

The hospitality in was on a different level! A very beautifully designed room. The staff were all so caring, friendly, attentive, warm and eager to help with everything.

Our itinerary was changed due to tide level and it was a little bit disappointing.

We selected Au Co (after endless research!) bc their marketing and many customer reviews said they go beyond Ha Long to Lan Ha - to see the best scenery, and where there are fewer boats. We were skeptical how true this might be but we can confirm this is a accurate! The first day we cruised all the way to the south end of Cat Ba Island, on Lan Ha. There were only a couple other boats, in contrast to Ha Long which is packed. We did the 3 day /2 night, which gives you a more relaxed time. You have time to really relax and watch the scenery. You enjoy two completely silent nights on board. That said, I think you do see enough in the 2 day to get the key experiences. The boat is lovely, very well appointed in all aspects and areas, luxurious rooms, with housekeeping for the second night. The crew are all extremely helpful and efficient. After every excursion we were greeted with cold towels and a welcome drink. It feels like a Vietnamese experience. Our cruise director, Joy, was **wonderful** - entertaining and also very informative about history and culture. She pitched it just right, at all times of the day and evening. We feel that all but one of the excursions were good and worthwhile: the Viet Hai village, (we took the electric car), the big cave (Sung Sot), the hidden cave (Luon), and the Cua Van floating village. I think Trinh Nu beach is less worthwhile - at this time of year swimming was not really a big priority and it's not a great beach. They don't go to TiTov bc it is too crowded. Some reviews indicated confusion with happy hour, it was clear to us - you get 2 for 1 of the same drink, whether you drink both, or you and partner have one each! Food was excellent, especially the BBQ, the breakfasts, and the Vietnamese family style lunch. There is free water (coolers, water bottles) and coffee at all times. My wife really enjoyed the Tai Chi each day. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and we would do it again in a heartbeat.

The first day both lunch and dinner were scheduled in the restaurant. We were more than fine with enjoying a leisurely dinner (5 courses!). For lunch we wanted to be outside on the deck catching our first views of the karsts. Would much prefer a simpler buffet, and the flexibility to come and go, perhaps serve it outside.

it is a beautiful boat, has all the needed amenities. activities were fun, we met some wonderful people

sometimes water wasn't warm. drinks were pretty expensive outside of happy hours.