Halong Bay Cruising re-defined – new Bai Tu Long cruise for 2026

Halong Bay cruising redefined

Bai Tu Long – the new kid on the block
In a continual effort to create and provide guests with the most unique and exceptional experiences as a luxury cruise operator, Heritage Line would like to announce a new chapter of sailing the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay in the stunning Gulf of Tonkin.

Starting in January 2026, Heritage Line will offer a newly curated 2-Night cruise program to and within the area of Bai Tu Long. This region, forming part of the famous Halong Bay, remains almost unknown to travelers to this day. Visiting Bai Tu Long feels like stepping back in time to the early days of bay cruising. “Back to the roots,” one might say when sailing the bay was nothing short of a miracle, surrounded by a mesmerizing landscape and classic wooden junks with majestic sails. Let us bring that timeless charm and present Bai Tu Long as our new cruise destination with an entirely new cruise experience.

This newsflash does come with a sad side note – starting also in January 2026, Heritage Line will no longer cruise the classic Halong Bay routes with our one-of-a-kind, small boutique ship ‘Violet’. Just as her sister ships ‘Ginger’ and ‘Ylang’ once left for new adventures in Lan Ha Bay, ‘Violet’ will now set her course for Bai Tu Long and will surely conquer this bay too with her coquettish allure and Indochine-Art-Deco design.

Hurray for a new chapter of small-ship luxury sailing in the bay!

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A New Pearl in a Nutshell
Get to know our new cruise in Bai Tu Long

Beyond the Horizon of Halong

Located just northeast of Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long shares the same dramatic karst formations, without the crowds. This pristine waterway offers guests a deeper immersion, gentler rhythms, and the truly original Halong Bay feeling. All of this is paired with Heritage Line’s top-notch personalized service and curated experience, designed to connect travelers with Vietnam’s natural beauty and authentic cultural heritage.

Heritage Line ‘Violet’

With just six refined suites – all featuring private balconies – ‘Violet’ is the perfect vessel and host for this new Bai Tu Long adventure. Its personal service pairs beautifully with the ship’s elegant interiors and intimate atmosphere. The concept of authentic, personal experiences onshore continues onboard, making ‘Violet’ the first-choice cruising option for privacy seekers, honeymooners, or small groups in search of a private floating home. Exclusive private dining and in-suite dining options add an extra layer of of privatization enhancements aboard.

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Sailing Bai Tu Long with Heritage Line
Let’s share our propositions
Traveling the famous bay with an exclusive touch in mini groups
The most off-the beater track journey in the bay
Authentic shore experiences that tell a story
‘Violet’ – the smallest. luxury ship sailing Bai Tu Long
Two-night sailing only – a fully captivating journey
Family-like hospitality with a lovely dash of surprise

First Facts
Important to know
First official departure – 02 January 2026
Full Cruise Schedule for 2026 is available on our website [
Open for Bookings from now! *

Prices, Detailed Itinerary & Program, and more – available by mid-July

*Booking made until mid-July will be honored under the current 2-Night Halong Bay cruise price.

About the author

Nicola is the Managing Director of Micro-Cruising. Small ships great trips. Micro-Cruising sells trips on ships of 100 passengers or fewer. We are the specialists in small ships with over 700 vessels worldwide.