
Photo courtesy: Ambassador Cruises
When it comes to cruising Halong Bay, few names shine brighter than Ambassador Cruise. Known for its five-star service and award-winning itineraries, the luxury brand has just set a new benchmark: its flagship vessel, Ambassador Cruise II, has clinched two national records that confirm its place as the most iconic cruise experience in Vietnam.
Vietnam’s Largest-Capacity Cruise Ship
According to the Vietnam Record Association, Ambassador Cruise II—launched in February 2023—now officially holds the record for the country’s highest-capacity cruise ship, designed to host an impressive 600 guests across its vast decks.
Spanning 90 meters in length and rising five floors high, this 500-ton steel vessel offers nearly 10,000 square meters of lettable space, making it both the largest and most luxurious craft ever to sail the emerald waters of Halong Bay.
From its two expansive sundecks (324 sqm and 250 sqm) affording sweeping 360-degree views of the UNESCO World Heritage site, to its indulgent array of two restaurants, two bars, live music venues, and even a jacuzzi, no detail has been overlooked. The vessel also boasts a five-metre glass bridge at the bow—perfect for those Instagram-worthy snapshots—and is the only cruise line in Halong Bay equipped with elevators, ensuring comfort and accessibility for elderly guests and travellers with disabilities.
Record-Breaking Entertainment: “Love in the Bay”
Ambassador Cruise II’s second milestone came thanks to its dazzling evening dinner cruise, which has introduced a one-of-a-kind 1.5-hour mini-show called “Love in the Bay.”
Set against the haunting limestone silhouettes of Halong Bay at sunset, the spectacle combines live performances by celebrated Vietnamese singers—including Phuong Thanh, Luong Bich Huu, and Vicky Nhung—with a dramatic light show. The production was officially recognised as a national record for its entertainment experience, elevating Ambassador’s dinner sailings to must-do status for visitors to Northern Vietnam.
A Day and Night to Remember
Ambassador Cruise II offers two signature itineraries, catering to both time-strapped travellers and those longing for an indulgent evening escape:
- Ambassador Day Cruise: A full eight-hour immersion in Halong Bay, including exploration of Sung Sot Cave, swimming and panoramic viewpoints from Titov Island, kayaking or bamboo boat rides through Luon Cave, plus an onboard buffet lunch, cooking class, and live band. Designed for travellers who can’t commit to an overnight stay, it perfectly condenses the highlights of the bay into a single unforgettable day.
- Ambassador Dinner Cruise: A four-hour evening journey like no other. Guests dine on a gourmet menu that blends Asian and European delicacies, serenaded by a live band and Vietnamese vocalists, before enjoying the award-winning “Love in the Bay” production. Recognised by the Asia Hospitality Awards as “Asia’s Finest Dinner Cruise,” this sailing is proof that Halong Bay by night can be just as magical as by day.
A Tourism Game-Changer for Halong Bay
Nguyen Cao Son, Chairman of Asia Premier Cruises (APC) Corporation, which owns Ambassador Cruise, hailed the achievement:
“For our independent luxury boutique cruise line to land not one but two national records is a remarkable achievement. Ambassador Cruise II has been a game changer for Halong Bay and beyond, and a tourism bonanza for Vietnam’s Quang Ninh province, contributing significant traffic to Halong International Cruise Port.”
Since its debut, Ambassador Cruise II has welcomed hundreds of thousands of guests, boosting Halong Bay’s reputation as a world-class destination and setting new standards in luxury hospitality.
The Ambassador Legacy
Beyond the record-breaking Ambassador Cruise II, Ambassador Cruise’s fleet already boasts several vessels—including Ambassador I, Ambassador Signature, and Lavoya Boutique Day Cruise—covering a variety of experiences from Lan Ha Bay overnights to boutique daytime journeys.
And the innovation doesn’t stop at sea. APC Corporation recently introduced a spectacular “Dining Under the Stars” series and a breathtaking Dragon Pearl Cave dining experience, further cementing Ambassador’s position at the forefront of luxury tourism in Vietnam.
Why It Matters for Travellers
For anyone planning a journey to Vietnam, Ambassador Cruise II offers more than a cruise—it’s an immersive, record-setting experience that combines natural wonders, culinary excellence, and cultural performance. Whether you’ve dreamt of gliding between limestone karsts by day or dining in style under a canopy of stars at night, Halong Bay has never been more captivating.