Halong Bay Cruise Drink Prices: Cost Guide

Halong Bay Cruise Drink Prices: Complete Guide to Beverage Costs

Are you wondering how much drinks cost on a Halong Bay cruise? This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about beverage pricing, drink packages, and what to expect when sailing through Vietnam’s most iconic seascape.

Key Takeaways:

Most Halong Bay cruises do not include alcoholic beverages in their standard package
Average beer prices range from $2-4 USD
Wine typically costs $5-10 per glass or $30-80 per bottle
Many luxury cruises offer happy hour discounts and inclusive drink packages
Prices vary significantly between budget, mid-range, and luxury vessels

Are Drinks Included in Halong Bay Cruises?

One of the most common questions travelers ask before booking a Halong Bay cruise is whether drinks are included in the package price. The answer largely depends on the cruise category and specific operator.

What’s Typically Included:

Welcome drinks upon boarding
Drinking water in cabins (usually replenished daily)
Coffee and tea during breakfast
Water during meals

What’s Usually Not Included:

Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, spirits)
Soft drinks and bottled beverages
Premium coffee and tea selections
Fresh juices

Most 5-star cruises like those offered by Halong Bay Lux Cruises provide complimentary drinking water throughout your journey, but alcoholic and specialty beverages come at an additional cost.

Halong Bay Cruise Alcohol Prices

Understanding the cost of alcoholic beverages helps you budget appropriately for your Halong Bay adventure. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay:

Beer Prices

Local Vietnamese beers (Hanoi Beer, Saigon Beer): $2-4 USD
Imported beers (Heineken, Tiger): $4-6 USD
Craft beers (when available): $6-8 USD

Wine Prices

House wine by glass: $6-8 USD
Premium wine by glass: $8-10 USD
House wine bottle: $30-45 USD
Premium wine bottle: $45-80 USD

Spirits and Cocktails

Standard cocktails (Mojito, Margarita): $6-10 USD
Premium cocktails: $10-12 USD
Spirits with mixer: $5-8 USD
Premium spirits (neat): $8-10 USD

On luxury cruises like the 5-Star Lan Ha Bay and Halong Bay Cruise, you’ll find a more extensive selection of international brands, though prices tend to be slightly higher than the market average.

Halong Bay Cruise Beverage Cost: Non-Alcoholic Options

Not everyone drinks alcohol, and many travelers are equally interested in the cost of non-alcoholic beverages on Halong Bay cruises.

Average Prices for Non-Alcoholic Drinks:

Soft drinks (Coca-Cola, Sprite): $2-3 USD
Fresh fruit juices: $3-5 USD
Coconut water: $2-4 USD
Specialty coffee (cappuccino, latte): $2-4 USD
Bottled water (outside of what’s complimentary): $1-2 USD
Mocktails: $5-7 USD

Drink Menu Highlights from Top Halong Bay Cruises

The quality and variety of beverages available can significantly enhance your cruising experience. Here’s what you can expect to find on drink menus across different cruise categories:

Budget Cruises ($40-100/night)

Limited selection of local beers
Basic wine options (often just red and white house wines)
Standard spirits
Soft drinks and basic juices

Mid-Range Cruises ($120-200/night)

Expanded beer selection including some imports
Better quality wines with more variety
Classic cocktails
Fresh juices and Vietnamese coffee options

Luxury Cruises ($220+/night)

Premium international beer brands
Extensive wine list with options from various regions
Signature cocktails and premium spirits
Barista-made coffee and specialty teas
Fresh pressed juices and health-focused options

Halong Bay Lux Cruises, highly rated on TripAdvisor, offers one of the most comprehensive beverage menus in the bay, featuring both international favorites and local Vietnamese specialties.

Are Drink Packages Worth It?

Some cruises offer beverage packages that can be purchased before or during your trip. These typically come in several tiers:

Standard Package ($25-35/person/day)

Unlimited soft drinks
Selected beers
House wines by the glass during meals

Premium Package ($40-60/person/day)

All beverages from the standard package
Expanded selection of beers and wines
Basic cocktails
Premium coffees

Luxury Package ($60-90/person/day)

Unlimited access to most beverages onboard
Premium spirits and cocktails
Fine wines
Specialty coffees and teas

Value Analysis: Beverage packages are typically worth it if you plan to consume:

More than 3-4 alcoholic drinks per day
Several specialty coffees or fresh juices
A combination of different beverage types throughout the day

For a couple sharing a 2-night luxury cruise experience, opting for a premium beverage package can save approximately $30-50 compared to paying for drinks individually, assuming moderate consumption.

Cost-Saving Tips for Drinks on Halong Bay Cruises

Want to enjoy your favorite beverages without breaking the bank? Here are some insider tips:

Take advantage of happy hour specials – Many cruises offer discounted drinks during designated times, typically in the early evening before dinner.
Book cruises with inclusive offers – Some operators run promotions that include a certain number of drinks or happy hour privileges in your booking.
Look for “beverage credit” promotions – Higher-end cruises occasionally offer onboard credits that can be applied toward drink purchases.
Bring your own (when permitted) – Some cruises allow guests to bring a limited amount of their own beverages onboard, though this is more common on budget options.
Consider all-inclusive options – While initially more expensive, truly all-inclusive packages that cover most beverages can provide better value for those who enjoy regular drinks.

When booking with Halong Bay Lux Cruises, ask about their seasonal beverage promotions which often include complimentary welcome drinks and happy hour specials.

Halong Bay Cruise Bar Prices Compared to Land-Based Options

How do onboard prices compare to what you’d pay in Hanoi or other tourist areas? Here’s a helpful comparison:

Beverage Type	Halong Bay Cruise	Hanoi Bar	Hanoi Hotel
Local Beer	$2-3	$1-2	$2-4
Imported Beer	$3-5	$2-3	$4-6
Glass of Wine	$6-10	$5-8	$6-10
Cocktail	$6-10	$4-8	$6-10
Soft Drink	$2-3	$1	$2-4

As you can see, cruise prices are generally higher than local bars but comparable to what you’d pay at upscale hotels. The premium reflects both the convenience and the unique experience of enjoying drinks while surrounded by Halong Bay’s stunning limestone karsts.

Popular Drink Choices Among Halong Bay Cruisers

Based on feedback from cruise operators and travelers, these are the most frequently ordered beverages on Halong Bay cruises:

Bia Hanoi (local beer) – The refreshing local lager perfectly complements the tropical climate.
Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà phê sữa đá) – A sweet, strong coffee served over ice with condensed milk, perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Mojito – The refreshing combination of mint, lime, and rum makes this a popular choice for sundeck relaxation.
House white wine – Particularly popular during dinner while watching the sunset over the bay.
Fresh coconut – Natural coconut water served in the shell, offering both refreshment and a classic photo opportunity.

Special Considerations for Different Cruise Types

Day Cruises

Day cruises typically offer a more limited beverage selection, with a focus on:

Local beers
Basic wines
Soft drinks
Water and tea/coffee

Prices are generally 10-20% lower than overnight cruises, but the selection is more limited.

2-3 Night Luxury Cruises

Extended luxury cruises like those offered by Halong Bay Lux Cruises feature:

Professional bartenders
Specialty cocktails using local ingredients
Wine pairings with meals
Premium spirits collection
Craft beer options (when available)

These vessels often employ trained beverage professionals who can recommend perfect pairings for your meals or create custom drinks based on your preferences.

The Bottom Line: Budgeting for Drinks on Your Halong Bay Cruise

For accurate budgeting purposes, here’s what the average traveler spends on drinks during a Halong Bay cruise:

Light drinker: $15-25 per day
Moderate drinker: $30-50 per day
Heavy drinker: $60-100+ per day

Couples should multiply these figures by two, while also considering that consumption tends to be higher on full days at sea compared to days with multiple excursions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Halong Bay Cruise Drink Prices

Can I bring my own alcohol on Halong Bay cruises?

Most premium and luxury cruises have policies against bringing outside alcohol onboard. Budget operators may be more flexible, but it’s always best to check the specific policy before booking.

Do Halong Bay cruises offer drink specials or happy hours?

Yes, many cruises offer happy hour specials, typically providing 2-for-1 deals or 30-50% discounts on selected beverages for 1-2 hours before dinner.

Are there any traditional Vietnamese drinks I should try?

Absolutely! Look for:

Rượu đế (rice liquor)
Nước mía (sugarcane juice)
Sinh tố (fruit smoothies)
Vietnamese egg coffee

How do I pay for drinks on the cruise?

Most cruises operate on a tab system where drinks are charged to your cabin and settled at the end of the journey. Higher-end vessels accept credit cards, while budget options might require cash payment.

Are there any special drink experiences available?

Some luxury cruises offer:

Sunset cocktail ceremonies
Wine tasting sessions
Mixology classes
Vietnamese coffee brewing demonstrations

Book Your Halong Bay Cruise Experience Today

Now that you understand what to expect regarding drink prices on Halong Bay cruises, you’re better equipped to budget for your journey through this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For the perfect balance of luxury accommodations, excellent service, and reasonable beverage pricing, consider Halong Bay Lux Cruises. Their attentive staff, beautiful vessels, and competitive pricing make them one of the top-rated options according to TripAdvisor reviews.