These Terms & Conditions govern all cruise bookings, day tours, private yacht charters, and related travel services made through Halong & Lan Ha Bay Cruise Tours (halong-lanhabaycruisetours.com), operated by VDS Travel (VDS Investment, Trading and Service Company Limited). By making a reservation on our website, via phone, WhatsApp, or email, you agree to these platform booking conditions.
1. Booking Confirmation & Voucher Validity
As an authorized direct booking partner for leading cruise fleets in Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, Halong & Lan Ha Bay Cruise Tours verifies real-time cabin availability and processes reservations directly with cruise operators.
- A booking is officially confirmed once the required deposit or full payment is received and processed.
- A formal Booking Confirmation Voucher containing your reservation code, cruise name, cabin type, detailed itinerary, pickup instructions, and hotline support will be issued to your email and WhatsApp.
- Guests must present this confirmation voucher (electronic or printed) alongside valid passports at the cruise departure lounge.
2. Mandatory Passenger Registration & Port Regulations
In strict compliance with Vietnam Maritime Law and the regulations of the Quang Ninh Port Authority & Halong Bay Management Board, all passengers embarking on tourist vessels must register their personal details at least 24 hours prior to departure:
- Full Name (as printed in Passport / National ID)
- Passport / ID Number and Expiry Date
- Date of Birth, Gender, and Nationality
- Valid Vietnam Visa information (for international travelers where required)
*Note: Original valid passports must be presented at check-in. The platform and cruise operators are not liable if boarding is denied by port authorities due to inaccurate or missing passenger information provided by guests.
3. Children, Extra Bed & Cabin Occupancy Policies
Because cabin dimensions, bed configurations, and safety regulations differ across various cruise ships and vessel types:
- Cruise-Specific Policies: Exact child age brackets, complimentary infant policies, child meal surcharges, and extra rollaway bed availability are established by each individual cruise operator and are clearly specified on each cruise product page on our website.
- Transparent Itemization: All applicable child fares, extra bed fees, or family connecting cabin arrangements will be transparently itemized in your customized quotation and final confirmation voucher before payment.
- Baby Cots: Baby cots/cribs are provided free of charge by most 5-star fleets, subject to availability upon advance request.
4. Cancellation & Booking Amendment Scale
Cancellation terms and deadlines depend on the specific fare rules of each cruise operator, cabin tier, and seasonal travel period (regular vs. peak/holiday dates):
- Standard Flexible Bookings: Most standard cruise bookings allow Free Cancellation when requested at least 15 to 30 days prior to departure (the exact deadline is clearly stated on your booking voucher).
- Amendments & Date Changes: Date change requests are subject to cabin availability and the respective cruise line’s policies. Our team will endeavor to assist you with free date rescheduling whenever feasible.
- Late Cancellation & No-Show: Cancellations made within the non-refundable window or failure to arrive at the departure port on time (No-Show) will incur 100% of the booking value.
5. Severe Weather & Port Closure (Force Majeure Guarantee)
Passenger safety is the paramount priority. Sailing permits in Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay are under the direct authority of the Quang Ninh Port Authority. In cases of sudden storms, tropical typhoons, or official government sailing bans:
| Weather Disruption Circumstance | Our Resolution & Refund Commitment |
|---|---|
| Trip cancelled before leaving Hanoi / Departure point | 100% Full Refund of all paid amounts or free rescheduling to your preferred alternative date. |
| Trip cancelled upon arrival at Halong Port (after lunch/transfer) | Only the actual lunch & transfer expenses incurred are charged; 100% of the cruise accommodation cost is refunded. |
| Overnight trip cut short while on the bay due to storm warning | Charged only for the elapsed portion of the trip (e.g. converted to day tour or 1 night); all unspent cruise services refunded in full. |
6. Environmental & Safety Regulations on the Bay
- Zero Single-Use Plastic: Halong Bay enforces a strict single-use plastic ban. Guests are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles.
- Drone / UAV Usage: Operating camera drones across Halong Bay is strictly prohibited by Vietnam military and aviation laws without official written authorization.
- Life Jacket Compliance: Wearing life jackets is legally mandatory during tender boat transfers, bamboo boat excursions, and kayaking.
