Paradise Group launches a new line of especially crafted cruise ships that prioritizes the cruise experience onboard. The first “Paradise Elegance” will set sail in early February 2017.

At 25 square meters, the cabins on the Paradise Elegance ships are some of the largest in Halong Bay. This was an intentional decision to ensure that guests can enjoy Halong Bay as much from their private cabins as they can from the various communal areas. The cabins, each with their own balcony, are divided into four categories: Deluxe Balcony (14 cabins), Executive Balcony (13 cabins), Captain’s View Terrace Suite (2 cabins), and Elegance Suite (2 cabins).

The Paradise Elegance cruise ships also boast a spa, dining room, sun deck and two bars, which are all spread over five decks. Offering a range of treatments, L’Évasion Spa is found on the main deck away from the social areas. Le Marin Restaurant and Le Piano Bar, both of which offer live entertainment, are located on the salon deck. On the sun deck, L’Odyssée Bar and the sunbathing areas offer wrap-around views of the bay.

Allowing visitors to explore Halong Bay more deeply is a primary objective of the new cruise ships. Where other vessels stay anchored during excursions, the Paradise Elegance cruise ships will continue sailing around the bay and those visiting the attractions will go by tender boats. Guests that don’t join the activities will be able to cruise through different parts of the bay instead.

In the evenings, an a la carte dinner can be served either in the dining room or on a private balcony between 7-10pm. This marks another distinguishing factor of the new cruise ships compared with other operators that have fixed dining times and locations.

The Paradise Elegance cruise ships are the only new vessels of any cruise operator to set sail in Halong Bay this year. Each new ship weighs 200 tones, is 61 meters in length and 13 meters in height.