Lux Cruises Group’s Heritage Phi Long To Set Sail in The Gulf of Tonkin and Along the Coast of Vietnam
Vietnam’s inaugural boutique cruise line, Lux Cruises Group, is set to launch a new 50-cabin boutique ship in 2025, drawing inspiration from the country’s rich maritime heritage, particularly the celebrated legacy of Bach Thai Buoi. With the successful introduction of Heritage Cruises Binh Chuan in the Cat Ba Archipelago five years ago, Lux Cruises Group (https://www.lux-cruises.com) commemorates the 100th anniversary of its Hai Phong launch in 2019. Heritage Binh Chuan offers a unique and upscale cruise experience for 40 to 60 passengers across 20 en-suite cabins, allowing guests to immerse themselves in Vietnam’s culture, history, art, and natural landscapes while navigating the Gulf of Tonkin.
Building on the success of the Emperor Cruises brand in Nha Trang Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay since 2014, Heritage Cruises expands its offerings with this premier boutique cruise in the Cat Ba Archipelago, featuring 20 exquisitely designed cabins on the Binh Chuan ship. The company has launched its website and debuted the first cruise photos at https://www.heritagecruises.com, promoting the launch through travel trade shows and roadshows across Asia, Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Heritage Phi Long (Dragon), the latest addition by Lux Cruises Group, sets a new benchmark for heritage and boutique cruising experiences along the Red River and Gulf of Tonkin. Scheduled to set sail in 2025, the ship is equipped with luxurious amenities, including a spa, outdoor cinema, two restaurants, lounges, a pool bar, swimming pool, and 50 suites with panoramic views, offering unmatched sophistication and comfort.
Heritage Cruises draws inspiration from Bach Thai Buoi‘s revolutionary contributions to waterway transportation in early 20th-century Tonkin. The cruises blend heritage-inspired design with boutique luxury, focusing on an exceptional guest experience, personalized concierge services, and an upscale lifestyle enriched with artistic expression.
Pham Ha, CEO of Lux Cruises Group’s Heritage Cruises, highlights the uniqueness of boutique cruises, emphasizing their intimate atmospheres, distinctive styles, and commitment to celebrating local culture and arts with personalized attention and stylish accommodations.
Instead of traditional star ratings, Heritage Cruises categorizes its ships based on character, quality, style, and guest experience. As a four-star boutique cruise, it seeks to redefine luxury cruising in the Halong Bay region with its exceptional onboard facilities and services, heavily influenced by guest feedback and social media reviews.
The boutique size of Heritage Cruises’ vessels ensures a unique experience, offering access to remote destinations unreachable by larger ships. This includes cruising the Gulf of Tonkin, with personalized services and optional limousine transfers that significantly reduce travel time from Hanoi.
Heritage Phi Long (Dragon) caters to a broad audience, from independent travelers and small groups to charter guests, offering tailored experiences for heritage enthusiasts, leisure travelers, honeymooners, families, nature lovers, and VIPs. This ensures a blend of novelty, luxury, and adventure for every passenger.
Cat Ba Island, the largest in the Cat Ba Archipelago, boasts stunning beaches, secluded lagoons, and tropical forests, home to the endangered Cat Ba Langur. Guests can engage in various activities, from swimming and kayaking to biking and wildlife spotting, enhancing the Gulf of Tonkin experience.
Onboard amenities include 50 luxurious suites, Vietnamese gourmet dining, an outdoor deck with a swimming pool, a pool bar, private cabanas, a library, spa, fitness center, outdoor cinema, and an art gallery featuring prominent Vietnamese artists.
Heritage Cruises also hosts L’Art de l’Annam, a floating exhibition showcasing works by celebrated artist Pham Luc and others, complemented by guided art tours, occasional auctions, and a focus on personalized concierge services and exceptional service quality.
From Tuan Chau Harbor in Halong, Heritage Cruises offers day cruises and extended one- or four-night itineraries in the Gulf, with connections to Danang in Central Vietnam. Additionally, six-night Heritage Expeditions to various destinations and private charters cater to leisure, MICE, and professional travelers, promising unforgettable maritime experiences across Vietnam’s landscapes.
Pham Ha envisions a comprehensive maritime network from north to south, gradually revealing the beauty and heritage of Vietnam’s waterways and destinations, aiming to create immersive and memorable journeys for travelers worldwide.