There are several companies providing very similar cruises in Bai Tu Long Bay, it's consequently a very hard decision to conclude which to be with. We analyzed hundreds of reviews and studied hundreds of websites, and then ended up sailing with Santa Maria of Columbus Cruise and it was absolutely awesome. The service was flawless, delivered by the crew and... More

After scanning a range of options for sailing in Halong Bay, we decided on Santa Maria, following my friend’s proposal. Gladly saying, we experienced a very peaceful 2day/1night voyage in the off-the-beaten track area. The junk was easily spotted among other boats as it was pertty new and eminent, with the appearance of the floating palace. Foods were plentiful and... More

This is our second visit to Halong Bay and we decided to taste this mystical Bay in a dissimilar way, on board a newly born junk, named Santa Maria. It was an anomalous and spellbound experience, truly what we have sought out so far. The junk itself is the tasteful medley between the legendary oriental style and the sophisticated art... More

We went on Santa Maria as well (2day/ 1 night tour). Very authentic boat, delicious menu couse, professional staff crew. Several activities - swimming, kayaking, visiting fishing village, caving tour, cooking lesson. Although the weather was bad, the scenery was still spectaular. Amazing time. Highly Recommend.

We went with Columbus for our Halong Bay tour because we wanted a mid-range (reasonably comfortable, reasonably priced), 2-day 1-night tour with kayaking with a reputable company. Note that we actually went to Bai Tu Long Bay, a conscious decision to trade the possibility of seeing the famous caves for getting away from the other tourist junks and really feeling... More

Sailing Mysterious Halong Bay at its wild side on an intimate ship of regal comfort is an unforgettable as this company does. We recently did a 3 day cruise Santa Maria, the ship itself is a quaint royal style but modern amenities and slipping quietly pas the rock formations rising out of the mist in Bai Tu Long Bay which... More

Having spent months surfing the net for the reviews and comparing various junks and companies, we eventually determined on a 2 day/1 night cruise with Santa Maria Cruiser. It was undoubtedly a right decision. After a 3 hour road trip from Hanoi to the port, we were transferred to the Santa Maria. The junk was, apparently, superior to other wharf-mates... More

This company were recommended by our hotel, however this did not live up to our expectations. The boat itself was beautiful, as was the Royal Suite we were upgraded to. There were only 6 adults on the boat after an american family left us as they were on the 2 day trip. It was obvious that the staff were totally... More

Take this new boat to halong bay to see the floating village, the sung sot cave, the grotto of trinh nu, kayaking and see the hidden lagoons and the FOOD is just excellent on board, the cook we had during the Chinese new year January 2012 and the guide Toan "duck" were very nice even very young on the job.... More