Aphrodite Cruises

Halong bay is recognised as a UNESCO heritage site but isnt protected as it should be.

There are way too many cruises and nothing is regulated, I witnessed buckets of trash being dumped out of cruises and piles of floating rubbish polluted the waters. The visit to Sung sot cave was a nighhtmare as heards of people were just let in all at once without any proper planning or schedules, we were stuck in non moving lines and being pushed and shoved around (mind you, it is July and absolutely hot and humid). The visit to Soi sim Island for "swimming" was a bigger no as that was also overcrowded and the overpolluted waters was not appealing at all to get in to. It is a beautiful place but I could not stay long enough to enjoy it, as all these oversights and lack of consideration to the envoirnment was too much to take. This is not a fault of Aphrodite cruise alone, but I hope the industry does take action on it soon.

We were surprised to be upgraded to Hera cruises although we purchased Aphrodite cruises. There were some explanations and history given at the local fishing by our local guide/cruise member James which we later found out he merely learnt English 2 years ago. I'd say for someone whom has just learnt English he deserves a clap on the back.

There wasnt wifi eventhough it was advertised to have it. The room we stayed at (hera land) has a completely spoilt sliding door latch. We had to use our strength to close the connecting door to the bathroom. Room smelled dank and there were many stains on the long couch as well as bedsheets. Hair dryer was super slow and lack of blowing capacity; but we also faced this at other hotels we stayed at. Food tasted bland for most dishes and English level for the staff could be improved.