Most guides tell you what to do on an overnight cruise. This one covers the things not to do on a Halong Bay cruise, because a few small habits decide whether the trip feels easy or stressful. None is complicated; they are the points our crew would mention over a welcome drink, each with what to do instead.
The main things not to do on a Halong Bay cruise are skipping the safety briefing, letting children run or climb the railings, smoking or using drugs, leaving taps running, jumping off the ship, and missing sunrise or sunset. Each is easy to avoid, and the Cruise Manager explains the ship’s safety regulations when you board.
What are the six things not to do on a Halong Bay cruise?
Do not skip the briefing, let children run unsupervised, smoke or use drugs, waste water, jump from the ship, or sleep through sunrise and sunset. Each rule protects your safety, other guests or the experience itself.
| Do not… | Why it matters | Do this instead |
|---|---|---|
| Skip the safety briefing | It explains how to react if something unexpected happens | Listen to the Cruise Manager before you explore |
| Let children run wild | Wooden decks, railings and water are close | Keep children within reach and supervise every activity |
| Smoke or use drugs | Smoking affects other guests; drugs are illegal in Vietnam | Ask the crew where smoking is allowed |
| Leave the tap running | Fresh water on a ship is a carried supply | Turn taps off after use and keep showers short |
| Jump from the ship | Depth, currents and boat traffic are not visible from the rail | Swim at the planned stops when the crew is watching |
| Miss sunrise and sunset | They are the best light on the bay | Join Tai Chi or step onto your balcony |
Why are the safety briefing, children and swimming rules the most important?
Three of the six points concern safety: the briefing, children on deck and jumping into the water. All are about knowing where you are, who is nearby and what the crew has planned.
1. Do not ignore the safety briefing
After boarding you receive a welcome drink and your cabin key. It is tempting to wander off and see the ship, but wait for the Cruise Manager, who introduces the itinerary, activities and safety regulations on board. A briefing helps you react calmly if something unexpected happens.
The UK government’s travel advice for Vietnam also says to always wear a life jacket on boat trips. Milalux’s cabin details list a life jacket in every cabin; on either ship, ask the crew where yours is and how to wear it.
2. Do not let children run wild
Even when a vessel has railings, ask children not to run around the ship: they can collide with other guests and get hurt, and climbing the railings is dangerous. Keep them within reach on deck and supervise closely during cave visits, kayaking and swimming; our kayaking tips explain what to expect on the water. Our family guide to a Halong Bay cruise with kids covers cabins, fares and activities.
3. Do not jump from the ship
The emerald water is tempting, but jumping from the side of the ship is dangerous: you cannot see the depth, current or nearby tender boats and kayaks from the rail. Swimming is part of the programme at set stops, weather permitting: Titov Island on Milalux Cruises, the water around the ship after Dark & Bright Cave on Mila Grand Cruises, and Ba Trai Dao on both 3D2N itineraries. Wait for those moments and apply sunscreen; the CDC advises shade in the hottest hours, which it gives as 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
⚓ Captain’s Maritime Log:
“Swimming and kayaking are planned around the weather and the water, not the other way round. The crew chooses the stop, the area and the time; heavy rain or strong wind can change the programme. If you want to swim, ask the crew and join the scheduled stop rather than entering the water from the ship on your own.”
What are the house rules on smoking, drugs and water?
Smoking is not allowed everywhere on board, drugs are illegal in Vietnam, and fresh water is limited. Ask the crew where smoking is permitted, keep to the law, and use water carefully.
4. Do not smoke where it affects others or use drugs
Many luxury cruises keep indoor areas smoke-free so the air stays fresh for everyone, and rules vary by ship, so ask the crew where the designated area is. Milalux’s cabin specification lists smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, another reason not to smoke in your cabin. The UK government’s advice also says vapes and related products are banned in Vietnam.
Drugs and addictive substances are prohibited in Vietnam. The same travel advice describes the penalties for possessing, using or distributing drugs as severe, including long jail terms and heavy fines. Foreign visitors are not exempt, so leave them out of your trip entirely.
5. Do not forget to turn off the tap
Fresh water on an overnight vessel is a carried supply rather than a mains connection, so every guest shares it. Turn the tap off while brushing your teeth or soaping, keep showers short, and report a dripping tap to the crew. Your cabin includes two bottles of mineral water each day for drinking.
Why should you not miss sunrise and sunset?
Sunrise and sunset are the best-lit moments on the bay, and both are built into the schedule. On Milalux, Tai Chi on the sundeck starts at 06:15 and the Sunset Party at 17:45; on Mila Grand, Tai Chi starts at 06:00 and Happy Hour at 17:30.
| Moment | Milalux | Mila Grand |
|---|---|---|
| Sunrise | Tai Chi on the sundeck, 06:15 | Tai Chi on the sundeck, 06:00 |
| Sunset | Sunset Party with Happy Hour, 17:45 | Happy Hour, 17:30 |
Vietnam Tourism highlights watching the sunset over calm water and waking to morning views of the limestone karsts on a Ha Long cruise. After the early session on Milalux, the day continues with a swim or a climb at Titov Island.
🧭 Cruise Director’s Insider Tip:
“You do not have to join Tai Chi to see the dawn: every cabin on Milalux and Mila Grand has a private balcony, so you can watch from there. For sunset, step out a few minutes early, because the light changes quickly once it starts.”
For the seasons, read our best time to visit Halong Bay guide; for planning ahead, see things to know before booking a Halong Bay cruise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is smoking allowed on a Halong Bay cruise?
Smoking rules vary by ship, so ask the crew when you board. Most luxury cruises keep indoor areas smoke-free for everyone’s comfort, and a designated area is used instead. Milalux’s cabins have smoke detectors, so please do not smoke in your cabin. Vapes are banned in Vietnam, according to UK government travel advice.
Can I swim from the ship whenever I want?
No, swim at the scheduled stops. Swimming is offered weather permitting at set places, such as Titov Island on Milalux and Ba Trai Dao on the 3D2N itineraries. Jumping from the side is unsafe because depth, current and nearby boats are not visible from the rail.
What does the safety briefing cover?
It introduces the itinerary, activities and safety regulations on board. The Cruise Manager gives the briefing after you board, and the crew can show you where your life jacket is. If you are unsure about anything, ask before you go out on deck or into the water.
Are children welcome on the cruise?
Yes, with supervision. One child under 5 sharing the parents’ bed travels free, children aged 5 to 10 pay 75% of the adult fare, and guests aged 11 and over pay 100%. Keep children within reach on deck and during kayaking, cave visits and swimming.
Is drinking water provided on board?
Yes, two bottles of mineral water are provided in each cabin every day. A welcome drink is also served on arrival. Other drinks from the bar and restaurant are charged separately.
What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?
If a sailing is cancelled because of storms, bad weather or a port authority ban, our force majeure policy applies: a full refund or a change of date by agreement. Free cancellation for other reasons applies only when you cancel more than 60 days before departure.
Sail Well
Keep Planning Your Halong Bay Cruise
- Top 10 Things to Know Before Booking a Halong Bay Cruise – a checklist before you choose a cruise.
- Cruising with Kids on Halong Bay? Not a Problem! – safety tips when sailing with children.
- Top 12 Must-Have Items When Exploring Halong Bay by Cruise – twelve things worth putting in your bag.
Plan Your Halong Bay Cruise
Compare the cabins on Milalux Cruises with the cabins on Mila Grand Cruises, browse the 2 Days 1 Night and 3 Days 2 Nights itineraries, then check Milalux availability, check Mila Grand availability or send us a booking request.
Following these six points takes little effort and leaves you free to enjoy the bay. When you are ready, you can reserve your cruise directly and ask our team any safety or family questions beforehand.
