A cruise is a wonderful choice for the whole family: minimal travel between destinations, meals and sleep all on board, and grandparents can sit back and enjoy the bay views while parents and kids go kayaking. That said, traveling with young children and elderly family members requires a little more preparation. Here are some tips to help make the trip safe and comfortable for every member of the family.

Choosing the Right Trip

  • Day cruise: ideal when traveling with very young children or elderly members who prefer not to sleep overnight on a boat.

  • 2-day 1-night cruise: a more relaxed pace with time for an afternoon rest and a full night's sleep. This is usually the most comfortable option for families.

  • Lan Ha Bay route is quieter with fewer boats, making it great for relaxation. Ha Long Bay route has many famous attractions, but some sites involve a lot of climbing.

Choosing the Right Boat and Cabin for the Whole Family

  • Easy boarding: prioritize boats that pick up guests directly from the pier without requiring a transfer via smaller tender boats. For example, Hera Luxury Day Cruise allows guests to board the main vessel directly.

  • Fewer stairs: ask in advance which floor the cabin is on and how many steps are involved, especially when traveling with grandparents.

  • Family cabin or connecting cabins: makes it easier for parents to keep an eye on the children.

  • Cabin with balcony: very convenient for grandparents to enjoy the scenery from the room, but the balcony door should be locked when young children are present.

Cruise on Ha Long Bay at sunset

Sunset over the bay is a moment the whole family will cherish. Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0.

Safety for Young Children

  • Never leave children unattended on the deck, balcony, or near railings.

  • Always wear life jackets when kayaking or riding bamboo boats, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Ask the boat operator in advance about the minimum age for each activity.

  • Bring sunscreen, hats, a light jacket for the evenings, and any common medications for the children.

  • Clarify the children's pricing policy when booking: each boat calculates fees differently based on age or height, and some boats require an extra bed to be arranged.

Caring for Elderly Family Members

  • Choose a light itinerary. It's perfectly fine to skip sites that involve a lot of climbing, such as the summit of Ti Top Island or caves with long, steep pathways.

  • Bring all personal medications, along with prescriptions if applicable.

  • Inform the boat in advance of any special dietary requirements (soft food, low-sodium, vegetarian, etc.).

  • If grandparents are prone to seasickness, choose a cabin in the middle of the boat on a lower deck.

Dining on Board

Most cruises serve a set menu or buffet featuring a wide selection of seafood. Be sure to notify the boat in advance if anyone has food allergies or if children need a separate meal. Bringing along some familiar snacks for the kids can also help keep them comfortable.

Sailboat on Ha Long Bay at dusk

A relaxed pace lets the whole family fully enjoy the journey. Photo: Andrew Crump / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.

Family Packing Checklist

  • ID documents for adults; birth certificates or passports for children (boats typically require this information for passenger registration).

  • Swimwear, light jackets, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen.

  • Personal medications, motion sickness remedies (consult a pharmacist, especially for young children).

  • Waterproof bags, portable power banks.

  • Small toys or picture books for the children.

Best Time to Go

Autumn (October–November) and spring offer the most pleasant weather with minimal storms and rainfall. Summers are hot and sunny, so outdoor activities should be avoided during midday. Regardless of the season, always ask in advance about the rescheduling policy in case of bad weather.

Photo Credits

Featured image: "A line up of cruise boats on the Ha Long Bay (31598856166)" – shankar s. / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. Photos within the article are credited directly beneath each image.

Frequently asked questions

What age can children go on a cruise?

Most cruises welcome children of all ages, but pricing policies and age requirements for activities such as kayaking vary by boat. Be sure to ask when booking.

Is a day cruise or a 2-day 1-night cruise better when traveling with young children?

For very young children, a day cruise is more straightforward. If the children are used to traveling, a 2-day 1-night cruise offers a more relaxed pace with time for an afternoon rest and a full night's sleep.

What should elderly travelers keep in mind when going on a cruise?

Choose a boat that boards directly from the pier, a cabin with minimal stairs, a light itinerary, bring all personal medications, and inform the boat in advance of any special dietary requirements.

Do children need to wear life jackets when kayaking?

Yes. Both children and adults must wear life jackets when kayaking or riding bamboo boats, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

What documents are needed when going on a cruise with young children?

Bring the children's birth certificates or passports and ID documents for the adults, as boats typically require this information to register the passenger manifest.