Verdure Lotus Grandeur Cruise

The chef made excellent daal and vegetarian Indian dishes, and the staff were great. There were plenty of things to do, including live cooking performances. We also enjoyed kayaking through caves, seeing floating villages, and catching sunrise over the bay. Our cabin was elegant, the hospitality warm, and the panoramic decks were lovely for watching the sun set. Out on the water, the limestone cliffs and green sea made for a peaceful, almost unreal landscape, with soft breezes and a wide horizon. Verdure Lotus Grandeur Cruise made a lovely balance of comfort and nature. It felt like poetry between water and stone.

Our room was spotless, nicely decorated, and had a private balcony with beautiful bay views. The in-room Jacuzzi was a real luxury. Mr. "Bruce Lee," our tour manager, was thoughtful and friendly. He stayed in a suit even while hiking, kept track of everyone’s safety, and made sure we were back onboard after land activities. He arranged the Ti Top Island visit and kayaking, which kept things stress-free. The rice spring roll class was fun and educational for my kids. The restaurant team stood out for their warm, attentive service. They paid close attention to our dietary needs, prepared separate meals for us, and gladly brought more food when we wanted seconds. The food was delicious, and we were always welcomed with drinks when we boarded. December’s weather meant we missed sunrise, and we didn’t catch any squid during night fishing. Those small disappointments didn’t spoil an otherwise wonderful trip.

The food was delicious, and they were generous with my portions. Dinner under the stars was lovely, and the activities were well organized. The rooms were spacious, with especially wide balcony, bedroom, and bathtub windows compared with other cruises. Peter, the tour guide, and the restaurant manager were friendly and easy to talk to, which made the stay comfortable. I’d booked 3D2N, but on the second night they moved me to another boat because mine was due for checks. The replacement was much smaller, and its activities were similar to what I’d already done on my first day with Verdure. I wish I could have stayed longer on the original boat. Still, highly recommended.

The biggest disappointment was the Indian food. We suggested they either serve Indian guests authentic Vietnamese dishes or think about hiring an Indian chef, since the current meals could leave people with a poor impression. Aside from that, we had a great time on the Verdure Lotus Grandeur 5-Star Cruise. Harry, the cruise manager, and the staff were welcoming and professional. We were lucky to have the largest room, with wonderful views on both sides. It was clean and well kept. The bar was nice, and the Vietnamese food was pretty good. The top deck was a highlight for relaxing and taking in the views, and the onboard Jacuzzi added a touch of luxury. I’d still recommend the cruise for the scenery, hospitality, and overall experience, and would stick to the local food.