Regular traveler on HAL. First travel on the Volendam.
Ship, definitely is older and smaller. Was assigned Cabin 6167. Nice quiet cabin until on some nights the performer in the Ocean bar sang too loud or passengers became too rowdy. (I can hear them in my cabin on certain evenings). Bed comfortable.
Didn't use a lot of the outlets. Ship is awkwardly designed as some floor don't walk all the way through.
Unobstructed views. Large balcony. This got a lot of use!
The port is walking distance to the train which is inexpensive or take a taxi. No tendering.
Really nothing at port unless you do an excursion. I didn't see anything that was of any major interest.
Tedious drive. Guide was good. Great site to visit.
Absolutely nothing in the port. Tender in. Small area market with cafes. Would have been better if a full day was there as there were some shops that can do custom made batik shirts and dress.
Hoi An was worth going to, but again not enough time at port to see the whole area. One thing impressive was the silk market. So detailed work of the stitchers doing it from photos of humans! Also, they were able to do tuxedos, shirts and dresses within less than 6 hours and have it delivered to the ship.
If you didn't do a tour not much in the port area. Tenders can take you in for some small cafes. Or you can a taxi to the nearest town.
Sad thing. Due to the ship being docked for just 12 hours, only gave you a chance to chose one of two investing tours. I would have like to see Hanoi, but Halong Bay was higher on my list (also in the price range).
Port is docked at the terminal. You can take a taxi into the Kowloon area. Touristy area is Tsim Shat Tsui and Victoria Island. Mong Kok area is for the local people go.