We did with the three people a 2 night, 3 day trip with alova gold cruises through Ha Long Bay. It was just great! Pick up was on time, enlish speaking Tourguide (Mike), when you start to get to the alova cruise the staff is helping you and is really caring for the people! Safety standard on board is for Asia pretty high, everybody gets a life jacket and the guide is giving a safety training etc. 

The tours and activities you are doing, are also very good, the staff is always helping and is warning the guests from hazards, we were told from Johnny our second tour guides, to wear closed shoes, no flipflops, when visiting the caves, because of the heavy rain last night! Best advice! 

The food on board is Vietnamese cuisine with a touch of western style. The guides are also giving cooking courses and you can make your own spring rolls. The drinks, which are not included in the price of the cruise, are sold on board on a reasonable pricing level (1,50 € for a beer and 1 € for a coke, water 0,60 €)

I can just recommend these operator! Was a great tour, we and all other guests were very satisfied!!!