The cruise embarks at about noon and you can relax after the buffet lunch as you sail out to the bay. In the late afternoon there is a guided shore excursion to Sung Sot Grotto following an opportunity to take a dip in the cool waters off the back of the boat. Swimming in the bay while watching the sun set is one of my favorite travel memories of Asia. Before the buffet dinner is served in the evening, the kitchen crew puts on a Vietnamese fresh spring roll cooking class.
Day two begins with an early complimentary coffee served on the sundeck followed by an opportunity learn the art of Tai Chi. While you’re cruising Halong Bay on the return, breakfast will be served. Check out is around 9am.
The Emeraude is an old French paddle wheeler that was restored in 2003. It has 34 luxury air-conditioned cabins with en suite bathrooms and an additional three suites. There is a spacious sun deck on top along with a shaded bar area.
The meals are another highlight of Emeraude–they reflect the ambitions and aspirations of the vessel. The brilliant meals are described as using “Vietnamese ingredients, enhanced by European culinary traditions.” I doubt anyone in any of the other boats in the bay will be eating as well as you.
Friends and Couples
Published rates per person double occupancy start at VND 3,397,000 ($162 US) in the slow season.
Emeraude website: http://www.emeraude-cruises.com/
Office address in Hanoi: 46 Le Thai To Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: (84-4) 3935 1888, Fax: (84-4) 3825 5342, Hotline: (84) 9 0623 7899
The ship is truly gorgeous. Sailing on the Emeraude is a classic experience only outdone by the magnificent karst scenery of Halong Bay. I wouldn’t want to see the Bay any other way. With Emeraude, you’ll eat well, sleep well, and witness the dazzling natural wonder of Halong Bay in class.
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Everyday the Emeraude journeys go through one of the world’s most dazzling natural wonders and into the sepia realm of a dream. Named for a cruising vessel that plied these waters between 1906 and 1937, the Emeraude Cruise aspires to the magnificence of the bay itself. Its air-conditioned cabins, en suite bathrooms, award-winning cuisine and spacious deck space set the stage for the voyage of a lifetime.
Your cruise through Halong Bay wends among otherworldly karst formations and opens up views of one stupendous seascape after another. This overnight cruise on the world heritage site of Halong Bay surely leaves unforgettable memories in your mind.
http://www.halong-bay-cruises.com/halong-bay-cruises/emeraude-cruise/
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