New Cruise Option launches in Vietnam

A new cruise option in Vietnam launched late last year when Emeraude Classic Cruises launched "Emeraude" a luxury liner built in Vietnam that allows holiday-makers the chance to cruise around scenic Halong Bay.

French owner Eric Merlin accidentally discovered the existence of a magnificent fleet of four single-wheeled paddle steamers - Emeraude, Perle, Saphir and Rubis operating in Halong from 1906 to 1945 from a black and white postcard he bought in France.

Merlin has always been interested in Indochina development and in this case, with magnifying glass in hand, he investigated the steamers in his acquired postcard and decided to rebuild Emeraude, the first of these four steamers.

"I was really surprised - I did not know there were such beautiful boats like that cruising Halong Bay 100 year ago," exclaimed Merlin.

With inspiration from these historic steamers, Emeraude was designed with the grandeur of yesteryear - refined interior décor, 37 full view cabins and suites, an 80-seat restaurant, bars, shops, massage rooms, swimming platform, complete with entertainment features. 

It also has a 350 square metre open upper deck lounge bar for holiday-makers to relax, sip their favourite champagne totally engulfed in the memorable experience Halong Bay has to offer.

"As a traveller myself, I believed a regular five hour cruise does not do justice to the beautiful Halong Bay. We want to stay overnight onboard but accommodation then did not meet our expectations. So with my prized postcard possession, I decided to build Emeraude to answer my own needs and that of fellow holiday travellers. " Mr. Merlin added.

Emeraude operates a two-day-one-night cruise with daily departures at 12h00 from Halong Bay cruising towards Cat Ba Island. Authentic Vietnamese seafood buffets are served on the first day and an American buffet breakfast the next.

Lead by Captain Jody Atterton and General Manager Kai Schroeter, the 35 multilingual crew members are well trained in safety and service requirements.

Schroeter said, "Emeraude will design its unique itinerary which is different from other cruise boats in Halong. Instead of over stressed the holiday makers with grotto visits or mountain climbing, Emeraude will offer a quieter and highly relaxing Eco-cruise."

Using eco friendly water and waste treatment systems, Emeraude has received special permission from the Halong Tourism Authority to cruise within protected, natural reserves and gulfs of Halong Bay.

 "Unlike others, we take care of the small details that makes the difference before Extraordinary and Good services on board. We offer massages on the open deck, swimming, snorkelling on the Swim Deck with complimentary equipment. Carefully selected music, afternoon high tea, Taichi classes and a boutique shop for souvenir collectors. For special cruises or special requests, we would also feature live band." Schroeter added.