Welcome onboard!
Old world charm resurfaced on the calm water of Halong Bay, Vietnam with the launch of a magnificent five star vessel Emeraude modeled in the tradition of the grand old single wheeled paddle steamer of the colonial era. One of the great natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay covers an area of 1,500 km² over which are scattered thousands of limestone islands and grottoes rising from the clear, emerald waters of the Gulf of Bac Bo.
The majestic beauty of the bay and its islands is only fully appreciated while meandering among the islands, fjords and islets. The original Emeraude was one of the flotillas owned by the Roque family who left Bordeaux in 1858 in search of fame and fortune. The fleet cruised along Indochina waterways and Halong Bay in the olden days. The original Emeraude sank in the Bay in 1937. Using advanced techniques, French architects painstakingly modeled the new vessel from old photos and drawings found at the Paris' Maritime Museum. Passengers can now relax, seek total comfort in the luxurious cabins or enjoy the beautiful sea breeze on the sun deck and enjoy the splendor and serenity of nature.
The Emeraude operates daily a two days, one night cruise. For lunch and dinner, passengers get to enjoy delicious freshly caught seafood and Vietnamese specialties. In the morning, an American style breakfast is served onboard the colonial vessel. For passengers who want more than just cruising around, the Emeraude also offer afternoon tea, traditional body massages and sunrise Tai Chi classes. The trip is completely flexible offering wide variety of options for all.
The History of Emeraude Cruise
In 1910 a paddle steamer called the Emeraude was offering unforgettable cruises in Halong Bay for visitors to what was then French Indochina. The Emeraude was part of a flotilla owned by the Roque family who had leftBordeaux in 1858 in search of adventure and fortune. Over a period of more than 50 years they found both. After several ups and downs including successful trading and timber businesses, near bankruptcy and being taken hostage by pirates, the Roque brothers built Emeraude, Perle, Saphir, Rubis and Onyx to ferry passengers and freight along the waterways of Indochina and cruise on magnificent Halong Bay.Today the Emeraude offers a regular cruise service on board a luxurious replicasteamer with 39 cabins meticulously designed to evoke the nostalgic charm of colonial Indochina.
EMERAUDE HISTORY & SERVICES
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 & Vietnam from 1906 to 1945 from a black and white postcard he bought in France! With inspiration from these historic steamers, Emeraudehas been designed in the traditional of the grand steamers of yesteryear and its refined interior decor will bring you back to the old-world charm of the colonial era while maintaining modern standards of comfort and safety to make your cruises as enjoyable as possible. Lead by Captain Jody Atterton and General Manager, Kai Schroeter, the 35 multilingual members crew is well trained in safety and service requirements.
Emeraude is a 55m length steamer boat features 3 decks, 38 full view cabins & 1 suite, a 80-seat restaurant, 2 bars, shops, massage rooms, swimming platform, entertainment completion.
From the 350m2 open upper sun deck, passengers can enjoy a soothing foot massage while sipping a refreshing cocktail and gazing at the rock formations reflected in the crystal clear water of the bay. The Emeraude’s huge paddle wheel opens to reveal a swimming deck offering passengers the opportunity to swim in the calm waters of the bay surrounded by the majestic scenery. At dawn, that most magical time as the sun rises, the soft and graceful movements of a Tai chi class on.
The Emeraude’s restaurant offers delicious, freshly caught local seafood and other specialties. While enjoying breathtaking views of the bay, passengers can enjoy the simple and honest flavors
Cabins & Suites
On the Emeraude, buoyed by one of the world's most beautiful bays, little things matter. Colonial style brass fans. Hardwood floors. Beadboard walls. And the most comfortable beds on the bay. In every cabin, the rich decor evokes another age, when craftsmanship mattered more than the bottom line.
But make no mistake: The Emeraude makes concessions to the modern era, with air conditioning, electricity and other amenities typical of an upscale hotel room. No need to bring your own hair dryer. We've got that. Umbrellas, slippers, bathrobes. We've imagined all the contingencies so you'll be fully prepared to enjoy your cruise.
Services and Facilities
Designed with 38 Luxurious Cabins and one Suite, the 55 meter vessel is equipped with modern standards of comfort and safety. With inspiration from historic steamers, Emeraude was designed with the grandeur of yesteryear - refined interior décor, a 80-seat restaurant, bars, shops, massage rooms, swimming platform, complete with entertainment features and a boutique shop for souvenir collectors. It also has a 350m2 open upper deck lounge bar for holiday-makers to relax, sip their favorite champagne totally engulfed in the beautiful scenic Halong Bay. Ha Long Bay or Bay of the Descending Dragons is the UNESCO heritage site surrounded by crystal clear water hence the perfect spot for eco-tourism. Build with Eco friendly water and waste treatment systems, Emeraude received special permission from the Halong Tourism Authority to cruise within protected, natural reserves and gulfs of Halong Bay.
The Flavor
Dining on the Emeraude reflects the ambitions and aspirations of the vessel itself.
Vietnamese ingredients, enhanced by European culinary traditions, create a culinary experience without peer on Halong Bay.
Quality, good taste and elegance define every buffet in our classic wood-panelled dining room.
Lunch
After you board the Emeraude, the lunch buffet is quickly served. Look out for classics like chicken cordon bleu alongside pork tenderloin and a range of salads and lighter options. Fresh spring rolls offer a local flavour alongside freshly caught seafood.
Dinner
In the evening, dining is a stylish affair. The buffet includes rump steak and fresh Halong Bay steamed prawns. The selection includes shellfish, salads, soups and rice dishes. For dessert, choices vary from a range of cakes to old favorites like bread and butter pudding. There is also an array of tropical fruit.
Breakfast
Wake early to enjoy sunrise and it won't be long before aromas from the kitchen find you. Bacon, chipolatas, scrambled eggs and cold cuts await. A chef cooks omelettes to your specifications. A rice congee or "chao" adds local flavor while croissants and pastry add a European touch. Italian Lavazza coffee is served.
Drinks
Throughout your cruise, bars in the dining room and on the sundeck ensure satisfaction for every thirst. A lengthy wine list caters to all tastes. Cocktails beg to be drunk on the deck at sunset as canapés are served. For beer drinkers there is a range of international and local brews. Alternatively enjoy a coffee served hot or iced depending on the climate. A pot of green tea adds an additional authentic touch. Relax, we'll bring it to your table.
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