Posted by admin on June 20, 2011 under Emeraude Cruise, Halong Bay Cruises | 
The foundation myth of Vietnam’s
Halong Bay is one of blood and war, the countless limestone islets rising out of the water seeded by dragons sent from heaven to help the Vietnamese fight off an invading fleet from the north. Now, the bay embodies the very opposite of conflict, imparting to the visitor a supreme serenity.
In the early 1990s, the only tours of Halong Bay were in outboard motor-driven craft seating just a handful of visitors, amenities consisting of a barbecued lunch and a cooler full of beer — and the chance of a swim. Hardly a bad time, you might say, but a far cry from the luxury on offer in 2011, in the form of full-service overnight cruises aboard the replica French paddle steamer Emeraude.
When first glimpsed at the end of its dedicated pier, the Emeraude looks like it’s just arrived out of a time warp. Indeed, the original Emeraude and its sister ships were laid down around the turn of the last century, commissioned by an entrepreneurial French family to carry freight and pleasure cruisers around the bay. That vessel sank without loss of life in 1937, but its namesake — commissioned in 2003 — is a period masterpiece.
Painted white with deep green accents, the Emeraude forms a sharp counterpoint to the fake Chinese junks that make up the vast majority of the local tour boats. The illusion of French colonial splendor is maintained once on board, with period deck chairs, deeply polished wooden decks, brass fittings in all the interiors, and a crew turned out in perfect sailor white.
There is no doubt from the moment you step on board that the primary focus of an Emeraude cruise is comfort. No sooner have passengers made their way to the top deck to get their cabin keys than they find themselves with a fruit juice cocktail in hand — a small but welcome gesture after the two-hour ride from Hanoi. Luggage is whisked away to the small but immaculate cabins, each with a private washroom and beds so comfortable they’re hard to get out of.
Luckily, there are plenty of incentives to do just that. First of all, there’s the food. The cruise, which starts at about lunchtime and goes to late morning the following day, lays on three sumptuous meals in the second-deck dining room. Anyone expecting a private waiter and plates brought to tables under silver domes will be disappointed; this is not the White Star Line. What there is, however, is a buffet of magnificent proportions.
Often the image that comes to mind with the words “all you can eat buffet” is platters of greasy, lukewarm and heavily picked-over instant food. Emeraude meals are something else completely. The food is delicious, diverse and of gourmet caliber. Diners can go through several courses, mixing and matching Asian and Western foods every time without ever eating the same thing twice. And if the Chicken Cordon Bleu or giant prawns in tamarind sauce you were eyeing are gone by your second pass, have no fear; the stream of food from the kitchen is relentless.
If you’re looking for a little oomph in your mealtime drinks, the restaurant and two bars on board also offer a moderate selection of beers, wines and cocktails, though the prices are positively coma-inducing for anyone used to drinking out in Vietnam.
Of course, no-one gets on the Emeraude just to eat. This is a cruise of UNESCO World Heritage Site Halong Bay, and it does not disappoint.
The ship makes its way out of Bai Chay and traces a slow course for a network of caves called Sung Sot, or the Surprise Grotto, in one of the towering islands. “Discovered” by the French during the colonial period, the voluminous grotto covers some 10,000 square meters. One of the Emeraude’s crew gives a short explanation of the cave’s history before visitors are left to explore at their own pace. The cave interior is truly striking, though the effect is marred somewhat by the garish coloured lights, which “destroy the natural and historic feel to the caves,” as German visitor Philipp Imbusch put it.
However, the cave remains impressive, and the trip ashore via one of the Emeraude’s tenders is worth it even if just for the views afforded by the path up to the cave mouth.
From the caves, the ship will then move on to its evening mooring, where it drifts gently about its anchorage. For anyone who wants a swim, this is the time to do it. Kayak lessons can also be had, though this unfortunately entails a hefty extra charge.
However, set aside the kayaks, the caves, the food and the period detail, these long hours at anchor make the real reason to burn two precious vacation days on an Emeraude cruise fully apparent.
That reason is comfort combined with time; time to lose yourself completely in the silent beauty of Halong Bay, time that belongs just to you. Other than the sound of swimmers’ laughs and splashes bouncing off the nearby cliffs, there is nothing to disturb a reverie, a good book, or simple appreciation of this unique place. The minutes go by, the water turns from late afternoon gold to sunset pink, and nothing more is needed.
The mooring outside the Surprise Grotto. The cave interior is impressive, though the effect is marred by garish lighting. (Mainichi)
Once the sun has found its own moorings below the horizon, passengers head back to the dining room. After the meal, you can choose a screening of Catherine Deneuve’s “Indochine” about a French woman in colonial Vietnam (this is a replica French steamer, after all), a place at the bar, or more private moments in your cabin or staring out over the dark water.
The next morning, after a big breakfast and, for the early risers among us, tai chi at dawn, it is almost with regret that you step back on to dry land. Looking back at the Emeraude, already poised to prepare for its next group of guests, you think: “That was something special. I have to come back here again.” (By Robert Irvine, Staff Writer)
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IF YOU GO:
The best time of year to go just about anywhere in Vietnam is December through April, and prices reflect the better conditions.
Late afternoon at the Emeraude’s overnight anchorage in Halong Bay. (Mainichi)
Bookings can be made though travel agents or directly through Emeraude Cruises. Cabin prices listed on the Emeraude Cruises website range from U.S. $265 for a superior twin, to $490 for one of three suites. However, better deals may be available if you call or e-mail the office directly. Staff are fluent in English. Furthermore, if the suites are still vacant once you’re on board, you can get a bottle of champagne and an upgrade for $50 per person. All major credit cards accepted both at the office and on board.
Emeraude Cruises offers a very pricey shuttle service from Hanoi to Bai Chay. However, transport to Halong Bay can be booked at just about any travel agent, and cheaper options are plentiful.
Source: Mainichi Daily News
Posted by admin on March 26, 2011 under Emeraude Cruise |
There’s a different type of luxury in getting away from the trappings of the world. One where you experience the natural wonders of the Earth. One where you taste foods you’ve never tasted before, prepared in ways you’ve never seen before. One where you leave the stress, the hectic pace and the worries of the civilized world behind.
If that’s one of the ways you define luxury, then there is no more luxurious destination than Vietnam. In Vietnam, you won’t find any of the common sights and sounds of Western countries. You won’t find towering cathedrals, impressive monuments, colossal amphitheaters, or excavations of ancient civilizations. Rather, the fascination for Vietnam comes from its extraordinary beauty and simplicity of life, juxtaposed against its emerging economy.
During a recent trip to Vietnam, nothing said luxury like my excursion along Halong Bay. This bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is dotted with about 3,000 limestone karsts and isles. Local legend has it that long ago, when the Vietnamese were fighting Chinese invaders, the gods sent dragons to help defend the land. The dragons spit out jewels and jade, which turned into the islands and islets of Halong, forming a great wall against the invaders.
Most travelers opt for a short cruise on Halong Bay, half a day usually, to admire the beautiful waterway. But if you have more time and a flair for a romantic journey, I recommend a night aboard the Emeraude. That’s exactly what I did.
The Emeraude is a replica, one-of-a-kind steamer from the French Indochina days. When I stepped aboard, its polished wooden floors and brass fixtures and fittings exuded warmth and character. Its distinguished style offered a timeless elegance, and the service was impeccable.
Every cabin has a window and if it’s on the walkway, like mine was, it also includes a balcony and sitting area, although you won’t be spending too much time in your cabin. During the day, you can treat yourself to a soothing massage on the sun deck while sipping a refreshing cocktail and gazing at the rock formations reflected in the crystal clear water of the bay.
Or you can explore the huge caves with gorgeous stalactites and stalagmites that top the isles. I headed for the Hang Sung Sot Cave. This cave, whose name in English means Cave of Surprises, was named by a French explorer who was amazed by the size and beauty of the cave’s interior rooms. It is probably the most beautiful of all the caves found in this region of Vietnam.
When I exited the cave, I found myself high above Halong Bay, peering at a gorgeous panoramic view of the water, the mist, the limestone karsts and the women paddling boats laden with all sorts of things for sale – from conical hats to Ritz crackers and Oreo cookies. It’s truly an amazing site.
Back on the Emeraude, the swimming deck provides an opportunity for a dip in the cool waters of the bay surrounded by the majestic scenery. I relaxed with high tea, which is served in the late afternoon. For dinner, the Emeraude’s restaurant offers delicious freshly caught local seafood and other specialties.
I discovered my dream menu aboard the Emeraude. I couldn’t get enough of pho, a light, delicious Vietnamese soup made with a lovely, delicate beef stock, rice noodles and aromatic herbs. And I can’t forget to mention the spring rolls! Vietnamese spring rolls are made with bits of shrimp, sprouts, green onion, fresh basil and cilantro, artistically wrapped in a soft, thin rice pancake. Served along with several types of sauces for dipping, this is one luscious treat.
It’s so easy to understand why Vietnamese food is one of my favorite cuisines. It is healthy, fresh and naturally low in fat, yet so wonderfully delicious. It consists of fish and meat in small quantities, plenty of vegetables and fruit galore. And, while we here in the West love our freezers and microwave ovens, in Vietnam everything is fresh. If the spices were picked in the morning, by dinner time, you need a fresh supply.
A special treat aboard the Emeraude is the demonstration of Vietnamese culinary techniques and tips by the chef. It’s hands on, too, so you’ll get a chance to practice what the chef teaches and at home become the star chef among your family and friends.
After dinner, the Emeraude’s decks invite sitting and enjoying the magnificent sunset. When it’s dark, the film “Indochine” is screened under the stars. As you settle into your seat, glass of wine or cup of tea in hand, there was a gauzy fog draped haphazardly over the limestone karsts.
But that doesn’t obscure them or their beauty. As the movie progresses, the familiar karsts of Halong Bay appear, as lovely and mysterious on the screen as they are in real life. The next morning starts with taking in the calming silence of the bay while practicing T’ai Chi on the deck.
The entire trip aboard the Emeraude is a step back to another time. The excursion along Halong Bay ignited all of my senses. It was an exotic escape that is hard to match and one that every traveler should experience.
Source: IT Times
Posted by admin on February 8, 2011 under Emeraude Cruise, Halong Bay Cruises |
Emeraude Classic Cruises invites guests to dine in style in one of Halong Bay’s most stunning caves.
Emeraude Classic Cruises
Just one month after news hit the headlines that explorers had discovered the world’s largest cave in north-central Vietnam, plans started falling into place for what might be the world’s most exquisite caving experience.
A team of experts recently entered and measured Son Doong Cave, now uncontestably confirmed as the world’s biggest. Situated just a few hundred kilometers north, Halong Bay is geographically very similar, thanks primarily to the hundreds of limestone karsts and cavernous caves that dot the water.
Emeraude Classic Cruises, Halong Bay’s preeminent tour operator, will be hosting its annual Wine & Dine Cruise in May, featuring a gourmet dinner inside one of the caves.
“It’s about being on the inside looking out,” said Kurt Walter, general manager of Emeraude Classic Cruises. “Halong Bay from the deck of the ship is an incredible sight. Viewing it from the interior of Drum Cave is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Add a five-star dinner and you have a unique event that you’ll remember forever.”
The sumptuous four-course meal takes place in an atmospheric grotto. The elegant tableware, international standard cuisine and carefully chosen wines lend an otherworldly touch by the craggy ceiling, shadowy, candlelit crevices, and stunning nighttime view of the bay through the cave entrance.
“Vietnam has tremendous natural beauty,” said Walter. “Like Son Doong Cave, though, it’s often hidden away awaiting discovery. We’re bringing our guests into the middle of the landscape, making them a part of the spectacular beauty of Halong Bay, and letting them explore one of those never-seen places.”
The cruise will depart Saturday May 14th, after a breakfast at Hanoi’s legendary Press Club. Once onboard the replica of a 19th century paddle steamer, guests will enjoy a day of champagne, seafood buffet, volleyball on the shore of one of the Bay’s islands, tapas and a wine tasting before disembarking and entering Drum Cave for dinner.
After the meal, guests return to the Emeraude for a Johnnie Walker Blue and Singleton single malt tasting on the sun deck, before retiring to one of the classically appointed cabins below. The paddle steamer returns to shore on Sunday morning. Tickets are all-inclusive starting from $245 per person based on double occupancy.
While this will be the seventh year for the Wine & Dine cruise, 2011 has already seen increased international attention paid to Halong Bay. Lonely Planet magazine called out Halong Bay as the world’s second-best spot to go boating; and the Bay is in the running for classification as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Collected by Vietnam Hotel
Posted by admin on October 2, 2008 under Baitho Junks, Bhaya Cruise, Emeraude Cruise, Ginger Cruise Programs, Halong Bay Cruises, Halong Bay Overview, Halong Bay Tours, Halong Ginger Cruise, Halong Jasmine cruise, Huonghai Junks, Indochina Junks, Indochina Sails, Tips for Halong tours, Tropical Sails |
You’re recommended to bring
- Original Passport with valid visa
You’re not recommended to bring
- Pets or any kind of animal
- Inflammable and Explosives
How to get there
- 3 and a half hour by drive
Cruise Facilities
- Kayaking Service (Optional)
- A/C cabins with en-suite bathrooms
- Major credit cards accepted
Posted by admin on October 1, 2008 under Emeraude Cruise, Halong Bay Cruises |
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 left Bordeaux 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 replica steamer with 38 cabins meticulously designed to evoke the nostalgic charm of colonial Indochina.
