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 Tonkin.

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 day, 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 we variety of options for all.

Day 1: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay Emeraude Cruise
Day 2: Emeraude Cruise Ha Long Bay - Hanoi  

Day 1: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - Emeraude Cruise (Meals: Lunch/Dinner)

08.30-13.00: Pickup by private car at your hotel about 8.30. Spend 3 hour sight seeing country Vietnam on the way to Halong city. Arrive at Emeraude Pier just before 12.00 AM. Welcome by Emeraude staff and embark with the shuttle boat for short transfer (approximately 5 minutes) to the Emeraude. Welcome cocktail and check-in on board the Emeraude
13.00-16.00: Cruise on the Emeraude on Halong Bay passing by some of the most scenic locations including Yen Ngua, Con Coc mountains and a floating village. Vietnamese buffet lunch is served in the Emeraude restaurant from 13.00-14.30. Followed by an excursion to Sungsot Grotto (Grotto of Surprises) with optional guide to the grotto. En-route, enjoy the view from the sun deck, or relax for professional massage (this optional service is not include in our quote). Continue cruising on Halong bay.
16.00-18.30: Anchor near Trinh Nu & Hang Trong caves. Swimming, Kayaking if weather permitted (Kayaking is optional, so not included in our service)
19.00-21.00: Vietnamese buffet dinner is served in the Emeraude dinning room. The Emeraude anchored between breathtaking Trinh Nu and Hang Trong Cave. Accommodation and overnight on board.

Day 2: Emeraude Cruise - Ha Long Bay - Hanoi  (Meals: Breakfast)

Early moring-07.00: Attend in a Tai chi course to relax yourself in the early morning of Orient or wake up early to see Sunrise.
07.00-09.00: The Emeraude sail once again through the breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay heading for Halong city, it is your time to take breakfast with European buffet breakfast at the Emeraude restaurant.  
09.00-09.30: Check out of cabin.
09.30-10.00: Transfer by shuttle boat to Emeraude Pier. Pick-up by our car.
10.00 till afternoon: Transfer back to your hotel in Hanoi. End of service.

Tour includes:

•    Air-conditioned vehicle transfer
•    In-house English-speaking Tour Guide
•    Welcome Cocktail
•    Entrance fee for Halong Bay
•    Air-conditioned en-suite cabin
•    Tax and service charges
•    Vietnamese buffet lunch and dinner and European breakfast buffet.
•    Insurance onboard

Tour excludes:

•    Airfares and Hotels in Hanoi
•    Visa arrangements( available on request)
•    Beauty spa services and massage
•    Kayaking
•    Beverages
•    Tips and personal nature expenses
•    All other services not clearly mentioned above

Service & Facilities on board

•    Cruise Itinerary and Program
•    In-house English-speaking Tour Guide
•    Luxury Cabins and Suites with A/C
•    Luxury en-suite Bathroom
•    Toiletries, Hairdryer, Bathrobe and Slippers
•    Telephone, Mini Bar and Safe
•    Dining Room, Bar and Sundeck
•    Full-board Deluxe Meals
•    International- standard Wine and Cigar List
•    Kayaking and Snorkeling
•    Beauty Services and Massage
•    Cooking Demonstration (bad weather only)
•    Cabin Service (Snack Meals)
•    Light Entertainment and Happy Hour
•    Movie Nights, Board Games and Night Fishing
•    Meeting Facilities and Equipment (charter only)
•    Special Theme Cruises (charter only)
•    Leisure Activities (charter only)
•    Safety Facilities and Equipment
•    English-speaking Crew and Professional Management

Things To Bring:

•    Original passport
•    Insect repellence
•    Sun hat
•    Sun block
•    Film and camera
•    Swimsuites

Important notes:

•    The cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change with or without prior notice.
•    The following details are required at least one week prior to cruise for advance registration: client’s full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number and dates permitted to stay in Vietnam.
•    A val passport is required upon check in on board. Children whose traveling documents are attached to parent’s passport must travel with the parent.
•    Insurance is not included. Clients are recommended to take their own insurance before departure.
•    The following credit cards are accepted on board: Amex, Visa and MasterCard.

Emeraude Classic Cruises was launched on December 16, 2003, the first ever luxury cruise ship designed as a direct inspiration from the past. Holiday-makers on Emeraude will cruise around scenic, memorable and beautiful 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 and other parts of Vietnam from 1906 to 1945 from a black and white postcard he bought in France!

With inspiration from these historic steamers, Emeraude has been designed in the traditional of the grand steamers of past 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 Jacques Lefur and Cruise Manager Bertrand Fromm, the 35 multilingual members crew is well trained in safety and service requirements.

Emeraude is a 55m length steamer boat features 3 decks, 39 full view cabins & suites, 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 Taichi (a kind of yoga) class on.

The rooms: Each bespoke cabin exudes warmth and character with high standards of workmanship, distinguished style and impeccable service. With its polished wooden floors and brass fixtures and fittings the Emeraude’s rooms offer timeless elegance.

The restaurant: The Emeraude’s restaurant offers delicious, freshly caught local seafood and other specialities. While enjoying breathtaking views of the bay, passengers can enjoy the simple and honest flavours of traditional fare.From the 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 t’ai chi class on the deck complement the atmospheric silence of the bay