VIETNAM HALONG BAY: SAIL BACK IN TIME ON THE LUXURY HISTORICAL CRUISE BOAT EMERAUDE

Old world charm resurfaced on the calm water of Halong Bay 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 inlets.

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.

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.


For information please contact:
Kurt Walter
Emeraude Classic Cruises located at
Press Club Office Centre, Suite # 214,
59A Ly Thai To Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: +844 9340888
fax: +844 9340899
E-mail: kurtwalter@hanoi-pressclub.com
Website : www.emeraude-cruises.com