Emeraude Classic Cruises recently launched "Emeraude", Halong Bay's first ever luxury liner who's unique and inspired design draws directly from Vietnam's colonial past. Now lucky holiday-makers can stay on the Emeraude while cruising 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 from 1906 to 1945 from a black and white postcard he bought in - of all places - France.
He has always been interested in Indochina's development from its early colonial years and in this case, with magnifying glass in hand, he investigated the steamers from his recently acquired postcards and decided to rebuild Emeraude, the original of these exceptional vessels.
"With inspiration from the historic steamers pictured on the postcard, Emeraude was designed with the grandeur of yesteryear - refined interior décor, 37 full view cabins and suites, an 80-seat restaurant . . . " Merlin explianed. The boat also features a choice of bars, shops, massage rooms, swimming platform, and comprhensive entertainment features.
Emeraude boasts a 350 square metre open-air lounge and bar on the upper deck for holiday-makers to relax and enjoy their favourite champagne or cocktail while embracing the stunning vistas of scenic Halong Bay.
As a traveller himself, Merlin felt that the current stay aboard options didn't fit the bill. So, with his prized postcard, he decided to build Emeraude to answer both his requirements and the dreams of other holiday-makers.
Emeraude operates a two-day-one-night cruise from Halong Bay cruising towards Cat Ba Island. Authentic Vietnamese seafood buffets are served on the first day and an American buffet breakfast on the second morning.
Emeraude's General Manager Mr. Kai Schroeter expalined that Emeraude designed its unique itinerary differently to other cruise boats operating in Halong Bay, concentrating on relaxation and eco-tourism rather than stressful visits to multpile grottos, mountainous climbs and expansive beaches.
Built with 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.
By the Elephant
For Details Contact:
Suite 214, Press Club Centre
59A Ly Thai To Street
Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: (84-4) 934 0888
Fax: (84-4) 934 0899
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