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 km? 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 dГ©cor, 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

January 19, 2005   Posted in: Vietnam