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Every day, the Emeraude journeys through one of the world’s most dazzling
natural wonders and into the sepia realm of a dream. Named for a cruising
vessel that plied these waters between 1906 and 1937, the Emeraude aspires
to the magnificence of the bay itself. Its air-conditioned cabins, en suite
bathrooms, award-winning cuisine and spacious deck space set the stage for
the voyage of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCE THE JADE GREEN WATERS
Halong Bay - Vietnam
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Early French tourists who wandered among the 10,000 square meters of this
cavern dubbed this space “Grotte des Surprises”, or Surprise Cave. Sung Sot
more than lives up to its name on Bon Ho Island, situated right at the heart of
the UNESCO-recognised World Heritage area. From the wharf, 50 steep stone
steps lead up to the entrance, but the view is worth the effort. The grotto
features thousands of stalactites and stalagmites. Paths, lights and signposts
guide you through two caves which continue to offer yet more twists, turns
and, yes, surprises throughout.
GO CAVING AT SUNG SOT GROTTO
Sung Sot Cave
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Halong Bay is rich in natural beauty and wildlife. Ancient trees are home to a
diverse bird population including Black Kites, herons, egrets, terns and gulls.
WILDLIFE
Halong Bay Wildlife
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Sixteen hundred people live on Halong Bay fishing villages in a calm bay
surrounded by limestone karsts. Most, not surprisingly, earn their living by
fishing and spend almost their entire existence living on the water.
FLOATING VILLAGE
Halong Bay fishing villages
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The Emeraude anchors at Hang Trong. Hang Trong or Drum Cave, refers to a
nearby cave that earned its name as a result of the sound made as the wind blows
through its stalagmites and stalactites. The waters here are quiet for swimming
and there is lots to explore by kayak.
HANG TRONG AnCHORAGE
Hang Trong Cave
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Try your hand at squid fishing with the Emeraude crew.
SQUID ANYONE
Squid fishing
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After dark, gather topside for a viewing of “Indochine”, projected on deck with
surround sound and surround scenery. An unparalleled movie experience.
BEHOLD THE SILVER SCREEN
“Indocina” film
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To enjoy the ultimate serenity in the ultimate location, meet our tai chi instructor
on the sun deck at dawn with complimentary tea and coffee.
TAI CHI, HALONG STYLE
Tai chi on Emeraude
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When it comes to photography,
Halong Bay is a challenge. No
question about it. On board the
Emeraude, we’ve heard more
than a few passengers voice
frustration over not being able
to capture through the lens
what they feel in person.
Recently, we spoke
with Kris LeBoutillier,
a photojournalist who
has worked with National
Geographic Traveler across
Asia and Australia. Here’s
what Kris has to say about
taking picture on Halong Bay.
What should photographers be thinking
about as they make plans for Halong Bay?
If you’re going specifically for
photography, you have to go at the
best time of the year. Go for the optimal
amount of good light. The second thing
is a wide angle lens. You want as much
How to Shoot Halong Bay
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of the beautiful bay at the right time as
you can. Whether you are at water level,
or on a hill looking down, the whole
point is to get the wide shot to show
vastness.
What else would you recommend before
traveling to the bay?
Read up on the stories, the legends,
the history. This will give you inspiration.
As you appreciate how others, from a
perspective of history or legends, see the
bay, you’ll then have some impressions
to go for in your pictures. Except that in
Halong Bay so many of the stories are
about dragons. No one’s going to get to
capture dragons. No, but you may get
mist and early morning light that’s very
soft, or afternoons where you get that long
light late in the day. With the right kind of
weather, and the lovely limestone, you’re
going to get the ambiance of an East
Asian fairy tale. That’s where your dragons
come in.
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Stepping onto the Emeraude is as
transporting as time travel. And the vessel’s
history is as captivating as a fine old yarn.
The Postcard. In 1999, a young French
entrepreneur Eric Merlin was rummaging
in the St. Ouen flea market in Paris,
looking - as was his habit - for anything
old with links to Vietnam and Indochina.
On this day, he found three postcards,
dated 1916, 1917 and 1919. Two
pictured paddle steamers in Halong
Bay. A third showed a steamer at port
in nearby Haiphong. A magnifying glass
revealed the name of one of the vessels,
the “Emeraude”. For some time, the cards
lay in Eric’s desk in Paris. From time to
time, he took them out and showed them
to friends. He dreamed of finding the
old vessels. Later, as those prospects
dimmed, a new dream took sail.
ABOUT THE FOUNDER
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FACTSHEET
DESTINATION
Only a mere 3 hours drive from Hanoi,
Vietnam is one of the great natural
wonders of the world and a UNESCO
World Heritage Site, Halong Bay
covers an area of 1,500km 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.
HISTORY
In 1910 a paddle steamer called the
Emeraude was offering unforgettable
cruises in Halong Bay for visitor 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.
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CONCEPT
The Emeraude offers a regular one night
2 days cruise & charter service on board
a luxurious replica steamer with 37 cabins
meticulously designed to evoke the
nostalgic charm of colonial Indochina . A
chance to experience timeless elegance
and nostalgia of a by-gone era on board
Halong’s finest.
ACCOMMODATION
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. All cabins have two way
air-conditioning, en suite bathrooms with
private shower.
Cabin configuration
34 Luxury Cabins
(04 Standard, 08 Superior, 22 Deluxe)
01 Paul Roque Suite
01 Suite Emeraude
01 Captain’s Suite
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DINING
The Restaurant
The Emeraude’s restaurant offers
delicious, freshly caught local seafood and
other specialties.
Sun deck Bar
A bar lounge serves refreshing cocktails
and beverages ,it also provides relaxing
sun beds.
ACTIVITIES
• Tai chi classes on the Sun deck
• Kayaking
• Vietnamese food preparation demonstration
• Squid fishing
• Visit to Sung Sot Cave or Surprise Grotto
• Visit to Floating Village
• Evening Movie show “Indochine”
• Swimming
FACILTIES
• Spa Facilities
• Major credit cards accepted - Visa,
AMEX and Master Card
• Souvenirs and gifts
• First Aid and life jackets
• Multilingual Staff
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Shuttle service
For independent travelers, Emeraude
ferries passengers between Hanoi and
the vessel’s Pier on Halong bay daily. It
leaves Hanoi Sales Office each morning at
8.00am and departs the pier at 12.00pm.
Emeraude Cafe
From shuttle to cruiser, we anticipate
virtually direct boarding but, for those
arriving independently, The Emeraude
Cafe offers a comfortable place to spend
time until embarkation. Shop for souvenirs
or enjoy a drink or snack. The Café serves
a wide selection of
international food including freshly made
sandwiches, panini and pizzas. In addition,
there are teas, coffees, fresh juices and a
wide ranging wine list. The Emeraude Cafe
also provides complimentary WIFI access.
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2D1N Cruise Program
DAY 1
12:00 - 12:15 Register/Check-in at Emeraude Café
12:15 - 12:20 Embarkation
12:20 - 12:25 Captain Raises Anchor
12:25 - 14:30 Cruising Halong Bay
12:45 - 14:00 Vietnamese & International Buffet Lunch
14:00 - 15:00 Free & Easy
15:00 - 16:30 Guided Shore Excursion to Sung Sot Grotto
and Floating Village
16:30 - 17:00 Crepe Station on Sundeck
17:00 - 18:00 Kayaking or Swimming
18:00 - 18:30 Vietnamese Fresh Spring Roll Cooking Class
(Sundeck)
18:30 - 19:30 Complimentary Canapes on Sundeck
19:30 - 21:00 Vietnamese & European dinner buffet served
21:00 - 22:00 Bills Settlement (Optional)
20:00 - 22:00 Squid Fishing (Seasonal)
20:30 - 23:00 Silver Screen “Indochine”
Intineraries
DAY 2
06:00 - 07:00: Complimentary cafe gourmand served on
the Sundeck
06:30 - 07:00: Learn ancient art of Tai Chi on Sundeck
07:00 - 08:00 Leave Luggage/Bags Outside Cabins
07:30 - 09:30 Cruising Halong Bay
07:00 - 08:30 Energizing breakfast served
08:30 - 09:00 Check-Out
09:30 - 10:00 Disembarkation
10:00 - 10:15 Drop Off Point: Emeraude Café
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3D2N Cruise Program
DAY 1
12:00 - 12:15 Register/Check-in at Emeraude Café
12:15 - 12:20 Embarkation
12:20 - 12:25 Captain Raises Anchor
12:25 - 14:30 Cruising Halong Bay
12:45 - 14:00 Vietnamese & International Buffet Lunch
14:00 - 15:00 Free & Easy
15:00 - 16:30 Guided Shore Excursion to Sung Sot Grotto
and Floating Village
16:30 - 17:00 Crepe Station on Sundeck
17:00 - 18:00 Kayaking or Swimming
18:00 - 18:30 Vietnamese Fresh Spring Roll Cooking Class
(Sundeck)
18:30 - 19:30 Complimentary Canapes on Sundeck
19:30 - 21:00 Vietnamese & European dinner buffet served
21:00 - 22:00 Bills Settlement (Optional)
20:00 - 22:00 Squid Fishing (Seasonal)
20:30 - 23:00 Silver Screen “Indochine”
DAY 2 (Rock Climbing, Cruising, Kayaking on Moody Island)
06:00 - 07:00 Complimentary cafe gourmand served on
the Sundeck
06:30 - 07:00 Learn ancient art of Tai Chi on Sundeck
07:00 - 08:00 Energizing breakfast served
07:45 - 08:00 Transfer to fishing boat
08:15 - 10:15 Cruise through Ha Long Bay to less traveled
Lan Ha Bay
10:15 - 11:30 Visit beaches, Archways and Kayaking
11:45 - 12:30 VIP Lunch and transfer to Moodys Beach
12:30 - 15:15 Rock Climb on Moodys Beach (option kayaking)
15:20 - 17:15 Cruise through Lan Ha Bay to rejoin Emeraude
18:30 - 19:00 Free Canapes on Sundeck
19:00 - 21:00 Vietnamese & European dinner buffet served
21:00 - 22:00 Bills Settlement (Optional)
20:30 - 23:00 Squid Fishing (Seasonal)
20:30 - 23:00 Silver Screen “Indochine”
DAY 3
06:00 - 07:00: Complimentary cafe gourmand served on
the Sundeck
06:30 - 07:00: Learn ancient art of Tai Chi on Sundeck
07:00 - 08:00 Leave Luggage/Bags Outside Cabins
07:30 - 09:30 Cruising Halong Bay
07:00 - 08:30 Energizing breakfast served
08:30 - 09:00 Check-Out
09:30 - 10:00 Disembarkation
10:00 - 10:15 Drop Off Point: Emeraude Café