Brief
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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. He'd rebuild one of the old paddle steamers. The vision was far more than mere homage. He planned to launch the boat on Halong Bay. The realisation would conjure, not just a much missed means of transport, but a lost era of glamour, romance and discovery. Despite excellent connections and an impressive track record at a successful Vietnam-based travel company, Exotissimo, he found himself unable to attract investors. No matter. In January 2003, with postcards as the only guide, he commissioned boat builders to bring back the Emeraude. |
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2 Days Program & Rate
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Day 1: Hanoi - Halong (L.D)07:45 - 08:00 Pick you up at your hotel 11:30 - 12:00 Registration, safety briefing at Emeraude Cafe 12:00 - 12:15 Embarkation 12:15 - 12:30 Check-in 12:30 - 12:45 Captain raises anchor 12:45 - 14:30 Cruising Halong Bay 12:45 - 14:00 Vietnamese & International Buffet Lunch 14:00 - 14:30 Free & easy 14:30 - 15:30 Guided shore excursion to Song Sot Grotto 15:30 - 16:30 Cruising Halong Bay 15:30 - 16:00 Crepe Station on Sundeck 16:00 - 17:00 Guided tour of Pearl Farm, swims or kayaks* 17:00 - 17:45 Cruising Halong Bay 18:00 - 18:30 Vietnamese Fresh Spring Roll Cooking Class 18:30 - 19:00 Cocktails on the Sundeck (Chargeable) 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 Screening of highly acclaimed classic "Indochine" |
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Day 2: Ha Long Bay (B) 06:00 - 07:00 Complimentary cafe gourmand served on the Sundeck06:30 - 07:00 Learn ancient art of Tai Chi on Sundeck 07:00 - 08:00 Leave luggage/bags outside cabins 07:00 - 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 Tour prices Include: - Accommodation on boat - Welcome Cocktail - Shore and bay excursion entrance fees, - Three meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast) - Insurance on boat - 5% services charge add 10% value added tax Tour prices Exclude: - All Airfares, transfer and hotel - Visa arrangement - Kayak and Sapa service, beverages - Items excluded in rates inclusion Children Policy - US$ 65 net/child from 6 to 11 years old, sleeping on mattress, sharing twin/double cabin with full paying adults, limited to one child per two adult. - Free of charge for children below 6 years old, limited to one child per two adults. - Babay cot is provided subjected to availability. - Children above 12 years old must occupy a berth. |
Prices in USD for Per Person:
| 2 DAYS PROGRAM | Nov 2011 – Apr 2012 | May 2012 – Oct 2012 | |||
| Rates | Double/Twin Cabin | Extra Bed | Double/Twin Cabin | Extra bed | |
| Standard cabin | 119 | NA | 109 | NA | |
| Superior cabin | 149 | NA | 137 | NA | |
| Deluxe cabin | 179 | NA | 168 | NA | |
| Suite cabin | 209 | NA | 197 | NA | |
| Single | Single Supplement is 70% of doulbe occupancy rate | ||||
| Children 6 -11 |
77 Stay with parent |
NA |
77 Stay with parent |
NA | |
| Children 12 | Charged as adult | NA | Charged as adult | NA | |
| Children up 6 | FOC | NA | FOC | NA | |
| Surcharge | 20 USD/person for 24-25 Dec 2012 | 20 USD/person for 31 Dec & 22-23-Jan 2012 | |||
| Charter rates | 9,808.00 | 9,142.00 | |||
| Transfer | Shuttle bus | Private car | 4 seats car | 7 seats car | 16 seats car |
| Hanoi - Halong - Hanoi | 40/ Adult | Price per pax | 45 per pax | 50 per pax | 55 per pax |
| Hanoi - Ha Long - Noi Bai airport | NA | 55 per pax | 60 per pax | 65 per pax | |
3 Days Program & Rate
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Day 1: Hanoi - Halong (L.D) 07:45 - 08:00 Pick you up at your hotel 11:30 - 12:00 Registration at Emeraude Cafe 12:00 - 12:15 Embarkation 12:15 - 12:30 Check-in 12:30 - 12:45 Captain raises anchor 12:45 - 14:00 Refreshing Vietnamese & Int'l buffet lunch served 14:00 - 14:30 Free & easy 14:30 - 15:30 Shore excursion to Song Sot Grotto 15:30 - 16:00 Crepe Station on Sundeck  16:00 - 17:00 Visit Pearls' Farm, swims or kayaks* 18:00 - 18:30 Vietnamese Fresh Spring Roll Cooking Class 18:30 - 19:00 Cocktails on the Sundeck 19:00 - 21:00 Gourmet VN seafood & European dinner buffet served 20:30 - 23:00 Squid Fishing (Seasonal) 20:30 - 23:00 Screening of highly acclaimed classic "Indochine" |
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Day 2: Ha Long Bay (B.L.D) Option 1: Nature walk, cultural immersion on Lien Minh village06:00 - 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 08:00 - 08:15 Depart The Emeraude Cruises, Ha Long Bay 08:15 - 10:30 Cruise through Ha Long Bay to less traveled Lan Ha Bay 10:30 - 11:00 Coastline transfer into the small farming village of Lien Minh 11:00 - 11:45 VIP Lunch 11:45 - 14:15 Nature Walk, Cooking Class, Village Experience  14:30 - 17:15 Cruise through Lan Ha Bay to rejoin The Emeraude Cruises 17:30 - 18:30 Freshen up and share the day's adventure 18:30 - 19:00 Cocktails on the Sundeck 20:30 - 23:00 Squid Fishing (Seasonal) 19:00 - 21:00 Gourmet VN seafood & European dinner buffet served Option 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 served08:00 - 08:15 Depart The Emeraude Cruises, Ha Long Bay 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 Moody’s Beach 12:30 - 15:15 Rock Climb on Moody’s Beach (option kayaking) 15:20 - 17:15 Cruise through Lan Ha Bay to rejoin The Emeraude Cruises 17:30 - 18:30 Freshen up and share the day's adventure 18:30 - 19:00 Cocktails on the Sundeck 20:30 - 23:00 Squid Fishing (Seasonal) 19:00 - 21:00 Gourmet VN seafood & European dinner buffet served |
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Day 3: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi (B) 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 07:00 - 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 Tour prices Include: - Accommodation on boat - Welcome Cocktail - Entrance Fee to HaLong Bay and Lien Minh Village or Moody Island - Tax and service charges - Full Board meals - Insurance on boat Tour prices Exclude: - All Airfares, transfer and hotel - Visa arrangement - Kayak and Sapa service - All service non-mentioned befor Children Policy - Children under 7 years old will be charged half of price |
Prices For per person:
| 3 DAYS PROGRAM | Nov 2011 – Apr 2012 | May 2012 – Oct 2012 | |||
| Rates | Double/Twin Cabin | Extra Bed | Double/Twin Cabin | Extra bed | |
| Standard cabin | 258 | NA | 241 | NA | |
| Superior cabin | 301 | NA | 283 | NA | |
| Deluxe cabin | 343 | NA | 327 | NA | |
| Suite cabin | 461 | NA | 446 | NA | |
| Children upder 7 | Chidren under 7 will be charged hafl price | Chidren under 7 will be charged hafl price | |||
| Surcharge | 20 USD/ person for 24-25 Dec 2012 | 20 USD / person for 31 Dec & 22-23-Jan 2012 | |||
| Transfer | Shuttle bus | Private car | 4 seats car | 7 seats car | 16 seats car |
| Hanoi - Halong - Hanoi | 40/ Adult | Price per pax | 119 per pax | 131 per pax | 145 per pax |
| Hanoi - Ha Long - Noi Bai airport | NA | 139 per pax | 155 per pax | 170 per pax | |
Cabins
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On the Emeraude, buoyed by one of the world's most beautiful bays, little things matter. Colonial style brass fans. Hardwood floors. Beadboard walls. And the most comfortable beds on the bay. In every cabin, the rich decor evokes another age, when craftsmanship mattered more than the bottom line. But make no mistake: The Emeraude makes concessions to the modern era, with air conditioning, electricity and other amenities typical of an upscale hotel room. No need to bring your own hair dryer. We've got that. Umbrellas, slippers, bathrobes. We've imagined all the contingencies so you'll be fully prepared to enjoy your cruise. Cabins 12m2 Suites 25m2 |
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Food & Dinning
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The Flavor Dining on the Emeraude reflects the ambitions and aspirations of the vessel itself. Vietnamese ingredients, enhanced by European culinary traditions, create a culinary experience without peer on Halong Bay. Quality, good taste and elegance define every buffet in our classic wood-panelled dining room. Lunch After you board the Emeraude, the lunch buffet is quickly served. Look out for classics like chicken cordon bleu alongside pork tenderloin and a range of salads and lighter options. Fresh spring rolls offer a local flavour alongside freshly caught seafood. Sample Menu Appetizer and Salads: Cabbage and Carrot Salad, Selection of Seasonal Lettuces, The Emeraude Club Sandwich, Pasta Salad with chipolata salad, Fresh Seafood and Pork Spring Rolls, Fried Spring Rolls “Hue Style”, Green papaya salad with dried beef Assorted Condiments: Wine Vinegar and Olive Oil, Calypso Mayonnaise Sauce, American Mustard, Chopped White & Egg Yolk, Sliced Tomatoes, Sliced Onion, Green Sweet Chili Pepperoni, Sliced Cucumber, Black & Green Olives, Pickled Onions, Semi Sweet Pickled Gherkins, Fresh Red Chili, Sliced Lime, Soya Sauce, Chili Sauce, Soya Sauce, Sweet Chili Sauce, Soya Sauce, Japanese Wasabi Mustard, Chili Fish Sauce Soup, Bread Basket & Butter: Cream of Seasonal Vegetables, Farmer Bread & French Bread Baguette with Butter Main Courses: Sauteed squid with curry coconut milk sauce, Deep fried fish with breadcrumb, Steamed Clam with ginger, Pork Tenderloin with Mustard Sauce, Grilled Chicken with Lemon Leave and lemon grass, Sautéed Seasonal vegetable with Oyster Sauce, Gratin potatoes, Seafood fried rice Desserts: Selection of Fresh Tropical Fruits, Vietnamese CHE station, Swiss Apple Tart with Custard, Chocolate cake, French pastries VEGETARIAN OPTION (REQUEST AT TIME OF BOOKING REQUIRED) Starter: Vietnamese fresh spring roll with rice noodle and vegetable, Green papaya salad with herb and roasted peanut Soup: Cream of potatoes soup Main Courses: Deep fried tofu with tomato sauce Served with steamed rice and seasonal vegetable OR Pasta with herb cream sauce served with garlic butter bread. Desserts: Available at the buffet Dinner In the evening, dining is a stylish affair. The buffet includes rump steak and fresh Halong Bay steamed prawns. The selection includes shellfish, salads, soups and rice dishes. For dessert, choices vary from a range of cakes to old favorites like bread and butter pudding. There is also an array of tropical fruit. Sample Menu Appetizer and Salads: Selection of Dalat Garden Greens, Red Cabbage and Pineapple, Lotus Salad with Prawns, Baby potatoes salad with crispy bacon, Banana flower salad with BBQ chicken, Fried Spring Rolls “Saigon Style”, Selection of Cold Cuts Assorted Condiments: Wine Vinegar and Olive Oil, Calypso Mayonnaise Sauce, American Mustard, Chopped White & Egg Yolk, Sliced Tomatoes, Sliced Onion, Green Sweet Chili Pepperoni, Sliced Cucumber, Black & Green Olives, Pickled Onions, Semi Sweet Pickled Gherkins, Fresh Red Chili, Sliced Lime, Soya Sauce, Chili Sauce, Soya Sauce, Sweet Chili Sauce, Soya Sauce, Japanese Wasabi Mustard, Chili Fish Sauce Soup, Bread Basket & Butter: Emeraude Seafood SouP, Farmer Bread & French Bread Baguette with Butter Main Courses: Fried Fish Fillet with Tomato Butter Sauce, Tempura squid, Freshly Steamed Prawns with ginger, Grilled Beef Strip Loin with Green Pepper Corn Sauce, Chicken Cordon Blue, Braised Ratatouille with Tomatoes, Sautéed potatoes with parsley, Steamed rice Desserts: Selection of Fresh Tropical Fruits, Vietnamese CHE station, Moca chocolate cake, French pastry, Carrot cake VEGETARIAN OPTION (REQUEST AT TIME OF BOOKING REQUIRED) Starter & Salads: Deep fried vegetable NEM, Fresh garden salad with dipping sauce Soup: Seafood soup Main Courses: Penne with vegetable cream sauce served with roasted tomatoes with olives oil OR Fried rice with vegetable served with steamed tofu with Soya bean sauce Desserts: Available at the buffet Breakfast Wake early to enjoy sunrise and it won't be long before aromas from the kitchen find you. Bacon, chipolatas, scrambled eggs and cold cuts await. A chef cooks omelets to your specifications. A rice congee or "chao" adds local flavor while croissants and pastry add a European touch. Italian Lavazza coffee is served. Sample Menu Fruit Juices: Orange Juice, Apple Juice, Peach Juice, Mineral Water, Variety of Fresh Tropical Fruits Milk & Corn Flakes: Kellogg’s Corn Flakes with Milk, Fresh fruit with Yogurt Cold Cuts and Salad: Assorted Dalat Garden Greens with Calypso Dressing, Sliced Salami, Ham Bread Basket & Butter: Selection of Danish Pastries, Croissant, Mini Danish Kaya, Apple strudel, Sliced Toast Bread and Whole Wheat Bread with Toaster, Strawberry Jam, Bitter Orange Marmalade , Apricot jam with Imported Butter Main Courses: Vegetable Chicken Egg Omelet, Scrambled Eggs, Fried egg, Poached egg, Grilled Bacon and Chipolata Sausage, Roast Potatoes with Bacon, Rice Porridge Station with all the Condiments Beverages: Freshly Brewed Coffee and English Breakfast Tea Drinks Throughout your cruise, bars in the dining room and on the sundeck ensure satisfaction for every thirst. A lengthy wine list caters to all tastes. Cocktails beg to be drunk on the deck at sunset as canapés are served. For beer drinkers there is a range of international and local brews. Alternatively enjoy a coffee served hot or iced depending on the climate. A pot of green tea adds an additional authentic touch. Relax, we'll bring it to your table. |
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Entertainment & Activities
| 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. |
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