HALONG, Vietnam — Exotic travel, elegant living and a nostalgia for the Gatsby-esque glamour and good times of the 1920s are all elements of a new charter option to come out of famously beautiful Halong Bay in the north of Vietnam.
Emeraude Classic Cruises is launching an exclusive overnight charter offer for creative party planners and corporate groups looking for an out-of-the-ordinary venue to stage a milestone event, corporate getaway or special occasion.
The all-white Emeraude vessel, with its 34 cabins and 3 suites, was modeled on a historic paddle wheel steamer by the same name that plied the bay and Gulf of Tonkin from 1906 to 1937. The aesthetic of the modern-day Emeraude is reflective of its predecessor — polished wooden floors, beadboard walls and brass fittings evoke the charm of colonial Indochina.
Customizable itineraries and bespoke activities aboard the ship or in the bay are among the options open to groups chartering the boat, along with tai-chi and cooking classes, spa services, kayaking, film screenings and stopovers at the bay’s top attractions.
Items from past itineraries organized by the Emeraude for its partners and friends include themed afternoon cocktail parties on the top-deck, atmospheric fine-dining and live music performances set in the rocky mouth of a cave, as well as guided explorations of the bay’s countless hidden beaches, islands and coves.
Now, the Emeraude is dropping its gangplank to individuals, businesses and families from anywhere in the world who want to experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site in style from the freedom and privacy of their own boat. The Emeraude’s award-winning Swiss chef Marcel Isaak will collaborate with organizers on menus tailored to each group of guests.
“The only thing better than cruising Halong Bay on the Emeraude is cruising the bay as part of an extended party where you know all of the other passengers,” said Kurt Walter, the cruise’s general manager. “It’s a magical mix we’ve got with the pristine, old-world charm of this vessel, the breathtaking beauty of Halong’s seascape, and the camaraderie of good friends on an adventure together.”
Overnight charters on the Emeraude are priced from USD 12,000 to USD 13,500. Dinners in Drum Cave start from USD 70 per person, including cave rental, three-course menus, and decor.
For information and inquires, please contact Brenda Ho at dosm@appletree-asia.com.
