The Story of Emeraude Cruise – a Journey Through Time in Ha Long Bay

1. An Introduction to Emeraude Cruise

The Emeraude Classic Cruise is one of the most charming examples of nostalgic luxury tourism in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
The vessel brings back memories of the elegant French steamships that once sailed through the waters of Indochina in the early 20th century.
What makes Emeraude special is not only its journey through the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay, but also its fascinating historical story, beautifully reflected in its architecture, atmosphere and hospitality.i

2. The Historical Inspiration Behind Emeraude

The story of Emeraude is closely connected with the image of French steamships that operated in Ha Long Bay during the early 20th century, when Vietnam was part of French Indochina.
The name Emeraude means "emerald" in French, a poetic reference to the magnificent emerald-green waters of Ha Long Bay.
Today, the Emeraude cruise draws inspiration from these historic French vessels, combining traditional European elegance with the natural beauty of Vietnam.

3. An Interesting Story: From an Old Postcard in Paris to Ha Long Bay

Perhaps the most fascinating part of the Emeraude story began in Paris.
In 1999, a young French entrepreneur named Eric Merlin happened to discover three old postcards in a box labelled "Indochine" at a flea market in Paris.
One of the postcards featured a beautiful steamship named Emeraude sailing through Ha Long Bay.
Fascinated by the photograph, Eric Merlin became interested in the vessel's history and dreamed of bringing the spirit of this legendary ship back to life.
After extensive research, he discovered historical records connected with the Paul Roque family, who had owned a fleet of steamships operating in French Indochina.
According to historical accounts published by Emeraude Cruises, the original Emeraude was built in 1906. On March 16, 1937, the ship struck an underwater reef near Cam Pha and sank. Fortunately, there was no loss of life.
In December 2003, a new vessel named Emeraude Classic was built in Hai Phong and began sailing in Ha Long Bay, continuing the story of the legendary ship from the past.

4. Architecture and Onboard Experiences

Exterior: An elegant classic-style vessel with traditional colours and details reminiscent of European steamships.
Interior: Beautiful wooden furnishings and decorative elements inspired by French Indochinese architecture.
Facilities: Comfortable cabins, a restaurant, a bar and spacious outdoor decks offering spectacular views.
Cuisine: A selection of Vietnamese and international dishes.
Activities: Sightseeing cruises, cave visits, kayaking and relaxing on the sundeck while enjoying the magnificent scenery.
According to the cruise operator, Emeraude Classic can accommodate up to 80 passengers.

5. General Information for Visitors

Information Details
Cruise name Emeraude Classic
Operating area Ha Long Bay
Departure port Tuan Chau International Passenger Port
Design style French Classic – Indochinese
Published capacity Up to 80 passengers
Management company Thien Minh Group (TMG)