Some 1,600 islands rise from the emerald waters that make up Halong Bay. Rainforests, limestone caves and the varieties of wildlife present still remain untouched by human presence. This is why Halong stays synonymous with Vietnam’s biodiversity, nature-forward priorities and untouched beauty. It is no wonder that its mystical atmosphere leaves people no other choice but to add it to their bucket list. A trip to the northeast area of the country must include a cruise, one that zigzags through the century-old rock formations and permits guests to delve deeper into the nature and culture. Enter Emperor Cruises. 

It’s not everyday that someone can enjoy a nice bubble bath whilst staring out into turquoise waters, floating by cliffs and caves. It’s not everyday monkeys come out of their habitat to investigate the bamboo boats which one is sitting on. And it’s not everyday that someone can experience Vietnamese martial arts whilst watching the sunrise over the Halong Bay area. However, these are just a few things which happen in a short time-span onboard Emperor Cruises in Vietnam. 

As a member of the Lux Group, Emperor Cruises specializes in luxury tourism around the Halong Bay area. They introduced the first ever all-inclusive Vietnamese cruise experience, giving guests the opportunity to not only see the wonders of the archipelagos but to immerse themselves in local culture as well. Whether visitors stay onboard for one, two or three nights, adventure is guaranteed. From cycling around a local village in Cat Ba to exploring limestone caves and even trying out squid fishing, Emperor Cruises doesn’t just stick to the wonders of Halong Bay.  

Initially created to take part in the sunset and day trip market in the Nha Trang Bay area, Emperor Cruises quickly expanded to include overnight stays in 2017. They now have a total of ten ships in their fleet which continuously circulates over the seasons. Whilst the project started in 2014, they first set sail in the summer of 2015. They took inspiration from Emperor Bao Dai, the 13th and final emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. In particular, the team was interested in his recreational activities where he spent his time in Nha Trang. By doing this, they manage to tap into the more cultural side of tourism, enabling guests to appreciate the views as well as the history.

The interior design of the ships take creative inspiration from original decor dating back to the 1930s. Each ship has only 10 suites, a detail which ensures an intimate and attentive cruise experience. Upon entering the room, one can’t help but stand in awe, staring through the large glass windows adjacent the bed and take in the picturesque views of Halong Bay. The experience includes many instagram-able moments. One of the most aesthetic opportunities is within the room itself; the bathtub parallel to another large window screen, overlooking the rock formations and open water. It is a photographer’s haven.

Each room is spacious and contains all the necessities: a large comfortable bed, mini fridge, and 24-hour room service. However, their Royal Suites include other amenities which can only be described as bonuses on a cruise like this one. A private terrace, bar area and a jacuzzi bathtub. Whether or not guests decide to splurge on these upgrades, the overall decor and attention to detail is seen throughout the ship. 

The dark wooden structures, winding staircases and captivating art in the hallways create an authentic and royal atmosphere. The upper deck leads to an exterior area for all guests to watch the sunset, lounge in the sun and enjoy cocktails from the adjacent bar area. It is also one the most serene places to try some finger food, served every afternoon at tea time on board. Guests shouldn’t indulge too much, however, as the fine dining experience is enjoyed best on an empty stomach. 

From the four-course lunch and dinners to the buffet breakfast, dining onboard the Emperor Cruises adds another layer of opulence to an adventure-packed experience. Guests can expect innovative oyster dishes, lobster and beef tenderloin as the stars of the show. Their soups and salads start the meals with surprisingly bold flavors which creates excitement for what’s to come next. 

Each dish is presented as if it were served at a renowned five-star establishment. Even the breakfast buffet is kept simple yet allows guests to savor the fresh fruit and pastries. They also accommodate savory options, providing eggs dishes with toast and jam for anyone who wishes to start their day in a hearty way. When its over, the butler initially assigned to you will ask which dishes you prefer for dinner from their menu. This ensures that the dinner experience doesn’t need any formalities or interruptions and that everything is cooked to the guest’s preference. 

On their three-day cruise, guests also have the opportunity to have lunch in a more informal way. Whilst on a smaller boat to visit the local village, lunch is served following a traditional Vietnamese spread. Tofu, green vegetables, chicken and marinated beef are just some of the dishes which guests can enjoy. The dining experience throughout the cruise keeps in line with their focus on quality, intimacy and discreet opulence. 

On Emperor Cruises, their list of activities can make it hard for guests to find any free time at all. Although everything is kept at a voluntary basis, it may be hard to say ‘no’ to certain things. The itinerary for the days guests choose to stay on the cruise is comprehensive and includes many items which you wouldn’t be able to do anywhere else. Some of these include kayaking, squid fishing, a small cooking class and a 6am wake-up call to learn Vovinam (a traditional Vietnamese martial art) on the upper deck as the sun rises. There is also the opportunity to see how pearl farming works and integrating into the culture by visiting a local village with traditional houses. 

One of the most adventure-oriented activities include the caves. Guests can climb up to them, navigate through the stalactites and avoid bumping their heads on the lower parts of the pathways. When kayaking, there is also the opportunity to glide right under rock structures which form low bridge-like holes and that lead to small bays among the water and greenery. On a bamboo boat ride, after ducking down to go through one of these structures, guests will find themselves in an open area. On one of the banks, there are monkeys which climb down form the steep trees, making the experience ever so more special and nature-oriented. 

Whilst Emperor Cruises welcomes adventure-seekers on board, it is also possible to take advantage of their structure and relax. This is made even more prevalent given their onboard spa facilities. After a long day of venturing out, guests can book and enjoy a much-needed foot rub or full-body massage. There are two massage therapists on hand for anyone who wishes to dedicate some time to loosen up before going to the upper deck to remain transfixed by the once-in-a-lifetime panorama. From cocktail-filled sunsets to scenic bubble baths and downtime in their open-room library area, they make sure to balance the adventure and relax sides perfectly. 

With a slogan such as ‘Experience Every Moment’, it is no surprise that Emperor Cruises keeps that at the forefront of the affair. The onboard butlers, private transfers to and from Halong Bay, sophisticated demeanor, adventure-packed days and fine dining are just some of the features which make this particular cruise, a well rounded stay. The cruise acts as a perfect third-party to enjoy Halong Bay, a UNSECO World Heritage Site featuring thousands of cliffs and limestone caves, all surrounded by the turquoise waters that make it up.