Overview
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 layin 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.
In January 2003, with postcards as the only guide, he commissioned boat builders to bring back the Emeraude.
The Search
While the boat took shape in a shipyard, began a quest for more information. The search spanned continents and featured many false trails. Briefly, the boats were believed to have sailed between England and France as mail boats, a theory promoted by information on an Australian stamp club website. The British Maritime Museum dispelled that story.
Upon learning that many of Indochina’s historical documents ended up in an archive in Aix en Provence in the South of France, a school teacher was hired to carry on the search.
Soon, the information was coming in thick and fast. The Emeraude was part of a fleet managed by the barge and towing companySACRIC (SociétéAnonyme de ChalandageetRemorquage de l’Indo-Chine). Her owner was a Monsieur Paul Roque.
A French Telephone Directory provided a list of 1,220 Roques. A letter was sent to every one of them, telling them of Eric’s flea market find, enclosing a photocopy of the postcards and the question: ‘Are you the Roques we’re looking for?’ The call finally came. “Look no further,” the voice said. “I am the grandson of Paul Roque.”
Excited, Eric travelled to Paris as soon as he could. And there, right in the middle of the sizeable Roque family apartment, was a large antique model of The Emeraude. That wasn’t all. Among the many mementoes of a bygone colonial era was the original china from the boats. Silverware too. There was even a 100-year-old staff uniform.
The Roque Brothers
Paul Roque, who launched the Emeraude, was the second generation of his family in Indochina. Initially, there had been three adventuring brothers – Victor, Xavier and Henri – who embarked from Bordeaux in 1858.
After a stop in Manila, they movedonto Hong Kong where they established themselves as suppliers to the French Army. When the troops of Admiral Rigault de Genouilly took Saigon, they followed in 1860. Against this historic backdrop their empire grew. Sugar, opium, timber, public works, steamships. The list was long.
Now rich and famous, they were targeted by Chinese pirates. In 1890, the notorious LuuKy and his men kidnapped and tortured two of the brothers. Paying the ransom meant selling off many of their assets and Victor, by this time 61, left for home near-bankrupt and in poor health.
Henry assumed control but was soon joined by Paul, son of Xavier. They scaled their business back to concentrate on the North and, in particular, Haiphong and Halong Bay.
There they had the idea to build a small fleet of five “paddle wheeler” ships that would double as cargo and cruise vessels. They’d be called – the Rubis, the Perle, the Saphir, the Onyx and the Emeraude.
Though down on their luck, the Roques invested heavily in the boats. They came to the conclusion, as Eric did almost a century later, that there was a market for a little luxury on Halong Bay.
So they ensured the boats had electric lights. They installed ventilation and refrigeration. They included darkrooms for the many photographers who were inspired by the scenery. And the Emeraude set sail.
Paul Roque returned to Paris in 1921, the last of his family to leave Asia after more than six decades. The Emeraude steamed on. Years later, on the evening of March 16, 1937, as the Emeraude was returning to Haiphong, she collided with a submerged rock. The collision ripped a large hole in the shell of the vessel and she quickly sank.
Incredibly, according to the police report, all those aboard were saved. However, the Emeraude was never recovered. Following their defeat at the decisive battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954, the French finally left Vietnam andSACRIC folded. Paul Roque died in 1966. The French colonial era was over, and the Emeraude was at the bottom of the sea.
Renaissance
Emeraude was built locally in Haiphong to international standards but very much in keeping with the original design. In December 2003, the namesake of the glorious old vessel set sail. While the original was split between cargo and cruisers the new Emeraude is exclusively a leisure vessel. The paddle wheel at the back echoes the design of the original but is not used for propulsion. Instead it opens up to provide a swimming deck for passengers.
Since her launch until now the Emeraude has cruised the bay, providing travelers with an exceptional experience and a fascinating glimpse into the golden era of travel.
Dining
The Flavor
Dining on the Emeraude reflects the ambitions and aspirations of the vessel herself. A fusion cuisine allying Vietnamese ingredients, enhanced by European culinary traditions, as well as Vietnamese specialties create the Emeraude dining experience in Halong Bay.
Lunch
After your check-in on board the Emeraude, our lunch buffet opens with a wide selection of traditional Vietnamese salads and local dishes from the sea. (Please note, for low occupancy cruises buffets may be replaced by set menus).
Dinner
Our buffet dinner is all about fusion food, combining starters and salads from around the world with Asian traditional dishes. Main courses include western classics and a barbecued selection (seasonal). For dessert, choices vary from a range of cakes to traditional Vietnamese treats, with an array of tropical fruit.
Breakfast
Wake early to enjoy sunrise and it won’t be long before aromas from the kitchen find you. Breakfast awaits you with a large selection of breakfast classics, pastries, breads and rolls, egg and Vietnamese pho stations, to start the day on the right foot.
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.
Accommodation
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.
Captain Suites
Emeraude Suites
Paul Roque Suite
Deluxe & Superior
Services and Facilities
Designed with 38 Luxurious Cabins and one Suite, the 55 meter vessel is equipped with modern standards of comfort and safety. With inspiration from historic steamers, Emeraude was designed with the grandeur of yesteryear – refined interior décor, a 80-seat restaurant, bars, shops, massage rooms, swimming platform, complete with entertainment features and a boutique shop for souvenir collectors. It also has a 350m2 open upper deck lounge bar for holiday-makers to relax, sip their favorite champagne totally engulfed in the beautiful scenic Halong Bay. Ha Long Bay or Bay of the Descending Dragons is the UNESCO heritage site surrounded by crystal clear water hence the perfect spot for eco-tourism. Build with Eco friendly water and waste treatment systems, Emeraude received special permission from the Halong Tourism Authority to cruise within protected, natural reserves and gulfs of Halong Bay.
Why us
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.
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.
The Search
While the boat took shape in a shipyard, Eric began a quest for more information.
The search spanned continents and featured a number of false trails. Briefly, he believed the boats had sailed between England and France as mail boats, a theory promoted by information on an Australian stamp club website. The British Maritime Museum dispelled that story.
Meanwhile counterparts in Paris came up with another picture that matched his paddle steamer postcards, and Eric pressed on. When he learned that many of Indochina’s historical documents ended up in an archive in Aix en Provence in the South of France, he hired a school teacher to carry on the search.
Soon, the information was coming in thick and fast. The Emeraude was part of a fleet managed by the barge and towing company SACRIC (Société Anonyme de Chalandage et Temorquage de l’Indo-Chine). Its owner was a Monsieur Paul Roque. Instinctively, Eric knew the Roque family was his best bet for information.
Working from Vietnam he found a French Telephone Directory containing 1,220 Roques. He drafted a letter to send to every one of them.
He told them of his flea market find and enclosed a photocopy of the postcards. He outlined the information found to date and asked, ‘Are you the Roques we’re looking for?’
His staff in Vietnam helped put the letters in envelopes and address them all with stickers. He then carried the 10kg box back to France and stamped them in a small sleepy village where he was staying on holiday. The tiny post office had never seen so much mail.
And then the calls came. Maddeningly, the first twenty or so were of no help at all. They’d called to say yes, Roque was their name, what a lovely story. But they weren’t the Roques he was looking for.
One couple said they’d recently visited Vietnam on holiday if that helped. It didn’t.
And then the call he was waiting for finally came.
“Look no further,” the voice said. “I am the grandson of Paul Roque.”
Excited, Eric travelled to Paris as soon as he could.
And there, right in the middle of the sizeable Roque family apartment, was a large antique model of The Emeraude. Eric could hardly believe it.
That wasn’t all. Among the many mementoes of a bygone colonial era was the original china from the boats. Silverware too. There was even a 100-year-old staff uniform.
The Roque Brothers
Paul Roque, who launched the Emeraude, was the second generation of his family in Indochina. Initially, there had been three adventuring brothers – Victor, Xavier and Henry – who embarked from Bordeaux in 1858.
After a stop in Manila, they moved onto Hong Kong where they established themselves as suppliers to the French Army. When the troops of Admiral Rigault de Genouilly took Saigon, they followed in 1860.
Against this historic backdrop their empire grew. Sugar, opium, timber, public works, steamships. The list was long.
Now rich and famous, they were targeted by Chinese pirates. In 1890, the notorious Luu Ky and his men kidnapped and tortured two of the brothers.
Paying the ransom meant selling off many of their assets and Victor, by this time 61, left for home near-bankrupt and in poor health.
Henry assumed control but was soon joined by Paul, son of Xavier. They scaled their business back to concentrate on the North and, in particular, Haiphong and Halong Bay.
There they had the idea to build a small fleet of five “paddle wheeler” ships that would double as cargo and cruise vessels. They’d be called – the Rubis, the Perle, the Saphir, the Onyx and the Emeraude.
Though down on their luck, the Roques invested heavily in the boats.
They came to the conclusion, as Eric did almost a century later, that there was a market for a little luxury on Halong Bay.
So they ensured the boats had electric lights. They installed ventilation and refrigeration. They included darkrooms for the many photographers who were inspired by the scenery. And the Emeraude set sail.
Paul Roque returned to Paris in 1921, the last of his family to leave Asia after more than six decades. The Emeraude steamed on.
Years later, on the evening of March 16, 1937, as the Emeraude was returning to Haiphong, it collided with a submerged rock. The collision ripped a large hole in the shell of the vessel and it quickly sank.
Incredibly, according to the police report, all those aboard were saved. However, the Emeraude was never recovered.
Following their defeat at the decisive battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954, the French finally left Vietnam and SACRIC folded. Paul Roque died in 1966.
The French colonial era was over, and the Emeraude was at the bottom of the sea.
Renaissance
Eric’s Emeraude was built locally in Haiphong to international standards but very much in keeping with the original design. In December 2003, the namesake of the glorious old vessel set sail.
While the original was split between cargo and cruisers the new Emeraude is exclusively a leisure vessel. The paddle wheel at the back echoes the design of the original but isn’t used for propulsion. Instead it opens up to provide a swimming deck for passengers.
Inside there are many photos of the original steamers that Eric has continued to find and now shares with passengers.
For Eric, however, it’s not quite the end of the story.
He still wants to find out what happened to those other paddle boats. He feels that surely such a large piece of metal as the original Emeraude can’t stay lost forever. Could divers locate it?
Meanwhile, he and his brother Jean-Marc continue to develop business in Vietnam, and across Southeast Asia. From scratch they’ve built up a portfolio of businesses in the Apple Tree Group that now employs over 2000 people.
They’ve restored a colonial era mansion as La Residence Hotel & Spa in Hue. They’ve refurbished a one-time home of Lao royalty as Villa Maly in Luang Prabang. They understand that stories fuel the romance of travel.
Meanwhile, the Emeraude, like its predecessor, spends its days cruising the turquoise waters of Halong Bay.
Fittingly, once more, under the watch of a French captain.
The Cabins
Superior Cabin
Emeraude’s twin and double rooms each feature innerspring mattresses to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep. Each room is equipped with all the necessary amenities, from air conditioning to hot showers.
Ultimately, the greatest attraction remains outside your cabin door. Each room opens directly onto the deck. Superior rooms are located on lower deck with deluxe rooms on the upper deck.
Deluxe Cabin
Emeraude’s twin and double rooms each feature innerspring mattresses to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep. Each room is equipped with all the necessary amenities, from air conditioning to hot showers.
Ultimately, the greatest attraction remains outside your cabin door. Each room opens directly onto the deck. Superior rooms are located on lower deck with deluxe rooms on the upper deck.
Paul Roque Suite
Named after the original Emeraude’s first owner, this was the vessel’s suite. The popularity of the Paul Roque Suite remains unrivalled due to a private deck featuring both sun loungers and chairs for uninterrupted relaxation.
Suite Emeraude
With its 25 square metres, the luxurious Emeraude Suite is roomy enough for a queen-sized bed, as well as a large sofa and space to entertain, which makes it a favourite with families.
Captain`s Suite
Housed on the sundeck and benefiting from the same stunning views is the Captain’s Suite.At around 25 square metres, the port-side suite is spacious and comfortable, located on the top deck.
Food & Dining
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.
LunchAfter 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
Activities
These are cruise facilities for Emeraude Cruise:
General
ReceptionSafety box at receptionBoutique Library24-hour SecurityDoctor on callConference & meeting facilitiesTender for sightseeingRowing boatTheme CruiseNewspapers and magazines
Services
Baby cotFresh flowerBeauty Services and MassageCabin Service (Snack Meals)BarLibraryRestaurant
Activities on Board
SwimmingKayakingFishingSnorkelingTai ChiSpa & MassageBBQ DinnerCooking classesMovie nightsCycling
Tiếng Việt
Lunch
VEGETARIAN OPTION (REQUEST AT TIME OF BOOKING REQUIRED)
