Emerald Cruises

Emerald Harmony - Here I Come! Cruising Majestic Mekong

By Cruising With Honey - 21:45



Emerald Cruises Emerald Harmony Majestic Mekong

Exploring the Mekong wasn’t really on my radar – until I was handed the brochure for Emerald Cruises.

As I flipped through one glossy page after another, images of lush, green countryside filled my eyes. A vibrant river and changing landscape of pristine beauty interspersed with unique cultural treasures. History and tradition coming alive at every new port. 

Emerald Harmony 




And then, there’s the ship – or as Emerald calls their boutique vessels – Star-Ships. Carrying only 84 guests, Emerald Harmony boasts 42 modern cabins and 4 cabin grades:

- Owner’s One-bedroom Suite – 42m2
o The suite boasts a separate bedroom and lounge area, ensuite bathroom and a queen-size or twin-style bed plus a private terrace with an additional space of 30m2 with a Jacuzzi. Owner’s One-bedroom Suite guest are invited to dine at the Captain’s Table. 

- Grand Balcony Suite – 37m²
o Beautifully appointed with a private balcony, they are 37m² and have a separate bedroom and lounge, en-suite bathroom, as well as breakfast, canapés and after-dinner treats.

- Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite – 25.4m²
o A private balcony with drop-down window is perfect for enjoying the ever-changing views. Ensuite bathroom, queen-size or twin hotel-style bed. 

- Emerald Stateroom – 23m²
o Emerald Staterooms have porthole river views, perfect for seeing the picturesque landscape pass by.

All guests also enjoy free Wi-Fi.

In addition, the Emerald Harmony features a Sun & Pool Deck, a spa and Wellness Area, hairdresser and a well-equipped gym.  

Guest to crew ratio is also very impressive with 40 crew members aboard the Emerald Harmony.

The majority of my cruises have been ocean cruising and I’ve been fortunate to have also experienced Expedition cruising recently in Antarctica.

I’ve only been on one river cruise previously with Viking through Europe last year when I cruised from Budapest, Hungary to Regensberg, Germany. I thoroughly enjoyed this slower, more immersive style, and it allowed me to see places not normally visited on ocean cruising excursions.  


Excursions and more



So let’s talk about the excursions offered on Emerald Harmony. As I read the description of one incredible tour after the other, I could hardly believe that most of these wonderful tours were included in the fare. There are three different options:


• Included Excursions

o With Emerald Cruises the must-see sights and experiences of the region are included.

• EmeraldPLUS Inclusions

o The included EmeraldPLUS cultural excursions will take guests to heart of the local culture to provide a fascinating insight local history, customs and traditions.  

• DiscoverMORE

o Optional DiscoverMORE excursions (additional expense) can be booked prior to cruising.


The idea of cruising the Majestic Mekong became more tantalising and ticked so many boxes for me. Cruising (obviously), a gorgeous boutique ship, a new region I’ve yet to explore, a focus on immersive cultural and local experiences, delicious food and an inspired itinerary.


The journey to start the journey



There are two options, either cruise upstream from Cambodia to Vietnam or the reverse, embarking in Vietnam. My cruise tomorrow starts in Phenom Penh and so I will be flying to Ho Chi Minh and transiting to Cambodia. 

The beauty of arriving a day early (I always recommend arriving a least a day before any cruise) is that Emerald Cruises have organised a night at a beautiful hotel at the Palace Gate Hotel, complete with transfers. The only thing I have to think about is getting on the flight in Sydney.


View the itinerary HERE


Exploring the Mekong will certainly be an eye-opening and enriching journey of discovery. I feel very privileged Emerald Cruises has invited me to share this adventure with you all. 

Let’s explore temples, visit important historical sights, understand the history, get a special blessing from Buddhist monks, eat local delicacies and ride on super-fun tuk-tuks and sampan. I hope my travels in an unchartered (for me ) part of south-east Asia, inspires and delights you, as you come Cruising With Honey.


Emerald Harmony –  At a glance 


• Built 2019

• Length  239ft (73m)

• Guests 84

• Cabins 42

• Crew 40



Inclusions


• Built to European safety, fire, hygiene and emission standards

• Innovatively designed to allow sailing into the heart of Ho Chi Minh City

• All on board meals in the Reflections Restaurant 

• Complimentary international and local wine, beer and soft drinks to accompany lunch and dinner on board

• Complimentary state-of-the-art coffee machines and specialist tea stations

• Complimentary water provided on board and during excursions

• First class service from an English-speaking crew and services of an Emerald Cruises Cruise Director

• An included excursion almost every day of your cruise 

• Extra-special excursions and experiences courtesy of the EmeraldPLUS program

• Knowledgeable local guides hosting small groups in each destination

• Complimentary self-service laundry facilities on board

• All tipping and gratuities, service charges, taxes and porterage

• All airport taxes and port charges

• Airport transfers to and from the ship

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

• Airport taxes and port charges

• All gratuities


I have been invited aboard as a guest of Emerald Cruises for a 7-night cruise aboard Emerald Harmony from Cambodia to Vietnam. #hosted
All views are my own.

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