Emerald to launch Star-class ship on Mekong
Emerald Waterways is to launch its first Star-class ship in Asia on the Mekong River.
The Emerald Harmony will have 42 staterooms and suites and will be small enough to navigate to the centre of Ho Chi Minh City.
Emerald Waterways is also launching three new itineraries on the Mekong.
Global brand curator David Winterton said: "Our loyal guests are keen to explore new rivers but want the comfort of a brand they know and trust.
"As part of making the decision where to build our next Star-Ship, we spent a lot of time talking with our EmeraldEXPLORER [loyalty club] members to find out where they would like to travel with us next".
Features will include Emerald Waterways’ signature pool, an Asian-themed Horizon Bar & Lounge, while the Reflections Restaurant will have a locally-inspired menu that showcases native cuisine from the region.
New and exclusive to Emerald Harmony will be the Lotus Lounge, situated at the aft of the ship.
Onboard accommodation is similar to Emerald Waterways’ European Star-Ships, with four lead-in Emerald staterooms, 32 Panorama Balcony Suites, four Grand Balcony Suites and two Owner’s Suites, each boasting a wrap-around terrace featuring a hot tub.
In the dedicated Emerald Harmony brochure to be launched next week, Emerald Waterways will offer three itineraries: a 15-day Majestic Mekong river cruise and tour, taking in Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap; a 19-day Treasures & Temples of Vietnam & Cambodia river cruise and tour, from Hanoi to Siem Reap; and a 23-day Grand Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia, which includes stops at Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Hue and Siem Reap.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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