Mekong Delta aboard the Emerald Harmony

[TriMomma]

Just back from the 17 Day Treasures and Temples of Vietnam and Cambodia trip with Emerald Waterways.  It included 7 nights on the Emerald Harmony Cruising the Mekong Delta.  If you want to ask me specific questions about the land portion, I will be happy to answer, but will just give a review of the Emerald Harmony.  (Don’t want to get in trouble with the Mods).

 

Itinerary:

Day 1-2:  Hanoi

Day 3-4:  Halong Bay on a Junk boat cruise

Day 5-6:  Saigon (Ho Chi Minh)

Day 7-14:  Emerald Harmony Cruise

Day 15-16:  Siem Reap

Day 17:  Bangkok

 

The Harmony holds 80 passengers but there were 60 on this sailing, including 34 from our group of Canadians.  It was built in 2019 and had only had a few sailing before it was halted for the pandemic.  In fact, I believe that we were only the second sailing back.  The staff seemed so happy to be sailing again.  At one point we caught up with the EMPTY sister ship, the Scenic Spirit and my stateroom attendant (Mr. Khim, also wonderful) told me that she wasn’t lucky like the Harmony because she was not full of fun and people.  (I heard that they cancelled its sailing because it only had 8 booked passengers!). 

 

Embarkation was really quite fast and I had my keys and in my stateroom in minutes.  It probably helped that during the Land-portion of the tour we had given our Vaccination certificates to the tour guide and they had everything ready for us.  We had also been given nametags during the land tour and were wearing them when we embarked.  Every single staff member used our names and I think they had them memorized (and knew our drink of choice) by the end of the day.   It was impressive. 

 

We embarked right downtown in Saigon.  Emerald Harmony is one of the few apparently, that actually sail out of Saigon.  My understanding is that most of the ships depart from My Tho and you have to be bused from Saigon.   It was fun sailing away from the big city.  The other cool thing is that once you leave Saigon, you sail down the Cho Gao canal.  Many ships are too big for this canal, including the Harmony’s sister ship, the Scenic Spirit.  Sailing down the canal is really neat as you can truly see the homes and villages up close.  Unfortunately, you will also see garbage…. The Mekong is not quite the prettiest of rivers. 

 

Emerald ships are known for only having the fake balcony.   The window powers down and opens to railing height.  It was actually better than I was expecting.   It was also so freaking hot that it wasn’t like you were sitting around with your window open.   The walls are the regular cruise metal so if you like to hang things, definitely bring extra magnets.   I didn’t and regretted not having extra hooks.  The stateroom is quite lovely.  We were on Deck 4, but I truly don’t think that it matters, this isn’t a cruise with much of a view.  In fact, I think Deck 3 might be the best deck as that is where the lounge is. 

 

This is my first river cruise and first time on a small ship.  I have done lots of ocean cruises on mega ships.   I think I am converted!  The small size means you give up some of the amenities found on a big ship but there is an intimacy that I really enjoyed.   Now, we might have been lucky that we were with a group of 34 so there was always someone to have a drink with at the bar or to start an impromptu dance party.   There wasn’t much happening after 8:00 pm otherwise.  (Although we started a lot of impromptu dance parties!).  The ship has a lovely lounge that has a cappuccino machine and snacks always available.   It also has a nice bar and the best bartender ever…. Leo (he makes a mean martini). 

 

The dining room is the deck below the lounge and also quite lovely and intimate.  Sometimes you are seated with other passengers, so be prepared for that.   Lunches and breakfasts were buffet but also had an “action station” as they called it.   For breakfast it was an egg station, at lunch it varied and could be a noodle station or stir-fry.   The buffet always featured plenty of choice and included wonderful daily soups and homemade ice creams.  You can always order of the limited menu if you wish (eggs benny!)

 

Each night at 6:30 there would be a port talk in the lounge by the wonderful cruise director Tanya.  Following this we would all traipse downstairs for dinner.  Dinners consisted of a three choice a la carte menu and were typically Asian themed.   However, there was always the standard chicken, steak or salmon on the menu as a back up for those who wished something simple.   There was also a daily red and white wine.   There was only one night that I didn’t like the red choice and they went to fetch a different bottle for me.  Don’t be afraid to ask for a different wine if you don’t like what they are serving.   The portions are not large, but when you are having five course you don’t need large. 

 

Most days there would be an excursion in the morning and one in the afternoon.   They usually lasted about two hours.  The cool thing about the Harmony is that it anchors at each stop and only docks at Saigon and Phnom Penh.  Excursions are to local villages, and you are taken there by a junk tender.  (They were certainly much nicer junk boats than you see sailing normally, lol).  The one thing that surprised me was how strict they were on dress code for the excursion.   As you are often going to a village temple, they insist that you wear shorts or skirts to the knee and tops with at least a short sleeve.  I thought some of sleeveless tops would be okay since they were closed at the shoulder, but no.  It meant that I was sweating my butt off in capris and t-shirts… did I mention it was hotter than hades!   That leads me to one of my favourite things on the ship though…. Self Laundry!   There were washer and dryers AND laundry soap available at your disposal.  It was wonderful since it seemed we where changing several times a day. 

 

The other amenities were quite good too.  I loved the little pool.  Nothing like jumping in it and getting a cold beer from the pool bar after an excursion.  I went to the spa twice!   I found the services to be excellent and the prices to be reasonable for a cruise ship (the 120 minute Harmony treatment was incredible!).  We also used the gym several times.  It is small, but sufficient, with fresh towels and lemon water.  

 

My highlights were the evening tuk tuk ride in Phnom Pehn, the disco party on the pool deck, the service (Oossa, Mom, Min Zaw, Leo) was exceptional, the drinks and food were wonderful and the ship\cabin itself was lovely.  There are two shows onboard by local children's groups that are good but won’t knock your socks off.   

 

We added two Discover More options.  “One Night in Saigon” which toured around to local restaurants and breweries, was very good.   “Dinner in the Rice Fields” in Siem Reap was exceptional, although slightly different than advertised (it’s better!).  Wear good footwear, you walk up a goat path.  I would highly recommend both.   Friends of our who did not do the Rice Field excursion chose the “Cambodian Street Food” and were disappointed. 

 

Finally the Mekong Delta itself….. it ain’t pretty.  I loved the cruise, but if the Mekong was the only thing I was seeing of Vietnam\Cambodia I think I would be pretty disappointed.  It’s pretty dirty water and is a hub of activity and shipping.   Occasionally you will pass a beautiful farm, but that is the exception, not the rule.  If you choose this cruise, it is to experience the culture, people and the food (yum), not the scenery.  I also do believe that this is one cruise where at least some added land portion is a must (ie. Siem Reap to see Ankgor Wat).   Overall, I am thrilled with our experience and would recommend the Emerald Harmony.

[familytravellers]

42 minutes ago, TriMomma said:

Just back from the 17 Day Treasures and Temples of Vietnam and Cambodia trip with Emerald Waterways.  It included 7 nights on the Emerald Harmony Cruising the Mekong Delta.  If you want to ask me specific questions about the land portion, I will be happy to answer, but will just give a review of the Emerald Harmony.  (Don’t want to get in trouble with the Mods).

 

Itinerary:

Day 1-2:  Hanoi

Day 3-4:  Halong Bay on a Junk boat cruise

Day 5-6:  Saigon (Ho Chi Minh)

Day 7-14:  Emerald Harmony Cruise

Day 15-16:  Siem Reap

Day 17:  Bangkok

 

The Harmony holds 80 passengers but there were 60 on this sailing, including 34 from our group of Canadians.  It was built in 2019 and had only had a few sailing before it was halted for the pandemic.  In fact, I believe that we were only the second sailing back.  The staff seemed so happy to be sailing again.  At one point we caught up with the EMPTY sister ship, the Scenic Spirit and my stateroom attendant (Mr. Khim, also wonderful) told me that she wasn’t lucky like the Harmony because she was not full of fun and people.  (I heard that they cancelled its sailing because it only had 8 booked passengers!). 

 

Embarkation was really quite fast and I had my keys and in my stateroom in minutes.  It probably helped that during the Land-portion of the tour we had given our Vaccination certificates to the tour guide and they had everything ready for us.  We had also been given nametags during the land tour and were wearing them when we embarked.  Every single staff member used our names and I think they had them memorized (and knew our drink of choice) by the end of the day.   It was impressive. 

 

We embarked right downtown in Saigon.  Emerald Harmony is one of the few apparently, that actually sail out of Saigon.  My understanding is that most of the ships depart from My Tho and you have to be bused from Saigon.   It was fun sailing away from the big city.  The other cool thing is that once you leave Saigon, you sail down the Cho Gao canal.  Many ships are too big for this canal, including the Harmony’s sister ship, the Scenic Spirit.  Sailing down the canal is really neat as you can truly see the homes and villages up close.  Unfortunately, you will also see garbage…. The Mekong is not quite the prettiest of rivers. 

 

Emerald ships are known for only having the fake balcony.   The window powers down and opens to railing height.  It was actually better than I was expecting.   It was also so freaking hot that it wasn’t like you were sitting around with your window open.   The walls are the regular cruise metal so if you like to hang things, definitely bring extra magnets.   I didn’t and regretted not having extra hooks.  The stateroom is quite lovely.  We were on Deck 4, but I truly don’t think that it matters, this isn’t a cruise with much of a view.  In fact, I think Deck 3 might be the best deck as that is where the lounge is. 

 

This is my first river cruise and first time on a small ship.  I have done lots of ocean cruises on mega ships.   I think I am converted!  The small size means you give up some of the amenities found on a big ship but there is an intimacy that I really enjoyed.   Now, we might have been lucky that we were with a group of 34 so there was always someone to have a drink with at the bar or to start an impromptu dance party.   There wasn’t much happening after 8:00 pm otherwise.  (Although we started a lot of impromptu dance parties!).  The ship has a lovely lounge that has a cappuccino machine and snacks always available.   It also has a nice bar and the best bartender ever…. Leo (he makes a mean martini). 

 

The dining room is the deck below the lounge and also quite lovely and intimate.  Sometimes you are seated with other passengers, so be prepared for that.   Lunches and breakfasts were buffet but also had an “action station” as they called it.   For breakfast it was an egg station, at lunch it varied and could be a noodle station or stir-fry.   The buffet always featured plenty of choice and included wonderful daily soups and homemade ice creams.  You can always order of the limited menu if you wish (eggs benny!)

 

Each night at 6:30 there would be a port talk in the lounge by the wonderful cruise director Tanya.  Following this we would all traipse downstairs for dinner.  Dinners consisted of a three choice a la carte menu and were typically Asian themed.   However, there was always the standard chicken, steak or salmon on the menu as a back up for those who wished something simple.   There was also a daily red and white wine.   There was only one night that I didn’t like the red choice and they went to fetch a different bottle for me.  Don’t be afraid to ask for a different wine if you don’t like what they are serving.   The portions are not large, but when you are having five course you don’t need large. 

 

Most days there would be an excursion in the morning and one in the afternoon.   They usually lasted about two hours.  The cool thing about the Harmony is that it anchors at each stop and only docks at Saigon and Phnom Penh.  Excursions are to local villages, and you are taken there by a junk tender.  (They were certainly much nicer junk boats than you see sailing normally, lol).  The one thing that surprised me was how strict they were on dress code for the excursion.   As you are often going to a village temple, they insist that you wear shorts or skirts to the knee and tops with at least a short sleeve.  I thought some of sleeveless tops would be okay since they were closed at the shoulder, but no.  It meant that I was sweating my butt off in capris and t-shirts… did I mention it was hotter than hades!   That leads me to one of my favourite things on the ship though…. Self Laundry!   There were washer and dryers AND laundry soap available at your disposal.  It was wonderful since it seemed we where changing several times a day. 

 

The other amenities were quite good too.  I loved the little pool.  Nothing like jumping in it and getting a cold beer from the pool bar after an excursion.  I went to the spa twice!   I found the services to be excellent and the prices to be reasonable for a cruise ship (the 120 minute Harmony treatment was incredible!).  We also used the gym several times.  It is small, but sufficient, with fresh towels and lemon water.  

 

My highlights were the evening tuk tuk ride in Phnom Pehn, the disco party on the pool deck, the service (Oossa, Mom, Min Zaw, Leo) was exceptional, the drinks and food were wonderful and the ship\cabin itself was lovely.  There are two shows onboard by local children's groups that are good but won’t knock your socks off.   

 

We added two Discover More options.  “One Night in Saigon” which toured around to local restaurants and breweries, was very good.   “Dinner in the Rice Fields” in Siem Reap was exceptional, although slightly different than advertised (it’s better!).  Wear good footwear, you walk up a goat path.  I would highly recommend both.   Friends of our who did not do the Rice Field excursion chose the “Cambodian Street Food” and were disappointed. 

 

Finally the Mekong Delta itself….. it ain’t pretty.  I loved the cruise, but if the Mekong was the only thing I was seeing of Vietnam\Cambodia I think I would be pretty disappointed.  It’s pretty dirty water and is a hub of activity and shipping.   Occasionally you will pass a beautiful farm, but that is the exception, not the rule.  If you choose this cruise, it is to experience the culture, people and the food (yum), not the scenery.  I also do believe that this is one cruise where at least some added land portion is a must (ie. Siem Reap to see Ankgor Wat).   Overall, I am thrilled with our experience and would recommend the Emerald Harmony.

Thanks for your great review! It's a river cruise that we've considered taking. Just not looking forward to the very long plane ride from Toronto and stifling heat. 

[LTC]

Hi TriMomma,

Thanks so much for your great review. We are doing the 17 day cruise in March from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh with Emerald. We have cruised with them before so are familiar with their ships and great food and service. Thanks for the clothing advice, that's great to know about shorts and sleeveless tops.

I have a few questions for you if you don't mind.

How did you find the 3 hotels? Easy to go out on your own during free time?

How far in advance did you apply for visas and how quickly did you get them? 

Dinner in the Rice Fields...can you give a bit more info on that? We had been looking at that one and the Champagne Sunset Sail . We had decided on the Champagne Sail but now the Rice Fields Dinner sounds very nice too.

How was the mosquito situation? it's probably different in Oct/Nov than March/April but just wondering if it was bad.

Thanks again for posting your excellent review, I'm getting very excited about going on this cruise.

 

[hoosier2017]

Great review! Thank you.  We are booked on a different line next year but similar itinerary.  How was Ha Long Bay? And we’re there specific sites in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City you would recommend? 

[Canal archive]

Thank you Trimomma I’d love to go but DH wouldn’t such a pity. We’ve traveled many times with Scenic and it must be part of their training, name, drink preference at a particular time of day etc once we arrived on board to be greeted by a member of staff from a few years previously, you’ve got it name and drink exactly correct. I’m going to have to try some serious arm twisting.

[terry&mike]

Thank you for taking the time to write a review of your trip. We will be joining the Scenic Spirit in late December for a similar journey, and are looking forward to it. This will be our second sailing with Scenic. 

[TriMomma]

21 hours ago, LTC said:

How did you find the 3 hotels? Easy to go out on your own during free time?

How far in advance did you apply for visas and how quickly did you get them? 

Dinner in the Rice Fields...can you give a bit more info on that? We had been looking at that one and the Champagne Sunset Sail . We had decided on the Champagne Sail but now the Rice Fields Dinner sounds very nice too.

How was the mosquito situation? it's probably different in Oct/Nov than March/April but just wondering if it was bad.

The three hotels were in excellent locations.   All three were in the downtown historic areas which were nice for walking around or heading to the local market.  It was nice, because when you are on the ship you don't have any freedom to go out on your free time (except for Phnom Penh).   Hanoi was within walking distance of Ho Hoan Kiem lake.  Saigon had a great roof top bar.   Siem Reap had a fantastic pool.   

 

We applied for the Visa as soon as we had the flight information.  The Vietnam E-Visa took less than 5 business days and was easy.   The Cambodian one was even easier because Emerald took care of everything.  Those that had applied for Cambodian e-visa's had to reapply.   However, it was as simple as going to the front desk of the ship, signing your name and paying $40 US  My. understanding is that e-visa's are only for land entry so if you are going in the opposite direction take that into account.  

 

The Dinner in the Rice Field included a bus, to a boat, to a walk through a village.  Once we arrived at the host house in the village, we were greeted with custom cocktails and a foot massage.   Sunset over the rice field was gorgeous and there were tables set up in the field.  We ate a gorgeous meal with wine by candlelight.   It was one of the highlights of the trip!   The Champagne Gondola sounded wonderful too.  

 

You would think that the mosquito situation would be bad since it was the very end of rainy season when we went.  However.... I think expectations might be based on where you live.   I live in the Great Lakes area of Ontario.   The mosquitos were not even a slight percentage of an Ontario summer night.  Now, having said that, we were encouraged to use bug spray when we did our walks through the villages.   I am one of those people who mosquitos love and I only got one bite during the whole trip.  I would take bug spray, but I did not have a problem at all. 

[LTC]

51 minutes ago, TriMomma said:

The three hotels were in excellent locations.   All three were in the downtown historic areas which were nice for walking around or heading to the local market.  It was nice, because when you are on the ship you don't have any freedom to go out on your free time (except for Phnom Penh).   Hanoi was within walking distance of Ho Hoan Kiem lake.  Saigon had a great roof top bar.   Siem Reap had a fantastic pool.   

 

We applied for the Visa as soon as we had the flight information.  The Vietnam E-Visa took less than 5 business days and was easy.   The Cambodian one was even easier because Emerald took care of everything.  Those that had applied for Cambodian e-visa's had to reapply.   However, it was as simple as going to the front desk of the ship, signing your name and paying $40 US  My. understanding is that e-visa's are only for land entry so if you are going in the opposite direction take that into account.  

 

The Dinner in the Rice Field included a bus, to a boat, to a walk through a village.  Once we arrived at the host house in the village, we were greeted with custom cocktails and a foot massage.   Sunset over the rice field was gorgeous and there were tables set up in the field.  We ate a gorgeous meal with wine by candlelight.   It was one of the highlights of the trip!   The Champagne Gondola sounded wonderful too.  

 

You would think that the mosquito situation would be bad since it was the very end of rainy season when we went.  However.... I think expectations might be based on where you live.   I live in the Great Lakes area of Ontario.   The mosquitos were not even a slight percentage of an Ontario summer night.  Now, having said that, we were encouraged to use bug spray when we did our walks through the villages.   I am one of those people who mosquitos love and I only got one bite during the whole trip.  I would take bug spray, but I did not have a problem at all. 

Hi TriMomma,

I appreciate your quick reply, it's very helpful! The Rice Field Dinner sounds fantastic! It certainly makes for an easy decision to choose that one! Thanks again for your helpful review and answers to my questions.

[BobandLizM]

Hi 

On 11/8/2022 at 6:23 PM, LTC said:

Hi TriMomma,

Thanks so much for your great review. We are doing the 17 day cruise in March from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh with Emerald. We have cruised with them before so are familiar with their ships and great food and service. Thanks for the clothing advice, that's great to know about shorts and sleeveless tops.

I have a few questions for you if you don't mind.

How did you find the 3 hotels? Easy to go out on your own during free time?

How far in advance did you apply for visas and how quickly did you get them? 

Dinner in the Rice Fields...can you give a bit more info on that? We had been looking at that one and the Champagne Sunset Sail . We had decided on the Champagne Sail but now the Rice Fields Dinner sounds very nice too.

How was the mosquito situation? it's probably different in Oct/Nov than March/April but just wondering if it was bad.

Thanks again for posting your excellent review, I'm getting very excited about going on this cruise.

 

Hi LTC and TriMomma, also doing this trip in March.  Never tried a River Cruise before, so your review is most useful to us.

[LTC]

3 hours ago, BobandLizM said:

Hi 

Hi LTC and TriMomma, also doing this trip in March.  Never tried a River Cruise before, so your review is most useful to us.

Hi BobandLizM,

I think you'll really enjoy the river cruise experience. Are you on the March 25th cruise?

[BobandLizM]

20 hours ago, LTC said:

Hi BobandLizM,

I think you'll really enjoy the river cruise experience. Are you on the March 25th cruise?

Hi LTC, thank you.

We are on the earlier cruise, starting 04/05th Mar.

 

[LTC]

2 hours ago, BobandLizM said:

Hi LTC, thank you.

We are on the earlier cruise, starting 04/05th Mar.

 

Enjoy the cruise...I know you'll have a super time!

[BVI Diver]

Thanx for your review!

 

We tried the small-ship experience in Fiji with Captain Cook earlier this year, and we loved it.

 

Looking at Emerald in March or April, Siem Reap > Ho Chi Minh City; your review made up our mind!

[xander]

Thank you so much for your detailed review - all very helpful information. Sounds like you had a really wonderful trip. We sail in just under 6 weeks - can't wait!

[franski]

Thank you for your review - it was very helpful.

 

We are booked on the February 5th tour - also taking the 17 day package.  Vietnam/Cambodia has been one of my husband's bucket list tours - and I agreed to go if we could do Halong Bay.  I do *not* do heat at all well, so this is stepping out side my comfort zone.  We actually had this booked for February this year but it was cancelled due to Covid - so just moved it back a year.  

 

We are going in early - staying 3 nights at the Anatole in Hanoi before joining up with the tour.  I have realized that we really need a couple of days to acclimate when we travel so far from home.  And, since we are already in that part of the world, we are going to Bangkok for 3 days before flying back to Toronto. 

 

Thank you for your comment on clothing.  I had heard they were very strict and know that I need some type of sleeve.  I am actually thinking about taking some type of loose gauzy shawl (I will look at sewing something that packs down into a small bag) so that I can wear sleeveless tops but cover my shoulders as needed.   I was excited to learn about the self-service laundry... Expect to use that a lot!!

 

We already have our visas for Vietnam - and I did know that we need to get our Cambodian visa on the boat.  Do we need passport pictures for those?  Or just our $40 US/pp? 

 

Thanks for the advice about the "Dinner in a Rice Field".  A quick question about the food... My DH has problems with red & yellow peppers... (green ok for some strange reason). Will he have to watch the food closely for coloured peppers??

 

Thanks again for your in-depth review.  I may come back with more questions!!

 

Fran

 

 

[franski]

On 11/8/2022 at 10:28 AM, familytravellers said:

Thanks for your great review! It's a river cruise that we've considered taking. Just not looking forward to the very long plane ride from Toronto and stifling heat. 

The heat is a concern of mine...  Going in early February may help with that a bit (at least that is what I tell myself...).

 

We bit the bullet and booked premium economy for our air.  When we look at travel now, we factor in the increased air fare costs as I won't fly long distances in economy any more. If we can't afford the increased air fare - we just won't travel.

 

We are flying through Taiwan with EVA air - so 15 hours to Taipei - and then another 5+ to Hanoi.   We arrive on Feb 2nd - and the tour doesn't start until the 5th - so have a couple of days to get over the jet lag. We booked at the Anatole so Emerald will be picking us up - even though we are coming in early. The cost of the hotel is quite reasonable so it didn't add a huge cost to the overall trip.

 

Fran

[TriMomma]

We also flew through Taiwan with EVA.  I was very impressed and I completely agree with you that if you can upgrade.... do it!   The Premium Economy has some 2x2 rows, so if it is a couple flying, you will feel much more comfortable.  

 

I do not do well with the heat, but seemed to acclimate a little bit by the end.   Gauzy type outfits\shawls are perfect!

 

We were supposed to stay at the Anatole for our Hanoi portion, but it was changed to the Silk Path.   I believe the Anatole is really nice as well and it is in a wonderful location.   I think going ahead is also a good idea.   I could have used at least one more day to get over the jet lag!

 

We also flew through Bangkok and I was going to add some extra days.... but didn't, as we are still both working and weren't' sure we could have swung it.   I regret that now.   Enjoy!!!!!

 

We had passport pictures for the Cambodian Visa (just in case) but I don't think you will need them.   The ship took care of everything for us and we just had the 40$ USD added to our ship account.   

 

Can't remember about peppers specifically.... but I suspect you will just have to watch out in some of the premade dishes.   There will be heaps of other choices, so don't worry!

 

 

[HPfoodie]

Can I ask (on behalf of my sister in law who is doing this cruise in March)  - does the ship organise visas for Cambodia for all nationalities? They are UK citizens. Thank you

[TriMomma]

On 1/1/2023 at 7:33 AM, HPfoodie said:

Can I ask (on behalf of my sister in law who is doing this cruise in March)  - does the ship organise visas for Cambodia for all nationalities? They are UK citizens. Thank you

They did on our sailing.   There were 60 passengers on our sailing that included many Brits.  

[Celinedeon]

Your cruise sounds amazing. We are planning a Mekong cruise in October this year.  We are trying to arrange time in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay on our own pre cruise.  Did you have any trouble communicating/getting around during this part of your trip? How did you get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay?  And what cruise company did you sail with on the bay? Did you do a 1 night or a 2 night cruise?

thanks for your help. 

[franski]

TriMomma - Is the dress code on board similar to the ships in Europe?  ie: no jeans at dinner? 

 

How did you find the air conditioning on the ship?  Would a light shawl/sweater be useful in the dining room??

 

Fran

[TriMomma]

On 1/4/2023 at 9:35 PM, Celinedeon said:

 And what cruise company did you sail with on the bay? Did you do a 1 night or a 2 night cruise?

thanks for your help. 

We did the 2 night Ha Long Bay cruise.  As we did the extended Emerald vacation, it was included.   I believe most of the companies include transportation from Hanoi to Ha Long.   We sailed with Bhaya Cruises.   It was pretty basic, but it seems that all the companies do the exact same itinerary.

[TriMomma]

On 1/22/2023 at 11:10 PM, franski said:

TriMomma - Is the dress code on board similar to the ships in Europe?  ie: no jeans at dinner? 

 

How did you find the air conditioning on the ship?  Would a light shawl/sweater be useful in the dining room??

 

Fran

It is definitely more casual than other cruises I have been on.   I don't think jeans are a problem.   I am never cold so am the worst person to ask about air conditioning.  

[possumpete]

On Harmony early April. Lots of shorts at dinner. Husband never wore his long pants. Too many men in sleeveless tops at breakfast and lunch!

AC ok in common areas and I feel the cold! In cabin turned it off regularly as it got cold,.

[gnome12]

I would have found jeans way too warm for the Mekong. Light slacks or capris would be way more comfortable.