THE HALONG BAY COLLECTION I N SEARCH OF THE EXCEPTIONAL
HO CHI MINH CITY GENERAL PUBLISHING HOUSE
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A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is affectionately known to locals as Dragon Bay or “Vinh Ha Long�. A floating world all of its own, as if it does not belong to the same earth. The myriad mountains seemingly rise out of the ocean from nowhere. It is simply one of the most peaceful and tranquil places on earth.
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Heritage Line, a consummate collector designs ships to re-create the past of an era gone-by. Each vessel is unique in its décor and setting. Each detail painstakingly crafted, to remake history. Authenticity, tradition, art and exploration lie at the heart of our compilation of the exclusive. Vessels with their own tales to tell.
THE THREE SISTERS
According to legend, Halong Bay was formed when a dragon fell to earth and churned up the sea with its thrashing tail, throwing up thousands of strangely-shaped islands. With its jade green water and steep grey islands, Halong Bay is ethereally beautiful. Surrounded by misty islands, visitors can enjoy morning tai chi classes on their junk’s sundeck. They can kayak through a maze of deserted islands; cycle through emerald paddy fields on Cat Ba Island; and visit local floating fishing villages. Arguably the most famous destination in Vietnam, Halong Bay is a natural wonder.
Heritage Line operates three traditional-style, high-end boutique junks in this bay, collectively known as the “Three Sisters”. Named after flowers that are native to Halong Bay, these Three Sisters include the Violet, the Jasmine and the Ginger. Violet is the youngest sister, known for her bright charm. Jasmine, the middle child, offers languid comfort. Ginger, the eldest, combines classic beauty with old-fashioned hospitality.
Heritage Line’s guests may choose the two-day “Dragon Passage” tour or the three-day “Jewels of Halong” trip.
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VIOLET
THE YOUNGEST SISTER She can be pompous at times but her coquettishness will melt any heart.
Heritage Line’s family of boutique cruise ships includes “Three Sisters” in Halong Bay, the youngest of whom is the coquettish Violet. The Violet is named after the beautiful Violet Chirita, a delicate purple flowered plant that grows nowhere else but on the rocky slopes of Halong Bay. Like her namesake, The Violet is small and exquisite. With just six luxurious cabins, the Violet gives visitors an exclusive look at the wonders of Halong Bay. In this small yet luxurious craft, visitors can appreciate the bay’s massive scale, the boat’s red sails dwarfed by the bay’s towering limestone islands. Built to resemble a traditional Asian junk, the wood-clad Violet features gleaming wooden floors, opulent silks and velvets, and cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the breathtaking views. Guests will find all the amenities they would expect in a larger vessel, including a gym and sauna, a spa with unrivaled views, a restaurant and a lounge, and a rooftop sundeck. For an intimate experience of Halong Bay, there is nothing to compare to the lovely Violet.
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Particulars: French-Indochina design 4 Suites and 2 Deluxe cabins Restaurant with bar Lounge with library & souvenir shop Gym and sauna Spa Sun deck with bar
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VIOLET
AT A GLANCE
Restaurant with bar
Gym and Sauna
A French Colonial aura reigns in the restaurant and this eatery feels more like a bourgeois living room where friends are made and tête-à-tête conducted over red wine. Our high end cuisine produces varied tastes and flavours but – as you can imagine – is chiefly specialized in seafood. Set menus and a wide choice of à la carte cuisine are offered. The subtle small bar with illuminated backboard artwork is the ideal place for a predinner drink before taking your seat at your private table.
The extravagant Violet also has its own gym and sauna. Be a little sporty – lift those free weights and feel totally relaxed and ready to sneak into your soft bed after a muscle soothing sauna (max. 2 people) session with aromatic oils.
Lounge Area with Library The Lounge is set up with traditional wooden materials and Indochina patterns creating an elegant atmosphere to while your time away. The Library invites you to rummage and examine a bit.
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Spa The Spa offers a varied selection of relaxing treatments. A secluded room with space for one is the perfect refuge to dream away on one of those mystic Halong evenings.
Sundeck The sundeck with its numerous sun beds is not only a place for watching islets and islands - the Violet hosts its dinners here in an exclusive set up of lanterns and stars. A day-bar with lounge-like wooden sofas offer guests the ultimate setting for their sundowners.
VIOLET DECKS
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2.3 2.4
2.1
2
2.2
2.5
3.1
3.3
3
3.4
3.2
1 Sundeck
2 Upper Deck
3 Main Deck
2.1 Cloud Suite
3.1 Mountain Deluxe
2.2 Moon Suite
3.2 Water Deluxe
2.3 Lounge area
3.3 Gym and sauna
2.4 Dragon Suite
3.4 Spa
2.5 Phoenix Suite
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VIOLET CABINS
Deluxe
Suites
The Violet has two special deluxe rooms. We named them Water and Mountain – the elements of Halong Bay. And they are individually designed. The Water Deluxe has a king bed and a soft white oceanlike ambiance surrounds the room. The Mountain comes with twin beds and carries a more yellowish tone. Both cabins are equipped with elegant furnishings and attention-todetail artifacts. They are located on the main deck with 36sqm floor space and have a private balcony (6sqm). The bathroom is made of Italian marble with a walk-in shower and a Jacuzzi.
The Violet Suites read like a romantic fairytale. The four are called Dragon, Phoenix, Moon and Cloud (Twin). As with the Deluxe all four are appointed with its singularly designed 1930 Indochine dĂŠcor. Large windows offer a full view to the Bay. While the Phoenix and Dragon come more in reddish hue with golden or silver deco elements and fabrics, the Cloud and the Moon have a rather dreamy-white or wistful sky-blue outfit. All of them pay meticulous attention to detail: plush king solid wood beds, exotic dark furniture, charming fabrics and decorative walls and ceilings paintings. Specifically designed to create that exquisite regal aura. The suites sit on the upper deck with 38sqm space including stunning views of the bay from the private balcony (5sqm).
Amenities: Individually controlled air conditioner, mini bar, in-house phone, safety box, LCD screen, DVD player, table, lounge chair, bath robe, Jacuzzi, hair dryer, tea and coffee facility.
Amenities: Individually controlled air conditioner, mini bar, in-house phone, safety box, LCD screen, DVD player, table, lounge chair, bath robe, Jacuzzi, hair dryer, tea and coffee facility. 8
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VIOLET
LIFE ON BOARD Imagine waking up to the sweet warble of birds chirping. The early rays of the sun start to kiss the curtains and floor of your beautiful cabin. The smell of coffee – strong but not pungent - gently glides to your cabin.
All along the way from your cabin to the restaurant you are greeted by the cherubic smiles of the staff. You think, “Soon, they will not be staff to me but friends.” Breakfast is a buffet. A big spread laid out. Western cuisine. Asian food. Fusion delights. A day filled with adventure lies ahead. The amazing fishing village awaits. You have thought about this day since leaving your home country and now you are in the middle of it. And you look forward to returning to the Violet. You glide into the blue hour of the day. You slip into the Jacuzzi – warm and inviting – and the bubbles start to tenderly massage you. As you lay your head on the soft pillow, your thoughts wander to the day after. A memory for a lifetime.
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JASMI NE
THE MIDDLE CHILD Sturdy and strong - with a decidedly languid air.
The second of the “Three Sisters” operated by Heritage Line in Halong Bay is the gracious middle-child, Jasmine. Visitors looking for both comfort and adventure in Halong Bay will appreciate the Jasmine’s friendly crew and understated elegance. With 23 cabins, the Jasmine is built in the style of a traditional Vietnamese junk, with three tawny sails and dark wood-cladding. Jasmine’s interiors, like the exterior, are covered in polished wood, lending the Jasmine the stately air of an Indochina-era cruising boat. Guests can convene in the formal dining room, enjoy casual barbecues on the terrace and marvel at the bay’s moonlit beauty on the Jasmine’s wide sundeck. After days spent learning tai chi, kayaking, and visiting local fishing villages, visitors can enjoy various traditional massage treatments. Heritage Line prides itself on exceptional service and the Jasmine is no exception. The Jasmine’s experienced crew does their utmost to showcase the bay’s indescribable wonders.
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Speaking of Halong Bay, Vietnam’s late President Ho Chi Minh said: “It is a wonder that one cannot impart to others.” Home to more than threethousand islands, this archipelago is the ultimate cruise destination. Allow the stately Jasmine to transport you.
Particulars: French-Indochina design 23 cabins (3 categories) Large Restaurant Lounge with bar Massage room Cozy Terrace with wooden, pillow topped seating and table set-up Huge sun deck
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JASMI NE AT A GLANCE
Terrace
Sun deck
The terrace is a perfect link to the restaurant. Chairs and comfy seating invite guests to observe the floating life of the Bay. In the evening the terrace becomes the place to be – where sumptuous seafood barbecue is prepared and the atmosphere is open and relaxed.
The Jasmine is high and that is why guests love the sundeck which gives guests a lovely view of the Bay from above. Sun chairs and umbrellas dot the large space on the top deck where drinks and snacks are served from the bar.
Restaurant with lounge The large restaurant offers enough space for guests to enjoy privacy or, if they wish, chat with others. The wooden floor and ceilings create that particular Indochina feeling which sets the stage for the exploration of the romantic Bay. Nice Asian and Vietnamese decors are the beautiful add-ons. A small lounge with a bar sits next to the restaurant area where fine cuisine with set menu for dinner is served. 14
Massage room The massage room has two benches. Opt for a head and shoulder massage (one treatment out of many) to relax whilst the Jasmine weighs you softly into a snooze.
JASMI NE DECKS
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2.1
2.3
2
2.2
3.3
3.1
3
3.2
4
4.2
4.1
3 Upper Deck
4 Main Deck
3.1 Massage Room
4.1 Reception
2 Terrace Deck
3.2 Junior Suite
4.2 Superior
2.1 Restaurant
3.3 Deluxe
1 Sundeck
2.2 Lounge area with Bar 2.3 Terrace
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JASMI NE CABINS
Superior
Junior Suite
There are a total of 12 Jasmine Superior cabins (2 double and 10 twins) available. With a floor space of 17sqm, the Superiors are located on the main deck with teak-wood furniture. Panoramic French-styled windows and tastefully chosen décor make the Superior category a cozy accommodation.
The two Jasmine Junior Suites, located on the main deck, are regally furnished with a large floor space of 24sqm. After a day of excursions, immerse yourself in the Jacuzzi or step out on your balcony (2sqm) for a spectacular view of the Bay during sunset.
Amenities: Individually controlled air conditioner, mini bar, in-house phone, slippers, safety box, glass standing shower, bath robe.
Deluxe The Deluxe cabins sit on the main deck of the junk. There are a total of nine cabins. The rooms have a floor space of 18sqm with a small balcony (2sqm) to sit and daydream. The décor is classy – with marvelous wooden finishing. Pleasing paintings and well designed amenities decorate this room. The bath has, as all Jasmine cabins, a glass covered standing shower. Amenities: Individually controlled air conditioner, mini bar, in-house phone, slippers, safety box, glass standing shower, bath robe.
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Amenities: Individually controlled air conditioner, mini bar, in-house phone, slippers, safety box, Jacuzzi, glass standing shower, bath robe.
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JASMI NE
LIFE ON BOARD The first thing that strikes you about Jasmine is its well-built disposition. You feel at ease when you are at the Jasmine.
It is difficult to paint an accurate picture of life aboard the Jasmine. The morning rays bathe your room in soft colours. The waves of the bay are somewhere around you. Breakfast is a sumptuous spread. Croissants. Coffee. Tea. Juices. Cereal. Eggs. Omelets. Bacon. Noodles and more. The right dose of energy, together with the early-bird Tai Chi activity, take you through the day. You look forward to kayaking (ah, the sound of it has the right dash of adventure and exoticism), you are besotted by the thought of paddling in the bay. You can now add lasting chronicles to your life book that you will share with your children and grandchildren. Didn’t we say the sturdy and reliable Jasmine promises to deliver?
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GINGER THE ELDEST
She is graceful and responsible, yet she exudes a delectable avant-garde ambiance.
Heritage Line considers its boutique vessels to be part of a family. In Halong Bay, we operate three stunning craft, known collectively as the “Three Sisters”. The eldest sister is the Ginger, elegant and serene. She welcomes guests on an intimate journey through one of nature’s true marvels. As the sun rises over the thousands of karst islands that dot Halong Bay, the sails of the Ginger glow saffron. Built to resemble a traditional wooden junk, the Ginger features woodpaneled lounges, shimmering silks and Indochina-style furnishings. Simple yet elegant, the cabins feature large windows - perfect for viewing the bay’s ever-changing scenery. With just ten cabins, the Ginger offers an intimate means of exploring Halong Bay. Guests can rise before dawn and take a tai chi class on the sundeck; join the friendly kitchen staff in a Vietnamese cooking class; and swap stories on plush sofas in the boat’s cozy bar. Surrounded by the legendary islands of Halong Bay, you will feel relaxed, recharged and inspired. Join Ginger on a magical journey.
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Particulars: French-Indochina design 10 cabins (2 categories) Restaurant Lounge with bar Large sun deck with sunbathing chairs
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GINGER AT A GLANCE
Sundeck
Bar with Lounge
Wake up just before dawn and take part in a morning Tai Chi class. Or be totally benign and bask in the rays of the sun on some hugging lounge chairs awaiting the sun raise behind one of the thousand islets. We bring you a “cà phê đá” – the Vietnamese strong black coffee - for that unique Halong Bay moment.
Let your hair down in the evenings. Saunter to the bar and down a couple. The gregarious bartender regales with you on anecdotes of Vietnam whilst enjoying some of his specially concocted fruit shake drinks – fresh and tasty.
Restaurant Savor delectable cuisine at the cozy restaurant. The warm color tone, coupled with candle-light and panoramic windows will certainly ensure that your meals are memorable experiences.
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GINGER DECKS
1
2.1
2.2 2.3
2
2.4
3
3.2
3.1
1 Sundeck
2 Upper Deck
3 Main Deck
2.1 Restaurant
3.1 Deluxe
2.2 Lounge
3.2 Superior
2.3 Superior 2.4 Bar
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GINGER CABINS
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Superior
Deluxe
The Ginger has got 8 Superior twin cabins located on the main and upper deck. The room has a floor space of 12sqm. The wooden floor and ceiling create a warm ambience of the rooms. Large windows offer a spectacular view to the Bay.
Two Deluxe cabins complete the inventory of the cozy Ginger. Both are located on the main deck. The cabins have 14sqm and there is one connecting facility available (DeluxeSuperior). The wooden floor and ceiling are the same as the Superiors. The decor is decent and adds to the essential finishing of this category.
Amenities: Individually controlled air conditioner, mini bar, in-house phone, slippers, safety box, glass standing shower, bath robe.
Amenities: Individually controlled air conditioner, mini bar, in-house phone, slippers, safety box, glass standing shower, bath robe.
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GINGER
LIFE ON BOARD You have planned for this adventure for some time. You arrive at the dock. You are greeted by the flowing smiles of the team.
You feel at home. Your room is comfortable and exquisite. Your bed – with its pristine covers beckons you to rest from your arrival journey briefly. But not too long as your snooze gets interrupted by the sounds of mother nature … and by a hunger sneaking into your slumber. It is lunch time now. The side boat of the Ginger brings you to a little white sandy beach for the joy of the day – swimming in shallow turquoise water. And you return to Ginger who waits for you - see sawing in water - with a smile. Staff hand you soft towels to freshen up and the tasty cocktail revitalizes you for the looming sun set at sundeck where water, rocks, fauna and boats gently merge to play, lighted by the shimmering stars.
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SUNSET
THE DAY BOAT
The Sunset is our day boat which guests use on day two (only the 3-day “The Jewels of Halong Bay� voyage) of their excursion to explore the southern part of the Bay, around and on Cat Ba island. The Sunset is a small, sweet Indochina junk designed as a tribute to the Bay. It has a lovely restaurant which serves a delicious breakfast after boarding and a tasty lunch between all activities. Guests can also relax and sun tan on the sun deck with comfy pillow chairs and laid back sun beds whilst the little Sunset intimately trundles through the Bay. The Sunset has a spa and the masseuses on board are ready to ease your aching muscles.
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SIGNATURE ACTIVITIES Tai Chi classes Vietnamese cooking workshop Kayaking * Bamboo rowing boat at fishing village Biking in National park (The Jewels of Halong Bay only) Halong Bay nature and culture presentation Special cave dinner on request (charters mainly) Books and magazines (Violet only) Fitness and Sauna (Violet only) Spa Conference & meeting equipment on request (charters mainly) * included in “The Jewels of Halong Bay” on the 2nd day (Canadian Seward kayaks 2-seater / single-seater) Kayak on request (extra charge) for “The Dragon Passage”
OUR JOURNEYS The Dragon Passage 2 days, 1 night A classic passage along the former playground of dragons which offers memorable sights and sounds.
The Jewels of Halong Bay 3 days, 2 nights Discover the hidden jewels – glittering and untouched - that lie deep in the Bay and on Cat Ba island.
Technical figures Launch L/W/H Beam / Draft Gross tonnage Cruising speed Electricity Capacity / Cabins
Safety
Violet November 2009 38 m / 10 m / 6 m 10 m / 1,6 m 300 tons 5 nautical knots 220 volts 12 passengers
Jasmine December 2007 55 m / 11 m / 10 m 11 m / 1,9 m 700 tons 5 nautical knots 220 volts 46 passengers 23 cabins (three categories)
Ginger March 2006 38 m / 9 m / 6 m 9 m / 1,6 m 300 tons 5 nautical knots 220 volts 20 passengers 10 cabins (two categories)
6 cabins (two categories) Radio Comm., Radar (only Violet and Jasmine), GPS, monitoring camera system, shipwreck alarm system, Depth Measurer (only Jasmine), life jackets, life rafts, tender, first aid kits, fire hydrants, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors in each cabin.
Sunset February 2011 30 m / 6 m / 3,5 m 6 m / 1,6 m 100 tons 5 nautical knots 220 volts 30 passengers
Radio Comm., GPS, life jackets, life rafts, tender, first aid kits, fire hydrants, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors in indoor areas.
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