The five-star line behind Halong Bay’s most remarkable cruise experiences, Ambassador Cruise, has clinched two national records due to ‘Ambassador Cruise II’ vessel’s huge capacity and compelling entertainment set-up. The Vietnam Record Association recently announced Ambassador Cruise II, which hosts lavish day and dinner cruises of Halong Bay and has a 600-guest capacity, has been recognised in the Vietnam Book of Records as the country’s “highest capacity” cruise ship.

The Vietnam Record Association recently announced Ambassador Cruise II has been recognised in the Vietnam Book of Records as the country’s “highest capacity” cruise ship.

Anchored by a singer and dramatic light show, to a backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed bay’s silhouetted limestone karsts, Ambassador Cruise II’s 1.5-hour evening “mini-show” “Love in the Bay” on the dinner cruise took out the second national record. Love in The Bay features performances by renowned Vietnamese singers Phuong Thanh, Luong Bich Huu and Vicky Nhung.

Since its debut in February 2023, Ambassador Cruise II, which offers both a luxurious eight-hour day cruise followed by an exquisite four-hour dinner cruise, has welcomed hundreds of thousands of guests.

Elegantly designed, Ambassador Cruise II features spacious sundecks across two floors that total 324sqm and 250sqm, affording 360-degree vistas of Halong Bay and its myriad limestone karsts. Two restaurants, two bars, an entertainment area for live music, and the large open-air jacuzzi are among the vessel’s top-notch facilities. The five-metre glass bridge jutting from the vessel’s bow inspires compelling photographs.

The 500-ton five-floor steel craft with a basement measures 90 meters long, 16 meters wide and 19 meters high, making it the largest and most luxurious ship to ever ply Halong Bay’s waters with a total of 10,000sqm of lettable space. Ambassador Cruise is the only Halong Bay cruise line to include an elevator system for the elderly and people with disabilities.

The Ambassador Cruise II’s daytime voyage, known as ‘Ambassador Day Cruise’, takes passengers on a sublime journey through the UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its plethora of limestone karsts dotting its emerald waters.

With its newly updated 100sqm stage area, Love in the Bay was deemed the “largest scale music program on a cruise in Vietnam”.

The itinerary includes exploration of Sung Sot Cave and swimming off Titov Island, whose scalable heights offer panoramic views of the bay. After a premium buffet lunch onboard, passengers take in Luon Cave by either kayak or in a bamboo boat rowed by a local followed by a cooking class and live band on the ship.

Designed for travellers who cannot squeeze an overnight trip to Halong Bay into their schedules, the itinerary covers the same ground as an overnight cruise within a shorter time frame.

By night, Ambassador Cruise II transforms into the ‘Ambassador Dinner Cruise’. A first for the bay, the cruise is underpinned by premium dining and live entertainment. To a backdrop of Halong Bay’s awe-inspiring sunset, guests indulge a delectable meal of Asian and European delicacies accompanied by a cabaret show, performances by Vietnamese singers and a live band. The Asia Hospitality Awards also recognised the Ambassador Dinner Cruise as “Asia’s Finest Dinner Cruise”.

By night, Ambassador Cruise II transforms into the ‘Ambassador Dinner Cruise’. A first for the bay, the cruise is underpinned by premium dining and live entertainment

“For our independent luxury boutique cruise line to land not one but two national records is a remarkable achievement,” said Nguyen Cao Son, chairman of Asia Premier Cruises (APC) Corporation, which owns Ambassador Cruise. “Ambassador Cruise II has been a game changer for Halong Bay and beyond, and a tourism bonanza for Vietnam’s Quang Ninh province, contributing significant traffic to Halong International Cruise Port.”

Since launching its first vessel in 2021, Ambassador Cruise has made a name for itself as the leading luxury cruise operator on Halong Bay. Its vessels include Ambassador I, Ambassador II, Ambassador Signature and Lavoya Boutique Day Cruise. Guests choose from a variety of journeys including overnight cruises of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. Ambassador Cruise has also launched a “Dining Under the Stars” concept. APC Corporation last month launched a spectacular cave dining experience at Dragon Pearl Cave, a 30-minute drive from Halong City.

For more information about Ambassador Cruise II and APC Corporation, please visit www.ambassadorcruise.com.

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Leading boutique cruise operator Ambassador Cruise has launched a remarkable dining experience under the starlit skies of UNESCO World Heritage listed bays Halong and Lan Ha. The new ‘Dining Under the Stars’ concept on Ambassador Cruise’s overnight cruises features two menus, crafted by executive chef Nguyen Gia Thien, accompanied by live entertainment on the luxurious vessels’ elegant 360-degree sundecks.

Softly-lit, white tablecloth service and an incredible backdrop of myriad limestone karsts silhouetted against the night sky evoke a romantic atmosphere.  Guests choose between international and Vietnamese dinner menus; both underpinned by fresh, premium ingredients.

As part of the five-course “Heritage By Night” menu, guests select two main courses from five gourmet options including roasted sea bass fillet with chorizo butter and zucchini emulsion, pan-seared beef medallion served with crispy potato and meat jus, and caramelized duck breast flambé with gnocchi and orange jus.

An opportunity to sample authentic traditional Vietnamese cuisine, the ‘Four Seasons’ menu includes the likes of deep-fried Halong squid cake with young sticky rice, marinated beef and pomelo salad, and stir-fried scallop with organic mushroom.

The Dining Under the Stars experience’s cherry on top is Ambassador’s international live band performing a medley of classic hits in English, Vietnamese, Korean, Indian and Filipino every day of the week except for Monday.

“Our ‘Dining Under the Stars’ concept builds upon the magic of Halong and Lan Ha bays by creating a one-of-a-kind sensory experience under a canopy of stars,” said Nguyen Cao Son, chairman of Asia Premier Cruises (APC) Corporation that owns and operates Ambassador Cruise. “Ambassador Cruise is a pioneer, bringing compelling new experiences to Halong Bay that encourage travellers to return again and again.”

Chef Thien’s menus have been influenced by his recent travels to France, where he trained extensively. “My training in France was transformative in that I could honor my cultural heritage and embrace international gastronomic excellence,” he said.

“Dining Under the Stars” is available for booking on all overnight Ambassador Cruise journeys in Halong and Lan Ha Bay. It will also be available on dinner cruises during summer months for an additional charge.

Since launching its first vessel in 2021, Ambassador Cruise has made a name for itself as the leading luxury cruise operator on Halong Bay. Its vessels include Ambassador I, Ambassador II, Ambassador Signature and Lavoya Boutique Day Cruise. Guests choose from a variety of journeys including overnight cruises of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, day cruises, and dinner cruises.

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Ambassador Cruise has launched a luxurious new day cruise that makes the most of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay’s limestone karst-studded waters and key attractions such as Sung Sot Cave and Titov Island. With a remarkable two-level dining space, open-air sundeck affording 360-degree views of the bay’s limestone karst-studded waters, the leading cruise operator’s new 99-passenger capacity vessel named “Lavoya Boutique Day Cruise – By Ambassador Cruise” will bring its fleet to a total of four vessels.

Cruisers get up close and personal with three of Halong Bay’s most spectacular attractions as part of the seven-hour cruise itinerary. The itinerary checks out the bay’s largest and most compelling cave, Sung Sot, home to myriad stalactites in all sorts of unique forms. Via a kayak or bamboo boat rowed by a local, passengers enter and exit stunning Luon Cave’ self-contained lake, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush vegetation, through a 100-metre long limestone arch. Afterwards cruisers visit picturesque Titov Island, swimming at its crescent moon-shaped beach and ascending some 450 steps to reach its peak and soak up panoramic views of the bay.

The day cruise has a prime focus on culinary excellence, underpinned by a premium lunch buffet, vibrant Vietnamese cooking demonstration and exquisite afternoon tea service.

The extensive lunch buffet showcases a diverse array of Asian and European cuisines including locally sourced seafood, beef, tuna, and other delicacies. Featuring nearly 30 dishes, the buffet’s highlights include US steak with grilled seasonal veggies, smoked tuna with green tea, hot and sour steamed mussels, crispy deep-fried prawns with chilli rock salt, stir-fried glass noodles with crab, and caramelised cinnamon pork shoulder. A seafood tower is also served to each table.

As the vessel glides through Halong Bay‘s majestic limestone formations on its return to Halong International Cruise Port, the chefs stage the Vietnamese cooking demonstration and serve the elegant afternoon tea replete with fine pastries.

“As our premium day cruise experience, Lavoya Boutique Day Cruise – By Ambassador Cruise will see Ambassador welcome a new dawn with even more bucket-list worthy experiences,” said Nguyen Hong Nhat, General Director of Asia Premier Cruises Corporation, which owns Ambassador Cruise. “The itinerary will guide you through Halong Bay’s most spectacular locations with excellent Vietnamese cuisine and top-notch service.”

The cruise’s current itinerary, on offer during Vietnam’s winter and spring, begins with a 9am check-in at Halong International Cruise Port before transferring to the vessel. Guests disembark at the port at 4.30pm.

Since launching its first vessel in 2021, Ambassador Cruise has made a name for itself as the leading luxury cruise operator on Halong Bay. It operates three other vessels; Ambassador I, Ambassador II and Ambassador Signature. Guests choose from a variety of journeys including overnight cruises of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, day cruises, and dinner cruises. The overnight and dinner cruises offer a “Floating Dinner” experience on their 360-degree sundecks. Ambassador Cruise is also introducing an exclusive dining experience in a private cave 40 kilometres from Halong Bay.

For more information about Ambassador Cruise or to make a booking, visit ambassadorcruise.com, email info@ambassadorcruise.com or call +84 1900 3045.

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Leading boutique cruise operator Ambassador Cruise has launched a “One Adventure – Two Wonders” experience that plies the limestone karst-studded waters of Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed bays Halong and Lan Ha.

The three-day, two-night cruise “combines the best of both worlds; two awe-inspiring seascapes, in the northern reaches of the Gulf of Tonkin, each alluring and remarkable in their own way,” said Nguyen Cao Son, founder of Asia Premier Cruises Corporation, which owns Ambassador Cruise.

On the first day of the cruise, passengers board Ambassador Cruise 1

On the first day of the cruise, passengers board Ambassador Cruise 1, the largest and most luxurious vessel in Halong Bay, featuring 46 cabins with a private balcony or terrace, twin 360-degree sundecks, a restaurant, plush piano lounge, bars, an open-air Jacuzzi pool, and a spa. Highlights of the itinerary’s first day include a buffet lunch with views of Halong Bay’s limestone islets, experiencing Luon Cave’s compelling lake on a bamboo boat or kayak, and the chef’s special dinner at the vessel’s restaurant. Passengers also visit Titov Island, famous for its crescent moon-shaped beach and, at the island’s peak, 360-degree views of Halong Bay.

On the second day of the cruise, passengers set sail on the relatively unchartered waters of Lan Ha Bay aboard Ambassador Signature Cruise

The following day, guests explore Sung Sot Cave, Halong Bay’s largest and most impressive cave with incredible stalactites before disembarking at Halong International Cruise Port to visit iconic landmark Quang Ninh Museum and other historical sites such as Dong Pagoda. Showcasing archaeological artifacts from prehistoric times to the modern era, the museum is also home to Vietnam’s biggest whale skeleton.

Passengers then set sail on the relatively uncharted waters of Lan Ha Bay that afternoon and evening aboard Ambassador Signature Cruise before returning to Halong International cruise Port by speedboat on the third day.

The three-day, two-night cruise dubbed “One Adventure – Two Wonders” offers passengers delectable dining experiences, plush piano lounges, bars and more

Unprecedented for Lan Ha Bay, Ambassador Signature Cruise offers 39 cabins with a private balcony or terrace, a spacious sundeck, restaurant, piano lounge, bars, spa, and a water slide that takes guests to the bay’s emerald sea. A delectable lunch and premium Michelin-standard dinner menu are served at the vessel’s restaurant. Another highlight of the second day of the itinerary is a visit to Viet Hai, a traditional floating fishing village, which showcases the daily lives of locals.

Day three of the cruise includes a visit to and a tour through Light and Dark Cave by bamboo boat or kayak. The cave features impressive stalactites and leads to a peaceful lake surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

Guests have the option of starting the second and third days of the cruise with a tai chi session on the sundeck before a light breakfast is served in the piano bar and a full breakfast at the restaurant. Happy Hour drinks and canapes, live music, spa treatments, and squid fishing are also on offer during the cruise.

Highlights of the itinerary’s first day include experiencing Luon Cave’s compelling lake on a bamboo boat or kayak

“Why make the difficult choice of choosing between cruising Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay when you can experience both?” said Cao Son. “We have a lot of people ask which bay is better to cruise when they reach out to book with us and so our answer is now: ‘One Adventure – Two Wonders’.”

Although it retains all the majesty of its superstar neighbor Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay sees a fraction of the traffic. The two seascapes are virtually interchangeable, but the lack of tourist boats gives Lan Ha Bay a more isolated appeal.

Since launching its first vessel in 2021, Ambassador Cruise has made a name for itself as the leading luxury cruise operator on Halong Bay. It now operates three vessels; Ambassador I, Ambassador II and Ambassador Signature. Guests choose from a variety of journeys including overnight cruises, day cruises, and dinner cruises.

For more information about Ambassador Cruise or to make a booking, visit ambassadorcruise.com, email info@ambassadorcruise.com or call +84 1900 3045.

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Luxurious Ambassador Cruise is teaming up with conductor Dong Quang Vinh to stage Halong Bay’s first orchestral cruise, showcasing instrumentalists, opera singers and ballet dancers in what’s poised to be a remarkable sunset concert.

Conductor Dong Quang Vinh on Ambassador Cruise

The inaugural “Dreamy Voyage – Symphony of Heritage” on 22 December this year will begin with a red-carpet wine reception at Ambassador Lounge at Halong International Cruise Port from 3pm. Guests will then board Ambassador Cruise II for the concert in the UNESCO World Heritage site from 4.45pm – 6.30pm followed by a buffet dinner on the lavish vessel.

Dubbed “Vietnam’s music ambassador” by domestic and international media for his ongoing efforts to promote Vietnamese music to the world, Vinh will conduct Suc Song Moi Orchestra during the cruise. Featuring 30 Vietnamese instrumentalists, the orchestra will play four chapters, with four to five songs apiece. The chapters comprise classical opera and ballet music, Vietnamese music, film scores, and Christmas carols.

The program, to feature performances by award-winning tenor Nguyen Truong Linh and soprano Trang Bui, is packed with iconic music. Highlights include themes from ballets “Swan Lake” and “The Nutcracker”, as well as “Nessun Dorma”, “Hello Vietnam”, blockbuster Titantic’s “My Heart Will Go On”, “Joy to the World” and “Jingle Bells”.

Born into a family of esteemed traditional musicians, Vinh began learning to play the bamboo flute at nine with the Vietnam National Academy of Music, where today he is conductor and teacher of orchestral conducting. He is also the principal conductor of the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet, and artistic director and conductor of Hanoi Voices Choir. He has been a guest conductor of numerous international orchestras including the Shanghai Opera House Symphony Orchestra.

He described Halong Bay’s upcoming orchestral cruise as “something to be celebrated” because it would promote arts and culture in a unique setting, thus making orchestral music more accessible.

“My desire is to bring music to everyone and this is an irresistible opportunity,” the conductor said. “To take this enchanting music, usually performed in a large concert hall, and bring it to an open space, one as spectacular as Halong Bay, with a new audience of cruisers is particularly rewarding.”

Nguyen Cao Son, the chairman of Asia Premier Cruises (APC) Corporation, which owns Ambassador Cruise, added that the orchestral cruise marked the beginning of a series of exquisite themed cruises to be staged by the cruise line.

“An orchestral cruise is yet another first for Halong Bay from Ambassador Cruise, following the introduction of our day cruises and dinner cruises earlier this year,” he said. “The breathtaking backdrop of Halong Bay’s stunning limestone karsts will bring a whole new dimension to this atmospheric orchestral performance.”

The elegantly designed 45-cabin Ambassador Cruise II is home to spacious sundecks across two floors affording 360-degree vistas, two restaurants, two bars, an entertainment area for live music, large open-air jacuzzi and a five-metre glass bridge jutting from the vessel’s bow that inspires compelling photographs.

The 500-ton five-floor steel craft with a basement measures 90-meters long, 16-meters wide and 19-meters high, making it the largest and most luxurious ship to ever ply Halong Bay’s waters with a total of 10,000sqm of lettable space. Ambassador Cruise is the only Halong Bay cruise line to include an elevator system for the elderly and people with disabilities.

For more information about Ambassador Cruise II and APC Corporation, please visit www.ambassadorcruise.com.

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The five-star line behind Halong Bay’s most remarkable cruise experiences, Ambassador Cruise, is poised to usher its 200,000th passenger aboard its ‘Ambassador Cruise II’ vessel by the end of 2023.

Since its debut in February this year Ambassador Cruise II, which offers both a luxurious eight-hour day cruise followed by an exquisite four-hour dinner cruise, has welcomed up to almost 1000 guests per day during peak times.

Elegantly designed, Ambassador Cruise II features spacious sundecks across two floors that total 324sqm and 250sqm, affording 360-degree vistas of Halong Bay

The vessel has helped propel a tourism bonanza for Vietnam’s Quang Ninh province, attracting more than 156,000 passengers, making for 13% of the estimated 1.2 million visitors to Halong International Cruise Port from January 1 through to October 31 this year. Combined with Ambassador Cruise’s overnight cruises ‘Ambassador Cruise I’ and ‘Ambassador Signature Cruise’, it’s estimated Ambassador’s fleet will contribute to 18% of the total number of passengers to the cruise port by the end of the year.

Elegantly designed, Ambassador Cruise II features spacious sundecks across two floors that total 324sqm and 250sqm, affording 360-degree vistas of Halong Bay and its myriad limestone karsts. Two restaurants, two bars, an entertainment area for live music, and the large open-air jacuzzi are among the 45-cabin vessel’s top-notch facilities. The five-metre glass bridge jutting from the vessel’s bow inspires compelling photographs.

The 500-ton five-floor steel craft with a basement measures 90 meters long, 16 meters wide and 19 meters high, making it the largest and most luxurious ship to ever ply Halong Bay’s waters with a total of 10,000sqm of lettable space. Ambassador Cruise is the only Halong Bay cruise line to include an elevator system for the elderly and people with disabilities.

To a backdrop of Halong Bay’s awe-inspiring sunset, guests on the dinner cruise indulge a delectable meal

The Ambassador Cruise II’s daytime voyage, known as ‘Ambassador Day Cruise’, takes passengers on a sublime journey through the UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its plethora of limestone karsts dotting its emerald waters.

The itinerary includes exploration of Sung Sot Cave and swimming off Titov Island, whose scalable heights offer panoramic views of the bay. Passengers take in Luon Cave by either kayak or in a bamboo boat rowed by a local followed by a cooking class and Filipino DJ onboard.

Designed for travellers who cannot squeeze an overnight trip to Halong Bay into their schedules, the itinerary covers the same ground as an overnight cruise within a shorter time frame.

By night, Ambassador Cruise II transforms into the ‘Ambassador Dinner Cruise’. A first for the bay, the cruise is underpinned by premium dining and live entertainment. To a backdrop of Halong Bay’s awe-inspiring sunset, guests indulge a delectable meal of Asian and European delicacies accompanied by a cabaret show, performances by Vietnamese singers and a live band.

By night, Ambassador Cruise II transforms into the ‘Ambassador Dinner Cruise’. A first for the bay, the cruise is underpinned by premium dining and live entertainment

“Welcoming our 200,000th passenger aboard Ambassador Cruise II in such a short time is a major milestone and testament to how we have redefined cruising Halong Bay; by pioneering a luxurious day cruise and dinner cruise, we have played a notable part in expanding Quang Ninh’s tourism industry post-COVID,” said Nguyen Cao Son, chairman of Asia Premier Cruises (APC) Corporation, which owns Ambassador Cruise. “Attracting more than 69,000 passengers from January 1 until October 31 this year, our dinner cruise alone contributed to 70% of the total number of passengers to the Halong International Cruise Port in the evening amid a total of four cruise operators.”

To celebrate the 200,000th passenger, Ambassador Cruise II will hold a small party aboard with all of the cruise’s guests, and distribute dinner vouchers as lucky draw presents during a mini game. The 200,000th passenger will be presented with a gift voucher of two tickets to attend a liveshow on Ambassador Dinner Cruise.

For more information about Ambassador Cruise II and APC Corporation, please visit www.ambassadorcruise.com.

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Vietnam’s most vibrant coastal city, Nha Trang, has a fresh hub for nightlife in the shape of the recently opened Ambassador Club Ana Marina Nha Trang.

The showpiece nightspot has been lighting up the evenings in Nha Trang with revellers packing the venue on a nightly basis to savour a delectable seafood buffet, starring the world-renowned Nha Trang lobster, one of Vietnam’s most famous marine delicacies. There’s also an eclectic entertainment roster that takes in everything from Cuban dance to energized DJ beats.

Ambassador Club is the centrepiece of the new Ana Marina lifestyle complex, overseen by leading boutique cruise operator Ambassador Cruise. When completed, the ambitious project will encompass not only Vietnam’s first dedicated marina, but also a yacht club, fine-dining restaurants, and numerous watersports activities including paragliding, jet-ski and diving.

Al fresco live entertainment enliven the sultry tropical evenings at Ambassador Club Ana Marina Nha Trang

The complex is designed to appeal to various demographics including foreign tourists, domestic visitors, families, couples and individual travellers.

“We’ve been delighted — but not surprised — by the excellent public response to Ambassador Club since it opened,” said Nguyen Cao Son, founder of Asia Premier Cruises Corporation, which owns Ambassador Cruise as well as Vietdeli, a restaurant company behind some of Vietnam’s most popular dining establishments.

“Nha Trang is famous for being one of the best places in Vietnam to let your hair down. And there’s no better place in the city than the Ambassador Club to do just that. Our experience in establishing the Vietdeli brand has also enabled us to offer truly world-class cuisine as well as entertainment at the club.”

Located at the northern end of Nha Trang’s famous bay, Ana Marina benefits from spectacular views out towards the jungle-clad islands scattered around the azure waters of the East Sea.

These uplifting outlooks are front and centre at Ambassador Club, where revelers can dance, dine, and party long, sultry afternoons and evenings away underneath a mellow setting sun and then a blanket of stars.

Diners can choose from over 50 dishes from the extensive international buffet

Boasting a capacity of up to 1500 pax, the venue is one of the most expansive clubs in Vietnam. Indeed, its generous size makes it an ideal choice for all sorts of MICE events such as wedding receptions, company gatherings and private hires.

Its list of entertainment and culinary attributes is equally comprehensive. An international buffet puts an emphasis on the freshest of local produce and seafood. Diners can choose from over 50 dishes, many of them served up fresh from the BBQ. Standout items include lobsters caught in the famously abundant waters around nearby Binh Ba Island. The restaurant is also open for breakfast and lunch and offers a la carte as well as the set buffet option.

On the entertainment front, there’s a daily line-up of in-house live bands, top local and international DJs, a Cuban dance troupe, and acclaimed cabaret shows. The high-quality entertainment is enhanced, meanwhile, by pulsating lighting and a state-of-the-art sound system.

The venue also benefits from its contemporary design and wide array of different set-ups and spaces. Guests can take time out from the party by the pool to chill on comfortable furniture on a 2^nd floor balcony. Restaurants with private rooms, meanwhile, offer the option of seclusion for groups.

“We’d like to think that we’ve covered a lot of bases with Ambassador Club, and covered them well,” continued Nguyen Cao Son. “We are very proud to provide the very highest service standards to give guests a flawless experience and to have added such a fantastic nightlife option to the range of attractions in Nha Trang.”

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Leading boutique cruise operator, Ambassador Cruise, is charting new channels of refinement on unsung Lan Ha Bay with the launch of its Ambassador Signature overnight sailing.

The limestone karst-studded seascapes in the northern reaches of the Gulf of Tonkin have long been known for providing uplift through their beauty. And now visitors can embrace fresh visual splendour on the relatively uncharted waters of Lan Ha Bay, just south of Halong Bay, onboard Ambassador Signature, a new 39-berth vessel that made its maiden voyage in July.

Ambassador Signature made its maiden voyage on Lan Ha Bay in July

The new one-night voyage features myriad alluring calling cards. There’s the destination for a kick-off. Lan Ha Bay’s 300-or-so karst islands and limestone outcrops are every bit as beautiful as Halong Bay. Although it retains all the majesty of its superstar neighbour, Lan Ha Bay sees a fraction of the traffic. The two seascapes are virtually interchangeable, but the lack of tourist boats gives Lan Ha Bay a more isolated appeal.

The vessel is distinguished by an interior design that fuses high luxury with contemporary elements. And this marriage is to the fore in designer cabins in four different categories. These are Ambassador Balcony, Executive Ambassador Balcony, Ambassador Balcony Suite, and the Captain’s View Ambassador Suite. All cabins come with a private balcony and spacious bathroom. And the latter two categories, the highest on the vessel, have private terraces where guests can kick back and savour the incredible scenery in total seclusion. Cabins range from 28-35 sqm.

An onboard spa adds to an overall feeling of indulgent cruising bliss

Elsewhere there’s a spa, a plush piano lounge, and an expansive sundeck; the largest of any cruise vessel on Lan Ha Bay. A strong focus on gastronomy is showcased via sumptuous evening menus curated by Michelin-starred chef David Gallienne. Divine dining is complemented by the melodies of a resident band who enhance the evening ambience.

Enticing optional excursions, meanwhile, include a visit to Viet Hai, a traditional floating fishing village, and a tour through Light and Dark Cave by bamboo boat or kayak. The cave features impressive stalactites and leads to a peaceful lake surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

“The launch of Ambassador Signature has been momentous for several reasons,” said Nguyen Cao Son, founder of Asia Premier Cruises Corporation, which owns Ambassador Cruise.

The fine dining experience on Ambassador Signature encompasses cuisine curated by Michelin-starred chef David Gallienne

“Lan Ha Bay is undiscovered in comparison with Halong Bay, which imbues sailing with a sense of discovery for passengers. In addition to that, we’ve placed an emphasis on life’s refinements via a world-class spa, truly spectacular cabins, and — of course — cuisine masterminded by a Michelin-starred chef.”

Galienne’s multi-course extravaganzas are one among many tantalising aspects of voyages on the new Ambassador Signature vessel. Featuring a splendid blend of Asian-Vietnamese design with French colonial accents, the ship launched on 21 July. There are numerous attention-grabbing elements of the experience on Ambassador Signature. The surrounding natural beauty, best appreciated via the 360-degree views of the bay from the sundeck, is never anything less than stunning.

An onboard spa encompasses a broad range of massage and other treatments. The piano lounge is the place to wind down after dinner, with live musical entertainment, fine wines and creative cocktails putting added swing into the sailing. Ambassador Signature’s emphasis on fine cuisine, meanwhile, is sure to capture the imagination of gourmands.

Designer cabins come in four different categories and have private balconies with extraordinary views of the bay

Ambassador Cruise was recently named a World TOP Heritage Gourmet Award winner by the International Business Federation in recognition of the cuisine on its Ambassador II vessel. And the culinary offerings on Ambassador Signature are destined to garner wider attention.

Normandy-born chef Gallienne, who trained at the Michelin-starred Manoir du Lys, earned his star at his Giverny restaurant Le Jardin des Plumes. He earned further recognition by winning season 11 of the TV show Top Chef. For dinners on Ambassador Signature, Gallienne has supervised menus that utilise premium ingredients and fuse Asian and French flavours and cooking techniques.

Since launching its first vessel in 2021, Ambassador Cruise has made a name for itself as the leading luxury cruise operator on Halong Bay. With the launch of Ambassador Signature it now operates three vessels, the others being Ambassador I and Ambassador II. Guests can choose from a variety of journeys including overnight cruises, day cruises, and dinner cruises.

For more information about Ambassador Cruise or to make a booking, visit ambassadorcruise.com, email info@ambassadorcruise.com or call +84 1900 3045.

Read about Asian Itinerary experiences on Ambassador Cruise vessels:

DAY CRUISE

DINNER CRUISE

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Leonardo by the company van at 6am

The cruise adventure for Leonardo and I started at 6am when we got picked up in central Hanoi by Ambassador Cruise bus for the transfer trip to Halong Bay. The vehicle was a 10 seater super luxurious van, all black, with leather reclinable seats larger than those on an airplane. The driver wore Ambassador Cruise black uniform and looked very professional, as did the girl who checked the names in the booking list. We finally left for the journey, and let me tell you, forget about those trips where you want to scream at every overtaking, with a driver who pushes the vehicle engine as if he was on a race, or as if delivering passengers to destination was a matter of life and death. I have had plenty of those in my traveling life. This driver drove gently, and never over 80 km per hour on the not so busy motorway that runs from the capital Hanoi to Halong.

Leonardo at check in

The landscape quickly changed from urban, cemented, polluted and high-rise Hanoi, to a land of scattered quaint villages with plenty of pagodas and rice fields. What a paradise. Leonardo looked out of the windows mesmerised, and at some point he turned to me and said: “Papà, this is so beautiful, thanks for bringing me here”. I was touched. The driver did the customary 30 minutes pit stop at a refreshment area where we found food, drinks and toilets, then off we were again, reaching Halong at about 8.30am. We drove straight to the Halong International Cruise Port, got dropped off and walked to the Ambassador Cruise II, an amazing ship by the look of it.

Our spacious room for the day

After the ticket formalities at the ship reception, we were given our identification bracelets to be worn for the day, a key to our room, and off we went to relax and enjoy our room and balcony while the ship sailed off and passed dozens of majestic limestone islets in Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. Leonardo and I had the time for a good swim in the big open air jacuzzi pool on the 3rd floor deck before we were summoned by the staff for the boat trip to Sung Sot Cave.

Leonardo inside Sung Sot Cave

There were a few speedboats towed by the ship, and one of those took us to the cave site in a matter of 5 minutes; at the entrance booth, we showed our blue bracelets and were directed to a flight of steps that took us to the largest and most magnificent cave in the bay. Sung Sot Cave features marvellous and mysterious thousand-year-old stalactites in a variety of unique forms. Both Leonardo and I were speechless, and so were the hundreds of people who walked the long path inside the massive interior of the cave. It is a circular walk, so we ended up to another end of the islet, after having walked what must have been hundreds of steps. We were exhausted but happy.

Leonardo happy with his seafood lunch

Back on the speedboat, the next destination was Titov Island, a marvel outcrop sided by a crescent moon-shaped sandy beach. There we swam in the turquoise waters; the staff asked us if we wished to climb to the top of the Island to enjoy a breathtaking 360 degrees view of the bay, but we gently declined as we were too tired and, in truth, quite hungry too.

Well, our bellies did not need to wait long: as soon as we got back to the Ambassador Cruise ship, what awaited us was a sumptuous buffet lunch comprising asian soups, asian noodle and rice dishes, sushi of all types freshly prepared in front of our eyes by well-trained kitchen staff, sashimi, sea snails, prawns, squid and other seafood, as well as meat. On the outside deck, three uniformed chefs worked on a flat grill, roasting chunks of tuna and beef steaks on the spot, all accompanied by roasted potatoes and mushrooms.

Part of the lunch buffet on Ambassador Cruise

Staff kept passing with drink carts refilling our need to wash down all those delicacies. The food was premium, and we went back several times to get more servings of the so many choices available. I had not seen Leonardo eat like that for a long time. At 1 o’clock a Filipino duo, voice and piano, started their performance playing contemporary and classic songs so professionally that they caught all diners’ attention. Vietnamese coffe prepared to perfection and a good choice of desserts completed the culinary experience.

It was at that point that I decreed: What a well-organised cruise. I had promised myself to wait until the end of the day before giving my judgement, but at 2pm I was ready for it. Professional staff, a well-timed program, amazing food, and a spacious room that has nothing to envy to one in a 5 star hotel. The guests seemed to be quite a lot, about 500 I was later told, yet there was lots of space in the corridors, in the dining area and on the upper decks to move around freely.

Vietnamese rowing the traditional raft towards Luon Cave lagoon

Our bellies were so full and we both felt sleepy, so we retired to our room, had a shower and planned a rest, but the day had more surprises. The loudspeakers on the boat announced the program of the afternoon, which I did not want to miss of course. At 2,30 pm we went for an amazing boat trip to Luon Cave, one of the most unique caves in Halong Bay, as it features a self- contained lake inside a closed arch-shaped mountain. For the tour of the lagoon, there was the option of either kayaking or sitting on a traditional raft rowed by a local. The day was steaming hot and, considering I was with Leonardo, I decided to opt for the latter. Luon Cave lagoon turned out to be an amazing place indeed, and the sight of Vietnamese rowers propelling rafts full of customers by energetically pushing their long rows was quite suggestive.

The Filipino duo entertainment

Back on the ship, we listened to the live band at the restaurant on the 3rd floor, and later went to look at an interesting cooking class at the 4th-floor bar. We strolled a bit more; Leonardo was offered an ice cream by the ship manager, and we had the last pool dip of the day. It is worth mentioning that all these activities are not compulsory, and guests who prefer to stay onboard can get pampered at the ship’s Atelier de Beauté Spa.

At 5pm the cruise reached its end. I saw happy faces around me, and we both had happy faces too! Most customers looked disappointed that the experience was over and that the cruise had reached the harbour. We checked out at the boat reception and disembarked.

Leonardo loving it all the way

Reflecting on the day we had, I admit I had been a bit worried that this cruise was something more for adults and that my kid would get a bit bored, but I had to change my mind: Leonardo was happier than me, as he unweariedly roamed around the boat the whole day, socialising with the staff, eating and enjoying the various activities. He was not bored at all. And soon after we disembarked, he threw to me another of his surprise sentences: “Papà, this boat is amazing, I wish I could stay on it for a million days!”. Thanks Ambassador Cruise.

How to get there

If you are staying in Hanoi, take advantage of Ambassador Cruise transfer service. That is at 23 Phan Dinh Phung in central Hanoi, at Korean restaurant Sajang BBQ. You will be informed of this at the time of booking. If you are staying at Halong or you are making your way there, you need to follow directions to Halong International Cruise Port. Ambassador Cruise’s Check-in Lounge is located on the 1st floor of the terminal.

The Ambassador Cruise II

Contacts

AMBASSADOR CRUISE – Halong Bay, Vietnam
Hanoi Office: Hanoi Tower, 49 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam 

info@ambassadorcruise.com

https://ambassadorcruise.com

The post Leonardo on the Ambassador Cruise in Halong Bay appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Ambassador Cruise is heralding the dawn of a new day in cruising Halong Bay, with the launch of a day cruise on a new vessel with restaurants and bars, an outdoor jacuzzi and a striking glass bridge. The five-star line behind the UNESCO World Heritage site’s most sublime cruise experiences will begin the day-long ‘Ambassador Day Cruise II’ tours on February 10 this year.

The vessel

Elegantly designed, the ship features spacious sundecks across two floors that total 324sqm and 250sqm, affording 360-degree vistas of Halong Bay and its myriad limestone karsts

Elegantly designed, the ship features spacious sundecks across two floors that total 324 sqm and 250 sqm, affording 360-degree vistas of Halong Bay and its myriad limestone karsts. Two restaurants, two bars, an entertainment area for live music, and the large open-air jacuzzi are among the 45-cabin vessel’s top-notch facilities. The five-metre glass bridge jutting from the vessel’s bow inspires compelling photographs.

The 500-ton five-floor steel craft with a basement measures 90 meters long, 16 meters wide and 19 meters high, making it the largest and most luxurious ship to ever ply Halong Bay’s waters with a total of 10,000 sqm of lettable space. Ambassador Cruise is the only Halong Bay cruise line to include an elevator system for the elderly and people with disabilities. With amenities that hitherto have been the province of overnight adventures only, the new cruise caters for up to 500 passengers, who will check in at Ambassador’s Check-In Lounge in Halong City at 9.45am.

The itinerary

The five-star line behind the UNESCO World Heritage site’s most sublime cruise experiences will begin the day-long ‘Ambassador Day Cruise II’ tours on February 10 this year

The itinerary includes exploration of Sung Sot Cave, a delectable buffet lunch while the vessel’s route plys a passage by Ho Dong Tien Cave, Trong Cave, Me Cung Cave and Cua Van Floating Village. The cruise anchors off Titov Island whose scalable heights offer panoramic views of the bay. Afternoon tea is served on the vessel’s sundeck. Guests return to Halong International Cruise Port at 4:30pm.

A round-trip shuttle bus links Hanoi with Halong Bay via an expressway that opened in 2018, cutting the drive time between the destinations in half to two hours.

Nguyen Cao Son, founder of Asia Premier Cruises Corporation, which owns Ambassador Cruise, said February was the right time to launch the day cruise, following the world’s reopening and 2018’s launch of both the expressway and Van Don International Airport, located 50km from Halong Bay.

Two restaurants, two bars, an entertainment area for live music, and the large open-air jacuzzi are among the 45-cabin vessel’s top-notch facilities

“The day cruise opens up Halong Bay in an exciting new way for many travellers, particularly those who can’t squeeze an overnight cruise into their schedule and yet now have the opportunity to experience this breathtakingly beautiful destination in style in a day,” he said.

Since launching its first vessel in 2021, Ambassador Cruise has made a name for itself as the leading luxury cruise operator on Halong Bay and also offers overnight cruises.

For more information about Ambassador Cruise or to make a booking, visit ambassadorcruise.com, email info@ambassadorcruise.com or call +84 1900 3045.

Ambassador Day Cruise II is priced from USD 112 per person (VND 2.625 million) including day cruise itinerary and program, round-trip shuttle bus transfer from and to Hanoi, one luxury buffet lunch, onboard insurance, tax and service charges, sightseeing fees and afternoon tea on the sundeck.

The post Halong Bay Unveils Its Most Lavish Day Cruise Ever appeared first on Asian Itinerary.