On a recent trip, our Product Manager Michaela had the opportunity to take the Emerald Mekong River Cruise. She was blown away by the dining onboard and the immersive shore excursions!
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Boarding
The embarkation process on the Emerald Mekong River Cruise was seamless, with a warm welcome from the cruise director and the crew. Upon arrival, we were greeted with cold towels and a welcome drink, which quickly became a standard greeting every time we returned to the ship. The process of handing over our passports and visas was quick and easy. Afterward, we were led into the Horizon’s Lounge, where we were served a glass of champagne and given a brief welcome talk. We then had the chance to see our fabulous suites before heading back to the lounge for cocktails prior to the dinner service in the Reflections restaurant.
Food and Beverages
The food and service onboard were nothing short of exceptional on this Emerald Mekong River Cruise. Even the wine and sparkling wine offered were of a high standard, something that pleasantly surprised me. Breakfast was exceptional, offering a mix of menu options and buffet choices. The street-food lunch onboard the ship was a definite highlight, with a unique offering that included trying bugs and even a tarantula.
The meals onboard were consistently delicious, with every dinner being a standout. The staff made sure every dining experience was special and attentive. I found the chef’s offerings to be superb, with the food always being of high quality. One memorable experience was the rice wine tasting at a candy workshop, which added a fun and unique touch to the excursions.
Cabin
The suites onboard were modern, spacious, and beyond what I had expected. The comfort and design of the cabin made it a relaxing place to return to after a day of exploring, and the space was ample, providing a pleasant environment throughout the trip.
Emerald Mekong River Cruise Excursions
Day 2’s excursion to the Oudong Monastery was a beautiful experience, and I was fortunate enough to be blessed by the monks. Both the craft beer tour and the night Tuk-Tuk tour were fantastic experiences, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed them. Afterward, the sundeck provided a perfect setting for a welcome-back drink as we enjoyed the lights of the city.
On Day 3, the excursion to the Killing Fields and the Genocide Museum was moving and sombre, a stark reminder of the recent history of the area.
Day 4 included a visit to Tan Chau and the Cao Dai temple, with a fun cyclo ride in the heat. After returning from the excursion, we were greeted with cold towels and drinks, as usual. Lunch and a swim on the sundeck offered some relief from the humidity. A visit to Evergreen Island was fascinating, and I was surprised by how tidy and well-maintained the homes were despite the island’s location surrounded by water.
Day 5 brought us to an incense-making factory, a boat-building yard, a mango farm, and the oldest church in Vietnam. After disembarking from the sampan, we enjoyed a tuk-tuk ride through the countryside. Later, I spent some time on the pool deck as the weather turned and watched the rain and sunset. Dinner that evening was another standout experience, with the staff’s attentiveness making the meal even more special.
On Day 6, we boarded the sampan again for an excursion to Sa Dec. While some older passengers chose to stay behind, the excursion was wonderful, with visits to the Lovers House and a bustling Central Market. Afterward, we visited a candy workshop where we tried local rice wine. In the evening, we enjoyed a disco on the pool deck with the crew and fellow passengers, making for a fun night of dancing and mingling.
Day 7 featured an unexpected excursion to Thoi Binh, a local farm. The sampan took us around the farm on golf carts, where we got to try various fruits, including durian, and even visited a mushroom farm. We ended the excursion with a special treat of local honey and crepes, which was a lovely way to wrap up the day. In the evening, we sailed closer to Ho Chi Minh for another amazing dinner onboard.
Facilities
The facilities onboard were exceptional, with the Horizon’s Lounge serving as a great spot for welcoming drinks and socializing. The Sundeck became a central hub for relaxing after excursions, whether enjoying the city lights, participating in social gatherings, or experiencing cultural performances. The Harmony Lounge was a great venue for the Lion Dance performance and quiz nights, creating a lively atmosphere. The Pool Deck served as a relaxing area, offering both a perfect view of the rain and sunset on one day, and hosting a disco night on another. The Reflections Restaurant was a key feature of the cruise, offering exceptional dining each evening, along with top-notch service from the staff.
Emerald Mekong River Cruise Final Thoughts
It was very sad to be leaving the ship after breakfast on the final day. I had a wonderful time on this Emerald Mekong River Cruise and would highly recommend it!
Overall, the food and drinks were of such a high quality for the price you would pay for this cruise. Nothing was ever too much trouble for any of the crew. They were always willing to assist wherever possible.I was very surprised by the spaciousness of the suites. To have the lounge area and the bi-fold windows which come down to get fresh air while still maintaining the sense of space was lovely. Bathrooms were well set out and the staff were always great at cleaning in the mornings and the turndown service in the evening.
My favourite experience was the night Tuk-Tuk tour, although I would have liked to have some time to stop along the way. I appreciate you could lose people along the way though! I did wonder how many older people would normally go to the disco night. I wonder if this might be better to be more interactive with some kind of dance lessons.
If you’re looking to do this Emerald Mekong River Cruise, check out our offer here. For other Emerald Cruises, view them all here.
