The arrival of President Cruise, the newest and largest cruise ship on Halong Bay’s emerald green waters, is a new and compelling reason for this UNESCO World Heritage Site to be on everyone’s bucket list. The bay is one of Asia’s most visited UNESCO Heritage Sites, a unique natural wonder with over 2,000 soaring limestone outcroppings, islands, floating fishing villages, grottos and caves.
Launched in November 2018 by Lion Asia, the 1,200-ton vessel has 46 luxury staterooms and suites and an elegant restaurant with menus by UK celebrity Michelin chef John Burton-Race. Offering one and two-night cruises, the President docks at Tuan Chau Island marina close to Halong City which is just two and a half hours by car on the modern highway from Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city.
The Ambassador Balcony and Premier Balcony staterooms are on 98 square feet with elegant colonial décor, dark wood floors, modern bathrooms and ceiling-to-floor windows leading out to private balconies. The elevator – the first on the bay - makes moving between decks more congenial for seniors and passengers with disabilities.
The Cabinet Suites on 377 square feet, and the 409-square-foot Treasury Suites have large private terraces, and the Presidential Suite, on 968 square feet, is the largest on the bay. Located in a prime position at front of the fourth deck, this suite has XL wrap-around windows, a living-dining area, a terrace with a Jacuzzi and butler service.
The Michelin-starred menus in the elegant dining room are strong competition for the stunning scenery outside and are the brainchild of celebrity British chef John Burton-Race who says his 40-dish menu with free-flow à la carte dinners, “packs as much of a punch on all the senses as Halong Bay itself.” The selection of international and Asian dishes at breakfast are on a par.
Facilities on board include an elegant lounge bar where a piano and vocal duo entertain guests, and a spa featuring Sothy’s products. There is a Jacuzzi pool on the Upper Deck and two very large sundecks with loungers and easy chairs that can comfortably accommodate the ship’s maximum 120 passengers.
The one and two-night cruises include excursions to attractions around the bay from the Sung Sot Cave, which is famous for its stalagmites and stalactites, to golden beaches, floating villages and a pearl farm. The ship also offers guests sunrise tai chi classes, cooking lessons, kayaking excursions and squid fishing. In 2020 Lion Asia is due to launch the President Cruise II, also on Halong Bay.
