Love river cruising ?
Not sure what to expect ?
Take a trip on the Mekong River with Emerald Harmony and highest benchmark is set …
Why ?
Quality of Service
Excellent quality of service … exquisite settings along Mekong River… delicious food served with passion and dedication … unique and interesting places of interest along the way … giving back to community by supporting the locals and non-government organisations (NGOs) …
Smiles all Around
Greetings with smiles from the crew … nothing is impossible with willing hearts … impossibilities become realities – mango or orange juice on table each morning because you want it … extra chillies or sambals brought, the moment you are seated … refreshing cold beer in front of you at each meal … lime juice, no sugar … or anything your heart desired – it is attended to with a smile.
This is quality of service at its best; served with dedication.
Food, Glorious Food
Exquisite fine-dining cuisine without having to dress up – smart casual will do ! Creativity, served with a twist – you really will not know what to expect until it is placed in front of you.
French, Indo-Chine, Vietnamese and Cambodian cuisines nightly – from street food interpretations to creative haute cuisine … this is life !
You just need to be aware of the increasing waistline !
French night started with Appetizer of Duck Breast, Turmeric Sticky Rice, Lemongrass & Orange; followed by Green Asparagus Soup, Main Course of Marbled Sirloin, potato, chestnut, snow peas, red wine reduction, and finish with Chocolate Sponge, chef-made Tiramisu Ice Cream.
Yes, there are 4 courses, at times 5 at dinner … best wear comfortable clothes.
Taste of Asia evening started with Amuse Bouche of Fried Wonton, Appetizer of Laos Pork Noodles – minced pork, rice noodles, Laos dressing; Vietnamese Pho Soup; Exotic Fruit Sorbet, Indonesian Beef Rendang, green beans, croquette with Coconut foam, finish with Thai Mango Sticky Rice, Coconut Ice Cream.
Daily exotic house-made ice cream … just heavenly !
Gala Dinners
Had two Gala Dinners to tackle – Border Crossing Gala dinner – crossing from Vietnam to Cambodia – Beef Carpaccio, pickle radish, Japanese Sesame Dressing, Carrot Ginger Soup, Local Fruit Sorbet with Sparking wine sauce, Main Course of Seafood Amok, Broccolini, Jasmine Rice, Emerald Layer Cake, Strawberry Sauce with Chocolate Ice Cream.
Farewell Gala Dinner – Amuse Bouche – Prawn Mousse Seaweed Cream, Tuna Tataki Ratatouille Avocado Puree Lime Soya, Asian Mushroom Soup, Lime Kampot Pepper Sorbet, Tiger Prawn Pumpkin Risotto, finish with Baked Alaska, Raspberry Sauce.
Not to mention variety of buffet lunches, celebrating multiple Asian cuisines and best of Emerald menus – always a surprise at meal times !
Passion and Dedication
It is not just about the food.
It is the passion and dedication underlying the preparation of variety of cuisines served … the creative styles of Executive Chef Rothia and guest Chef Oka; incorporating traditional Western training with their cultural backgrounds. Result – a fusion of East meets West, resulting in bursts of strong flavours mingled with delicate touches of exotics, that leave you wanting more …
The Crew
A cruise is not complete without quality of service from the whole crew – first-class service from staff at restaurant, bar, special event functions and housekeeping. Service with a smile at its best – never an empty glass, always the drink you want – wine, beer or soft drinks …
Greeted daily by individual names … always there to assist … made to feel right at home …
Unforgettable Tuk-Tuk Ride
And the unforgettable, crazy Tuk-Tuk or remork ride around Phnom Penh – not to be missed !
Picture over 30 Tuk-Tuks (from the ship) in a convoy, with Cruise Director, AB in the lead; riding around Phnom Penh city, ducking between cars, trucks, motorcycles and pedestrians… definitely not for the weak-hearted … but oh, so, fun !
With Cambodia celebrating the Cambodian New Year … water sprays by locals … almost always soaked or moist … city lit up in lights … locals and tourists everywhere … ushering in the New Year !
Conclusion
If you have not been on a river cruise … you must try it with Emerald Harmony. It is second to none in river cruising because the crew makes the cruise.
Great staff, fantastic tours and places to visit, amazing, delicious foods to tantalise your taste buds daily … simply amazing !
Discover the beauty of Mekong River from Vietnam to Cambodia; uncover interesting facts and fun places to visit; savour delectable cuisines, their subtle nuances; appreciate Asian hospitality onboard. You will not be disappointed.
Thank you, Cruise Director, AB, Chef Rothia & Oka, restaurant staff Thu Zar, Oussa, Thi Da, Nathan and all others who worked to make the trip most enjoyable and memorable !
You are all a credit to Emerald Cruises.
