Rhonda Bannister discovers the World Heritage wonders of Lan Ha Bay aboard the luxurious Ambassador Signature.
The legend of Halong Bay tells of dragons sent by the gods, their emerald scales forming the thousands of limestone karsts that now rise dramatically from the sea. The scene before us is no less stunning when we set sail aboard the Ambassador Signature for a two-night voyage around Halong’s southern neighbour, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lan Ha Bay.
As the newest addition to Ambassador Cruise’s luxury fleet, this is an impressive ship with elegant lines and a sleek modern design. With just 39 expansive cabins (each with their own balcony or terrace), Signature also carries an intimate feel that’s perfect for couples. We’re very impressed with our Executive Suite. The chic decor, king bed in high-quality linens, and modern amenities, including air conditioning, flat-screen TV and minibar, create a comfortable floating haven. The bathroom is equally indulgent, featuring a rain shower, plush towels, and premium toiletries.
Best of all is our private balcony where we look forward to sitting with a glass of wine as the world glides past.
As we make our way to the restaurant for lunch, we can’t help but stop on deck to take in the awe-inspiring landscape. Surrounded by towering limestone towers and endless vistas of jungle-clad mountains shrouded in mist, the beauty of the bay is undeniable, even under a grey sky. If anything, the moodiness of the weather only adds to the bay’s allure, making it a truly mystical experience.
This is first-class cruising, and the dining room is a grand affair with panoramic views of the bay, white linen-draped tables with banquettes and elegant chairs, and floor-to-ceiling wine racks cradling an impressive range of premium wines. As we’re seated at a table for two, it’s revealed this will be ‘our’ table for the entire journey — once again, we’re impressed!
We’d heard that the fine-dining experience is a highlight of any Ambassador Signature cruise. So, after enjoying a buffet spread of fresh seafood and other delights for lunch, our anticipation of the Michelin-standard à la carte dinner menu is sky high. We choose the European menu accompanied by a delicious French pinot and settle in to enjoy a gastronomic feast. Starting with salmon gravlax, we work our way through lobster bisque, langoustine with lemon butter, fillet steak cooked to perfection, lobster with garlic butter, and finish with the guilty pleasure of a rich chocolate dessert.
(Just reading this back makes me wonder how I managed to put that much food away but also explains why I gained a couple of kilos during our month-long sojourn in Vietnam — the food is simply divine!)
After dinner, it’s time to turn up the volume a notch at the piano bar where two very talented musicians soon have guests up and dancing. Along with the extraordinary dinner, this is a highlight of the cruise, with the group whooping it up as only a bunch of fun-loving Filipinos can.
The next morning, we embark on a half-day excursion to Cat Ba Island with a lovely young staff member after breakfast. As the largest island in Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba is known for its rugged jungles, stunning coastlines, and beaches.
Vietnam is developing at a furious pace, and this majestic island is going through a renaissance, with modern hotels and resorts rising alongside traditional fishing villages. The Sun Group are underway with an incredible development of condominiums, hotels, restaurants and marinas called Green Island Central Bay City, located at the heart of the island. The contrast is striking — new roads and high-rise buildings coexisting with wooden fishing boats and market stalls brimming with fresh seafood. We want to go back in five years to see what happens next.
In addition to the fabulous Cat Ba Island tour (exclusive to three-day cruises), off- board activities include bamboo boat rides, night squid fishing, kayaking around Dark and Bright Cave to marvel at the sparkling stalactites, and a visit to Viet Hai Village for a taste of local life. On-board, couples can unwind with a massage and scrub at the state-of-the-art spa, join morning tai-chi, take a cooking lesson, and enjoy happy hour with canapés (which are, of course, delicious!).
Our journey concludes with a leisurely morning cruise back towards the dock, allowing us one last chance to soak in the mist-veiled seascape. As we disembark, we can’t help but be amazed at how, despite the rain and overcast skies, the splendour of Lan Ha Bay shines bright.
Planning a trip to Vietnam? Find out more about exploring Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay with Ambassador Cruise.
