By ASHOK SOMAN
Halong Bay
Vietnam played host to the Emeraude 5th Annual Wine & Dine
Cruise Classic recently. Described as an otherworldly spectacle, the organisers
certainly do all they can to reinforce that notion.
This is particularly true
of the Drum Cave gala banquet, held as it is in limestone grotto. The banquet
was the highlight of the cruise, hosted by Loire Valley vintner Pascal Jolivet.
“It’s a
cinematic experience,” said Kurt Walter, general manager of the Press Club. “To
see people in black tie promenading the decks, with the karsts looming all
around and the immaculate white eminence of the Emeraude as a backdrop, is
stunning. No other word for it.” The Press Club is one of the organisers of the
crusie, along with Carlsberg, Johnnie Walker and the Warehouse.
Emeraude