Sea of Love – Art and Heritage Sailing Together in Nha Trang
A Decade of Legacy
Ten years ago, LuxGroup introduced Emperor Cruises to Nha Trang, pioneering a new era of heritage-based luxury voyages. More than indulgence, it was about a philosophy: “Happy Travel” – where journeys touch culture, intellect, and the soul of Vietnam.
A decade later, on the same bay recognized among the world’s most beautiful, LuxArts Collection – a LuxGroup subsidiary – unveils a cultural milestone: the “Sea of Love” photo book and art exhibition aboard Emperor Cruises Legend. This is not merely a commemoration but a testament that true luxury is about elevating heritage through art.
The Photo Book: A Visual Journey into Sea and Memory
The 200-page volume, large-format and elegantly designed, reads like an art album for discerning travelers. Beyond scenic photography, it narrates the essence of Nha Trang – Hon Chong rocks, Yen Island, Van Phong Bay, and the historic Bao Dai Villas, where nature and history intertwine.
Each page frames a moment: golden sunrise over the waves, fishing boats adrift by secluded islets, or the silhouette of imperial villas against the azure sky.
At its heart are 25 curated works by Phạm Lực, often hailed as the “Picasso of Vietnam.” Twice he painted in Nha Trang, capturing the sea, fishermen, and everyday life through silk, lacquer, oil on canvas, raw burlap, and spontaneous sketches.
Each painting is accompanied by scholarly commentary, unlocking layers of meaning: form, palette, historical context. Thus, the book is more than imagery; it is a fusion of fine art, history, and culture, enabling travelers to see Vietnam’s seascape through an artistic soul.
Published in both premium print and global e-book editions, the work ensures Nha Trang’s heritage resonates far beyond Vietnam.
The Exhibition: A Floating Gallery Amidst the Bay
Aboard the newly launched Emperor Cruises Legend – a boutique vessel for 99 guests – LuxArts Collection stages an unprecedented exhibition concept in Vietnam: turning the ship into a floating museum.
From reception halls to dining rooms and open-air decks, each painting serves as a “window” into another world, in dialogue with the seascape outside. Guests view Phạm Lực’s art while the sea breeze touches their skin and waves compose their soundtrack – a multi-sensory experience unlike any other.
This transforms the voyage into more than leisure: it becomes a cultural journey, where art and nature sail together.
Personal Legacy: A Journey of Memory
For Dr. Phạm Hà – LuxGroup’s founder – the project carries personal resonance. Exactly 40 years ago, as a young man, he first arrived in Nha Trang aboard the Thống Nhất ship. That encounter with the sea etched a memory that endures.
Today, he returns not merely as a traveler but as a creator, weaving art and heritage into the very fabric of luxury tourism.
“We want visitors to see Nha Trang not only as a beach destination but as a cultural and artistic encounter,” he shares.
Happy Travel: Where Art Meets Heritage
“Sea of Love” embodies LuxGroup’s vision: luxury travel inseparable from art and culture. Through LuxArts Collection, the Group goes beyond collecting – it publishes, curates, and shares Vietnamese art with the world.
From September 14, guests aboard Emperor Cruises Legend will experience the exhibition, leaf through the photo book at sea, or bring home the e-book to continue their journey of memory.
LuxGroup once again reaffirms its pioneering role: transforming a cruise ship into more than a retreat, into a living stage where heritage and art sail across one of the world’s most beautiful bays.
