During the sailing, guests will be treated to exclusive culinary experiences with Chef MacKay, including a private cocktail reception hosted by the celebrity chef; a regionally-inspired, onboard dinner created by Chef MacKay; and a live cooking demonstration. Additionally, two lucky guests will be chosen to win the opportunity to cook with Chef Dale.

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be one of only 180 guests on board Emerald Destiny to experience the artistry of Chef Dale MacKay as he flawlessly combines locally sourced, premium ingredients of the region with his renowned culinary approach.

About Chef Dale MacKay

Chef MacKay was born in Saskatchewan and knew from an early age that he was destined for the kitchen. Travelling the world, he worked his way through the kitchens of Gordon Ramsay and Daniel Boulud for a decade before winning the first season of Top Chef Canada. Over the past ten years, he and long-time co-worker and business partner Christopher Cho have opened five award-winning restaurants in Saskatchewan under Grassroots Restaurant Group. Featuring Japanese, Korean and French influences, the restaurants include Ayden Kitchen and Bar, Little Grouse on the Prairie, Sticks and Stones, and Avenue Restaurant. Always testing his competitive side, Dale has also appeared on Iron Chef Gauntlet, Fire Masters, Wall of Chefs and competed internationally on Top Chef World All-Stars.

8-day Danube Delights

June 21-28, 2024 (Tour Code: EWNB210624.2 )

Budapest to Regensburg (Munich) aboard the Emerald Destiny

Sailing through four countries along the Danube River, enjoy a deeper look into the culture, history and cuisine of Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany on this eight day itinerary. Explore the captivating capital cities of Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava, where history and culture intertwine, and architectural gems await at every turn. Delve into the region’s fascinating past with guided tours to medieval castles, baroque palaces, and UNESCO World Heritage – listed sites. This itinerary crosses into four countries, offering a unique perspective into their past and present simultaneously.

Your cruise starts in Budapest, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, Emerald Destiny, before enjoying plenty of free time to explore the Hungarian capital. Originally two separate cities, Buda to the west and Pest to the east, offer different views on the culture of this lovely city. Your guided tour will take you to Heroes’ Square, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Andrássy Avenue and Buda Castle District. Alternatively, you can enjoy a hike to Buda Hill for a postcard-worthy panorama view of the Danube banks.

Bratislava’s well-preserved medieval fortifications tell tales of a turbulent past. Walk through the heart of the city, soaking in the sights of the neo-Renaissance façade of the Slovak National Theatre and the lavish Episcopal Summer Palace. Hike to Bratislava Castle or enjoy coffee and cake with a local family.

Sweeping boulevards and world-famous art exhibitions welcome you to Vienna, a city which perfectly encapsulates the opulence of the Habsburg Monarchy and their ornate Baroque palaces. Visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in the country and one of the most important museums worldwide. If you’re feeling more active, you may opt to explore on two wheels instead, cycling along the riverbanks before touching on Danube Island and Prater, the famous Viennese amusement park, home to the traditional 19th-century Ferris wheel.

In Krems, enjoy a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey, a true treasure overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley. Visible from great distance, it’s one of Austria's most important Benedictine abbeys and provides epic panorama views. Alternatively, enjoy a guided bike tour from Krems to Dürnstein, passing terraced vineyards, castles and ruins along the way. In Dürnstein, you'll have the chance to hike to the medieval ruins of Dürnstein Castle, the site where King Richard I was held prisoner following his return from the Third Crusade, and part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Cultural Landscape, a place peppered with natural lookout points that highlight the beauty of this region. Your Star-Ship will take you into the heart of Passau, unveiling the city’s Gothic and Baroque architecture. Nicknamed the Dreiflüssestadt, meaning the ‘the city of three rivers’, as it is situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers.

Your cruise ends in Regensburg, a city built on the site of an ancient Roman fort. Take a walking tour of the medieval centre, where narrow cobbled lanes and tall façades help define the character of this enchanting Bavarian city. Alternatively, join a bike tour to the Walhalla monument, which towers high above the slopes of the Danube, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the river below.

A wealth of generous inclusions

Emerald Cruises has included everything you need to get the most out of your cruise, so you won’t have to spend a penny extra if you don’t want to. From included excursions and transfers to delicious onboard dining with complimentary drinks with lunch and dinner, their inclusive promise ensures complete peace of mind. Even all gratuities are taken care of.

Stylish accommodation onboard a fleet of Star-Ships
All meals on board
Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks to accompany lunch and dinner
Complimentary bottled water and state-of-the-art coffee machines and tea stations
An included excursion in every port of call escorted by knowledgeable local guides
EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE experiences and activities
Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard
All airport taxes and port charges
All gratuities onboard
Airport transfers

Not ready to go home yet? Consider adding a Prague extension to your Emerald cruise itinerary. Emerald Cruises offers a 3-night Prague stay which includes a coach transfer from the ship (in Regensburg) to Prague, 3-night hotel accommodations, a guided city tour as well as transfers to the airport for your return flight home. A visit to Prague, nicknamed "the City of a Hundred Spires", is a must for all history, art and architecture lovers out there.

Contact your Travel Professional for details or visit here.