Esteemed Chefs Michael and Oscar Bonacini Set Sail on a Mediterranean Culinary Journey

A Voyage Crafted for the Senses
Emerald Yacht Cruises has long been known for redefining the art of small-ship luxury cruising, but this Mediterranean journey elevates the experience to a new level. Sailing aboard the Emerald Sakara, the intimate superyacht blends refined indulgence with personalized service — a perfect canvas for the Bonacinis’ celebrated culinary artistry. Guests will travel through a mosaic of Mediterranean gems — from the lavender-strewn Riviera to the timeless allure of Corsica, sparkling Sardinia, and with the opportunity to visit the ancient Italian capital, Eternal Rome while the esteemed Chefs Michael and Oscar Bonacini craft a dinner menu that captures the spirit of the Mediterranean in every bite.

8-day Riviera Rendezvous
August 22 - August 29, 2026
Nice Roundtrip aboard Emerald Sakara
Journey through the Mediterranean’s most captivating ports, including Nice, Rome, Bastia, Porto Cervo, the fortress-like Bonifacio, Marseille, and Cannes. Admire sparkling marinas, uncover bustling port histories, or sip local wine at Bastia’s Place Saint-Nicolas. Every moment promises discovery, delight, and unforgettable Mediterranean experiences.

Days 1 – 3: Nice, Marseille & Cannes, France
Begin in Nice on board the luxurious Emerald Sakara with a private welcome cocktail, then explore Marseille on a gourmet walk or scenic visit to Aix-en-Provence, continuing to glamorous Cannes and inland to Grasse for a guided perfume-house tour, enjoying Mediterranean-inspired cuisine along the way.

Days 4 – 5: Bonifacio, Corsica & Porto Cervo, Sardinia
Explore Corsica’s dramatic clifftop town of Bonifacio on a guided walk with local tastings or cruise the coastline past sea caves and limestone cliffs. Continue to Porto Cervo, Sardinia’s glamorous yachting hub, to admire its opulent marina, enjoy a panoramic drive to San Pantaleo, and savour an exclusive wine tasting.

Day 6: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
Dock in Civitavecchia, the gateway to Rome, and immerse yourself in the Eternal City on a guided tour showcasing the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and Vatican City.

Day 7: Bastia, Corsica
Visit northern Corsica’s bustling port town of Bastia, where Genoese heritage and vibrant markets showcase the island’s rich culture. Explore Terra Vecchia and the citadel on a guided stroll or enjoy a hike to the Scala Santa (an exceptional replica of the stairs Jesus climbed in Jerusalem), one of only seven in the world.

Day 8: Disembarkation – Nice, France
Return to Nice for disembarkation, where your Western Mediterranean voyage comes to a refined close. From here, transfer onward or choose to extend your experience with an optional city stay in Nice, allowing more time to explore the charm of the French Riviera at your leisure.

Exclusive Culinary Inspired Journey
•    A Mediterranean-inspired dinner specially curated by Chefs Michael and Oscar Bonacini.
•    A private welcome cocktail reception hosted by Chefs Michael and Oscar Bonacini.
•    The opportunity for select guests to join an intimate dining experience with Chef Michael Bonacini.
•    An interactive cooking demonstration and Q&A sessions, offering guests a chance to connect with the chefs up close.
•    Guided shore excursions alongside Chef Michael Bonacini, exploring select destinations through a culinary lens.

The Bonacini Touch
Chef Michael Bonacini, co-founder of Toronto’s Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality empire, and his son Oscar, a rising star in the culinary world, bring generations of passion, precision, and artistry to the sea. Together, they represent both tradition and innovation — a dialogue between classic flavours and contemporary flair. Onboard, the Chefs will host a series of exclusive culinary events, including hands-on cooking demonstrations, intimate wine-paired dinners, and interactive tasting sessions that celebrate the ingredients and stories of each port of call. Guests can also join private shore excursions, where the chefs explore local markets and artisan producers, culminating in al fresco dinners under the starlit Mediterranean sky.

Sailing in Style
The Emerald Sakara itself is a masterpiece of modern yacht design — 100 guests, 76 crew, infinity-style pool, and panoramic lounges that blur the line between sea and sky. Every stateroom or suite is a sanctuary, from ocean-view staterooms with large picture windows to luxurious suites complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and terraces opening onto sweeping ocean views. With Emerald’s all-inclusive ethos, guests can relax knowing every detail — from airport transfers and daily excursions to all gratuities, gourmet dining, and more - is effortlessly taken care of.

A Culinary Adventure Like No Other
This is not merely a cruise — it’s a moving feast, a celebration of craftsmanship, and a chance to travel through taste. For epicurean travellers looking to combine luxury, culture, and cuisine, Emerald Cruises’ Mediterranean Culinary Journey with Chefs Oscar and Michael Bonacini offers the ultimate indulgence — a voyage where fine dining and fine sailing become one unforgettable story.