A Taste of the Mediterranean: Emerald Yacht Cruises Partners with Esteemed Chefs, Michael and Oscar Bonacini for a Culinary Voyage Across Iconic Ports
Once-in-a-lifetime journey promises to create an unforgettable blend of luxury and culinary artistry

Emerald Yacht Cruises, a leader in luxury yacht experiences, is delighted to announce a specialty culinary voyage through the Mediterranean, hosted by celebrated Canadian chef Michael Bonacini and his son Oscar. The exclusive 8-day Riviera Rendezvousjourney, departing on August 22, 2026, will take guests on an immersive culinary exploration of world-renowned ports including Rome, Nice, Cannes, and Marseille. This unforgettable sailing invites Canadians to savour refined cuisine, stunning coastal scenery, and the effortless elegance of modern yacht cruising. This exclusive sailing starts from $6,545 CAD per person.

"Exploring the Western Mediterranean by sea is the perfect way to celebrate food, culture, and connection,” said Chef Michael Bonacini. “From the markets of Marseille to the kitchens of Rome, each port reveals a story told through its ingredients. Sharing these flavours and traditions alongside my son, Oscar, is an experience I’m truly looking forward to - one that blends discovery, creativity, and the simple joy of gathering around the table.”

“This voyage is about more than just tasting the Mediterranean, it’s about immersing ourselves in the heart of its culinary traditions,” said Chef Oscar Bonacini. “We’re excited to bring those authentic flavours to life onboard, using what we discover along the way to inspire dishes that connect our guests to the places we visit.”

Exclusive Culinary Inspired Journey
One hundred fortunate guests aboard the luxurious Emerald Sakara superyacht will enjoy a series of exclusive culinary experiences, including:
•    A Mediterranean-inspired dinner specially curated by Chefs Michael and Oscar Bonacini.
•    A private welcome cocktail reception hosted by Chef 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.

A Voyage of Taste and Tradition
Guests will sail through the heart of the Mediterranean, exploring iconic ports, where each stop will offer a taste of authentic regional culture, from gastronomic walking tours in Marseille and local market visits in Bonifacio to Sardinian wine tastings in Porto Cervo. Guided excursions reveal the Mediterranean’s timeless charm, where food, history, and coastal beauty intertwine to create an unforgettable journey of discovery.

“Every port along this cruise offers something extraordinary with historic seaports alive with culture and local flavour,” said Jo-Lee Shantz, Director of Marketing, Ocean Canada. “With Emerald Yacht Cruises’ signature inclusive luxury, guests can relax and fully immerse themselves in the Mediterranean way of life. The Bonacinis’ culinary artistry adds an unforgettable dimension, allowing travellers to savour the region’s flavours and stories in a truly memorable way.”

Inclusive Luxury on Mediterranean
Emerald Yacht Cruises continues to set the standard for inclusive luxury, offering guests a seamless travel experience where every detail is taken care of - from airport transfers and daily excursions to all gratuities, gourmet dining, and more. Aboard Emerald Sakara, guests will enjoy the ambiance of a hotel at sea, with exceptional service and thoughtfully designed spaces that create an intimate, relaxed environment for exploring the world’s most picturesque coastlines.

For more information about this cruise, visit: Mediterranean Culinary Journey

About Michael and Oscar Bonacini
Chef Michael Bonacini, co-founder of Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality, is a key figure in Canada’s culinary scene. Born in Tenby, South Wales, Bonacini’s upbringing in a family-run hotel business shaped his passion for hospitality. After training under Chef Anton Mosimann in London, he immigrated to Canada in 1985. Partnering with Peter Oliver in 1993, Bonacini played a pivotal role in introducing regional Canadian cuisine, notably with his restaurant Canoe. He received the Ontario Hostelry Institute’s Gold Award in 1996 and has since contributed to various TV shows, released a cookbook, and served as a judge on MasterChef Canada. His Toronto restaurants and O&B’s diverse portfolio nationwide reflect a commitment to culinary excellence and a strong corporate culture.

Chef Oscar Bonacini, a Toronto native, began his culinary journey at 14 with a dishwashing job, leading him to kitchens across Europe. After studying Hospitality Business Management at George Brown College, he honed his skills under chef Mark Hix in England, working at renowned establishments like St. JOHN and Holborn Dining Room. In 2019, Oscar returned to Canada, contributing his experience to the local culinary scene. Joining Oliver & Bonacini’s Maison Selby in 2022, he expanded his expertise in front-of-house management. Oscar spent two and a half years at Restaurant 20 Victoria, which earned a Michelin star and the Michelin Guide Toronto’s Service Award in 2023. Currently Oscar is the Assistant General Manager at Canoe, which celebrated its 30th year in 2025.

About Emerald Yacht Cruises
Founded in Australia, Scenic Group has established a strong presence in Canada, with its head office located in Vancouver, British Columbia. The company employs over 60 people across the country, including an all-Canadian Contact Centre dedicated to supporting both travel advisors and guests. By leveraging global expertise alongside a local presence, Scenic Group is able to deliver high-quality service and support tailored to the needs of Canadian travellers.

Emerald Cruises offers a diverse lineup of river and yacht cruises across four continents. On the world’s rivers, Emerald Cruises sails eight branded Star-Ships in Europe and one on the Mekong in Southeast Asia. Their first 100-guest, luxury ocean yacht, Emerald Azzurra, debuted in March 2022, and twin sister-yacht Emerald Sakara launched in August 2023. Emerald Kaia will join the fleet in 2026, welcoming up to 128 guests, closely followed by Emerald Raiya in 2027. All yachts sail the warm waters of the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Caribbean Seas and the Indian Ocean. The brand offers innovatively designed ships, outstanding service and a focus on active shore excursions and wellness through their signature EmeraldACTIVE program. Emerald Cruises was recognized in the 2023 Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as a favourite river cruise line and voted the #1 small ship cruise line for their fleet of luxury ocean yachts.