Emerald Yacht Cruises teams with Michael and Oscar Bonacini for a refined journey through coastal culture, regional flavour and modern luxury.
Emerald Yacht Cruises is reframing how Canadian travellers experience the Mediterranean. Their new eight-day Riviera Rendezvous, set for August 2026, brings together a focused itinerary, thoughtful culinary programming and the grounded expertise of chefs Michael and Oscar Bonacini. The result is a trip that treats food not as ornamentation but as an intelligent way of understanding place.
The route’s ports of call include Rome, Nice, Cannes, and Marseille, each chosen for its cultural weight and its relationship to regional cuisine. Markets, coastal kitchens, and local producers create the texture of the voyage, offering a perspective that goes far beyond the familiar tourist script. “Exploring the Western Mediterranean by sea is the perfect way to celebrate food, culture, and connection,” says chef Michael Bonacini. “Every port reveals a story told through its ingredients.”
Aboard the Emerald Sakara guests will experience a series of curated events that feel intentional rather than performative. Michael and Oscar Bonacini will host a Mediterranean-inspired dinner, a private cocktail reception and a select dining experience that will give guests direct access to the chefs. Cooking demonstrations and guided excursions extend the narrative onshore, building a clearer sense of how each destination expresses itself through food. “We are excited to bring authentic flavours to life onboard,” says chef Oscar Bonacini. “What we discover along the way inspires dishes that connect guests to the places we visit.”
The collaboration between father and son reflects two distinct but aligned perspectives. Michael Bonacini has shaped Canadian dining for decades through his restaurants and longstanding presence in the culinary community. Oscar Bonacini, now serving as assistant general manager at Canoe, brings international training and leadership experience.
For Emerald Yacht Cruises, this voyage represents an investment in depth and detail. It is a chance for its guests to experience the Mediterranean with precision, curiosity, and an appreciation for craft. The experience is built for travellers who seek something considered, not crowded — a journey where the food, the coastline, and the atmosphere all speak in the same quiet and confident register.
