VANCOUVER — For the third year running, Emerald Waterways is teaming up with top chef Michael Bonacini for an Emerald Waterways river cruise, this time on Portugal’s Douro River.

The eight-day trip aboard the 112-passenger Emerald Radiance departs Porto on Aug. 8, 2020 and sails through the Douro River Valley, an ideal backdrop to experience Portugal’s rich cultural and culinary offerings with Chef Bonacini as the special guest host.

Emerald Radiance

During the sailing passengers will be treated to exclusive culinary experiences with Chef Bonacini, including a Portuguese-inspired dinner onboard created especially for this cruise; a private cocktail reception; shopping for local specialties at a farmers’ market in Salamanca; a live cooking demonstration and more. Additionally, two lucky guests on this sailing will be entered to win the chance to cook alongside Chef Bonacini.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Emerald Waterways and my fellow travelers on this once-in-a-lifetime foodie experience,” said Chef Bonacini. “Portugal has established itself a one of the world’s top culinary destinations, and it feels fitting that we will have the opportunity to enjoy the region’s fresh and flavourful seafood as we sail through the Douro River.”

Celebrity chef Michael Bonacini is the co-founder of Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality, which operates 26 restaurants across Canada including Canoe, Jump, Maison Selby, Bar George and Braven.

Born and raised in Tenby, South Wales, Chef Bonacini was classically trained under Chef Anton Mosimann at London’s Dorchester Hotel. After emigrating to Canada in 1985, he partnered with veteran restaurateur Peter Oliver to open Jump in 1993, followed by Canoe in 1995.

While growing a portfolio of bespoke restaurants and bars, he has also enjoyed a media career that has included regular appearances on CTV’s The Marilyn Denis Show, hosting Gusto TV’s Cook Like a Chef and Bonacini’s Italy, as well as being a judge on CTV’s MasterChef Canada.

To sweeten the deal, passengers who book their spot on this special departure by March 31, 2020 will receive free roundtrip airfare to Porto or $1,000 off the price of the cruise.

Additionally, passengers who book by Jan. 11, 2020 will receive a complimentary drinks package valued at $250 per couple.

Cruise fares include all transfers; all port charges; all onboard (and some on-shore) meals; unlimited specialty tea and coffee, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; bottled water in the cabins replenished daily; continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in the top suites; complimentary WiFi onboard the ship; most shore excursions as well as all onboard and excursion gratuities.

On touring days, hotel accommodations, internal flights, and transfers are also included.

Part of Scenic Group, Emerald Waterways’ eight branded Star-Ships offer river sailings in Europe and on the Mekong, as well as the MS Rossia along the Volga River in Russia; the MS Swallow and MS Lastavica yachts in Croatia; and the MS Hamees on the Nile.

For more details see emeraldwaterways.ca or call the consumer/travel agent reservations line at 1-844-626-4303. Brochure orders may be placed on the website, or a digital downloadable version is available.