Culinary Caribbean: Chef Bonacini Returns To Emerald Cruises In March 2024

Image: Canadian celebrity chef Michael Bonacini. (Photo Credit: Emerald Cruises)
Image: Canadian celebrity chef Michael Bonacini. (Photo Credit: Emerald Cruises)
Bruce Parkinson
by Bruce Parkinson
Last updated: 3:10 PM ET, Tue August 15, 2023

 Emerald Cruises is bringing back celebrated Canadian chef Michael Bonacini, this time for an eight-day Caribbean Culinary Journey aboard the newly launched, 100-passenger luxury yacht, Emerald Sakara.

Sailing round trip out of San Juan, Puerto Rico on March 30, 2024, the yacht will call on small ports like Culebra, known for its active reef, and Vieques with its famed Bioluminscent Bay, in Puerto Rico; Gustavia in St. Barths with its French style and historic wooden homes; and tiny Jost Van Dyke in the BVI, with its white sandy beaches.

Bonacini is the co-founder of Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality, one of Canada’s leading restaurant and event groups. With locations in Toronto, Montreal, Saskatoon, Calgary and beyond, O&B’s diverse portfolio includes a collection of innovative restaurants, event spaces, a bakery, and several strategic partnerships.

During the sailing, guests will enjoy exclusive culinary experiences with Chef Bonacini, including a private onboard cocktail reception; a special dinner in La Cucina dining room featuring Caribbean-inspired dishes created by Chef Bonacini; a cooking demonstration and Q&A where guests can get up close and personal with the chef; and the opportunity to see the sights alongside Chef Bonacini on select island excursions.

A few lucky guests will have the opportunity to dine exclusively with Chef Bonacini.

 “I cannot wait to embark on this enchanting adventure in paradise, and I look forward to savouring exquisite Caribbean cuisine in the company of fellow globetrotters,” said Chef Bonacini.

Emerald Cruises, Emerald Sakara, luxury, yacht

The 100-passenger luxury yacht Emerald Sakara. (Photo Credit: Emerald Cruises)

In addition to the slate of culinary programming on offer, guests who book this sailing will enjoy being one of less than 100 guests onboard the luxury yacht with Chef Bonacini.

Guests who pay in full within 30 days of booking their cabin on this special sailing will receive free, round-trip air to the Caribbean and a Platinum Drinks Package, which includes unlimited access to cocktails, mocktails, wine, beer, and soft drinks.

Emerald is urging advisors with potential guests to move quickly – there are just 36 cabins left on the intimate Emerald Sakara.

Emerald Sakara is a 100-guest luxury yacht featuring 50 modern suites and staterooms ranging from 185 to 1,185 square feet—all but six of which feature large balconies.

Dining is a priority aboard Emerald Sakara. The spacious La Cucina dining room specializes in fresh, seasonal cuisine with seating indoors as well as on the adjacent terrace, while the warm and welcoming Amici Lounge is a friendly place to gather and enjoy live music in the evenings. 

Topics From This Article to Explore

Featured Video

Get To Know Us Better

Advertise with UsTravelPulse Canada has been voted #1 by Travel Advisors in Canada year after year.. Let us help you connect with them.
Follow us on Social MediaDaily updates on Travel industry news and events across our social media channels stay current follow along!
Advertise with UsTravelPulse Canada has been voted #1 by Travel Advisors in Canada year after year.. Let us help you connect with them.
Follow us on Social MediaDaily updates on Travel industry news and events across our social media channels stay current follow along!

Become A Travel Expert

Watch Now!
Close to Home, Big Opportunity: Selling Today's Domestic Travel TrendsThursday, July 30, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for a webinar exploring the growing demand for...
Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Watch Now!
Asia Travel That SellsWednesday, July 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for an in depth webinar on Asia travel. Explore...
Watch Now!
Close to Home, Big Opportunity: Selling Today's Domestic Travel TrendsThursday, July 30, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for a webinar exploring the growing demand for...
Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Watch Now!
Asia Travel That SellsWednesday, July 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for an in depth webinar on Asia travel. Explore...