VANCOUVER — Emerald Cruises Canada has announced a partnership with celebrity chef Dale MacKay of Top Chef Canada and Top Chef World All-Stars fame for a special culinary themed sailing along the Danube.

Departing Budapest on June 21, 2024, the eight-day sailing calls on ports in Slovakia and Austria before wrapping up in Regensburg, Germany.

During the sailing, passengers will be treated to exclusive culinary experiences with Chef MacKay, including a private cocktail reception hosted by the celebrity chef; a regionally-inspired, onboard dinner created by Chef MacKay; and a live cooking demonstration. Additionally, two passengers will be chosen to win the opportunity to cook with Chef MacKay.

“I am very much looking forward to my first European river cruise with Emerald Cruises,” said Chef MacKay. “I can’t wait to explore the food traditions along the Danube River and infuse the flavors and techniques into my own culinary approach to share with guests.”

Chef MacKay, born in Saskatchewan, travelled the world and worked his way through the kitchens of Gordon Ramsay and Daniel Boulud for a decade before winning the first season of Top Chef Canada. Over the past ten years, he and long-time co-worker and business partner Christopher Cho have opened five award-winning restaurants in Saskatchewan under Grassroots Restaurant Group. Featuring Japanese, Korean and French influences, the restaurants include Ayden Kitchen and Bar, Little Grouse on the Prairie, Sticks and Stones, Avenue Restaurant. Chef ]MacKay has also appeared on Iron Chef Gauntlet, Fire Masters, Wall of Chefs and competed internationally on Top Chef World All-Stars.

Guests who book their cabin by July 31, 2023 and pay in full 10 months prior to departure can take advantage of Emerald’s Super Earlybird cruise and fly offer, which includes roundtrip economy air starting at $5,990 per person, based on double occupancy. Cruise details and pricing including a sales flyer can be found available at www.emeraldcruises.ca/chefdale.

Chef Dale MacKay