VANCOUVER — Foodies will have to wait a little longer to sail with acclaimed chef Michael Bonacini.

The chef, who was scheduled to sail aboard Emerald Waterways’ special culinary sailing through Portugal this month, will instead set sail on the newly rescheduled departure on July 24-31, 2021.

A limited number of cabins are available for Canadians, plus Emerald Waterways is offering free, roundtrip air from Canada as well as a complimentary beverage package on all bookings made by Oct. 30. In lieu of free air, guests can opt for $2,200 discount per couple.

The sailing, which takes place aboard the 112-passenger Emerald Radiance, will depart Porto on July 24 and sail through the Douro River Valley. As the special guest host, Bonacini will lead exclusive culinary experiences including a Portuguese-inspired dinner onboard created especially for the cruise. Guests will also enjoy a private cocktail reception, shopping at a farmer’s market in Salamanca, dinner at a rural wine estate, and a live cooking demonstration onboard.

Additionally, two lucky guests on this sailing will be entered to win the chance to cook alongside Bonacini, who co-founded Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality, which operates 26 restaurants across Canada.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Emerald Waterways and my fellow travellers on this once-in-a-lifetime foodie experience,” he said. “Portugal has established itself as 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.”