Emerald Cruises is offering this delectable Southeast Asia cruise along the Mekong River.
Pack your appetite and savour a once-in-a-lifetime adventure as part of the first ever Top Chef culinary cruise in Southeast Asia. Emerald Cruises, long acclaimed for its luxury river cruises, is partnering with Top Chef Canada Season 11 winner Chanthy Yen to present this next-level itinerary along the Mekong River, sailing from October 3 to 10, 2026.
For the ultimate epicurean cultural experience, book Emerald Cruises’ 13-day Wonders of Cambodia, Vietnam & the Mekong itinerary, departing October 1. You can cruise from $7,845 CAD per person and fly for just $995 CAD per person. If you book by July 31, you can also save an additional $250 per person by using the offer code BONUS.
Imagine accompanying renowned Chef Chanthy, a Canadian of Cambodian heritage, back to his cultural homeland after winning Top Chef Canada; he’ll be sharing an extraordinary culinary celebration with you along the way. Travellers—especially foodies—are in for an exceptional, multi-sensory treat.
“I’m incredibly excited to collaborate with Emerald Cruises and showcase my heritage through food. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my roots, and I found myself drawn to Cambodian cuisine and the cherished memories of cooking with my grandmother,” says Chef Chanthy. “Bringing these flavours to life on such a grand scale is deeply meaningful, and I can’t wait to share this culinary journey with guests on board.”
This culinary star has worked with some of the world’s top chefs, including Ferran Adrià and Andoni Aduriz chef, and has earned a prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand. Currently he serves as Culinary Director of Canada’s acclaimed Kitchen Table restaurant group and as Executive Chef of Bacaro in Vancouver.
On this unique voyage, he will be hosting exclusive onboard culinary events to complement the much-lauded inclusive luxury and immersive cultural exploration that are hallmarks of Emerald cruises. And since there will be no more than 84 guests on board the deluxe Emerald Harmony Star-Ship, along with a 40-member crew, the experience will be personal.
You’ll get to mingle with Chef Chanthy at a special cocktail reception and attend an interactive Q and A, during which he’ll share culinary stories, personal insights and Cambodian food inspiration. He’ll host a live cooking demonstrations showcasing Southeast Asian flavours and he’ll also be creating an elegant, multi-course Cambodian-inspired gourmet dinner just for you and your fellow guests.
“We are absolutely delighted to have Chef Chanthy Yen host this special cruise, bringing his deep-rooted connection to Cambodian culinary traditions to life on board,” said Patricia Wu, Brand Director River, Emerald Cruises Canada. “His expertise and passion for authentic flavours will offer guests a truly immersive dining experience, where every dish tells a story of heritage and presents a rare opportunity to experience Southeast Asia’s rich gastronomic legacy firsthand.”
Like you, Chef Chanthy is proudly Canadian. He was born in Windsor, Ontario. In fact, Emerald Cruises has deep roots in Canada. There is a Canadian call centre, as well as over 60 employees across the country.
As you sail through the scenic landscapes of Vietnam and Cambodia on board the Emerald Star-Ship, though, you’ll truly feel at home. That’s because all the staff members are employees. It’s another reassuring element that contributes to the warm and exceptional personal service for which Emerald Cruises is known.
Along with Chef Chanthy’s culinary delights, the indulgent on-board dining includes wine and beer with lunch and dinner. The journey is further enhanced by an English-speaking crew, onshore tours led by expert local guides, complimentary Wi-Fi and fully covered gratuities, both onboard and onshore. All port fees are also included. Learn more at www.emeraldcruises.ca/chanthy. Limited cabins are available – call your professional travel advisor or call Emerald Cruises at 18332224117.
