By Pat James
Right now, 84 lucky travellers are living a foodie dream. They’re on Emerald Cruises’ (emeraldcruises.ca) first-ever culinary cruise, hosted by Top Chef Canada winner Chanthy Yen.
Imagine being on this delectable adventure along the Mekong River in Southeast Asia? It has all the ingredients for a guaranteed, once-in-a-lifetime thrill: Breathtaking scenery, ancient wonders, exclusive gourmet experiences and up-close-and-personal access to a celebrity chef.
“Guests have a firsthand opportunity to connect with Chef Chanthy Yen’s uniquely heartwarming Canadian success story,” says Emerald Cruises brand director Patricia Wu. “Born in Windsor to a family that fled Cambodia during the civil war, Chanthy was raised in his late grandmother’s kitchen,” she explains. “His cooking draws on both his Canadian upbringing and rich Cambodian heritage.”
That’s what makes this holiday so priceless. The cruise blends luxury travel with a personal culinary journey. People on board have the rare opportunity to explore Vietnam and Cambodia with an award-winning chef who shares a genuine connection to the region, its flavours, history and traditions.
“Guests aren’t just enjoying incredible food; they’re tasting dishes that tell Top Chef Canada winner Chanthy Yen’s story, from cherished family recipes passed down through generations to innovative creations shaped by his global culinary experiences,” Patricia points out.
They’re also mixing and mingling with the latest star of Canada’s version of one of the most famous cooking competition shows in the world. Aboard the deluxe Emerald Harmony Star-Ship, the schedule includes a special cocktail reception and interactive Q and A, live cooking demonstrations showcasing Southeast Asian flavours and a multi-course Cambodian-inspired gourmet dinner.
For Top Chef fans, cooking show devotees, food lovers and travellers of all descriptions, this is the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) trip: a one-of-a-kind, immersive adventure that’s a feast for the senses and food for the soul.
Experience More
Why settle for a standard sun-and-sand vacay or a generic, mass-market getaway when you can follow your passions on a next-level adventure? After all, themed holidays and unique experiences led by celebrities and experts are becoming increasingly popular. Whether you’re a fan of books, movies, archeology, yoga or nature, there’s a travel opportunity to match your interest. For some travellers, the involvement of a VIP elevates a holiday experience. For others, the VIP or theme is the attraction, with the destination secondary.
Immersion 101
As you’ll read in this issue, Fifty-Five Plus writer Jennifer Hartley went on Adventure Canada’s Iceland Circumnavigation cruise. The company’s small-ship journeys include experts and for Jennifer’s trip the expert was Bob McDonald, host of CBC Radio’s Quirks & Quarks and one of Canada’s best-known science journalists.
“Bob McDonald brought the ùnique magic of Iceland to life, explaining its outstanding features, both as the world’s longest underwater mountain range and in its position straddling the boundary between two of the earth’s continental tectonic plates,” Jennifer explains. “He also talked about Iceland’s futuristic approach to clean energy, from the geothermal heat beneath to space-based solar power, all in his usual easy-to-understand and entertaining style.”
Just as some people seek to expand their world-view by way of travel, others seek to zero in on a particular interest. That’s why in Scotland there are Outlander tours, in Northern Ireland there are Game of Thrones tours, in England there are Jane Austen tours and in Europe, via authorfantravel.com, there are author- and historian-led tours of places featured in books.
Sleuthing is a possibility, too. While you’re on that side of the ocean, how about chugging along on the Moving Murder Mystery aboard the legendary Belmond British Pullman? Departing from London’s Victoria Station, this upscale caper allows you to play detective on a luxurious, 1920s-style Belmond train (belmond.com/trains) featuring 11 carriages, each one given a name to reflect its own distinctive character.
As you nosh on a deluxe, five-course lunch paired with wines, you’ll drink in the drama and suspense when a dark secret comes to light. Fine dining, champagne, a round-trip journey on the opulent, vintage Pullman and a colourful cast of characters make this immersive whodunit unforgettable.
Power of Connection
Whether you’re a fan of mysteries, TV dramas or classic novels, these sorts of tours have much to recommend them. For one thing, you’ll be spending time and sharing your interests with like-minded people. For another thing, on the cruise, train, coach excursion or walking tour, you’ll get to experience the setting and scenery from a unique and inspiring perspective.
