Emerald to Cruise the Mekong with Top Chef Canada 2024 Winner

Luxury river cruise line Emerald Cruises has announced that Top Chef Canada 2024 (Season 11) winner, Chanthy Yen, will host a Mekong River cruise sailing from October 3 to 10, 2026. 

The sailing will be the brand’s first ever celebrity chef cruise on the Mekong, and will feature a balance of immersive cultural exploration and exclusive onboard culinary events. 

The 13-day Wonder of Cambodia, Vietnam & the Mekong itinerary offers extended land touring options alongside the cruise, and your clients can take advantage of special pricing that includes reduced fares and airfare. 

“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,” said Yen. “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.”

Exclusive Onboard Epicurean Experiences 

Guests aboard the Emerald Harmony Star-Ship will experience immersive cultural and culinary 

events, including:

• A multi-course, exclusive gourmet dinner inspired by the bold flavours and rich traditions of Cambodian cuisine, crafted exclusively by Chef Chanthy. 
• A live cooking demonstration showcasing traditional Southeast Asian flavours.
• An interactive Q&A session where Chef Chanthy will share stories from his culinary journey, personal insights, and Cambodian food inspiration. 
• An opportunity to mingle with Chef Chanthy during an exclusive cocktail reception.

Extended Itineraries Available

Chef Yen will be on board for the 8-day cruise portion from October 3 to 10, 2026, with the opportunity for guests to extend their adventure through a variety of cruise and land itinerary combinations, unlocking even deeper cultural experiences across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. 

For the ultimate experience, Emerald Cruises recommends the 13-day “Wonders of Cambodia, Vietnam & the Mekong” itinerary, departing October 1, 2026, where guests can cruise from $7,845 CAD per person and fly from $995 CAD per person​. 

For a limited time, your clients can also save an additional $250 per person by using the offer code BONUS when you book by July 31, 2025. Extended itinerary details can be found in the links below.

13-Day Wonders of Cambodia, Vietnam & the Mekong (October 1, 2026)

16-Day Wonders of Indochina and Mekong (October 1, 2026)

21-Day Grand Tour of Vietnam and Cambodia (September 23, 2026)

24-Day Grand Tour of Indochina (September 23, 2026)  

“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 craftsmanship and presents a rare opportunity to experience Southeast Asia’s rich gastronomic legacy firsthand.”