Top Chef World All-Stars alumni Tom Goetter and Dale MacKay are joining Emerald Cruises for a special culinary river voyage. MacKay will sail with Scenic Group’s Goetter on the eight-day “Danube Delights with Celebrity Chef Dale MacKay” itinerary aboard the Emerald Destiny, departing Budapest on June 21.
© Emerald Cruises
Tom Goetter, who serves as Vice President of Hotel Operations for Scenic Group and oversees culinary programming for Scenic Eclipse discovery yachts as well as Emerald Cruises, said the collaboration is personal. “It will be great to work with Dale again, especially as we’ll be sailing through my native Germany where I first learned to cook,” Goetter said.
MacKay called it his first European river cruise and expressed excitement about the partnership. “I’m thrilled to cook with Tom again and to explore the food traditions along the Danube. I look forward to incorporating those regional flavors and techniques into dishes I’ll share with guests,” he said.
© Emerald Cruises
The sailing includes a range of chef-led experiences tailored for food-focused travelers. Highlights include a private cocktail reception, a bespoke dinner menu created by Goetter and MacKay, and a live cooking demonstration modeled on the format of a Top Chef challenge. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A with the chefs, and two lucky passengers will be selected to cook alongside them during the voyage.
Rates for the cruise begin at approximately $3,700 per person based on double occupancy. An early-bird discount is available for bookings made through January 30.
This Danube itinerary offers a blend of regional culinary discovery and river cruising comfort, appealing to travelers who want immersive food experiences along scenic Central European waterways. With both chefs bringing television experience and deep culinary knowledge, the voyage aims to combine hands-on cooking moments with tastings, demonstrations, and curated menus that reflect the Danube’s rich gastronomic traditions.