Emerald Cruises & Tours is teaming up with one of the most recognizable personalities in the yachting world for a unique culinary experience at sea. Celebrity chef and former Below Deck star Rachel Hargrove will host an exclusive Caribbean sailing aboard Emerald Sakara from December 13–20, 2026.
The voyage marks the launch of a new multi-year partnership between Chef Rachel and Emerald Cruises, bringing her signature culinary flair and engaging personality to both the line’s luxury yachts and river cruise fleet. Guests can look forward to immersive food-focused experiences, special events, and unforgettable dining moments as part of this exciting collaboration.
Emerald Sakara
The newly announced 8-day “Culinary Collection” sailing aboard Emerald Sakara will combine Emerald Cruises’ intimate luxury yacht experience with chef-led culinary programming, destination-inspired dining, and highly personalized guest interaction throughout the voyage. Sailing through the Leeward Islands, the itinerary will visit some of the Caribbean’s most sought-after destinations, including Saint Barthélemy, Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Antigua, offering guests an immersive blend of luxury travel, island culture, and elevated cuisine.
The sailing represents a significant milestone for Chef Rachel, whose career has largely centered around elite private yachting and ultra-luxury culinary experiences for small groups at sea. Through her partnership with Emerald Cruises, she will now bring that same level of precision, creativity, and storytelling to a broader luxury travel audience while maintaining the intimacy and elevated standards that define yacht hospitality.
“What immediately stood out to me about Emerald was the intention behind the guest experience,” said Chef Rachel Hargrove. “There is a real focus on intimacy, destination and thoughtful luxury, whether on the yachts or the rivers. That aligns perfectly with how I approach food. It should feel personal, immersive, and connected to where you are in the world.”
Chef Rachel Hargrove
Known globally for her appearances on Bravo’s Below Deck franchise, Chef Rachel built her reputation through decades of culinary training, international travel, and high-pressure luxury yachting environments where precision, adaptability, and guest satisfaction are paramount. Emerald Cruises’ intimate yacht setting provides a natural extension of that background, allowing for deeper guest interaction, destination-driven menus, and highly curated onboard experiences.
“Most of my career has been in the private yachting world, cooking at the highest level for very small groups of guests,” continued Hargrove. “This is one of the first times I’ve been able to translate that level of precision and personalization into a broader luxury travel setting. Emerald allows me to create meaningful guest experiences at scale without losing the craftsmanship or intimacy that defines luxury yachting.”
Throughout the voyage, guests can expect specially curated culinary experiences inspired by the destinations visited along the itinerary, alongside interactive elements designed to foster a connection between Chef Rachel and guests onboard. Experiences are expected to include live cooking demonstrations, intimate culinary conversations, specialty tastings, and destination-inspired menu storytelling.
From a chef’s perspective, Emerald Cruises’ luxury yachts offer a uniquely balanced culinary environment that is rarely found in the cruise industry. Intimate guest counts enable elevated quality and personalized service, while the yacht’s design and marina-style atmosphere create opportunities for immersive dining experiences closely tied to each destination.
“Food shouldn’t just be served, it should be experienced,” said Hargrove. “Flavor always comes first, but storytelling and guest interaction elevate everything. I want guests to understand where ingredients come from, what region inspired a dish and why it matters. When people feel connected to the food, it becomes something they remember long after the voyage ends.”
The December 2026 sailing aboard Emerald Sakara marks the first officially announced voyage in Chef Rachel’s new partnership with Emerald Cruises. Additional culinary-themed sailings across both Emerald Yacht Cruises and Emerald River Cruises are planned for 2027 and 2028, with further details to be announced in the coming months.
More information on this sailing, Savor the Moment, and other sailings with Chef Rachel, please click HERE.
