Every now an then, it is possible to stumble upon a unique, fun, and satisfying event during a vacation away from home. Our family found one such activity when we were recently vacationing in Naples, Florida.
An internet search led to a website detailing dinner cruises aboard a “luxury yacht” named the Naples Princess. A phone call from our condo revealed that yes, they were sailing that evening, and yes, they had space for my family, a party of eight. The menu also sounded pretty good, too! Reservations were immediately booked, and their representative gave me specific driving directions, which was very handy as I had never been to Naples before.
About an hour later we all pulled into the Port O Call dock area, purchased our tickets, and boarded the beautiful, luxurious, 94′ long yacht Naples Princess. The ship had two levels, with full bars on both, an open air observation deck on both the bow and the stern. In addition, there was a covered open air deck at the stern on the second level. The very clean heads were on the first level.
Our cruise started at 7:00PM, and within about 5 minutes from cast off dinner was served. And what a dinner it was! Buffet style, all you can eat BBQ ribs to die for, baked chicken breast that melted in your mouth, with both complimented by baked beans, garlic potatoes, coleslaw and rolls. Included with the meal was either coffee or water. The full bar had soft drinks as well as normal ‘bar fare’ available as an extra charge. The seating was at tables arranged for you party, and all eight of us had plenty of elbow room at our table. The seats were very comfortable, linens crisp, tableware of high quality, and candles added to the low lighting in the dining area. The interior of the rooms was finished in a dark hardwood, with tinted windows allowing for excellent viewing in all directions. This ship was very classy, and the crew made us feel like the most important passengers that had ever sailed on the Naples Princess.
On our cruise there were only an additional 20 or so people, so we all had plenty of room to maneuver around the ship. After dinner was over (did I mention the delicious cheese cake, fudge cake and carrot cake we had for dessert?) our attention was drawn totally to the magnificent view from any position on the ship. The Captain was narrating as we cruised along, directing our vision to points of interest along the inland waterway between the mainland and an area known as the Ten Thousand Islands. His narration was loud enough to be heard; however it was in no way overpowering if you wanted to make conversation with the people around you. The “homes” (really mansions) that we saw were honestly indescribable. Most were 5000 square feet and up, some with guest houses as large as most folks’ primary residences. It is hard to imagine that a lot of these homes were “just winter residences”. Some vacant lots are still available for a mere 4 to 6 million dollars, if you are interested.
In addition to the beautiful developed area, we were treated to seeing some natural, untouched mangrove islands, complete with a wide assortment of birds. A real treat was the sighting of several dolphins, which frolicked by our ship for a while.
The seas were too rough on the night of our cruise to venture out into the Gulf of Mexico, but that was really not a disappointment of any great magnitude, as the cruise was delightful without the Gulf. I spoke with Jim Albert, the Captain of the Naples Princess, about his feelings being in this enterprise. A Navy veteran, he loves his work, pilots the ship 3 times a week, and thoroughly enjoys interacting with his passengers. I learned from him that Chef Dana had prepared our entire meal on board the ship’s galley. Jim said she has been the Chef for 13 years, and is by herself capable of preparing food for 100. The only time she needs assistance is when the ship board party goes over 100. And her galley is very tiny!
What a marvelous time we all enjoyed on this cruise. Great food, good company, extraordinary service, and a scenic panorama presented in a way that most will never see. The night we sailed a price special was in place, with a buy one adult get the second at half price offer. Thus, with $65 as full price, our price for two adults was only $97.50. We had one child, also half price, and our youngest granddaughter was no charge. A most reasonable charge for a most entertaining evening.
When you visit Naples, don’t you dare miss a cruise on the Naples Princess!
