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Just returned today (Dec 4) from the Zaandam Eastern trip. I had done alot of research on day sails and found that two of the companies often listed here, which I had made reservations with, "bumped" me via e-mail before I arrived, leaving me to find someone else. One was because they did not have more than 2 booked, and one company "bumped" me because they had a party of 7 that wanted the same date. Both inapproproate and unprofessional in my opinion.
But lucky for me, we found Captain Maxine on the "Lou", a beautiful sailboat that in fact took only the two of us for the same rate as the others were charging for 6. It was $110 per person cash, plus we tipped the mate $25.00 because of the quality of service she constantly providing in ensuring our drinks were full, getting us ready to snorkel, serving lunch, etc.
We had the time of our lives. A beautiful sail to St. John's where we stopped in a pristine snorkeling area, that was only us! We saw turtles, fish, and gorgeous coral. At that location (so private and romantic) we were served a lunch of fresh fruit, pasta, and chicken, all beautiful prepared with fresh flowers adorning the plates. Absolutely great food! In fact, I asked for the recipes.
We then went to a snorkeling area that had a beach (at my request) and went to a spot that again, had not a soul on it. This is what makes taking a day trip that you book on your own so special. Instead of hoardes of cruise passengers, you are with no more than 6 - and again, in this case, it was just the two of us. Captain Max accommodated our request to stay away from other people and boats to make it the best experienced possible. All the other day sails were crowded together, going in the same direction - but not us!!
We had a full day - left at 9 and back at 4. The Lou is a beautiful sail boat, and Captain Max was such a joy to be with. So friendly and vivacious, but yet when we wanted quiet time, we got it. Outstanding service and a beautiful boat. So I can highly recommend the "Lou" as an experience that you will love, with a Captain that is honest and caring. I was thrilled with my experience and wanted to pass it along. The website is sailwithcaptainmax.com and her e-mail is [email protected].
Some details on how we got there - we took a 20 minute cab ride from the ship at $9.00 per person (we were at the farthest cruise dock you can get). We arrived at Red Hook where we met the Captain. On the return, there were cabs everywhere, and we took one and stopped downtown for an hour to shop. It was $8.00 a person to downtown, and then we had to catch another cab $3.50 per person on to the ship. But I was able to get in a full one hour to shop, which pleased me to no end!
If you'd like any further information, or have specific questions, please e-mail me - by replying to this message. Have a great time!! You won't regret it.
Mary,
I'm curious as to which day sails you booked. I to have researched the many options out there for day sails, and have booked with a couple of different kinds of boats for our upcoming trip to SJ. Your experience concerns me especially since we will be there over Christmas and I'm sure things are booking up. Did you go thru an agency, or did you book it yourself directly with the captain?
I have looked at Lou while doing my research, but did not book with her. Maybe I should rethink my choice.
Thanks for you info.............Deb
Hi Luckyladyh, You said you booked two daysails and were bumped from both. Is it common in the cruise world to book more than one day trip for the same day? Seems to me you would have to "bump" one of those charters to go on the other.
To me that too would seem "inappropriate".
Just asking,
Bill
To clarify:
I didn't book two on the same day. I booked one. They bumped me by saying that the ship had technical problems and wouldn't be sailing.
Then several weeks later, after more research, I booked another and they too bumped me - about two weeks before I was to arrive. About a week later, I called and acted like I was inquiring about the day (as if I was someone else) and they told me they were already booked. So that tells me they bumped me in favor of a group of 6.
I asked around when I was at the dock last week and apparently that occasionally happens, although they don't advertise it. They would rather have a sure 6, than a sure 2. That's what I had the problem with. Hope that helps explain.
It was very wise of you to pre-plan your sail. However, the majority of people book with their cruise ship, as there are loads of day trips and half-day trips (power and sail)available through the cruise ships as excursions. You can get on a big catamaran with 70 people on it, a pirate ship with 40, a smaller mono-hull sailboat with only 6 people maximum, or do something a little different, like a glass-bottomed boat, go down in an actual submarine...even ride on your own underwater motorscooters (my wife manages that business).
For others that are coming in the furutre:
Check with with the cruise ship that you will be on, and they will have a TV program showing all that is available, or a newsletter available under your door every day (depending on the cruise line). You can also check with the Shore Excursion Manager on your ship and he/she can direct you towards what you are looking for.
If you are staying on island, there are even more options!
Thanks for explaining. It just seemed odd.
Bill
ok this sounds great....any advice for two ladies...we would like a cruise that is for singles ..i am married but my friend is single and wouldn't mind meeting guys on the trip.....so what do you recommend.....also we don't want the 20 year old crowd ...more like the 40 plus..!
lol
