Key West Sunset Sail: Dolphin Watching, Wine, and Tapas

Dolphin cruise gone wrong

My wife and I are repeat customers-last year we took your sunset only cruise, and it was an amazing experience. The captain and his crew were professional throughout the entire cruise, and we returned this year expecting the same experience but were badly disappointed. We have lots of fun photos from our experience last year to share-see below. Upon our initial arrival onboard, my wife and I sat directly in front of the bar area, due to the fact that my wife just had two surgeries (hip and shoulder) so her mobility was limited. We were the only guests sitting in this location. This didn't take away from the fact that we wanted to enjoy this event. The crew/captain introduced themselves, and we departed. Initially, as we approached the bar for drinks, the ship mate, TRAVIS, tended bar and asked each of us "where are you from and what do you do?". I responded that we are from Northern Virginia/Washington DC. He immediately responded "You're not a Fed, are you?" and I replied, "yes, I am and my wife is a teacher". "i explained that I work with trains." As the boat sailed, TRAVIS immediately catered to certain guests on the boat that were drinking heavily, offering them fast refillls and taking their photos. . He was patronizing and catering to everyone around us, except myself and my wife. When the small snacks were served by TRAVIS, my wife and I were skipped/ignored- my wife was upset and went up to TRAVIS and let him know that we were ignored and my wife told him aloud "we are sitting right in front of you, and you are serving everyone else, so how can you miss us?" He left the remaining scraps of food at the bar, and my wife served us. TRAVIS went about patronizing the other guests. Once my wife called him out, he apologized and began to pay us attention, although it was forced and over an hour into the cruise. At this point, neither of us were enjoying ourselves, and we wanted to return to the dock. Did TRAVIS have a problem with me being a Fed? Mind, you, I was on vacation with my wife, in no official capacity, just as a paying passenger. I am Italian American (i wore my Italy hat), and my wife is Black American- was this the factor that caused our limited service? Did TRAVIS think that we did not have deep pockets like the rest of the guests? At the end, the ship captain announced that based on her calculation of average fees paid, we SHOULD ALL tip TRAVIS at a minimum of $20 each. My wife and I were appalled at the gall of your crew to demand this or even suggest this. Mind you last year, your crew never asked us for money or even suggested it. It was because of our great experience last year that we returned in the first place. We paid over $150 for this cruise, plus paid $24 for parking, and we did not feel any sense of the same fun we experienced last year. Still trying to figure out this morning what it was that we paid for- watered down beer and morsels of food that wasn't served to us. Based on this experience, we cannot recommend this cruise to anyone and we both feel cheated, and angry. You need to hire better people and provide them diversity training (if inded this was the issue), especially in this day and age. And really, with the price you charge, your crew should not be demanding extra money or judging people based on their appearance, profession, or possible wealth.

via Viator

A beautiful evening...

A beautiful evening sunset and so many amazing dolphins! Well worth the cost! The crew was knowledgeable and so fun!!

Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing such a lovely experience, Jennifer! I am thrilled to hear that our local wild dolphins were out and about for your sail. We hope to welcome you back aboard soon!

via Viator

Sunset by the Storm Clouds

Great time and spectaculars views. Amazing sunset in between two beautiful storms . Captain did an amazing job finding the sunset and missing the storm clouds

Response from the operator: They say some of the best sunset colors come with a little weather in the mix! We’re so glad our captain found that perfect sweet spot between the storms so you could enjoy the show. Sounds like Mother Nature really showed off for you!

via Viator

Sunset Sail

We had a lovely time with Shay and Finn as our crew! They were very kind and accommodating. We even got a drink to go at the end and lovely snacks throughout. Our favorite were the tarts and the shrimp cocktail!

Response from the operator: Thanks for the 5 stars, Katie! We’ll make sure Shay and Finn get the shoutout. Sounds like the tarts and shrimp cocktail were a hit—and you can’t argue with a drink for the road! So glad you had a lovely time with us!

via Viator

Do it for the sunset

Overall, I thought the experience was fun. The crew member that was tending bar and serving food and mixing with all of us was funny, polite, and really made the trip worthwhile. As for the captain, he didn't talk to after his safety speech. All in all do it for the sunset. It was beautiful

Response from the operator: Thanks for joining us! We’re glad you had fun and enjoyed our crew—and you’re right, that Key West sunset definitely knows how to steal the show! Hope to have you back onboard again soon.

via Tripadvisor