Agent Cruise Review
Sebago Watersports, Key West, FL
Sebago Catamaran Champagne Sunset Sail
This report was generated as
the result of a shore experience taken in Key West during
a 7-day inspection cruise aboard Royal Caribbean International’s
Rhapsody of the Seas in February of 2006 by Michael and
Sharon Czarnecki. Michael and Sharon are co-owners and
contributing writers and editors for AgentCruiseReview.com.
We have all seen sunsets but perhaps none as beautiful as those in Key West, Florida, nestled at the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. Each evening both locals and visitors gather to watch one of the most spectacular viewings of the setting sun. This is locally called the Key West Sunset Celebration. You may have heard about gathering at the docks to participate in this celebration but there is a better way, the Sebago Catamaran Champagne Sunset Sail.
We left our Royal Caribbean International ship, Rhapsody of the Seas, and walked to Sebago Watersports located at the historic Key West Seaport. It is a short walk and only takes approximately 10 minutes from the pier walking down Greene Street. (Click HERE for Map) We arrived at the Sebago check-in booth and received our tickets where we were told that the boarding of the catamaran, Marquesa, would start at 4:45 p.m. Since we had about 30 minutes before sailing, we were given two-for-one coupons to the bar next door. When it was time to board, Dave, the Captain of the Marquesa, Rachel, senior crewmember and safety officer, and Matt, crewmember and official bartender, greeted the passengers and gave a hearty “Welcome Aboard and Happy Valentines Day". There were many couples onboard getting ready for a romantic cruise.
The catamaran Marquesa is the first USCG (United States Coast Guard) inspected vessel built by Multihull Technologies, Inc., in Key West. Paul McGrail, Sean Rowley and Walter Schurtenberger started the company in 1994. Since 1996, Mr. Schurtenberger has operated the company independently and has constructed numerous sail and power multihull vessels. The Marquesa was launched in December of 1999. At almost 70 feet in length with a beam of 36 feet, she has over 2300 sq. ft. of deck space. The 100 foot raked mast with 45 foot boom holds one of the largest sails in South Florida. She is licensed in Florida as both as restaurant and a full liquor bar. The USCG inspection is for 125 passengers.
Sebago's catamarans feature wide spacious decks, comfortable seating and dining areas in the sun and shade, cold storage and counter space for food service, built in wet bars with draft system, bathrooms, fresh water showers and 100 channel satellite radios for your entertainment.
Before leaving the dock in the marina, Dave gave the passengers a briefing regarding safety aboard the vessel. The Marquesa is a very clean and well maintained catamaran that can carry up to 125 passengers and crew, however, to provide maximum comfort Sebago Watersports will only allow 100 passengers. Included with your 2 hour sunset cruise is Champagne, beer on tap, wine, soft drinks, music, dancing, laughter and a sunset you will never forget. Beer flows freely but as Matt told everyone, the Champagne corks won’t pop until the sail goes up. We left the marina and headed out to sea. As we left the harbor, we had a great view of our cruise ship.
It was now time to raise the sail!
Crewmembers Rachel and Matt put out the call for all able bodies to hoist the sail. There was no problem getting landlubber volunteers to participate, after all as I mentioned previously, the Champagne would not be opened until the sail was filled. The newly shanghaied crew, led by Matt, pulled the rope in rhythmic unison while Rachel worked the boom and communicated with Captain Dave until we were sailing under the power of the wind. Now it was time to relax and enjoy. Matt and Rachel went around to all the passengers with cups and Champagne and kept glasses filled for the entire cruise. For those that enjoyed beer, there was plenty on tap. Dave asked if anyone wanted to pilot the catamaran and allowed the passengers to take their turn as Captain. The crew were genuinely warm and friendly and visited with the guests as we waited for the sun to set. It was amazing how everyone was immediately talking, dancing to the great upbeat music and getting into the spirit of the world famous Key West Sunset Celebration.
Then the moment arrived we had come for and a quiet sense of well being fell over everyone as we began to watch this magnificent sunset unfold. As I was taking pictures for this article, I turned and saw Rachel gazing at the setting sun along with the rest of us. I asked her about it as she does this every day. She said that although she has seen this for years, she never tires of taking in the beauty that radiates from a Key West sunset. Rachel is also an aspiring poet who we hope will someday publish her works.
As we watched the last flicker of the glowing yellow sun fall below the red horizon we knew we had come to the end of the Key West Sunset Celebration, at least for another day. It was time to head for homeport. Matt and Rachel lowered the sail and Captain Dave guided the Marquesa back to her berth. Memories and romance were still in the air. After all, this was February 14th and what better way was there to celebrate? Candy or flowers...no, a Sebago Catamaran Champagne Sunset Sail. But don’t wait for a special occasion. Every night watching the Key West sunset from a catamaran is a special occasion.
Consumers interested in taking a shore excursion during that long-needed cruise vacation are encouraged to visit Sebago Key West. Be sure to check out the Sebago website at www.keywestsebago.com . They offer a large variety of excursions and other useful information for Key West, FL
The bottom line...What impresses us most about Sebago Key West? Their guests are treated like family and are offered a value that one would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.
