Aolani Catamaran Cruises Blog » Customer Feedback

Happy Holidays/ San Diego Bay Parade of Lights 2010

Lindsay Schwarz — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 08:12:43 +0000

As we entered the holiday season thankful for a successful year despite a wearisome economy and some trying times, we were excited for the holidays and what they would bring. There is something about this time of year that brings everyone together, and we get to witness that as crew on the Aolani Catamaran. The holidays are usually our busiest time of year, with families all together in town wanting to go out for a dinner cruise; or the corporate holiday party wanting to head out for a sunset cruise despite some chilly nights of late. (Just FYI- we have a heater!) As groups come on board our catamaran, we get to talk to them about their year and about their family- or perhaps they are visiting and we want to suggest some great restaraunts- but what is most rewarding is when we talk to person after person, some who come on the boat reluctantly because of rainy weather or a sensitive stomach, yet who leave with a huge smile on their face because they just experienced sailing (some for the first time) out on the big and beautiful San Diego bay. We couldn’t be any more thankful, especially this time of year, to host so many special and thankful people. We love what we do, and we wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.

For the parade of lights in the San Diego bay last night, we did not participate this year but we did get to enjoy the spectacle of flickering lights of red and green as they shined across a big bay of glittering water. We watched as a sailboat full of young kids playing Jingle Bell Rock sailed by, lifting their glasses and cans for a big Cheers, and as Santa sailed on by we couldn’t help but laugh and smile over the fact that Christmas in San Diego means Santa isn’t on his sleigh .. he’s on a sailboat. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

The San Diego Parade of Lights will continue next Sunday, December 19thfrom 5:30PM-9:00PM . We are available for charter during this time. Click here for more information on the San Diego Parade of Lights.

Our Captain, Crew, and Schwarz Family would like to wish you Happy Holidays and Happy Sailing.

Cheers!
The Aolani Family

Gary and Kim get married on the Aolani

Lindsay Schwarz — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 20:16:43 +0000

On Saturday, July 31st we put on our dress pants (but kept our Aloha shirts on) and got ready for a wedding. It’s always special when we have a wedding on board the Aolani Catamaran, but we can’t help but feel lucky every single time that we do. What an awesome day to be a part of someone’s life- their wedding day.

Fortunately for Gary and Kim, the San Diego sun was shining and everyone was excited for the ceremony to get underway. Kim had gotten ready in her room at the San Diego Sheraton Harbor Island Hotel, where the Aolani is docked at the Sheraton Harbor Island Marina, and had a beautiful white flower in hair. The wedding dress was brought inside and downstairs into one of our four staterooms, and was placed on the bed. The photographer took an opportunity to snap some pictures, as Kim reflected on the moment. The cake was brought inside, as were the party favors, and then the guests.

After getting underway, Kim began to get dressed with the help of her friends. She looked calm, and beautiful, and was ready to begin. As Kim walked down the aisle, down the port side of the boat, Gary waited patiently on the forward hull. Our Captain Ken, who is certified to marry couples, held the ceremony for Gary and Kim. They then exchanged their own words, and sealed them with a kiss. Everybody clapped, cried and cooed as the couple hugged and kissed.

Another summer wedding on the Aolani, told you we had a great summer! Congratulations Gary and Kim!

-The Aolani Crew

Bryan Meyer from Minds Eye Photographies is a photographer based in Santee, CA who snapped pictures on board the Aolani throughout the day. To see more photos (and there’s a bunch!) from Gary and Kim’s Aolani Wedding, click here!

Aolani Birthday Cruise

Lindsay Schwarz — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:49:13 +0000

Here is what a recent customer had to say about the Aolani:

“We recently celebrated my 42nd birthday on the Aolani and it was one of the best birthday’s ever! I invited 30 of my good friends and we all met at the Sheraton Hotel and Marina. The Aolani was docked right behind the hotel, which gave us some time to have some cocktails at the pool bar.
We were all welcomed by Bruno, Cindy and the Captain. Wow what a fantastic boat! I could have invited more people, as there was a lot of room for everyone to be comfortable.

The captain told us the “house rules” of the boat and off we went into San Diego bay towards Point Loma. What a beautiful city San Diego is. You simply get a different perspective when you are out there in the ocean. Some of my friends had stated that they were afraid of getting sea sick, but since the Aolani is a catamaran, it sailed through the waves smooth and easy.

We sailed along the Aircraft carriers, Coronado and ended up in Coronado Bay, where we had afternoon snacks. Aolani provided great food and drinks and Bruno and Cindy’s service was five star!

What a fantastic way to celebrate a fun afternoon in America’s finest city. I would recommend this to anyone.

Robert van Voorst