When we visited Marco Island, the first dinner we had here was on a boat! How fancy… We were on Admiral’s Sunset Dinner Cruise ($55/per person). The sunset cruise offered by Sunshine Tours & Charters seems like a popular one here, and I was lucky enough to have the experience. They had a good amount of parking lot here, and more across the street.
Our Princess Boat was scheduled to depart at 6pm, with the sunset around 7:35pm or so on this day. The table was pre-reserved for each patron, so we didn’t have to get there early to fight over a seat. We found a table with our name on it, get ready for the dinner cruise! This boat has two levels, and we were on the first floor. I heard that the first floor has a better view, as you get to see the view from windows on both sides. On the second floor, they have a bar in the middle, and therefore, you only can see out of the windows on your side.
I saw someone at another table getting a very enticing looking drink, so I asked what that was. They said Mud Slide, so I ordered that one. I’ve always liked Mud Slide… And this one was quite tasty, nice and thick, cold and refreshing.
My hubby went with Pina Colada, which came in a same glass. It was again very cold and refreshing, sweet with nice coconut and pineapple flavor.
As we sailed off, it was nice and calm water, providing smooth travel. I am glad it was not a bumpy ride. The only thing was that it was quite cloudy… One funny thing the Captain said that they always guarantee sunset, but whether you get to see it or not, that is up to the mother nature… So true!
As we left Rose Marina and Factory Bay, and headed out towards Marco Bay, we were ready to eat! The food was spread out buffet style, with Caesar Salad and Rolls on one side, and hot foods in the back with a staff providing assistance.
On this cruise, they provide “Double Entrée Buffet” with Prime Rib au jus complimented with a second entrée of seafood. They also had Vegetable d’jour and Whipped Potatoes.
I got some salad, a roll, slice of the prime rib which was HUGE, and a stuffed white fish. I must say, I didn’t have very high expectation for the food, but they were actually pretty good. The prime rib was tender and although not packed with flavor, but the mushroom gravy added nice earthy flavor to it. The veggies were cooked well, and potatoes were creamy. I most liked the stuffed fish, I don’t remember what kind of fish it was…but it was quite tasty! Salad was chilled and fresh, and the rolls were soft and airy. I was very full after the meal for sure.
We were supposed to dine while looking at the spectacular sunset on the Gulf of Mexico, but clouds got in our way… But, we still enjoyed the two-hour dinner cruise, we got to see canals, houses on the water, restaurants and some wildlife. Since it was our first time visiting Marco Island, it was very interesting to see the landscape and the city itself.
Before the dessert time, we ordered another Mud Slide as we watched the island change its face from evening to night. It was so relaxing and fun at the same time!
Towards the end, staffs brought out Key Lime Pie to everyone. I was glad to see that it was not in green or “lime” color, as the key lime pie is naturally NOT green. And this pie was really tasty! Even though I was full, I made sure to finish the pie. It was delicious!
So, even though we didn’t get to see the sunset on this sunset cruise, we did get to see everything else, so we still enjoyed it very much! I am sure the view of the sunset would have been amazing… But even without it, it was certainly a very cool and interesting experience. Our server was friendly and polite, but it was not always easy to get his (or anyone’s) attention. I felt like they were doing their best, but maybe they were understaffed? Anyways, I thank the captain and all the staffs on the Princess for the fun dinner cruise!
Marco Island Princess Sunset Dinner Cruise – 951 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island, FL, 34145