Weâve been doing this dinner cruise every year since 2019. The sights are beautiful. The boat ride up and down the Halifax river is relaxing and informative as the captain provides information about the history of Daytona and the sites seen along the journey. The food is delicious as I usually get the shrimp scampi with the green beans and dinner roll. This is their most popular dish which isnât surprising since it is simply scrumptious. I usually follow it up with the key lime pie which is also delicious. We usually arrive very early to secure a good seat on the boat however this year we were running late and arrived just before they started boarding. As a result we sat downstairs for the first time as all the seats on the top deck were full. It was still a great experience. We learned that being seated on the lower deck does present some advantages although the view from above is preferred. We were the very first table section called to retrieve our dinners once the boat got under way. Another perk was that it was much cooler on the lower deck with the AC running even though the doors to both stairwells to the upper deck remained open most of the time as people funneled in one door and out the other getting their meals. We also had immediate access to the soda machine as we refilled our cups many times. We seen many dolphins surfacing on both sides of the boat on our cruise this time which was a first for us. We met nice people sitting next to us and we exchanged stories, pictures, and personal experiences about numerous topics from things to do, places to go and where to eat. I was able to capture a moment in time of the most colorful sunset I have ever witnessed and its reflection off the water and the waves made by the boat. My lovely lady was fortunate enough to have the winning lottery ticket as they drew for the grand prize which was a bottle of Captain Morganâs Spiced Rum. Such a great experience with even better company. Make the Lady Dolphin a part of your memorable experiences too, you wonât be...
   Read moreIf you're looking for a high end, upscale dining experience on the water .. this is not for you. This cruise is definitely suited to a more very low key and retiree crowd. The good: the staff was friendly, the check in was easy, they serve free soft drinks while you wait. During the cruise they provided local information over the intercom, which in this environment didn't bother me. Food wasn't too bad and they have gluten free options. The man who boarded us was funny which kept the mood light. The not so good: the waiting area is very run down and not kept up well. Kitchen prep supplies and bathroom supplies andcfood supplies litter the main walkway into an exposed room that is not cleaned up. So first impressions were not high. The boat itself is also not kept up. Seats have rips and holes. Tables were missing wood pieces and were sticky. The windows were a bit dirty making it hard to see out the window. The front of the boat was for smoking. Now, I point this out because this tiny area is the only place you can go to enjoy being outside other than the top deck, but there isnt standing room, it's packed with tables and a bar. So first time patrons wouldn't know to get a top deck table if they want to be outside the whole time. Im confused at why an hour and a half cruise wouldn't be smoking free so everyone on the lower deck can enjoy being outside to see the dolphins and get pictures? Regardless, the boat doesn't have standing room or really much room to move around. The music provided was piped out of an older music system. So it was choppy and hard to hear. Overall, if you're looking for an inexpensive water experience, give this a try, but don't expect a caviar and lobster experience. While they try their best with the food options to make it as close to "fine dining" as possible, it's not the food that makes this a mediocre experience, it's the overall atmosphere, appearance and upkeep of the place and boat. And there is no dress code either, so come in your craziest outfit or wear hardly anything at all, all...
   Read moreOk, so this lost a star for me due to the unorganized check in process. They say first come, first served. So we arrived two hours early to ensure our party has a great table on the lower deck. When we arrived and checked in, we were told we need to stand outside in a line at a sign. Which the check in lady snickered, "Hope you brought your umbrella." First in the heat, then the downpouring rain. They do have a nice waiting room area with thrift store couches set up inside, but that would not guarantee our seats on the lower deck. After I survived the hour of rain, lightning and wind gusts. My wet body finally boarded this boat, needless to say I wanted to write a poor review at this point. Although it was a bit crampy inside, the boat was rather nice. The ride smooth and enjoyable. They play music a bit too loudly for the bottom deck which made many people talk loudly over it, which became annoying. I made my way to the top deck to take a few photos, and wished I chose to sit up there instead of the bottom deck...next time I will. It was much more open and you could see the water wheel propeller pumping us along the Halifax. Downside to sitting up there is you need to walk downstairs to get your food, and bring it back up to your table. We had individuals in my party that could not walk up stairs, so this was not an option for us today. I had the prime rib, and it was delicious! I am going back again just for the food alone!!! The plate they served it on absorbs the juices and then leaks onto the table, so grab extra napkins. They end the ride with a small raffle, just to keep stamina high. Overall, horrible check in process, great food,...
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