3 Hour Moonlit Valentine’s Dinner Cruise in Miramar Beach, FL

A Romantic Moonlit Dinner on the Water — Is it Worth It?

If you’ve been dreaming of celebrating Valentine’s Day (or a special occasion) with a cruise along Florida’s Emerald Coast, this 3-hour Moonlit Valentine’s Dinner Cruise in Miramar Beach might catch your eye. Set aboard the sleek 125-foot Solaris yacht, this experience promises a blend of stunning views, gourmet dining, and live entertainment. While the idea sounds idyllic—a romantic dinner under stars, dolphins possibly swimming alongside, and the open sea breeze—our review raises a few points to ponder before you book.

We’re fans of the scenic backdrop this cruise offers. The unobstructed views of the Gulf, especially at sunset or under moonlight, are something that many travelers find unforgettable. Plus, the chef-prepared three-course meal is a nice touch, providing a sense of occasion that elevates the experience. However, it’s worth noting that the overall rating so far is quite low (2/5) based on the limited reviews, with some travelers expressing disappointment about communication and other aspects. This review aims to give a balanced look at what you can expect so you can decide if this cruise suits your romantic or special occasion needs.

Who would enjoy this experience? If you’re after a romantic evening with coastal views, good food, and some live music, this could be a lovely choice. It’s especially suitable if you’re traveling with a partner who appreciates a scenic, relaxed setting. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a highly polished, consistently reviewed experience, you might want to explore other options or read through the details carefully.

Key Points

• Scenic Setting: The open-air sky deck offers great sunset and star-gazing opportunities, perfect for a romantic ambiance.
• Gourmet Meal: A chef-prepared, three-course dinner with options for adults and kids is included, with the ability to choose your entree beforehand.
• Live Entertainment: Enjoy live music while cruising, adding to the relaxed, festive atmosphere.
• Flexibility & Cancellations: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance provides some peace of mind, especially in unpredictable weather.
• Limited Reviewed Feedback: While the experience sounds appealing, only one review is available, which mentions issues with communication.
• Bar & Drinks: Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on board, typically costing $10–$20 per drink.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Boarding

Your journey begins at the Marina at Sandestin, located at 8330 Mike Hayes Dr, Miramar Beach. The departure time is scheduled for 6:30 pm, an ideal time for catching a sunset or enjoying the evening sky. The process involves a short walk along the marina to the Solaris yacht, which is a striking vessel at 125 feet long, with multiple decks designed for both indoor comfort and outdoor viewing.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the crew—most notably, the captain and servers—who are there to make sure you’re comfortable and ready for the evening. The process of boarding is straightforward, and if you’ve booked for Valentine’s Day, expect a more romantic, intimate vibe.

The Cruise Itself

Once aboard, your group is led to your reserved table, where you’ll be served the three-course meal. The menu includes a choice of entrees that must be selected beforehand, which means you’ll want to decide on your preferred dish before the cruise starts. Options include Gulf seafood, prime beef, and southern classics, offering a touch of regional flavor. Kids receive an 8-inch cheese pizza, making it family-friendly—though infants aren’t served a meal.

While the yacht pulls away from the dock, you’ll enjoy live music, which adds a lively yet relaxed background to your dinner. The ship’s three decks allow for flexibility: you can stay indoors, take in the views from the outdoor decks, or dance under the stars if the mood strikes you.

Scenic Views and Atmosphere

The highlight of this cruise is undoubtedly the scenic beauty. The unobstructed views from all decks give a fantastic opportunity for photos, star-gazing, and just taking in the Gulf of Mexico’s vastness. Many report that the open-air sky deck offers a breathtaking experience, especially if you’re lucky enough to spot dolphins or other marine life.

The cruise emphasizes romance—and for good reason. The gentle sea breeze, twinkling stars, and peaceful waters make for a memorable setting. However, it’s important to remember that the experience is heavily weather-dependent; cancellations due to poor weather are possible, with full refunds or rescheduling offered.

Food and Drinks

The three-course dinner is a solid feature, with options including soup, a main course, and dessert. Reviewers have particularly appreciated the quality of the food, mentioning delicious Gulf seafood and southern classics. Still, since the dishes are pre-selected, if you have specific dietary needs or preferences, it’s worth confirming ahead of time.

The onboard bar offers beer, wine, and cocktails, typically costing $10–$20 per drink. Coffee and iced tea are included, which helps keep everyone refreshed during the cruise.

Entertainment and Extras

The live entertainment is a nice touch, with music filling the yacht’s decks and creating a festive mood. Guests are encouraged to visit the captain in the pilothouse—a fun opportunity for photo-taking and a behind-the-scenes peek at how the yacht is run.

Dance under the stars or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The sky deck is ideal for star-gazing, with some guests noting the serenity and beauty of the night sky as a highlight.

Practical Details That Matter

The price of $128 per person reflects the three-hour experience, including the dinner, live music, and the scenic cruise. When considering value, think about the combination of food, views, and the unique setting—all potentially memorable if conditions are right.

The cruise accommodates up to 149 travelers, making it relatively intimate but still lively in groups. The minimum age for alcohol consumption is 21, but families with children can still enjoy the cruise with a kid-friendly pizza option.

Cancellation policies are flexible—free up to 24 hours before departure—but keep in mind that weather cancellations are possible if conditions aren’t suitable. The process for reserving your spot involves a mobile ticket, and confirmation is received within 48 hours, so plan accordingly.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

While the official description sounds romantic and idyllic, one reviewer shared a more candid experience: “Not a good experience so far.” They mentioned difficulties with communication, as they didn’t receive an email confirmation, and had trouble reaching the company. This underscores the importance of confirming your reservation and being prepared for potential issues.

On the positive side, the food and views are often praised for their quality. Some guests mention the “delicious seafood” and the “breathtaking scenery” as highlights, but these sentiments are tempered by the shaky communication and logistical issues noted in the one review available.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Cruise?

This moonlit dinner cruise can be a memorable way to celebrate a special occasion—especially if you’re after beautiful scenery, gourmet food, and a relaxed, romantic atmosphere. It’s best suited for couples who value scenic views and enjoy dining with a view. Family groups with children can also enjoy the experience, thanks to kid-friendly meal options.

However, potential guests should be aware that reviews are limited and somewhat mixed, with some concerns about communication. Weather plays a role in the experience, and it’s not the least expensive option, so weigh whether the promise of dinner, music, and stars outweighs the risks of logistical hiccups.

In summary, this cruise offers a romantic, scenic escape on the water, but be sure to confirm your reservation and have realistic expectations about the weather and service quality before setting sail.

FAQ

What is included in the cruise?
The experience includes a three-course, plated dinner, coffee or tea, live entertainment, all fees and taxes, and gratuities. Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase onboard.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours, beginning at 6:30 pm.

Where does the cruise depart from?
It departs from the Marina at Sandestin in Miramar Beach, FL, at 8330 Mike Hayes Dr.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made more than 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Is the experience suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 3-10 receive a kid-friendly pizza, but infants do not receive a meal. The minimum age for alcohol purchase and consumption is 21.

What should I wear?
Smart casual is typically appropriate; consider bringing a light jacket or sweater for the evening breeze.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are sold separately at prices ranging from $10 to $20. Coffee and iced tea are included.

What if the weather is bad?
The cruise requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people will be on the cruise?
The vessel can accommodate up to 149 travelers, making it suitable for both intimate and larger groups.

Is there a dress code?
While not strictly enforced, dressing smart casual is recommended for a special dining experience.

In the end, this cruise offers a beautiful setting for romance and celebration, but it’s wise to weigh the limited reviews and weather considerations before making your decision.