Festiva Sailing Vacations
Festiva Sailing Vacations
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Festiva Sailing Vacations
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
53 reviews
Excellent
36
Very good
1
Average
1
Poor
8
Terrible
7
Pioneer36467
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Friends
We loved the boat, but we especially enjoyed Captain Sam and Kenesha! The food was fantastic, and Captain Sam was always doing his best to please everyone and watching out for our safety. Every time we had good wind, the sails were up!
We are a group of eight friends in our 60’s and 70’s. We were able to enjoy everything. Great experience!
We are a group of eight friends in our 60’s and 70’s. We were able to enjoy everything. Great experience!
Written 29 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ddegeer
Atlanta58 contributions
Jun 2023
I had the pleasure of sailing with Captain Stephen and Chef Audrey in early June and our trip couldn't have gone better. We were a group of six with two children (6 & 9) and four adults. The children absolutely loved Audrey because she was so great with them. The two of them absolutely made this a trip of a lifetime and I can't wait to do it again. There is so much positive to say...food was great, captain was fun to hang out with the little bit that we did, never had to worry about pulling in late and not getting a ball. I'd feel comfortable recommending any friend to go with these two.
Written 6 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Always nice to hear that the crew made such positive impact on a vacation! We hope you'll join us again soon.
Written 18 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TNLeanne
Nolensville, TN5 contributions
Jun 2023
We had an incredible week sailing with Captain Eddie and Chef Kenisha! Captain Eddie is a very knowledgable captain and made our trip fun, funny and interesting! Chef Kenisha is an amazing chef and bartender. Her food and drinks were some of the best I have ever had!
Written 26 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So glad you had a great time Leanne! We look forward to having you back onboard soon.
Written 6 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Keith W
Monticello20 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Captain Eddie and Chef Compton provided us with an incredible experience in the BVI. The trip exceeded our expectations in every way. The Emily Pearl was very comfortable and well maintained. We had air conditioning at night and nice showers. The food Chef Compton cooked up was excellent with great variety and no bad meals. Captain Eddie gave us several options on the itinerary we followed and it was just perfect for us. We would strongly recommend this trip as a great way to enjoy the BVI.
Written 20 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you! We hope you can sail with us again soon.
Written 6 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Susan A
5 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
We had a great trip sailing with Festiva. Our captain was Eddie, and he was so knowledgeable of the area and took us to great places to snorkel and play. Compton was a great chef, and I'm surprised I only gained 3 lbs! We have bareboated previously, but we really enjoyed this trip with a crew that knows and understands the area so well. Highly recommend!
Written 20 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you! Compton is known for his exquisite cuisines. We look forward to having you back onboard.
Written 6 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul L
Clovis, California2 contributions
Jun 2023
Our time aboard the Leah Nicole was delightful. While there were two tiny maintenance issues at the beginning, they were taken care of immediately and all was smooth for the remainder of the trip.
Our captain, Tyrone, was the perfect Captain - skillful, helpful, and polite. He helped those who fished and allowed us to navigate where we wanted to go in the BVI's.
Our chef, Max, was AMAZING. The food he prepared was exceptional and he took note of those guests with special dietary needs. We did not going hungry or thirsty during our trip.
We can't wait to do it again!
Our captain, Tyrone, was the perfect Captain - skillful, helpful, and polite. He helped those who fished and allowed us to navigate where we wanted to go in the BVI's.
Our chef, Max, was AMAZING. The food he prepared was exceptional and he took note of those guests with special dietary needs. We did not going hungry or thirsty during our trip.
We can't wait to do it again!
Written 20 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Give us a call! We will be happy to discuss availability and get your next trip booked.
Written 6 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brenda V
1 contribution
Jun 2023
We just got back from a 7 day sailing trip aboard the Katelynn Lee. We had a BLAST. We had captain Sam and his right-hand/first mate/chef, Kenisha. First of all, let me say that Kenisha sent us all home at least 5 pounds heavier. She is an amazing cook and we had some exceptional breakfasts, lunches and dinners. She is also just a wonderful, funny person. We really enjoyed her. Captain Sam was a hoot. He had us laughing. We had him laughing. It was a good time. Sam knows everything about the islands, and gave great advice especially when it came to The Baths. Another Festiva boat was not so lucky. We did not know the other couples who took the other three cabins prior to the trip, but really enjoyed them as well. We all got along really well and everyone including Sam and Kenisha felt like family when we left.
Cons:
Setting sail each day - We left each port/bay too late each morning. We all wanted to leave earlier to get to our next destination so we could spend as much time as possible in the water or on the next island. We would have been perfectly ok with leaving earlier and eating breakfast at our next destination. Instead, we ate breakfast and often did not leave until late morning. The other Festiva boats took off much sooner each morning and always had a great mooring spot and had more time on location.
Anegada - Make sure you ask what cabs are going to cost on Anegada. We were all shocked by the price. Also, we were only given the option to go to Loblolly beach but found out from other Festiva boats (and other travelers we met along the way) that we should have gone to Cow Wreck beach. We were told by some that it is the most beautiful beach they had ever seen so we feel like we really missed out on not going to that beach.
Pros:
Captain Sam - funny and knowledgeable about all of the islands and hotspots.
Chef Kenisha - funny, wonderful lady and amazing cook.
Katelynn Lee - she was a well kept, clean vessel and perfect for our week on the Caribbean sea.
Food/drink - we had all the beer, wine, liquor and snacks that we could want for the week.
Tammy - she was always happy to answer my pre-sailing questions. She was always super helpful.
If you sail with Festiva or another outfitter, I encourage you to ask questions about conditions and really listen to your captain when it comes to currents, rough seas, hard swimming, etc. Captain Sam gave us some good advice that we are so happy that we listened to based on feedback we were hearing from other Festiva boat guests who were out at the same time as us and from people we met who were sailing with other companies. Sam gave great advice, offered other options and it really saved us in many ways.
We would do this trip all over again. Fun, fun, fun!
Don't miss:
-Long Bay Beach - it was almost completely empty and I am not sure any of the other Festiva boats hit this spot. Great swimming, great drinks at the beach bar
-Quito's on Cane Garden Bay - great drinks and food
-Soggy Dollar bar on Jost Van Dyke
-Foxy's restaurant on Jost Van Dyke - absolutely amazing food not to be missed!
-Snorkeling the caves at Norman Island
-Jumping off the second story of Willy T's
-Pink Flamingo restaurant on Anegada
-Saba rock (and the Rum Runner!)
Cons:
Setting sail each day - We left each port/bay too late each morning. We all wanted to leave earlier to get to our next destination so we could spend as much time as possible in the water or on the next island. We would have been perfectly ok with leaving earlier and eating breakfast at our next destination. Instead, we ate breakfast and often did not leave until late morning. The other Festiva boats took off much sooner each morning and always had a great mooring spot and had more time on location.
Anegada - Make sure you ask what cabs are going to cost on Anegada. We were all shocked by the price. Also, we were only given the option to go to Loblolly beach but found out from other Festiva boats (and other travelers we met along the way) that we should have gone to Cow Wreck beach. We were told by some that it is the most beautiful beach they had ever seen so we feel like we really missed out on not going to that beach.
Pros:
Captain Sam - funny and knowledgeable about all of the islands and hotspots.
Chef Kenisha - funny, wonderful lady and amazing cook.
Katelynn Lee - she was a well kept, clean vessel and perfect for our week on the Caribbean sea.
Food/drink - we had all the beer, wine, liquor and snacks that we could want for the week.
Tammy - she was always happy to answer my pre-sailing questions. She was always super helpful.
If you sail with Festiva or another outfitter, I encourage you to ask questions about conditions and really listen to your captain when it comes to currents, rough seas, hard swimming, etc. Captain Sam gave us some good advice that we are so happy that we listened to based on feedback we were hearing from other Festiva boat guests who were out at the same time as us and from people we met who were sailing with other companies. Sam gave great advice, offered other options and it really saved us in many ways.
We would do this trip all over again. Fun, fun, fun!
Don't miss:
-Long Bay Beach - it was almost completely empty and I am not sure any of the other Festiva boats hit this spot. Great swimming, great drinks at the beach bar
-Quito's on Cane Garden Bay - great drinks and food
-Soggy Dollar bar on Jost Van Dyke
-Foxy's restaurant on Jost Van Dyke - absolutely amazing food not to be missed!
-Snorkeling the caves at Norman Island
-Jumping off the second story of Willy T's
-Pink Flamingo restaurant on Anegada
-Saba rock (and the Rum Runner!)
Written 13 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This feedback is wonderful for us and other travelers! I'm so happy you had a great time and hope you will join us again soon.
Written 6 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tommy T
1 contribution
Apr 2023
Our first trip with Festiva and our first Catamaran trip of the BVI's, and it couldn't have gone any better!!! Captain Roy and Chef Fiona were awesome.
Captain Roy shared stories of his life and the islands that we could have listened to for another week, such a good soul. Chef Fiona prepared wonderful meals that always had us wondering how she could out do herself next time and she always did. She kept us all inline most of the time which we were all very thankful for. LOL
They were such a wonderful team that felt more like part of our group than strangers.
The trip itself was breathtaking, you could stop so many places and it was the perfect spot! We hit all the well know places. tapping into the knowledge of Captain Roy we went to several not so populated locations as well.
The Views, Sunsets, Rum, Food and Friendship were all wonderful in the BVI's.
The accommodation's aboard the Catamaran were fine, Queen size beds (not your house bed comfort but ok) each cabin had it's own shower and bathroom.
Fresh water is limited and not easily refilled so use sparingly.
Plenty of room to lounge around and hangout on the deck of the Catamaran.
Captain Roy shared stories of his life and the islands that we could have listened to for another week, such a good soul. Chef Fiona prepared wonderful meals that always had us wondering how she could out do herself next time and she always did. She kept us all inline most of the time which we were all very thankful for. LOL
They were such a wonderful team that felt more like part of our group than strangers.
The trip itself was breathtaking, you could stop so many places and it was the perfect spot! We hit all the well know places. tapping into the knowledge of Captain Roy we went to several not so populated locations as well.
The Views, Sunsets, Rum, Food and Friendship were all wonderful in the BVI's.
The accommodation's aboard the Catamaran were fine, Queen size beds (not your house bed comfort but ok) each cabin had it's own shower and bathroom.
Fresh water is limited and not easily refilled so use sparingly.
Plenty of room to lounge around and hangout on the deck of the Catamaran.
Written 6 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roy and Fiona are definitely one of the best teams out there! I'm glad you had a wonderful week with them. Reach out when you're ready to book again.
Written 6 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Di Hudson
Tarpon Springs, FL5 contributions
May 2023
I'm going to be daydreaming about this trip for the rest of my life. This was our 2nd time sailing with Festiva; the last was in May 2010. The BVI has changed, of course, especially in the wake of Hurricane Irma. It's more 'upscale' than it used to be, which in a way I hated to see. Much of it is as pristine as it was. Sailing and snorkeling those waters is what I'll daydream about. Crystal clear. Amazing colors. Coral reefs that were showing signs of recovery. Abundant tropical fish.
We were fortunate to be in the excellent hands of Captain Roy and First Mate/Chef Compton. Captain Roy shared his love of sailing. I'll never forget tacking our way through the Sir Francis Drake Channel. He always had our fun and safety foremost in mind. Chef Compton performed miracles in that tiny galley. There was always a delicious meal waiting for us at the end of our play time.
We were fortunate to be in the excellent hands of Captain Roy and First Mate/Chef Compton. Captain Roy shared his love of sailing. I'll never forget tacking our way through the Sir Francis Drake Channel. He always had our fun and safety foremost in mind. Chef Compton performed miracles in that tiny galley. There was always a delicious meal waiting for us at the end of our play time.
Written 2 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your feedback! We hope you can join us again soon.
Written 6 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paradise240839
1 contribution
May 2023 • Friends
We had an amazing time but little was due to festiva. We had a big group charter three catamarans. The captains did not offer any choices or suggestions. Just where they wanted to go. Most of the trips were motoring even though the wind was great most days. The itinerary was rushed each day because we seldom got underway before 10 am. The captains would not allow us to help sail the boat even though many of us have owned or currently own boats.
Written 8 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for providing feedback. As we discussed, our Captains are in charge of the vessel at all times but we do understand the thrill of helping sail the yacht. We have spoken with base management to address this issue with the crews. We can certainly find a happy medium to allow guests to take the helm but ensuring the safety of all guests. We hope you'll join us again in the future!
Written 30 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
gizwizboston
Buzzards Bay, MA45 contributions
What is the tipping amount? Is it the same amount for the captain and chef or do you have to tip both individually? Looking for a May 2021 trip for 6 of us, first time on a boat like this.
Thank you
Jerry G
Has anyone seen a statement from Festiva Sailing regarding the impact of Covid-19? I have gotten emails from everyone else but I haven't heard anything from them. If you have a charter with them within the next 90 days, are you still planning on going?
John D
Caye Caulker, Belize32 contributions
What is the average age of people who take this cruise. My wife is 65yrs old and I am 70yrs old
debwick
Hartford, CT14 contributions
I am 67 and travel with folks about 10 years younger. I imagine that the festiva folks will match you with suitably aged guests. They are very accomodating.