My wife and I were in desperate need of a new adventure in Destin, Florida for just the two of us. We've vacationed in Miramar Beach/Destin almost every year since 2010 and, with two boys, visited almost every waterpark, arcade, and putt-putt golf location there is on the strip. We hit the beach almost every morning and seek out new restaurants and eateries at lunch and/or dinner. We did this for practically 14 years. With the kids grown up (and out of the house), my wife and I needed something just for us and this dinner cruise sounded like it was just what we needed...or was it.
We read reviews - the good, bad and ugly. We read that some experienced trouble getting to (and accessing) the Sandestin Golf Club and Resort. Others stated the boat was old and decrepit. Some declared the food was cold with mouse-sized portions. A few mentioned their servers' poor performance and negative attitudes and mystery charges on their bills. I am here to say that none of this occurred on our experience. I say, "Humbug!" to these negative reviews and here's why...
DIRECTIONS / PARKING: We followed the resort's provided address (using the Waze app) and left for the marina extra early to evade heavy traffic and find a parking spot. We accessed the resort through the guard shack, receiving our visitor parking pass with a smile from the attendant. We made our way through the two traffic circles and found the multi-row parking area where we were told to park. Note: this area is beside the tennis courts - DO NOT park in the identified tennis court parking. With the pass on the dash, we walked to the Bar and Grill at the dock of the marina and had a drink until it was time to make our way down the dock to the Solaris.
THE SHIP: While waiting to board, the captain came out and greeted us. There is a photo op as you board, but the camera lens was fogged up and we didn't get the picture (thank goodness as these are usually pricey and cheesy anyway). The captain said the Solaris was celebrating its 20-year birthday and that the ship was specifically designed to be a dinner cruise ship (and not repurposed like some have speculated).
SERVICE / FOOD: We had Destiny as our waitress and she was absolutely fantastic; oh, and so was the Captain! The appetizer, salad, main course, and desert were served at just the right times with ample time in between to complete each serving and enjoy each other's company, take in the sights of the harbor, and just relax. The food was perfect as served; warm and delicious. The servings were appropriate for normal human beings. It was a wedge salad (love/hate) which was quite a bit of food, the crab cakes and asparagus were really good, and the cheesecake desert was awesome!
DRINKS: Coffee and tea was all-you-can stand and self-served, but our waitress (Destiny) ran down to the first level and brought coffee and sugar right to our table. The full bar on the second level was bustling and busy most of the cruise making various mixed and specialty drinks. Beer was available and perfect for me (my wife had a Strawberry Pina Colada - which was amazing). Destiny constantly kept our water glasses full and dinner needs met.
ENTERTAINMENT: There was a live DJ and musician on the first level, a full bar and outside deck on the second level and a full sky deck on the third (top) level. All served their purpose perfectly. The sky deck provided opportunities to take in the sights/take pictures on all sides. Dancing was highly encouraged with plenty of room to do so. The second-level deck was great for outdoor seating and socializing, and the first floor was alive with music. The DJ made sure to celebrate birthdays and well wishes for those aboard.
COST: Face it, you have elected to go on a dinner cruise in Destin, Florida where everything costs more "for the experience." That's what this is - an experience. It costs money to operate and maintain the ship, prepare the food, and pay the servers and DJ. Docking a ship this size costs money, but for the money - my wife and I had a wonderful time with great memories and no regrets.
OVERALL: We signed on to this experience with low expectations (thanks to the negative reviews we read), but in the end, we had the best time! We arrived early and found parking and the bar and grill. On board, we enjoyed the food, ship, music, captain, and crew. We were able to identify every expense on our bill and found nothing remotely considered "low-brow" or suspicious. We knew we were paying for an experience in Destin, Florida and left with some really good memories.