If you have spent any time in Destin or the surrounding area, and you have looked for a unique date night or custom venue, you have no doubt heard of the SOLARIS dinner cruise yacht experience offered year-round through SunQuest Cruises in Sandestin. But you may not have known that this 125 yacht was custom built by locals in a shipyard just North of Destin in Freeport.
“My father-in-law was a ship builder and had Freeport Ship Building for over 30 years,” said Rhonda Murray, VP of Business Development. “Twenty-five years ago, my husband, James Murray, went to his father with a business plan and said he would like to build a dinner yacht, and that’s how the SOLARIS was born.”
The success of the SOLARIS is evident in the fact that it has been voted best wedding reception venue and has consistently been rated one of the top things to do in Destin on multiple media outlets and websites.
“We are the only dining and entertainment yacht in the Destin area,” said Kristi Oliver, Director of Sales and Marketing for SunQuest Cruises. “Our chef and crew prepare dinner service fresh on board, with plated dinner service for up to 149 guests. We host sunset dinner cruises multiple nights a week, and are available for private events year-round.”
This year, SunQuest Cruises has added a new boat to their fleet, another beautiful custom built yacht, the SOL y LUNA. This luxury 54-foot yacht has a unique, modern design and can accommodate up to 101 guests. SOL y LUNA is the only charter yacht experience for groups cruising to Crab Island from the Sandestin area. Additionally, SOL y LUNA will offer dolphin cruises, fireworks cruises, and is available for private events.
“SOL y LUNA is a beautiful black yacht with tan interior and gold accents,” said Rhonda. “Contributing to the design process of the new yacht from its inception to completion alongside my husband who has over 25 years of experience in building yachts was rewarding.”
Like the SOLARIS, the SOL y LUNA demands attention. Designed to turn heads, this party yacht will make every cruise a luxury experience.
“If you are looking for an elevated experience look no further than the SOL y LUNA,” Rhonda said. “With our full-service event company, we can even facilitate rentals, florals, and catering - we are able to do all facets of the events aboard our yachts.”
To complete the SunQuest Cruises fleet, the company also boasts two 45-foot catamarans the SunVenture 1 and SunVenture 2. These catamarans accommodate 49 passengers each and offer a fun, laid-back group experience.
“All of the boats come with a captain, and service staff,” Kristi said. “Our captains will ensure you are able to relax for a worry-free day on the water. Plus, we’re able to host large groups all on one yacht, rather than groups needing to rent multiple boats.”
Whether you are looking for a luxury dinner cruise, a private party yacht or a relaxing sunset cruise, SunQuest Cruises does it all. Look for their kiosk inside the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort at the Baytowne Marina and at the Destin Harbor or visit them online at www.sunquestcruises.com and www.sunventurecruises.com. Exclusively for readers of Destin City Lifestyle, use code DESTINCITY20 for 20% off any public cruise with SunQuest Cruises.