Several years ago, I had the pleasure of experiencing the Starship Yacht Cruise in Tampa Bay as part of a work event. The experience was so amazing that I knew I had to return to share it with Doris. Despite visiting the Tampa area multiple times over the years, we always had time constraints that kept us from enjoying the cruise. This time, however, with a planned 5-night stay in St. Pete Beach, we finally had the perfect opportunity to celebrate Doris’ Birthday while indulging in the luxury of this scenic dinner cruise.
A Smooth and Professional Experience from Start to Finish
From the moment we arrived, the Starship Yacht Cruise team showed an unparalleled level of professionalism. The check-in process was seamless, and we were immediately greeted with a welcoming atmosphere. We received a boarding photograph and were ushered to our reserved seats, making us feel like VIPs. Ash, the dining room manager, greeted us warmly and introduced us to our server, Emil.
Emil was not only friendly but also extremely knowledgeable about the drinks and menu options. After guiding us through their extensive drink specials, we made our selections: Doris chose a Moscow Mule, and I went with an Old Fashioned. The drinks arrived promptly, and we were ready to dive into the appetizer menu.
A Culinary Adventure with Exquisite Flavors
For our appetizer, we couldn’t resist the Mushroom Au Gratin — a delightful mix of roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions, garlic spinach, and creamy Brie, topped with Gouda and Fontina cheese. The texture and flavor were absolutely perfect, and the dish was served with a small loaf of Garlic Bread to help us savor every bite. Trust me, this appetizer is more than enough to share!
Next, we ventured to the beautifully displayed hot buffet. Each dish was crafted with care and presented beautifully:
- Chicken Marsala: Sautéed chicken breast with a rich Marsala mushroom wine cream sauce.
- Lemon Dill Salmon: Pan-seared salmon over lemon, capers, dill mustard, and beurre blanc.
- Shrimp Scampi: Sautéed tiger shrimp in a creamy scampi garlic sauce.
- Braised Beef Napoleon: Beef short rib with roasted peppers, prosciutto, and red wine demi-glace.
- Gnocchi Florentine: A delicious medley of potato dumplings with spinach, wild mushrooms, asparagus, and fresh herbs in a garlic broth.
- Red Bliss Mashed Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables rounded out the meal.
Every dish was a culinary masterpiece, prepared by Chef Kadeem. The flavors, textures, and presentation made this dinner cruise an unforgettable experience. I could not recommend it more highly.
Dancing, Sights, and Unmatched Views of Tampa Bay
After dinner, Dave, the DJ, asked if we had any special occasion to announce and invited us upstairs to the dance floor and outdoor lounge. The weather was perfect, and we enjoyed dancing under the stars, taking in the breathtaking views of Tampa Bay. We even took some stunning photos for our SoFlo Y Mas Facebook page.
For dessert, we both opted for the creamy Raspberry Cheesecake, topped with a light dollop of whipped cream. It was the perfect sweet ending to a truly remarkable evening.
A Smooth and Relaxing Cruise Experience
The cruise itself was smooth and comfortable. Captain Wade expertly navigated the yacht, ensuring a stable and relaxing ride. For anyone concerned about motion sickness, rest assured that this boat ride is incredibly smooth and will not leave you feeling uneasy.
Why You Should Book the Starship Yacht Cruise
If you’re planning to visit the Tampa Bay or St. Pete area, I highly recommend the Starship Yacht Dinner Cruise. Whether it’s a special occasion like a birthday, anniversary, or simply a night out to remember, this cruise offers an exceptional dining and entertainment experience. As I mentioned, I’ve been on this cruise before, and I can promise you it won’t be my last!
Don’t forget to mention that SoFloDining sent you for a special treat!
A Huge Thank You to the Starship Yacht Team
Lastly, I want to extend my thanks to Ash, Emil, Chef Kadeem, Dave, and Captain Wade for making this evening so memorable. Your professionalism and attention to detail made it a flawless experience.
Book your Starship Yacht Cruise today and treat yourself to an unforgettable night on Tampa Bay!
Tips & Notes:
· Get there early as parking can be tricky.
· Check out the upgrades that are available.
· Make reservations in advance.
· Great for special occasions and parties.
· RELAX AND ENJOY
Address: 603 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: 813-223-7999
Web: Yachtstarship.com
