The Highlights
There is nothing quite like a seaside dinner. Being in the midst of the cool blue waters of the Pacific ocean with the stunning beauty of Maui, Lanai, and Kahoʻolawe along the horizon is breathtaking. The ambiance is further enhanced by the serene sounds of live music being played on the lower deck and the gentle and calm rocking of the 55-foot double decker catamaran. During this amazing 2 hour excursion, you may have the opportunity to see a mother whale teaching her new calf how to swim, in preparation for their long journey to Alaska. All of that is just the beginning of the unforgettable experience of Quicksilver’s Pacific Rim Sunset Dinner Cruise.
Pre-Launch
Before you’re trip, you’ll check-in at the historic Lahaina Loading Dock located at 675 Wharf Street. Here you will find a booth where you can check in with the concierge and receive your boarding pass. Once you have your pass, feel free to walk around the pier, or relax underneath the shade of the large tree in the designated waiting area. Check-in time for the Quicksilver Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise is about 30 minutes before the boarding time, so be sure to stay nearby.
Boarding
Boarding the ship is very simple. You will be greeted by a very pleasant concierge who will have you line up according to your boarding number. The concierge will lead you to the boarding area where you will carefully step aboard. Be sure to watch your step so you don’t fall into the gap between the boat and the dock. The crew will give you the options of taking either the left staircase which leads to the upper deck, or the right staircase that leads to the lower deck. I personally recommend the upper deck seating. There is a nice covered with great seating that faces the bow of the ship. There is also an open theater style seating area if you are up for the excitement of riding the waves.
Launch
Here is where your adventure really starts. As the boat leaves the deck to traverse the vast ocean, the captain and crew will introduce themselves. Your attention will also be directed towards the safety instruments aboard ship. Be sure to pay attention, even though the likely hood of anything negative happening is minuscule. It’s best to be prepared.
The crew is so thoughtful that they even inform you that they have measures that can be taken to prevent you from getting seasick. If you find yourself in the stages of early-onset sea-sickness, don’t hesitate to let them know. The crew members are very adept sea people and can provide you with both coaching and medicine. Be sure not to wait too long if you feel symptoms start. Once you actually get sick, little can be done to help you until you reach the shore.
On Board the Quicksilver Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise
Dinner
Ahh, the deliciousness of dinner at sea. The Quicksilver Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise does not skimp on the food or the drink. You get at least two complimentary drinks on board, with the option to purchase more. Dinner itself is varied and can be crafted to fit many dietary needs. All the food is professionally prepared for the tantalization of your taste buds. Prepare to be amazed.
Dinner comes with four options.
Pan Seared Mahi Mahi
A light, white fish that’s also known as Dorado, served with Ginger-Infused Jasmine Rice, Citrus Butter Sauce, & Tropical Salsa. The portions are generous, and the texture and taste are satisfying.
Herb Crusted Beef Tenderloin
Seared to Perfection served with Molokai Sweet Potato Mash and Kona Coffee Mushroom Sauce. This our favorite meal on the cruise. With the light crispiness of the outer layers seamlessly blending with the tender moist beef, you will find yourself desiring a second helping.
Teriyaki Chicken
Boneless chicken thighs marinated in teriyaki and stir-fried with Maui pineapple and local garden vegetables. This chicken was delicious. The tender juicy chicken was coupled very well with the savory and tangy flavor of teriyaki and the delicate yet pronounced juices from the pineapple.
Lobster Entrée
Lobster cooked onboard during the charter served with Drawn Butter, Ginger Infused Jasmine Rice and Local Garden Vegetables. I did not have the lobster myself, but it smelled incredible. Those who took the charter with me commented favorably about thoroughly enjoyed the buttery notes of the succulent crustacean.
Vegetarian Entrée Option
Veggie Kabobs – Grilled Garden Vegetables (Maui Onions, Green Zucchini, Mushrooms, Yellow Squash, and Tomatoes) marinated with Roasted Garlic Oil, served with Jasmine Rice and Sweet Potato Mash. Most of the items that compose the veggie options double as being vegan-friendly.
Combo Platter
This was the selection I made and was composed of equal portions of the Teriyaki Chicken, the Herb Crusted Beef Tenderloin, and the Pan Seared Mahi Mahi. I really enjoyed being able to sample all three options, and think most people would really enjoy this choice.
For those who are sensitive to gluten. All regular dinner items are gluten-free EXCEPT the Caesar dressing, dinner roll, and chocolate cake. Therefore gluten-free guests may choose any one of the Menu options. Their dinner on the Quicksilver Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise will also include a salad with oil and vinegar dressing.
Sunset at Sea
While enjoying all of the delicious food, the Hawaiian style music and the good company of new friends and drinks and merriment. The star of the show is still our very own sun. If you’ve ever been impressed by sunset as it occurs on land you’re in for a real treat. About halfway through dinner, the sun begins its rapid descent towards the Horizon. The Hawaiian sky becomes alight with soft warm tones of orange and red as the atmosphere is charged with an incredible feeling of relaxation, and serenity.
The sun seems so close from the perspective of the water, it’s almost as though you could walk directly to it. Many people have taken this path to the sun to be a metaphor for taking a new road in life. Some passengers have taken advantage of this romantic setting as the perfect opportunity to propose to a lover, celebrate a new anniversary, or announce the coming of a new family member
If you go on the Quicksilver Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise on a night where the moon as full, the epic brilliance of the sunset is matched equally by the tranquil beams of moonlight. This is truly a magical experience, one that can set the tone for an unforgettable set of memories to take with you when you return home.