Naples Princess
 

Has anyone taken any of the sightseeing cruises on this boat? In the past, my husband and I have rented pontoon boats and gone down to Keeywaydin Island and through the waterways to see the Port Royal Homes and I'm wondering how that would compare to one of the sightseeing cruises offered by Naples Princess.

I'm not sure how to compare the two. The Naples Princess doesn't really go back and forth into the canals of Port Royal, which you are free to do if you rent a boat. And of course the Princess cruises are only a couple hours, while you aren't limited to if you want to rent a boat and actually get off at Keeywaydin.

While I haven't done any of the boat tours including the Naples Princess, friends have raved about Sweet Liberty, the sailing catamaran which does a two hour cruise that is a lot more "fun" than the sort of "tour package" Princess.

Thanks Patrick. The Naples Princess does mention seeing the Port Royal homes, but you're right, it's too large to be going up and down the canals.

I looked at the Sweet Liberty website and it looks like it would be alot more fun. I don't see any mention on the website of how many people it accommodates. Do you have any idea?

Kewaydin Island is now privately owned so I think you may not be able to access it. The Princess is a fun boat. If you are able, tho, why not rent jet skis over near the Charter Club and explore the canals yourselves?

I know the Sweet Liberty charters for parties and they say up to 45 guests or something like that, so I assume there could be that many on it. When it was docked at the old The's Waterfront where we ate a lot, we'd see it going out all the time, but usually there were only 15 or so people on it which seemed very nice.

donnawho, I had forgotten about the deal with Keewaydin, and lost track of the controversial issues there. Last I knew I thought they had to allow private boats to dock or at least beach, but I'm really not sure. And I live 2 blocks from the Charter Club, across from Turner's Lobster House. I'm not sure if there's a place around there to rent the jetskis anymore since they built the new condos. Is there? But there are a number of smaller charter boats right there at Turner's, for either fishing or sightseeing. I don't know the cost, but friends said when they have a group of 6 or so it becomes cheaper to charter than taking them all on the Naples Princess, although I'd take that comment with a big grain of salt.

Kiddo, one thought occurred to me. The Naples Princess is mainly an enclosed party boat. If it's nice weather, I'd want to be outside in the open, and there is only a small back deck which is covered on the Naples Princess.
Today, passing Tin City I happened to notice another sightseeing boat -- fairly large which is all open and looks a lot more "casual". When I came back by later I was looking for the name of it, but it was out. It docks right at the bridge at Tin City and might be worth checking out.

I think the boat that NeoPatrick is referring to is the Double Sunshine. We have taken several trips on it when friends and family visit, and it does go in the canals.

NeoPatrick, I'd also like to thank you for all of your great suggestions on this forum. It's been invaluable info for us since we got our place a few years back.

DrJimmy, so you live in Naples??? Or winter here? Join in. I can't cover all the Naples bases on my own!

And yes, I just googled and did find that the boat I saw is the Double Sunshine. Just looks more open and fun than the Naples Princess which I think of more for wedding receptions and cocktail cruises.

Thanks Donnawho, Dr.Jimmy and NeoPatrick.

I think I'll leave it up to my house guests as to which one they would prefer to do, but in the event we decide to rent the pontoon boat again, can you suggest a good place to rent? Quite a few years ago, we rented them at the City Docks, but we haven't seen any rental boats there recently. The last couple of times we've rented from a marina on Davis which isn't as easy getting in and out of with the boat as you have to go up the river, under the bridge etc. It's a little easier navigating/leaving from City Docks.

They rent boats, including pontoon boats (I think, but don't hold me to it) at Naples Watersports which is right behind the hotel at the corner of Goodlette and 41, across 41 from Tin City.