The following is some of the feedback that we have received from our past guests. This is just a sample of the response which we pride ourselves on and earns us the extraordinary guest satisfaction scores of 95% exceed or met expectations on their overall charter experience."
We returned from our BVI sailing vacation a few weeks ago and I can honestly say it was the best vacation I have ever had. We sailed aboard Sealandia with Capt Halford and Chef Marv and they were the best! This was such an amazing experience we can't wait to do it again. Festiva did a great job of putting us with like minded people, everyone on the boat got along great and we had so much fun together. The BVIs were just amazing, the color of the water, the snorkeling, the friendly people and the sailing. Captain Halford did a great job, we always felt safe and I think he showed us the best of what the BVI had to offer. Marv also did a great job, its incredible what she can whip up in that small galley. I also want to say the Lagoon 450 was awesome even though there were 10 people on board it never felt crowded. -Mr. and Mrs. MacDonald (April 12, 2013)
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My wife Heather and I, along with family members, (Ray and Darlene, Glen and Kim) just returned from our most awesome trip to St. Maarten, St. Barths and Anguilla. I just wanted to comment on our trip with Stuart and Jenny our crew for the week. They were just absolutely excellent in every way!! They are such great fun and have the best of personality needed to crew a boat. Always professional and accommodating. Not to mention, Jenny's cooking and food preparations were second to none! This is my wife and I's third sailing trip with Festiva and we thoroughly enjoyed all of them!!! We both cannot wait and look very forward till next year with a return trip to the BVI's!"--Sincerely, Happy and Satisfied Festiva customer, Sean (March 26, 2013)
"John and I went on our BVI cruise with my three children, aged 19, 21 and 22. It was, without a doubt, the trip of a lifetime. This trip was John’s idea—he had gone before. Personally, I was a little nervous about the family spending six days living on a boat together. But after only a few hours, my worries were eased.Neil and Karen Rock, our captain and first mate, along with five yummy alcoholic drinks greeted my family when we arrived in Tortola on our first night. Neil and Karen gave us a run down of some important rules and some equally important plans for the week, which included snorkeling, hiking, and sailing around one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen.
We did all of this and more. I must admit that we did our share of imbibing at beach-front bars. There is nothing like having a cold beer or an island rum drink with your bare feet resting in the sand. Neil and Karen were the best of hosts—they took care of everything. Found us wonderful entertainment, guided us through underwater caves, and cooked fabulous 5 star meals three times a day. Not to mention preparing delicious appetizers accompanied by exotic drinks every afternoon when we returned from our ever-changing adventures.
In addition to a change to see all the beauty in the BVI, the vacation was an amazing bonding experience for the family. My kids always snorkeled ahead and find wonderful fish- sting rays, squid, even barracuda- and took great delight in pointing them out to us all. We spent the whole week living together on the boat—just us—and never had one disagreement or fight.
The key to this great trip was without a doubt, our captain and first mate, who soon became friends. Neil and Karen could not have been more fun or welcoming. We were definitely spoiled and we would all love to have the opportunity to do this trip again – but only with Neil and Karen Rock!" -Judge Lisa (January 21, 2013)
"When Ryan and I returned home from our trip to the British Virgin Islands we both realized that it was the best trip that we had ever been on. We have travelled quite extensively so that is really saying a lot! The beauty of the islands is undeniable and somewhat expected. However what certainly exceeded our expectations was what Neil and Karen were able to add to the enjoyment of our trip.
Neil is the consummate captains He is utterly competent with his knowledge of sailing, the local as well as international waters but also knows where and even more importantly WHEN to get the most out of the BVI's. He took us to the best hiking, snorkeling, diving spots, restaurants and beach bars the islands had to offer.
Karen is the consummate chef! She never ceased to amaze us with what she could produce out of such compact kitchen. There was just one gourmet meal after the next! All 6 of us on the charter agreed that the dining could not have been any better.
Aside from Neil and Karen's talents they are an absolute pleasure to be with. It was a joy to be around them each and every day and we cannot imagine the trip without them. Thank you for making our trip the best it could possibly be, we will enjoy our memories of that week for the rest of our lives. " - Rhonda, December 10, 2012
"We had such a great time sailing the BVI with Festiva, Captain Kirk and Chef Kenetha. They took excellent care of us, made sure each of us had the experience we wanted, whether it was sailing to Anegada, snorkeling The Indians, hanging out at the Soggy Dollar and Ivan's or enjoying fabulous meals. Both of them truly understand how to give great service and are caring giving people, while keeping us safe. Thank you both such a memorable trip."
Pam
December 11, 2012
“This was my first trip in the BVI’s and my expectations were wide open as to what kind of vacation I was going to have. Now that I am back home and reflecting on my time with Neil and Karen….hands down this was the best vacation I have ever had. I can honestly say that Neil and Karen’s experience with the islands, sailing and all-around-attentiveness contributed to my overall enjoyment of my time in the BVI’s.
When you start on an island hopping adventure…you don’t know what you don’t know. Having an experienced guide like Neil who listens to the type of vacation you want and then tailors the schedule of where you stop, when your day starts and what activities you’ll do led to me having a vacation of a lifetime tailored to all of the fun things I wanted to do every day….all day. And no one could be luckier to have Karen on their boat.
My mind is still wondering how she could possibly be spinning five-star cuisine out of such a small galley and after being at sea for three days. The food was sensational, the service was excellent. For being on such a small boat, Karen and Neil had the presence to be there when you needed them and somehow let you feel like you had all the space to yourself when you wanted that, too.
All in all, I hope they want Krissy and I back as guests because when we return, they’ll be stuck with us. We don’t feel we could get any luckier with any other captain/crew teams.”
Regards,
Brian & Krissy
November 20, 2012
I can't imagine a better experience. All 7 of the other couples we brought with us were thoroughly entertained, extremely well-fed, and had the time of our lives. I would heartily recommend Festiva to anyone wanting to experience a truly wonderful trip in the BVI.
My wife and I had such a wonderful time and we both wanted to express our appreciation for the trip, and, more importantly, whatever process you use to choose the crew. Jeff and Claudia made the trip work beautifully for all aboard.
Festiva provided such a beautiful sailing trip in the BVI several years ago that we were hesitant to schedule another. The BVI trip could not be topped – so we thought. We were wrong. With Captain Jeff and Chef Claudia we had an even better, more fabulous time sailing the Abacos Islands. Our captain loved to sail (not motor sail) more than any of us. Sailing these waters just lulled us into a stress-free calm, sometimes making it difficult to keep our eyes on the beautiful scenery. And our chef prepared every meal from scratch. So tasty and what presentation! The moorings and anchoring could not have been created any better in our imaginations. The captain, the chef and our four ship mates became fast friends before the first night was over. The only thing more abundant than the laughter was the vast amount of sea water we sailed on. Our individual conversations were fulfilling as well. I believe we all will be friends for life. My hope is we can team up again with Jeff and Claudia in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We had the weather, the winds, the water, the scenery, the snorkeling and the food all on one boat of compatibility. It might be equaled; but it can’t get any better than this. Thank you Festiva!
You guys are fantastic! The food was wonderful and we appreciate your sense of humor! The trip had so many high points; the snorkeling, fishing, suntanning, sailing, beautiful beaches, and great company. The competitions were fun….of course the girls' team won! Thanks for everything.
Vic & Michelle Mancha, Carrie DiAntonio & Chris
This has been the most relaxing vacation I have ever taken. You made my family and myself feel welcome from the moment we met you at the dock. Your warm hospitality and professionalism are credits to Festiva. I am sure all the other guests you travel with will be just as happy as we are. We will take with us many happy memories and my entire family thanks you.
Glen & Maureen, Brandon & Kristenk, Wallace St. John, N.B. Canada
In a word, "pampered." You took care of us so well, saw to our every need and helped us truly experience the fun, beauty, and exhilaration of the BVI's. We have so many memories: The diving at Willy T's, dancing in the Anegada Hotel, snorkeling at Marina Cay, the hook-ring game, sharing food, getting "bushwhacked" and dining with umbrellas at the Pegleg. The special part of the trip was meeting the new family aboard and getting to love its members, one and all.
Katherine and Jeff Szem
You made this week one of the best ever-sun bathing, napping, sailing, laughing-lots of fun with new friends! Food was great-It is a pleasure to meet you and looking forward to seeing you again soon.
Bill and Diane Tyndall, Chandler, AZ
The best vacation ever. Captain Mike and First Mate Haya were the most wonderful Hosts. This was our 30th. wedding anniversary, we love the Mediterranean but both agree this was the most fun and relaxing vacation we've ever had. If you're stressed and want to get your mind 'tuned' to the fun side of life you must contact these guys.
Monty Mitchell
What a wonderful week of relaxation, snorkeling, and gourmet food. There's nothing like the sunny Caribbean. We couldn't have asked for a more intimate time. We enjoyed doing activities we love - snorkeling, diving, shopping and don't forget the mud baths! The crew were superb hosts, multi-talented chefs, water experts and entertainers. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Jim and Barb Kurley
We have been to the BVI ten times and this was the best trip by far. Fergus put us up close with every anchorage and he kept the wine flowing. Our chef was outstanding with her culinary delights.
Mr. and Mrs. John Tremel
Wow! Too hard to explain just how much fun we had! It was unbelievable! The yacht, the food, the scenery, the companionship and friends will never be forgotten. We can't wait to sail again with John and Kath! They were the best!
Alan and Suzie Somogyi
Two words describe our experience ... "Truly Paradise!"What an outstanding crew! Simply amazing view, 360 degrees!
Nothing but pure fun and sun! Made great friendships and look forward to sailing again!
Bill and Corinne Kelley
This was hands down the best vacation we have ever taken. Thank you to the excellent crew for their personal touch which made the trip special. Can't wait to sail with you again.
Ken and Pam Boudreaux
Our charter with Festiva Sailing Vacations was absolutely phenomenal… as in the best ever. When asked somewhere near the end of the week, what had been my favorite experience so far, I was speechless. Everything, even the weather, had been so perfect I could not come up with any one particular event that was better than the other. The yacht was truly shipshape and it went uphill from there. So much of our special time was directly due to the incredible care, thoughtfulness, skill and consideration of the crew, Darrel and Corrinne. They are really special people.
Gail Flynn