While on vacation three of us hoped to go on a dolphin cruise and came across the Calypso Queen and one other dolphin cruise. We wanted to go on a lunch cruise and since the ticket cost included a buffet lunch we opted for the Calypso Queen. The other cruise had an a la carte lunch menu that didn't really appeal to us.
The cruise boat accommodates sightseeing folks on the top deck and luncheon folks on the bottom two decks. On our cruise it was full as there was a tour bus full of seniors who were taking the luncheon cruise as well; they had reserved tables already set for them on the first deck. The rest of us were directed to tables by the greeter and we could choose to go to the second deck if we preferred however the buffet would be served on the first deck. We chose to stay on the first deck so we wouldn't have to carry our plates up a flight of stairs.
The buffet was 'all you can eat' (in theory). The second deck was served first and they were very eager to put the all-you-can-eat to the test. The food was very tasty and included tossed salad, potato salad, fresh melon, rolls, baked penne pasta, green beans, rice, a beef and veg stir-fry, and baked glazed chicken quarters. By the time the second deck had gone through and half of the first deck they needed to replenish most everything including the plates. Unfortunately, the senior group was right behind me and all of us had to wait for them to bring out more salad, rolls, pasta, and chicken. All of these items were empty. They did their best but we were told that the chicken would be a while since it needed to be cooked. I survived without the chicken.
Needless to say there was a lot of grumbling about improper planning, gluttony by the early diners, etc. Eventually everyone was able to get something to eat. To add to it all we found out at the end that beverages and dessert were not included in the cost.
Enough about the food issues. The ship itself is clean and tidy, the crew very pleasant and the cruise relaxing. No dolphins but a lot of patter about the vacation homes and their celebrity owners. Island music throughout to add to the festive atmosphere. If you're looking for a fun way to pass a couple of hours then you would like this. If you really want to see dolphins then you might want to look elsewhere. We had great dolphin sightings on our Everglades National Park boat cruise out of Everglade City.
