[christene]

Hello -- I am getting married in Aruba at the end of October. We would like to arrange a sailing excursion on Friday, October 30th for our guests. We're hoping to charter a private boat and have this be our gift to our guests. At first I was thinking Mi Dushi - the price is affordable: $1100 for 3 hours (3:30-6:30 or 4:00-7:00) with open bar, snacks and snorkeling for up to 30 people. Has anyone done this? I've heard that its a fun party boat, however we will have very mixed company including children and some elderly people. (I also checked out Jolly Pirate but their cost is over 50% more.)

The other option I'm considering is a catamaran style boat. I happen to love laying on the nets of cats but wonder if the kids would be bored (ages 9-13). The best quote I have so far is from Red Sail - a 53' cat. Again it includes open bar, snacks and snorkeling for up to 35 people (we're only expecting 20-25 people). The quote from Pelican is out of my price range (maybe the boat is a lot bigger?) and I don't yet have the quote from DePalm.

I'm thinking a catamaran style might be the most comfortable though the quote from Red Sail is 30-40% more than Mi Dushi.

Are there other things I should be considering when comparing them? Is there anyone that has experience with BOTH boats? Is Mi Dushi a more fun party atmosphere and Red Sail more of a relaxing excursion?

Thanks so much for your help!