FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. \u2014 With Valentine\u2019s Day this weekend, a South Florida sailing company is offering couples \u2014 and friends \u2014 a way to celebrate on the water instead of at a traditional dinner table.<\/p>\n
Tropical Sailing in Fort Lauderdale is promoting a sunset cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway and into Port Everglades as a romantic alternative for the holiday.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s called the \u201cVenice of America\u201d for a reason. <\/p>\n
Passengers board a luxury sailing catamaran for a tour past waterfront mansions and megayachts before heading toward Port Everglades and under the 17th Street Causeway Bridge.<\/p>\n
Adam Bailey, the general manager of Tropical Sailing, said growing up in Florida inspired his love for life on the water.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing born in Florida and growing up in Florida, and always being around the water and the beautiful weather all the time, it just always called to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI wanted to be a beach bum growing up but that didn\u2019t pay much. So my plan B is getting out on the water as much as I can.\u201d <\/p>\n
He said sharing that experience with others is part of the appeal.<\/p>\n
\u201cI like to share it with others and get out,\u201d Bailey added. \u201cThis is why people come here. It\u2019s for the weather and the water and the fun activities we can do for them.\u201d <\/p>\n
The Valentine\u2019s Day cruise runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and includes complimentary champagne, chocolate and stargazing after sunset. The company is offering 30% off the trip, along with an additional 30 minutes on board.<\/p>\n
Bailey said the cruise offers something different from the typical holiday plans.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn Valentine\u2019s Day, it breaks the tradition of go to the restaurant, the same thing over and over,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s just something different, and what else represents South Florida better than getting on a boat for a beautiful evening in the peak of our season.\u201d <\/p>\n
The cruise is open to guests ages 2 and older, with tickets costing no more than $85. Tropical Sailing also offers additional cruises out of Miami on other dates.<\/p>\n