Looking for a change of pace, try renting a yacht

By CARRIE A. SCHWANTNER
Staff Writer

You don't have to be a millionaire to enjoy the luxuries of a yacht.

Holiday Cruise Yacht Charters rents 41 and 44 foot two bedroom, two bathroom yachts, the ultimate hotel suite with a water view.

"Basically what we've done is set it up to where if you show up with your bathing suit, food and beverage, you'll be set for a week," said owner Dave Manno.

Based in Ft. Myers, there is plenty to explore in the surrounding area.

"You can go from here to Lake Okeechobee, up the Caloosahatchee River...most people like to go up to the Islands and that's where you can explore the Sanibel, Captiva, Cabbage Key, Cayo Costa area," says Manno. "Out among the islands, you've got beaches, secluded coves, swimming, fishing, kayaking, bird watching, it's just beautiful."

Rental packages range from 3 nights, 4 days to multiple weeks. Making your experience memorable is very important to Holiday Cruise. They know all the best places to recommend and have no problem helping you set up your vacation itinerary.

"[Dave Manno] has a booklet of probably 10-15 different points that you can go and it's all well mapped out and the water ways are very well charted," said Jerry Blandford, repeat customer from Florence, Kentucky.

Holiday Cruise takes pride on providing the best service and product to their guests. "They won't find [a boat] that is as clean and well kept as ours," said Manno. Blandford agrees. "The boat was clean, it was impeccable," he says. "He takes care of his boats, that's what makes the trip so nice."

If you're from out of town, as most renters are, don't worry about operating the boat or finding your way around.

"We provide 3-4 hours of instruction with a licensed captain. it's all geared towards setting their trip up, local knowledge and boat handling safety as well."

Holiday Cruise Yacht Charter is offering a summer deal: rentals include fuel.

For more information call Holiday Cruise Yacht Charters at 239-945-5459 or visit their website at: www.holidaycruisehouseboats.com