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About Us
Captain
Erich Engelbrecht of
Seabrook called the two-week cruise
the “Tom [Sawyer] and Huck [Finn]
trip” because of the slow cruising
speeds. Extra care was taken to anchor
the boat in safe places at night,
and outside lights remained on to
keep it visible. At the end of the trip,
excited staff members took a speedboat
out into Galveston Bay to greet a
tired Engelbrecht and escort The M/V
FantaSea home.
Captain Erich, who spent 23
years with the Coast Guard, says he is
pleased to be captain of the new boat
and puts in long days maintaining it
to keep it running efficiently. Powered
by two 315-horsepower engines and
two generators, the vessel’s cruising
speed is 10 knots, or 12 to 13 with
favorable winds.
As part mechanic, part tour guide and full-time captain,
his duties do not end after eight hours, because many cruises
depart
in the evening and can last until after
midnight. But his warm “welcome
aboard” to passengers before every
departure and the invitation to join
him in the pilothouse makes it clear
he enjoys his job.
Luxury
on board
The boat itself is beautifully appointed
and accommodates 149 passengers
comfortably. Natural finished
cherry wood gives the interior a rich
yet cozy feeling. The metallic gold
ceiling panels give off a subtle sheen
and are etched with mariner compass
designs. Ivory ceramic tile and rich
navy carpet with gold and red stars
covers the interior floors, while the
dance floor on the second deck is
made of a durable new material that
looks like teak but is maintenance
free. Sturdy white barstools and polished
wood counters at the bow are a
unique touch. Brass-plated hardware
gleams from the custom cabinetry.
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“We
even offer ‘we take care of
everything’ packages, where all the
bride has to do is get her dress and
marriage license,” Heinrich said.
Couples may also design their
own weddings with help from the
company’s wedding coordinator. Doug
and Wendy Miller of Kemah did just
that, creating an unforgettable day for
themselves and their 80 guests.
“What I was most impressed with
was the staff and crew,” said Wendy
Miller. “They answered every question
and catered to every need.”
The captain himself escorted the
bride’s grandmother down the aisle.
After the ceremony he steered the boat
close enough to the Kemah Boardwalk
to allow the newlyweds to throw beads
and the bridal bouquet to the gathering
crowd.
“Everyone talked about how
much fun they had. Being aboard is
entertaining in itself,” said Wendy
Miller. “If we ever have another big
party, or wedding anniversary, we
would definitely do this again.”
Sally Cantu, a sales coordinator
for Leading Edge Turbine Technologies,
Ltd. of Houston, found FantaSea
Yacht Charters online. Cantu said her
company’s tradeshow outing resulted
in “a great turnout…everyone had a
sensational time.”
“The Chairperson of the
tradeshow followed-up with me to
thank us for hosting one of the most special events at the
show,” Cantu said.
FantaSea Yacht Charters offers a
variety of public cruises, as well. Dinner
cruises, wine tastings, sightseeing
tours, Sunday morning Captain’s
brunches and holiday packages are
available with advanced reservations.
A list of each month’s public cruises is
available on the company’s Web site at
www.TheBigWhiteBoat.com. |
A
graceful, curved staircase
connects the main salon to the upper
deck, and both levels offer restrooms,
full bars and generous seating. On the
second deck, a fireplace enhances
the relaxing atmosphere. Generous windows allow passengers
to take in
the ever-changing scenery of Clear
Lake, Kemah Boardwalk and Galveston
Bay. Accordion glass doors allow
partitioning between seating areas
and the outdoor deck for complete
climate control.
Two 42-inch and one 17-inch
plasma televisions can be connected
to the GPS system in the pilothouse.
Or, they can be used for anything
from watching the game to showing
photomontages during special events.
The boat is equipped with satellite TV
and radio, and both decks have
ample space for live entertainment.
The galley is spacious and efficient,
accommodating a full service staff.
Private and public events
“The company hosts a lot of
weddings,” Heinrich said. “It is so
much more exciting than a hotel.
Guests can’t leave early and wouldn’t
FantaSea Yacht Cruises Into South Shore Harbour want to.”
FantaSea Yacht Charters offers
three wedding packages. Each one includes
the services of an experienced
wedding coordinator; the ceremony
and cruise, as well as food selections
and a custom designed wedding cake.
The new yacht has a bridal
changing suite, plenty of space for dining,
and of course, the unique ambiance
of being on the water. |
In
November, League City resident
Tammy Carrithers surprised her
husband Tim with a dinner cruise for
his 50th birthday. His parents flew in
for the event. The family enjoyed a scenic
two-hour cruise and a delicious
meal prepared and served by Robinette
& Company Caterers of
Seabrook.
On the same evening, Robert and
Pamela Sampson of League City celebrated
their 21st anniversary on
board.
“The water is so peaceful,” said Pamela Sampson.
“We’re already
thinking about our 25th anniversary,
and I think we’re going to do it here.”
Looking ahead
In their efforts to enhance the
cruising experience, FantaSea Yacht
Charters has begun improvements to
the boat’s pier and and a comfortable
staging area. For the holidays, the
company is offering a 2008 New Year’s
Eve cruise with heavy appetizers,
house wines, beer, champagne and
entertainment plus an overnight stay at
South Shore Harbour Resort, which
includes breakfast for two at Paradise
Reef Restaurant.
Heinrich says she expects a great
turnout.
“We sell fun and memories for a
lifetime,” Heinrich said.
For more information go to
www.TheBigWhiteBoat.com or call
281-538-9600 |
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