Commodore Cruises & Events

We had our Holiday Party on Jan. 16^th «Fume Blanc» and had a wonderful time. The crew was very nice and welcomed us with open arms. The food was fantastic and we had two special orders which I got thank you notes from and could not believe they had special request for us on the menu. it added a personal touch. Our other office which is located in Sacramento enjoyed the view from the deck. it was our younger generation who appreciated the poster perfect view and ended up dancing the night away. thank you DJ John :-)
this is our 2^nd Office Party on the Commodore and will most likely do it again.
Thank you Linda and Lisa for taking great care of us…
John Zink Co
IJ

I booked our «Holiday Cruise Extravaganza» with Linda Wright of Commodore Cruises & Events last August. Our event was December 19, 2016. Being an event specialist myself, of course I was expecting someone to provide me with at the level of service that I provide my clients with. From my first phone conversation with Linda, she excelled in all areas. She was extremely helpful, suggestive, knowledgeable and it was very obvious to me that she had been an event planner for sometime. Our event was nothing short of spectacular from the moment we arrived at Pier 40 to board the «Cabernet Sauvignon,» to the moment we stepped off the ship. This boat is absolutely beautiful, it was immaculate and the staff excelled! I highly recommend Commodore Cruises & Events and the «Cabernet Sauvignon“for those of you that want to throw an «over-​the-​top» event for your family, friends, clients or employees!
Linda Wright & Walter, thank you so much for delivering an event that actually exceeded my expectations! I plan to book with you guys in the future! Our guests are still talking about our event and how much unforgettable are event was!
Thank you, THANK YOU!!!

Some people make things more complicated than they need to be and this was my experience with Commodore. Trying to schedule an event with them was similar to pulling teeth, I couldn’t get upfront information from them about their services and costs. I understand they want to provide a specialized package and service but by not being upfront about options and costs they end up detracting customers. The result was very frustrating communications with them that ending in us not using their service.

We chartered the Pinot Noir through Commodore Cruises for a company lunch party of ~25.
The yacht departed on schedule, was moderately-​sized, and looked well-​maintained. The bottom level had a bar and was mainly used as a formal dining area, while the upper level offered a small number of seating for hors d’oeuvres and an area for dancing. The crew was friendly, DJ was entertaining, and our buffet lunch was alright.
The captain took us on a nice, 3 hour, leisurely cruise through the bay by Alcatraz, the Embarcadero, and under the Golden Gate Bridge. There were certainly a ton of picture perfect opportunities! However, it can get VERY breezy outside, so definitely bring your jackets & coats!
I don’t think I would recommend this particular yacht for a wedding (not the most glamorous), but their other yachts may have more bling. Pricing seemed comparable with other cruises, although I can’t speak for parking fees as we used a shuttle. I suspect that you might have to pay for parking if you drive since you’re in the city.

It truly was the best day of our lives –everything was beautiful and unforgettable. Minor details didn’t go as planned, but that is part of the process. Best advice is to stay on top of it – keep contacting them months prior to your special day if you do not want to get bombarded with an overwhelming to-​do list the last 10 chaotic days before your wedding. Also, stay on top of the «Meet the Fleet» dates, as they might not be available the last couple of weeks before your big day, if you want to try the delicious food they serve. Your guests will enjoy cruising the Bay.

We had a wonderful experience with Commodore. The front office was so helpful in guiding us through our booking, catering and layout (including two walk-​throughs of the yacht.) The staff on board was not only excellent and efficient, but they were also friendly and personable. In addition, they were flexible, helping us alter our timing a bit during the trip and maneuvering the yacht for the best sunset pictures. I was impressed from start to finish and plan to use them again when we have another big event.

I was on a repeat cruise on the Commodore Merlot this past weekend. The fact that this is the second time our group has done a buy out on the ship speaks on our opinion on the ship.
Several caveats: having owned a sailboat in the past I would think that doing it during the summer greatly diminishes the experience if you have to deal with the typical SF fog and wind as spending time outside looking at the city is why we went on a ship to begin with.
Our group numbered 53 which was an ideal number for the vessel. Boarding was efficient and there were no lines for drinks or food. The staff was outstanding and very efficient. Food was surprisingly good given the limitations of a small ship. Just an thoroughly enjoyable evening and we will be back!

DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT PLAN A PARTY WITH THEM! To add to my previous review, the Commodore Cruise & Events continues to provide unexceptional service (that is an understatement). We have attempted to follow up regarding my daughter’s USB with memorable photos. Staff mentions that they mailed it to a «billing address» that they had on file — an address that had no connection to the bride. Why would they send it to an address that is a «billing address»? We have contacted the office for the past two weeks and today they finally tell my daughter that they mailed it a month ago. Seems to me like they are beating around the bush. We are left with a missing USB with my daughter’s family and engagement photos.
I know that there are plenty of good reviews here but reading some of the not so good reviews and experiencing it myself… is probably not a gamble a bride wants to have for her wedding day.

We celebrated my husband’s 70^th Birthday on board the Cabernet Sauvignon on Friday, July 3, 2015 and cruised the San Francisco Bay from 6PM to 11PM.
This review is based on a couple of factors: 1) our level of satisfaction as the party hosts and 2) our guests feedback.
There were ~ 140 of us on that yacht, one toddler, 13 kids and the rest were adults (including 4 Octogenarians).
All the feedback we got were very positive and we received so many thank you notes. Below are a few examples:
— Thank you, it was a real awesome rare experience. Photos captured everyone having a great time!
— Great Party, Awesome View, Excellent Single Malt, Perfect Company and captured by a professional photographer… what a memory…
— The party was a success! Thanks for including us in this key milestone
— How can I start my thank you note, because I truly don’t know how to express our gratitude for the lovely evening. It was simply an evening of joy, happiness, being together, and enjoying the night with great and old friends, and meeting new ones.
— Thank you both for a wonderful time Friday night. I will never forget it.
— Thank you very much for making us part of the grandiose event in celebration of Miles’ 70^th birthday. It was really a lifetime experience for us.
To sum it all up, it was a night to remember and we didn’t want the party to end!
Everything went per the plan from the time we boarded at Pier 40, the Welcome & Champagne Toast on the 4^th deck, the Dinner & Program on the 2^nd deck & the Dancing on the 3^rd deck.
We signed the contract with Commodore Cruises since October 2014.
Thanks to our Event Planner Linda Wright and the Event Sales Coordinator Hannah Miller.
Most of my email correspondence was with Hannah who was very prompt in responding to my clarification questions. It was a team effort. Linda, Hannah and I made sure that all the T’s were crossed and the I’s were dotted.
I also wanted to thank our Cruise Director Walter, Captain Morgan and the Commodore Cruise’s Staff for making the event a very memorable one!
Many thanks also to the Florist Susan Bell, Cake by Marla, Balloon Mania, Eggsposure Photography, DJ Jeno and Santos Films Video Production Service.
OH WHAT A NIGHT and WHAT A PARTY IT WAS ON BOARD CABBY!

It was such a pleasure working with Hannah and Lucina who handled the evening of my event on the Merlot. They have such wonderful personalities and are able of anticipating our needs. I highly recommend Commodore cruises and working directly with Hannah!

Walking up to the ship was a beautiful experience. The entry was fast and to the point which I liked. Food was being served immediately so we got to eat fast. We had the prime rib, salad, marinated chicken and vegetables. I think the food was good. Prime rib was tender and my salad was yummy. I do think we felt kind of rushed to eat by the waiters. They came to grab our plates soon after we left the dock. The champagne was ok. Not really up to my standards so we tried to bring our own bottle which they didn’t offer corkage so we couldn’t bring it. The drinks /​bar isn’t what I’m used to either. No credit cards allowed so it’s only cash with a small selection of well drinks and mid level spirits.
This was a Fourth of July cruise which cost roughly $ 364 for 2 tickets, pretty pricey. Bad part was not being able to see the fireworks do to the fog.

I am changing this post to 4 stars for the boat only. If you were like us and researching an event on Fume Commander boat, as listed in event posted for a July 4^th event. The captain of the boat asked that I change post but I feel the boat charter and the event company are tied.
1 STAR or less – These comments are about Our Night Life or Ticket Vibe. Won’t use this company again because of so many reasons. It started at a point of standing on the dock waiting for the boat– which was late. One moment we are lined up along the rail only to be told 20 minutes later to move to the other side of the dock. Have they not done this before?
About the trip itself– If you are into lines this is the place for you. Line 1 One bar per floor and people were in line for about 20 minutes for a drink. Line 2 Then there is the line for disappearing pizza, at least 15 minutes and only one slice of pizza unless I wanted to wait for another batch to be cooked– surprise you sold the trip to a few hundred people so do the food/​cooking math. Line 3 women bathroom, they need to convert one of the mens bathroom into a women’s bathroom– there is only one toilet per bathroom.
NOW to top it all off, be prepared to stand. There were limited chairs and table– you could reserve but those were sold out. Since we were near the front of the boarding line we were able to get an unreserved table and chairs. However part way through the night the host informed us someone had bought our table (at that moment) and we had to leave it. What the heck?
So if you want a lousy time with a company that just wants your money but offers no reasonable features or food or beverages then this is the cruise for you.

Cabernet Sauvignon Experience.
Pros: The staff was really courteous. The Yacht is beautiful. The food was excellent. The ride smooth and the view great (would have been amazing if not for the overcast). DJ was on point.
Cons: It seemed rather unorganized. There was a point that they ran out of plates at the buffet table and people had to wait a short period for re-​stock. Not a huge deal BUT… same thing happened with Coffee, Hot water for tea and creamer. It was up to the guests to locate someone who can restock the items. By 8:00 pm there were no more Champagne bottles for purchase. The Bartenders were a bit overwhelmed but smiled through it all. The «Bar» on main dining desk wasn’t a full bar (rather a table with register and some bottles on it) but there was a full bar on the upper deck.
Also, there was no safety or in case of emergency announcement. I didn’t note any security or supervisors on board. I can swim so OK but there were some people who were well into their cups (I guess they got Champagne) and there were children running all over boat.
Note: There is indeed an ATM on the lower level — which is really nicely decorated (the lower level not the ATM). The ATM did look like it was in working order although I did not use it. Play safe and take some cash anyway (Cash Bar only).
Gets really cold so take more than a sweater if you plan on sitting outside — some people had throw blankets (good idea).
We did have a nice time. I don’t know that it was worth the $ 140 per person. Also, considering it was 4^th of July a Military Discount for our Servicemen and Women would have been a nice touch.

I had my wedding ceremony and reception aboard the Cabernet Sauvignon in April 2014. It took me a long time to get to the point where I could write a review on Unilocal,since I didn’t want to think about it anymore, and what bride would ever want to admit to having a terrible experience with her carefully chosen wedding vendors? It’s embarrassing and shameful. Yet here I am, because I want to prevent future brides from experiencing anything less than perfect on their big day.
I plan to flesh out this review more later, but feel free to message me privately if you want to discuss anything.
PROS:
— Good food
— Punctual
— Unique experience of having a wedding on a boat on the SF Bay
CONS:
— Difficult to work with Linda
— Nearly every single simple request was met with resistance, and it felt like pulling teeth every time
— Planning involved a lot of tough negotiations and compromise, which often resulted in us forking over more money
— Some of our requests seemed to be completely foreign to them and were shot down, such as requesting to write our own vows. Most of my friends wrote their own vows for their weddings, so I was really surprised to have such seemingly simple requests turned down. This is what happened to many of our requests.
— Apparent lack of communication in the company (i.e. cruise director Quynh did not know who my groom was and actually tried to kick him off the boat before boarding)
— They ran out of champagne during dinner. Actually, I found out nearly a year later that they didn’t actually run out of champagne, they just TOLD my guests that they ran out. So nobody had champagne during the toasts. And I PAID FOR AN OPEN BAR of unlimited beer, wine, and champagne.
— Don’t use their DJs. We had DJ Dan, who was touted as their «best DJ». We got an opportunity to meet him before the wedding (traditionally you don’t get to meet any of partner vendors in person except for the florist) and thought he was a really chill guy, but he failed miserably in both his emceeing and music DJing role. I have a laundry list of ways he displayed incompetence, lack of integrity, and mismanagement, which I can share privately. Please feel free to ask me in case you’re considering using his services.
— The bathroom on the dance floor deck was overflowing and multiple guests complained about how disgusting it was.
— They didn’t serve the hors d’oeuvres till the very end of the cocktail hour… so nobody got any food until the dinner, which was around 9pm for my particular wedding, so they were cold and starving!
After the wedding we drafted a 6-​page complaint letter and sent it to the CEO. Please message me if you’d like to hear the rest of the story.

Even though I ended up not booking with Commodore Cruises & Events for my birthday I had a very pleasant experience with the coordinator Kaitlyn. She is very thorough and helpful! I met her for a tour of the yachts I was considering and it was super helpful instead of looking at pictures. The yachts are super clean and roomy.
I will definitely contact her in the (hopeful, near) future when I am ready to book a yacht cruise. Thank you Kaitlyn!

I had my wedding reception with Commodore Events last weekend and it was nothing short of amazing. We sailed on the Pinot Noir yacht which felt like the perfect size for our ~60 guests. I have been receiving compliment after compliment all week about our decision to have the reception on a boat — everyone had so much FUN. MANY of our guests have changed their profile photos on Facebook to pictures of themselves dancing or in front of the skyline/​bride at our reception. It really was that great of an experience!
I had incredibly high expectations for what I wanted in my wedding (I was a wedding Pinterest addict) and my wedding planner Jewell and our cruise director Quynh executed the reception BEAUTIFULLY. I worked with Jewell over the course of a year, with most of our interactions and planning in the two months before the wedding. She did a fabulous job customizing the reception to our vision. The standard linens on our yacht were all white and we wanted a gold/​black theme; Commodore was able to rent gold chiavari chairs and black linens for us. We used a poster print photo of us as a non-​traditional guestbook, and they were able to loan us an easel. I purchased tons of décor pieces off of Etsy and trusted Jewell to arrange them the way I wanted. She decorated exactly as I directed from the photos. I met Quynh the day of the wedding — she could not have done a better job of organizing the reception as it unfolded. I had many interactions with the rest of the staff as I called in and visited for meetings and they were always warm and interested to hear how the planning was going.
Once again, I am a person with VERY high expectations and Commodore exceeded every one of them. If you are considering a yacht event, I urge you to go visit Commodore’s yachts and fall in love with them like I did. My new husband and I cannot wait to sail with them again!

What better way to reunite with high school friends?
Our 35 year class reunion with Commodore Cruises and Events was incredible. Their ships are all docked in Alameda across the bay from Scotts Seafood and above the Webster Tube next to Pasta Pelican Restaurant.
Commodore’s very own Captain Morgan took us on a night cruise, surrounded by the crisp beauty of our San Francisco bay. The captain made sure to introduce himself and wished us a night to remember. He was charming and friendly. The chef and staff were also friendly and welcoming. Our event planner, Jewell was fabulous. Her plans for the evening all played out so well. She kept the party going from the moment we stepped onto the ship until we pulled back into port.
The party started on the 3^rd deck, mingling with drinks, warm hugs and shocking encounters of familiar faces from long, long ago. Then we moved down to the 2^nd deck where it looked like a palace showroom, filled with white linen table clothes, yellow ambiance lighting, and the smell of creamy chicken and bistro filet. We sat down at dinner with big windows surrounding us. The view of the water, lights, bridges, stars and moon set the tone for the evening. The buffet was beautifully laid out and the guest had their fill. We returned to the 3^rd deck where there was a DJ with music, dancing and also a casino with blackjack, roulette and craps tables setup. The DJ and dealers were engaging and fun. The top deck was open so you could wonder from port side to starboard side, enjoying the city view and crisp night air. It was a beautiful night on the bay.
The party is better on the bay with Commodores running the show. Prepare yourself for a night of excitement and fun. Be sure to have your cameras ready! I’d recommend this intimate cruise for any event.

3.5 Stars
Attended a wedding here this month and I was pleasantly surprised as I have never been to a wedding on a ship/​yacht!
The ceremony was held on the top level of the ship. There were several chairs for the guests, but definitely not enough for everyone. During this time, there were passed hours devours (spanakopita and some type of chicken curry pastry) as well as champagne and by this point, I was famished!
During the ceremony, the ship was still docked, so we didn’t have to deal with rocking of the boat. The backdrop of the Alameda/​Oakland skyline was wonderful.
When the ceremony was finished, guests headed down to the 3^rd level (which served as the main level/​dance floor for more hours devours and drinks from the (open) bar. Dinner service was a buffet style consisting of bread, salad, rice, veggies, chicken and prime rib. I wished I had a steak knife because the meat was definitely hard to cut.
There was a photo booth (not sure if this is standard) on the 2^nd level. Which was the «lounge» area with couches.
The top level of the ship was the place it be. Fortunately, there was no fog and it was a clear SF evening. It had THE best place to take nighttime skyline view shots. All of the staff members on board were very nice and accommodating.

Recently attended an evening wedding on a Commodore cruise of the Bay. Their ships dock in Alameda above the Webster Tube next to Pasta Pelican and across the parking lot from Cardinal Point. If you’re attending an event on a Commodore ship, you’ll probably find parking to surprisingly tough if you’re expecting to park right next to the boat.
Commodore does a nice job getting everyone on board. We went on the «Cabby», a four deck ship that appears to be the biggest boat in their fleet. We were escorted up to the top deck. If you can’t climb stairs or are wheelchair bound, this might be a problem.
The ceremony was held on the top deck, but before we left the dock. They have a nice altar built into the back of the top deck. It was all very nice, but there was some noise from the train running across the Estuary and from jet airlines overhead so that it was kind of hard to hear the ceremony. You would think they would have had a public address system installed after all these years.
The party then moved to the third deck dance floor area for a reception and then later to the second deck for the sit down dinner. The groomsmen were pretty loud and in good spirits. Add the fact that since you’re on a cruise, you might as well invite enough guests to fill the boat — and you get a really loud wedding. You’re surrounded by windows and a low, hard ceiling and you get sound bouncing off everywhere. This had to be the loudest wedding I’ve ever attended. You could hardly hear the person sitting next to you during the dinner.
The food was ok and served buffet style. Service was fine. We went back to the third deck for music and dancing. It was a beautiful evening on the Bay, but outside of the top deck, there really wasn’t that much room on the third deck outside to watch the view go by.
As the evening went by, a lot of the older guests retreated to the second deck dining area to escape the music. Ultimately, a lot of guest went down to the lounge in the first deck where the wedding party had set up a photo booth.
Certainly the highlight of a cruise is the view. The downside is that if you wanted to leave earlier than the last guest to leave, you can’t.

It might have just been the party, but we have had a blast at the parties on the Commodore over the last two years.
The Holiday party our friends had on one of the boats for a Night Cruise through the SF bay waterfront was so fun. The music, dancing, food and party atmosphere is even better on the Bay.
With a clear night and view of the bay, you can’t help but have a great time. I couldn’t help, but take a lot of photos that night because it was just so beautiful.
Who wouldn’t want to attend an event on the Commodore boats?!!