I was one of a large wedding party excited to experience this joyous family moment on a romantic yacht in Newport Beach. We were in for a big surprise! \r
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Gathered together on the dock, we were greeted by the lead crew member intent on ruining the festive atmosphere with offensive, threatening instructions. Without any warning, he launched into this horrible lengthy diatribe about the many ways we would ruin their boat. He went on and on about how tampons will clog up the septic tank, and how yachts weren't meant for children so if any of them became too excited or rowdy they would immediately turn back and drop them off, and how everyone must spit their gum out IMMEDIATELY or face penalties, etc. Yes, we all realize that there are certain rules to follow on board, but there are DEFINITELY less rude ways to communicate to your customers and guests. And please refrain from waxing on about tampons! A strategically-placed sign posted in the bathroom will suffice. \r
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Once boarded, it was nice to see that the boat was clean. However, anyone taller than 6 foot 3 was in danger of bumping their head, and anyone with sensitive lungs was in for a 3-hour nightmare. The toxic fumes of fuel/exhaust filled up all space and wouldn't clear out, despite the open air. It was suffocatingly hot and there were no fans or AC, so everyone became soaked in their clothing even though it was less than 70 degrees out on the water. Women with ruined makeup and people with sweat stains were everywhere. \r
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Now about the food and service. Unbelievable. The bartenders and buffet servers were fine; however, the servers who tended the tables were extremely brusque, rude, and callous. They served a bland, cheap Caesar salad, vegetables that tasted pre-grilled and microwaved, cheap-tasting bread, and a chicken alfredo-type dish with sauce like from a can. The buffet servers seemed trained to put just a few small chunks of chicken onto each plate, with no seconds or special requests. The servers would watch your table like a hawk and then storm over to grab your utensils when they thought you were done to discourage second helpings. ( I bent over to put something in my purse, and a server roughly leaned on me to take away my food and silverware even before I was done eating. I could not believe it! ) \r
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Then, when they served the cake, they brought out small slices stacked on top of each other, with the bottoms of each plate physically touching the food. It was disgusting to see, so I did not eat the cake. My friend had a bite and said it was ok, but my brother didn't like it. So I can't review the cake, but to me it did not look fresh or appetizing. The buttercream looked like shortening, not real buttercream, and the decoration was boring & uninspiring. I really wish that I could say more positive things about this experience, since it was supposed to be such a wonderful day, but I owe it to people to give an honest review.\r
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If I were offered another chance to board the Icon of Charter Yachts of Newport Beach for free, I would politely decline. I don't even think you could pay me to do it.
Pros: Clean boat, nice bartenders
Cons: Rude & offensive customer service, especially for a wedding
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