Does the Breathless really hold 7?

[subtchr]

Hi, all,

I'm really excited about trying to reserve an Illuminations cruise sometime on our June trip. I've read the information in the thread about strategies to snag one, but I have couple questions for those of you who have been on either the Breathless or the pontoons.

There are five of us in our family -- me, DH, boys 20 & 17, and girl 14. We're not especially big people, but definitely "adult" size! I've already been pm'ing with a couple in their 20's who might want to share with us. My first question is whether the Breathless really does hold 7 comfortably. If so, it sounds fun, and now that the price per person is about the same for either cruise, we would definitely consider it.

For the pontoon, I think it says soft drinks, pretzels, and chips or something similar are provided, and no other food or drink is allowed to be brought on board. Is this really enforced? I'd love to bring a bottle of wine or something.

I do realize that we might not be able to snag a reservation, but I plan to do my best at the end of March, 90 days out. Thanks for any opinions or information ~

 

[bonzarella]

We had 7 in the Breathless this past July, 5 adults & 2 children(4&5). We were comfortable. Your situation would require 4 adults in the middle seat might be tight but worth it. Chad was our driver, he was wonderful.

 

[Toadi]

We've done the Breathless once and pontoons several times. As I remember, the Breathless has two seating areas; the rear holds three adults in comfort; the front holds the driver and possibly two others, I would say, one other. It is really neat, but the pontoons allow you to move around and have lots more room. The last time we had a pontoon was Feb 2005, before the price increase and the addition of the snacks. At that time, the driver said we could have brought along an adult beverage. Not sure of that since they have doubled the price and added snacks. We have one booked for Jan 29th and are looking forward to the best way to see Illuminations.

 

[chamonix]

I think you would be happier (more comfy) with only your family in this situation. The breathless is odd in that the seating areas are separated from each other. It's great for a small or romantic gathering, but not really conducive to a larger group socializing. If you want that, your better bet is a pontoon.

As for the wine, go ahead and bring it. It's really up to the captain if he will allow you to open/drink it, and unless you are prepared to pay for them to provide the wine/glasses (much more expensive than doing it yourself) it's really your only option. If he doesn't care, drink away! If he does, take it back to your room for later. Our captain actually was the one who suggested we go purchase some adult beverages to take on our cruise.

 

[aengus]

We were also a group of 7 (5 adults, a teen, and a child) we fit comfortably.

I have done both cruises and I love them both for different reasons. If you just want to be able to spread out and talk and take it easy, go for the pontoon. if you want to have some fun speeding about the area then the breathless is the choice for you. The breathless and the pontoons all park in the same place so your illuminations experience will not change by your choice.

Either cruise is a blast and a great time. We are planning another cruise for our next trip as well!