Harboring romantic thoughts

Deepa Bharath

Calm waters under the moonlight. A lavish four-course dinner. A live

band and dancing. Candlelit tables for two.

It’s romance all the way at Hornblower Cruises and Events’

Valentine cruises in Newport Harbor.

Newport Harbor provides the perfect ambience for a romantic

three-hour cruise, said Kevin Lorton, the company’s director of sales

and marketing.

“The harbor is absolutely beautiful,” he said. “We have more than

10 years of doing this event. Our food is prepared fresh on board.

It’s the blend of all these elements which makes it elegant and

unique.”

The event changes every year so guests aren’t bored with the same

program, event manager Dave Merten said.

“This year, we’re doing different things with the linens,” he

said. “We try to make everything romantic. Champagne is free-flowing

this year and we have our own entertainment department, which

provides excellent music.”

The event has become more and more popular over the years, Merten

said.

“Initially, when we started it, people hadn’t warmed up to the

idea,” he said. “But now, we’re getting good response, and it’s

almost guaranteed to be a busy time for us.”

Valentine cruises are different from others in some ways, Merten

said.

“It’s one of those rare times when every single party is a party

of two,” he said. “Every table is a candlelit table for two. We allow

for extra time so couples can stroll the decks.”

Then, there’s always the proposal or two, which could well happen

during the cruise.

“So we’re prepared for that,” Merten said. “Our band plays a

special song for the newly engaged couple, gets them out on the dance

floor. That part is always fun.”

The dinner-dance cruises will take place on Feb. 13, 14 and 15.

The Feb. 13 and 15 cruises are priced at $125 per person, and the

Valentine’s Day cruise is priced at $135 per person. The price

includes the cruise, dinner, champagne, entertainment, tips, taxes

and port fees.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling (949)

631-2469 or visiting https://www.hornblower.com. Hornblower also

offers private charters for groups of two to groups of 500.