2022 New Year's Eve Dinner Cruise Aboard the Spirit of Carolina--Rocking the Boat

High above the Cooper River, the fog hung eerily over the peaks of the Ravenel Bridge spires, muting its lights to a soft, bluish glow. Below, an aura of orange and shades of grey emanating from the mist-shrouded lights on the Charleston waterfront across the way encompassed the impressive Yorktown. Currently fastened to the pier, The Spirit of Carolina subtly rocked in the inky waters of the marina. New Year's Eve 2022 was nearing a celebratory end. Dinner cruise patrons filed in twos arm and arm towards the boat's gangplank, anticipating a night of elegance wrapped in a napkin of catering.

The unique opportunity to celebrate in style with incredible food while taking in sweeping views of the historic Charleston skyline was on the agenda. It would be the best Charleston has to offer while cruising aboard the elegantly decorated Spirit of Carolina and enjoying the music played by DJ Michael Hart, as the advertisement stated.

Upon boarding the boat, crew members directed us to our seating arrangements in the dining lounges. Our party of four had the best table on the deck, situated by a large window at the beginning of the line of tables along the perimeter of the ship's dining area. One slight negative, we were positioned right under a speaker, which made conversation somewhat challenging when the music began. Other than that tiny detail, the table's appointments were neatly presented with water and wine glasses and a complete set of silverware containing more forks than I knew what to do with.

Our server arrived--a polite, soft-spoken young lady with a big smile. First on the menu were drink selections. My beautiful and stunningly dressed partner chose a Benvolio Pinot Grigio from Italy for $8.00. I initially chose an Edna Valley Sauvignon Blanc from the Central Coast, but due to a mix-up wound up with an Elovan Pinot Noir from Oregon for $12.00, which was alright because I generally choose Noirs when drinking wine. Our company and fellow celebrants, a Charlestonian gentleman and a dazzling lady dressed in black sequin, selected from the list of reds.

From the dinner's four entrees, my partner selected the ROASTED SLICED CAULIFLOWER--Roasted Red Pepper, Drizzle Wilted Spinach, Lemon, and Olive Oil Mixed Ancient Grains of Quinoa, Farro Toasted Barley, and Grilled Asparagus. I chose the SEARED WING TIP CHICKEN BREAST--White Wine Lemon Sauce, Sauteed Spinach, Feta Cheese Fillings, and Roasted Garlic Whipped Potatoes along with Seasonal Vegetables.

Our friends picked the BRAISED SHORT RIB OF BEEF with Cabernet Reduction Roasted Garlic Whipped Potatoes with Seasonal Vegetables and the SEARED WING TIP CHICKEN BREAST. We all passed on the fourth offering, LOW COUNTRY SHRIMP and GRITS.

Dessert choices were a NY STYLE CHEESECAKE topped with Strawberries and Whipped Cream or a CHOCOLATE POT DE CRÈME covered with Whipped Cream and Chocolate Shavings. We picked the NY STYLE CHEESECAKE, while our friends decided to go for the full monty.

The SEARED WING TIP CHICKEN BREAST was satisfying, but a potato lover, the Roasted Garlic Whipped Potatoes hit the spot for me. Between the veggies, the EDISTO GREEN SALAD Blended with Baby Lettuce, Dried Cranberries, Crumbled Feta Cheese, and Toasted Almonds with Herb Vinaigrette was better than the sparse portion of veggies with my entree. The ROASTED SLICED CAULIFLOWER lacked color presentation, which would have added to its appeal, and was a bit on the bland side.

That being said, the CHARLESTON SHE CRAB SOUP, by my estimation, took top honors with its pleasant dose of spiciness, which was confirmed by my partner. The finale was a complimentary Glass of Prosecco delivered to the table. It didn't float my boat--a bit too sweet for my liking. However, I am sure the majority enjoyed it.

We spent most of the evening conversing and didn't get topside the whole evening. The large window was perfect for seeing the Charleston waterfront and spotting its landmarks from Patriots Point to the Ashley River, from James Island to the Ravenel Bridge, and back to the marina. We did light up the dance floor with our impressive moves for a few tunes.

All in all, it was a relaxing evening sharing the company of good friends and engaging in light conversation while cruising the historic waters of Charleston Harbor. For the price per person of $119, the boat ride was great, but I would like to have seen some fireworks, entrees included. Mother Nature cooperated with a mystifying fog that set a tantalizing mood of quiet reverence. You never know what lies hidden in its misty shadows, as in an old Sherlock Holmes movie. Holmes is still searching for clues as to what happened to the cruise photographs.

The cruise departed from Patriots Point at 40 Patriots Point Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC. Boarding time began at 6:30 pm. Cruise time was from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.