ANNABEL II

Nov 30th - Dec 22nd: Leewards Caribbean

The boat and crew were fabulous. We had a great time.

July 29th - Aug 4th, 2009: Croatia

All of the crew contributed greatly to the fantastic and unforgettable vacation we had in Croatia.

July 1st - 10th, 09: Croatia/Greece

We would like to thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to spend an amazing time on Annabel II. It was an experience that will be treasured forever by all of us.

When we confirmed with Grae & Dellys that we would go we realised that it would be something special, however as time went on and we got more photos and updates, the trip just kept sounding better and better. So of course we thought we were prepared for what was to come, but I have to say words and photos can't describe the actual reality of the experience, it really felt like a dream. Being on board such a beautiful boat in an amazing part of the world with magnificent crew made us feel unbelievably special. I remember saying to Grae & Dellys, you can't describe this feeling you actually have to live it to appreciate how fantastic it really is.

Annabel II was perfect in itself but the crew were really superb. Gary is just fantastic, not only did we enjoy his company & expertise but we really appreciated how he related to the kids, particularly Bryden our very active 12 year old. Both the kids had a ball, I knew they would have a great time but I hadn't expected that the staff would relate and treat them so well. Bryden was off helping (or talking) with Robi, Gary or Jo during most of the trip, they all seemed genuine in taking an interest in him.

Robi's cuisine was divine, how he managed to produce such amazing meals was staggering as he hardly seemed to be in the kitchen. Kerry just seems to keep going and going, was fun to have around and couldn't do enough for us, her attention to detail was incredible. We really appreciated having such a fun couple on board with us. Jo was fantastic too, the boat always looked immaculate (as did she!) and as I mentioned before she was great with the kids...young and old!!

Once again thank you so much from Rob, Madi, Bryden and myself for one incredible holiday, we would do it all again in a second!

July 1st-10th, 2009 - The Harrisons

I thought you might like some feed back from our recent cruise aboard Annabel II, 01-10 July from Corfu to Zakynthos (Ionian Islands, Greece).

The trip has been eagerly awaited by our family including 12 year old daughter and also our friends the Bird family with their 16 and 12 year old.

From the moment we arrived in Corfu we were met by Capt Gary in a minivan and transferred to the boat a short distance away. The crew Jo, Kerry and Robi ( master chef extraordinaire) did the meet & greet, took luggage to our suites while we enjoyed the welcome aboard champagne whilst walking around this brand new, boutique super yacht.

Annabel II is 30m and what a great design Horizon Yachts have created for guests. There are so many areas to hang out and relax and a choice of four different location dining options. There were seven of us and four crew but so much space and comfort. We berthed next to larger and more expensive boats but Annabel II had much better outdoor areas than those other monsters.

The suites are extremely comfortable and very well appointed. We had the master suite which covers the whole beam of the boat and boasts a large ensuite, his and her basins and shower. The VIP suite forward is also suitably appointed as are the two twin suites which can be converted to king beds. All suites have their own ensuites with luxury toiletries, soaps and shampoos. Hairdryers are standard in every suite. Lighting is excellent in the bathroom areas and all have portholes.

We enjoyed our sailing days sitting above on the sun deck. From here we had 360 degree panoramic views and often the crew would set up lunch for us on the two dining tables. The weather in July was fantastic and hot around 30 degrees. Being on the sun deck with its adequate shading as well as comfortable day beds for those wanting to sun bake provided a nice breeze. Those other super yachts mostly had their outdoor areas around a dining table at the back of the boat where there is no sun, can be noisy when cruising and you cannot see what is coming up. At least we were set up with a great bar, with bar stools and a spa pool up top and could have a chat with Capt Gary who controlled the vessel from his air conditioned bridge or the dual controls from the sun deck. There were dolphins alongside one day and turtles the next all spotted first by Capt Gary. We would not have had this interaction had we been sitting at the back of the boat.

Other dining options for breakfast included the forward saloon area off the galley and on the sun deck. Lunch was always on the sun deck as this was out preferred daytime choice. We were swimming everyday and lunch on the sundeck allowed for those with wet swimwear to come and go as they pleased. Dinner was in the formal dining room on a couple of nights or on the rear deck dining table or once again on the sundeck above. Coming from a cold New Zealand winter we were happy to mostly eat outdoors. Those that feel the heat may prefer dining in air conditioned comfort which is available in the formal dining room.

As we are both active families the range of toys and watersports aboard Annabel II suited us. Everyday we had the kayaks in the water, went snorkeling and the tender was in full use towing the kids around in the biscuit ( and the big kids). My wife had not water skied for 25 years and got up and going first time. Rob Bird got down to one ski! Even though we had a start and finish plan Capt Gary and I would check maps during breakfast for likely lunch time swimming spots along the route for the day and we ended up with some great finds and magnificent bays with hardly anyone around. For those who prefer a less active and a more leisurely paced day there are nice quiet areas aboard for reading or catching up on news from abroad from one of six televisions onboard. The library is evolving and there is also a good selection of DVD's which you can watch on the 50 inch TV in the saloon or from the privacy of the TV in your suite.

The crew are outstanding. Robi the chef simply amazing with his creative cuisine. There was only one night we went ashore to a restaurant that came highly recommended. It was nothing compared with Robi's expertise in the kitchen and we never ate ashore again. We had themed evenings on some nights, Italian and Greek, casual fun BBQ one night and French the next. Every night there were surprises. Robi is also handy with the tender for shuttling the team to beaches or local shops when we weren't tied up alongside.

Annabel II is ideal for an extended family group or a group of friends between three or four couples. As a travel agent with a discerning clientele I have no hesitation in recommending Annabel II.