Orlando Princess and Canaveral Star

I have been on this boat a few times and had some really good trips. I thought the help was great. And even tipped them 20. Dollars. That was until till they told us to disembark and wait by the cutting board. My fish was no where to be found. And the help seemed to care less. So if you want to go fishing and not keep your fish. This is the trip for you.
I will find another boat. Thanx for nothing.

Full day trip on Canaveral Princess…
Went out with two buddies local to the area while I was in town on vacation. Only about 25 people on the boat that could hold a hundred and it seemed like everyone’s paid for the stern but ended up spreading out so we weren’t all jammed in the back of the boat.
The deck hand Anthony was great. Very friendly and helpful throughout the whole day. The captain seemed disinterested in the group. The captain didn’t introduce himself or talk about what was happening as we moved around from spot to spot. the captain only seemed interested in some girl and group that was on board with him. All we got from him at each stop was «drop your lines» and «we’re going try another spot». My group caught no keepers which a sucked. Still tipped the deck hand because he was great and he can’t control the fish but was as helpful as he could be. Overall the fishing seemed to suck for the boat. Lots of bait fish caught. Had to throw back all red snapper. Some eels and sharks. Very few keepers across the boat.
The all inclusive meals were a joke. Breakfast was ok but basic and lunch was horrible. Breakfast was a simple fresh cooked egg, cheese and meat on toast. Lunch was something shaped into a hamburger patty or a cheap hot dog. The «burgers» were disgusting as if they expired months ago and were gray. I got the «hot dog» and it was ridiculous the guy wanted $ 3 for a second hotdog when they were probably bought in a box of 100 at Walmart for $ 8.
Boat was clean and no problems. Air conditioned inside was nice when you get hot.
In the end, not a great experience and probably won’t go back. One star is for the low crowd of people and great deck hand.

Not happy with this charter. After driving an hour to their location to try shark fishing for the first time, I get to the booth just to find the boat left without me, after I had called two hours prior and was told that as long as I arrived by 7, I would have no problem getting on the boat. Rather than advise the captain that a customer was driving in from a long distance and barely going to make it on time, nothing was passed down and the boat left as I was at the dock to get on. Highly dissatisfied with the lack of customer service. I understand that it’s a charter with large numbers of people going out, but at least trying to keep new and potentially regular customers happy by sticking to their word would be a solid piece of advise

This was our second time fishing with this company. It was a great experience both times. Very reasonably priced seeing as everything was included (even lunch and beer!!) The staff was very helpful and attentive. All you have to bring is your sunscreen! We will definitely return !

Brenda from another charter was having their boat worked on and wouldn’t have been able to take us out Sunday ¹⁄₃₁. My sons 13^th birthday and first time. We had a blast. Captain was great, the chef Stan was awesome and deckhand Anthony who really made the experience 5 stars. Meet some great people that regulars every weekend the Ray twins. lol
Will return again for sure and coming from a native Floridian been here 38yrs. Best party Deep sea fishing expedition and experience!

I was looking for a half-​day fishing trip in the area for my boyfriend and me, and chose the Orlando Princess because it ran half-​day fishing trips everyday. I had a specific day of the week in mind, and the competitor I was looking at didn’t run that day. In any case…
First let me say that I’ve been on multiple different half-​day trip party boats before just this past year, primarily in New York and in San Diego. And my boyfriend has been on countless party boats over the years. HANDS DOWN, the Orlando Princess was by far, THE WORST experience either of us has ever had. I know the company advertises that they are family-​owned, etc. etc., so I hate blowing up their spot, but the trip was so pitiful, that I had to.
The 1 star is dedicated to the fact that the Orlando Princess’ price for a half-​day trip is in-​line with what we’ve experienced in the past and the crew was knowledgeable and professional enough.
The other 4 stars were subtracted because:
The captain took us 1 hour and 47 minutes out. I read other reviews, so I decided to clock it myself. There were 20 of us, and when we finally dropped them down the first time, not 1 of us — NOT A SINGLE ONE OF US — got a bite. After what seemed to be forever of crickets, the captain moved us to a different spot, but further away. 1 guy on the other side of the boat got a shark, but it must not have been a big one at all because no one cared and it was easily put back into the water. 1 guy standing several feet down from me caught 2 red snappers.* The rest of us 18… NOTHING. Not 1 bite. Not even those people who paid extra to be at the stern! So, more crickets. The captain moved us again, and no bites. By that time, we were nearly 2 hours away and it was time to head back. WTF?!?
*The 1 guy who caught 2 red snappers had his own supplies, and he used smaller hooks.
— LOOK. I get that some days you just get skunked. I get it. We can’t control the fish. But for 18 out of 20 of us on the boat, several of us quite familiar with how this works, to not get bites at all? NOT A SINGLE NIBBLE?!? That’s flat out robbery, and means someone is either messing with us or doesn’t know how to do his job. Point blank — the captain didn’t know how to put us on any fish, and to spend nearly 4 hours with our lines up stunk to the max. What a waste. Captain, if you don’t know how to get the boat on that wreck or structure and put us on some fish, then at least take us like half an hour out and let us have several more hours to try and get a little nibble to revive our hope that maybe there’s fish out there!
— It cost me nearly $ 120 for my boyfriend and me, which is what I expected to pay, but after how bad the Orlando Princess was, I had rather taken my $ 120 to the bank, ask the teller for all singles, then line my bedroom wall with $ 1 George Washington faces as wallpaper.

Fantastic for a first timer! I surprised my sweetie with a half day cruise for his birthday. Recognize that a half day with them takes a full day, so plan accordingly. For $ 55/​pp you get 3 – 4 hours of deep sea fishing in the Atlantic, lunch, bait, gear, unlimited water, soda and Bud. (The water was reverse osmosis purified. Bottle water was extra.
The boat is 2 stories, has comfortable space for 40 or so fishermen/​women, an upper sun deck and (most importantly) an air conditioned lounge with directv to 2 – 3 televisions. (One didn’t work).
The crew was very friendly and approachable. They do work for tips, but the cruise price is pretty affordable so factor that into your budget. They’ve gotta eat too, right?
Definitely pay attention to the pre boarding instructions – I was a newbie but everything I needed to know to be able to fish happened in those 5 minutes.
So – the results – I absolutely believe in beginners luck, so when they came around for a $ 3 pool for the biggest catch I was all about that! Lucky ducky – I won! I caught a huge red snapper but a shark or barracuda wanted him too – left on my hook was the top ¹⁄₃ – weighed in at 9 pounds!!! I also caught a small shark (they were plentiful, most people caught sharks) Drew and the crew were happy to help all day long and did everything they could to make sure everyone got something. It helps that there’s a limit on how many of any one fish each person can catch – so if he’s over limit, someone else can take his catch home. There were maybe 10 kids on the ship, they seemed to be having a ball.
After getting off the boat, there’s a bit of pageantry displaying the entire boat’s catch, allowing for photos, and announcing the pool winner (me). I was impatient because we needed to get back to the city to pick up our son, but it took maybe 15 minutes from disembarking to walking to the car.
Bring a cooler to hold your catch for the ride home.
Downside — the ladies room needed more soap and paper towels and was probably typical for a boat but not… Sanitary. Also the door didn’t completely close, maybe a ½ crack.
Sleepy. Will come back to correct typos.

The crew and grill master were excellent. The captain did a good jib putting the boat on fish. I myself was unlucky yet had a great time watching others pull in some excellent fish. I would give a higher rating but some things can be improved. Overall great times.

This place is terrible after booking online the night before I show up with my family 10 minutes before re boat departs only to be told the boat is full??? What I reserved the night Before online, then the lady at the front desk calls me 3 minutes before I arrive and left me a voice mail telling she full 3 freaking minutes. This place has horrible customer service I would give Zero stars if I could. I would not recommend.

My brother in law and his friend were in town and we decided to take a trip. We actually had a really good time and im having trouble understanding some of the negative reviews. People keep saying that its all about the money. look, the crew works for tips only and the mention it a few times on the boat I dropped them a couple bucks (not a ton) and they were super appreciative, also they had been very attentive throughout the trip. Captain Nate and his team were a great value for me and my guys.

Sam and I (Toni dickens) ABSOLUTELY loved our experience with our fishing trip on the Canaveral Princess. I highly recommend anyone who wants a nice day trip to try this out. Matt and Ed, the shipmates were extremely nice and helpful. I recommend going during the week due to there being less people on the boat… we went on a Monday and were more than pleased with this experience. I thank these people for an awesome day on the water! Happy fishing!

The crew was amazing! We did the Night Shark Trip and it was awesome. Jimmy & Ed were so great… Would highly recommend.

So My son and I paid $ 80 to go shark fishing last night for his birthday. I was thinking we would go out 2 to three miles. However, that was not the case. We got on the boat and drove down the beach to the peer and they dropped anchor, about 100 yards away from the peer.
It’s free to fish off of the peer at night. People on the peer where casting almost to us. I’ve been out with these guys about 10 or 11 times. They have never been great but this trip absolutely was the worst! I will never use their service again!
Just to save you guys the trip never use the Orlando Princess tours out of Cocoa Beach, FL. It’s just a wast of time and money.
Oh yeah, when I called the company to voice my complaint, they wanted to yell at me over the phone.
Like I was not aloud to be unhappy with their poor service?!? WTF! These people are not the professionals they claim to be.

A family member was visiting us from out of town and he loves to fish as I do. Its been a while since I been out at sea so I thought it would be a good time.
Making a reservation for the Orlando Princess was easy and we arrived at a quarter past seven. Boarding was simple and off we went. Breakfast which consisted of a toasted bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich was ok. About what you can expect on a party boat. The coffee was nice.
We caught a bunch of fish but due to size could only keep four. The deck hands were helpful but one more man on deck would have been a better idea. The day got worse as the rain, cold wind, and waves grew more intense. Our ride in was wild as the boat rocked and cut through the high seas. I thought it was fun but many got sick.
All in all a good experience dispite the weather.

Went fishing today and did not do so hot. Bad day of fishing, huge swells, and a long time traveling (1hr45mins) yikes. Multiple people were sick all around the boat. The deckhands were nice and helpful. They were not shy to ask for tips by any means, but this really is how they make their money so this did not bother me. As for the sea sickness and hardly any fish being caught, we understand that their are bad days for fishing anywhere. However the boatride is ridiculously long. Everyone is basically miserable and you can see it in their faces as you look around the boat. Free food, snacks, and budweiser although most of this is useless when everyone is sea sick. A decent company that usually does well with fishing, but the boat ride is just far too long!

If you’re going to take one of the fishing boats in the Cape with 60 or so of your closest friends, take this one. The crew was a lot friendlier and helpful and I felt good giving them their tip. The other boats can be a bit ruder, smokier, and pushier when it comes to tip time.

So much fun!!! We had never been deep sea fishing before, the boat guys were so helpful! I highly recommend these guys! I like that they have a webcam and I can check out everyone’s catch. Everyone was super friendly! Loved every minute of it!

Don’t use this company!!! Seriously– go next door. Worst fishing trip of my life. Company is more concerned about money than their customers satisfaction and safety. I purchased a Groupon for the all day trip and I wish that I never had.
The crew decided to take the boat out on waters that were not in any way, shape or form conducive for not having everyone on board throwing up. When I mentioned local police that I had gone out that day, they were all shocked and looked at me as if I were some kind of super hero for being 1 of only 4 or 5 out of 60 that didn’t throw up.
Vomit was everywhere. People looked like zombies and corpses just wishing for the sweet relief of an honorable death at sea. After going on this trip, I now understand why the crew was saying things like «today will be one to remember» and «it’s going to be a long day»… They all knew that the day was going to be awful and they still went through with it. The waves were so bad at times that I thought the ship was going to flip. While the ship was at the top of the wave, I could look to my right and see nothing but sky and then to my left and see nothing but ocean. It was crazy. The hardest part was that I paid for an all day trip. Nothing but 8 hours of this…
Also, the free food and drinks on board are pretty sketchy. Breakfast was a piece of toast with a microwaved sausage patty and cigarette flavored cheese. My only description of what they served for lunch was what I could see on the floor and side of the boat left over from people’s breakfast. Not cool! Don’t do this. Seriously. Don’t. I mean it. If you want to go deep sea fishing, go to another company. Really.

The day started off with checking in at the front office, only to have a grumpy old man great us.
The deckhands were not any better. Yes they have a hard job, but you also have to know where your tip is coming from and that’s your customers. So I’d advise treating them with a little respect and a few thank you’s.
The captain was very nice. He spoke with us a few times and was very pleasant, unlike this team.
The ship was just ok. No soap in the mens restroom. Breakfast, lunch and drinks were included in the price of the ticket, which is a real bonus.
Very nice marina, easy in and out to sea.
We have experienced better. It’s more like 2.5 stars. Leaving a 2 instead of 3 due to the grump staff.

All inclusive charter boat (fishing pole & tackle, bait, fishing license, parking, meal, unlimited soft drinks and keg beer). Some friends and I used a Groupon and only paid $ 30 each. The day of the trip you have to pay taxes on your purchase which is something I have never done with a Groupon before so that was a little annoying but whatever…
We went on the half day trip (10:30am-4:30pm) and although I was the only one out of 8 of us that caught anything, we had a good time. Keep in mind that it takes a long time to travel to and from the fishing spots on the boat so actual fishing time is only a few hours.
We went on a Saturday and the boat was full. The crew seemed knowledgeable and fairly attentive but they could have used one more crew member. Especially because although the boat as a whole caught some fish (mostly sharks) there wasn’t constant action… and if there was… they would not have been able to keep up.
Some other reviewers seem upset that the crew passes around a tip bucket at the end. I didn’t mind it and I don’t feel as if they were overly pushy. If you caught some fish and/​or the crew did a great job helping you… then tip… plain and simple.
One meal is served on the half-​day trip (hot dog or hamburger w/​chips) and you can also purchase additional meals and/​or candy. You are also free to bring your own food aboard but no outside alcohol.
INSIDER TIP: You can pay extra to get a spot on the stern (back of the boat). I would highly recommend this as the fishing is typically better here.