Island Packers is charting exciting territory this summer. The Ventura-based boating company is offering dinner cruises through the Ventura Harbor on select Saturdays from June 29 through Sept. 28.
The two-hour, 64-foot catamaran tours through the harbor and passageways of the Ventura Keys, where guests have access to views of spectacular waterfront homes they otherwise wouldn’t see, feature cuisine catered by popular Ventura restaurants and a variety of live music.
Each cruise, which has inside lower cabin and upper cabin seating for 110 passengers, takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. and includes one appetizer, entrÄe, dessert and nonalcoholic beverage of choice. Beers and local wines are also available for purchase.
The itinerary includes:
June 29
Music: American/country and classic rock with Karen Eden and Cary Park
Catered by: Anacapa Brewing Co.
Menu: Rock shrimp cocktail, BBQ ribs and chicken, seasoned vegetables, rice and chocolate raspberry bread pudding
July 20
Music: Classic rock with Rumblebaker Duo
Catered by: The Greek Mediterranean Steak & Seafood
Menu: Crab dip on baguettes, chicken breast and filet mignon kebabs, Greek orzo pasta salad, sautÄed vegetables and baklava
July 27
Music: Acoustic, bluegrass, rock and more with Catterwailer Duo
Catered by: Anacapa Brewing Co.
Menu: Fresh tomato bruschetta, Caesar salad, chicken piccata, mashed potatoes, seasoned vegetables and chocolate raspberry bread pudding
Aug. 10
Music: Johnny Cash Cruise with Mighty Cash Cats
Catered by: Anacapa Brewing Co.
Menu: Warmed pretzels and beer cheese, variety of sausages, mashed potatoes, seasoned vegetables and chocolate raspberry bread pudding
Aug. 24
Music: Blues, Cajun and zydeco with Teresa Russell and Steve Geyer
Catered by: Margarita Villa
Menu: Chips and salsa, guacamole, salad, beef enchiladas, chicken chimichanga, Spanish rice, beans and flan
Sept. 14
Music: Sunset of country and jazzy blues with Pancho & Leftie
Catered by: The Greek Mediterranean Steak & Seafood
Menu: Crab dip on baguettes, shrimp and chicken kebabs, Greek orzo pasta salad, sautÄed vegetables and baklava
Sept. 28
Music: Zydeco, pop and R&B with Teresa Russell and Steve Geyer
Catered by: Margarita Villa
Menu: Chips and salsa, guacamole, salad, steak fajitas, shrimp enchiladas, Spanish rice, beans and flan
Fares are $60 adults, $56 seniors (55 and older) and $45 children (12 and younger); they include a two-for-one ticket option for Ventura Harbor Comedy Club.
Island Packers, located at 1691 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 105-B, in Ventura Harbor Village, offers several seasonal themed cruises as well as day trips to the Channel Islands. To purchase tickets for the dinner cruises or for more information, call 642-1393 or go to www.islandpackers.com.
