DAYDREAM

The New Years week 2026/2027 guests aboard catamaran DAYDREAM wrote:

Rusty and Neely,

We've tried to sum up the incredible experience our family had with you both aboard DayDream. Below is our review. Feel free to share with others.
Best, Brad and Lissa

Review of DayDream charter

We were a group of seven adults who spent eight days sailing around the USVI and BVI with Captain Rusty and Chef Neel, and we cannot say enough wonderful things about the experience. 

Our group ranged in age from 28 to 73 with varying interests—scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, hiking, reading, chilling—and Rusty and Neely ensured that everyone was able to do the activities they hoped for and that all had a blast. 

The boat was extremely comfortable and had all the amenities we needed, from paddle boards to scuba equipment to wonderful places on deck to lounge and relax. 

Mostly, though, we want to emphasize how warm, engaging, and fun Rusty and Neely were throughout our trip. They are can-do folks. No matter how often we asked to revise a schedule, or change our next stop, or alter a planned activity, they were flexible, patient, and creative about making sure that everyone’s needs were met. To put it simply, Rusty and Neely are very special people. He is a raconteur with storytelling in his genes (and a PhD in marine biology) who can explain the complex behavior of marine creatures one minute and recount hilarious stories of hijinks on the seas the next. 

For her part, Neely is the embodiment of Southern charm and hospitality—vivacious, enthusiastic, and a pure delight to be around. She is also a force of nature: On top of running a highly successful shoe business, Neely is a spectacular chef, and her talents were on display at meals three times a day. We didn’t make it easy for her: Half of our group are vegetarians, yet Neely managed to produce an incredible variety of delicious dishes that everyone could enjoy. All out of a tiny galley kitchen! 

Bottom line: Sailing on DayDream and spending time with Rusty and Neely made this trip one of our most fun and enjoyable vacations ever.

November 2024

We’re two couples in our late 60’s - early 70’s and have been diving together since the 70’s.  In the past, we have made multiple live aboard dive drips. This time we picked St. Croix to do more wall diving. We chose the 61’ Day Dream catamaran with a crew of three - Captain Rusty, Chef Neely and Divemaster Lassa.  We wanted the ability to dive 3 dives a day - a compressor was a must. Unfortunately the brand new compressor had to be sent back for repairs. We were assured there would be  enough tanks for 3 dives a day and they delivered.
We arrived on St. Croix midafternoon and took an open air taxi to the marina -  a nice intro to St. Croix. We enjoyed a delicious snack on board while the crew took care of the luggage and set up our dive gear. We set sail for six days of fun. The diving was very enjoyable. We did have a couple days of chop, but a 15’ drop line took care of our two queasy divers. There was abundant marine life - sharks, turtles, rays and the wall dives were great.  Chef Neely served delicious meals and rose to the challenge of meeting our varied requests. We dined inside with A/C or outside with beautiful views. We celebrated a birthday with a very memorable Danish birthday song. Our crew was very attentive to our needs and along with their extensive knowledge of the marine and island life made our trip memorable. Looking forward to next year!
 

August 2024

The Daydream was an unforgettable experience! Captain Rusty and his crew took good care of us. We had breakfast with a breathtaking view every single day! We had so much fun snorkeling around the Indians and Monkey Point. It a great way to learn about the sea life and experience it! PLUS Captain Rusty is a PHD Marine biologist who has a vast knowledge of the marine life. So if you want to also learn about marine biology, you will have the best professor on board! Our trip was a 8 days and 7 nights trip, where we got to visit Tortola, The Baths, Jost Von Dyke, Norman Island, Willy Ts, Marina Cay, Sabarock, and Scrub Island, just to name a few. Also, not only will the crew accommodate the groups’s preferences but they are more than willing to customize your excursion depending where you want to go too. So if you are looking for a getaway with friends and/or planning a memorable family vacation-- the Daydream is your best call! We cant wait to plan our next Daydream adventure. Thanks CREW!
- Miri & Kenton

July 2024

A week spent on the Day Dream will change vacationing forever. If you want to spend time snorkeling, swimming, island hopping, eating delicious food, and visiting the Baths at Virgin Gorda this catamaran is the perfect trip for you. Plenty of space in the rooms and on deck for a party of ten. Rusty and the crew took excellent care of us and it is a trip I will never forget. Can’t wait to book again.
Jessie