Mermaid Cruises - sublime...

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barrys
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Re: Mermaid Cruises - sublime...

Post by barrys »

Dahling wrote:While I'm on here, can I just support all the reviews above and add my own thanks to Barry, Tan & co for the great service they provide.
Thanks guys! :cheers:
Thanks a lot for that - much appreciated - and we hope to see you here again soon :D :cheers: :cheers:
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barrys
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Re: Mermaid Cruises - sublime...

Post by barrys »

We are presently updating out website at http://www.huahincruises.com with a lot more info, photo galleries and a demo video on the homepage.

Having already added German to the English version, our Dutch site has gone live as from today.
I know we have some German and Dutch members here so it would be nice to hear what they think of it.

More languages to follow soon.


And many thanks to Digital Metrix for their great work and cooperation on this project :cheers:
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barrys
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Re: Mermaid Cruises - sublime...

Post by barrys »

I would just like to inform you all that I have, as from yesterday, now officially retired from Mermaid Cruises.

I will remain involved with the company purely as a shareholder and non-working director.

The company is now left in the capable hands of my gf Tan, who will be delighted to accept bookings as well as answer any questions and inquiries people may have.
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Re: Mermaid Cruises - sublime...

Post by leoedgar »

Hi Barry

I´m assuming that we will still meet you on Sunday ?

Leo
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barrys
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Re: Mermaid Cruises - sublime...

Post by barrys »

Hi Leo

I'm sure I'll still be lurking in the background somewhere.
At any rate, the new MD hasn't said she's throwing me out of the house yet :D :roll:
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Re: Mermaid Cruises - sublime...

Post by lomuamart »

Happy retirement, barrys.
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Re: Mermaid Cruises - sublime...

Post by richard »

Happy retirement Barry

Not got round to a trip with Mermaid yet (other than the final trip for Billy) but sure will when I can persuade the next lot of visitors to try it
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Re: Mermaid Cruises - sublime...

Post by migrant »

:cheers: :cheers:
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Re: Mermaid Cruises - sublime...

Post by Big Boy »

We were given the opportunity to take a trip with Mermaid Cruises yesterday. I didn't really know what to expect, but it turned out to be a brilliant experience:

Left home at 09:10 and went to make a couple of pick-ups around Hua Hin, then straight down to Mermaid cruises. What a fantastic setting. I've been to Pak Nam Pran before, but I've never seen this side of it. Mermaid Cruises is basically a private marina situated on its own in the estuary, with a mangrove forest on the other side of the river.

We waited in the riverside bar area while others were arriving. The owner gave some of us a tour of the facilities. He had some innovative prototype battery powered vehicles, which were interesting.

Then the bad news - we were due to spend the day on board Mermaid Cruises flag ship the Suncat1, but it had developed a fault earlier that morning. This vessel is the only one of it's kind in the world, and fixing a problem can invlove sourcing parts from other parts of the world - it wasn't going to be a quick fix. No problems though, The Peacock was sat there shining in the sunlight waiting to welcome us all aboard.

On our way to the Peacock, we were allowed to board the Suncat1 to have a look around. Wow!! What a party boat that was. Larger than most Hua Hin Bars, built-in jacuzzi, back to back TV screens connected to a modern display system, allowing people to give presentations, play music etc., a slide and diving board to give access to the sea. Apart from a small area for the driver, and an adequate bar area, the entire deck was dedicated to pleasure. It was a shame that we weren't using this vessel, but the Peacock looked more than adequate for our needs. The Suncat1 will have to wait for another day.

The Peacock was was quite a large vessel, certainly even huge for our small party. Plenty of comfortable seating on 2 decks. We all spent most of our time on the upper deck, which had more than an adequate awning to protect us from the sun.

We set off down the river, accompanied by the little speedboat, which would be available to us to ferry us ashore at any time. The size of the fishing fleet at Pak Nam Pran is quite substantial, and looked very impressive and colourful as we travelled down the river. Unfortunately, for this leg of the journey we did encounter a light shower. No problem though because we were under cover.

As we left the river, we turned left towards Hua Hin. A member of the crew brought around our first treat, a very adequate tray of prepared fresh fruit, which kept us going all day. Having been to various places along this stretch of coast many times over the years, it was good to see them from this different perspective, and see how they all related to each other. The rain had stopped by this time, and the sea was like a mirror. We could see many jellyfish, and small fish were jumping all around us. The cruise was starting to do what it said on the tin - it was 'Serene'. Unfortunately, the mirror like sea conditions (or was it a gut full of beer the previous night?) proved too much for one of our party, but luckily there was a plastic carrier bag to catch the fallout (good ground bait for when we go fishing later).

We were heading out to (I think it's called) Leopard Island to do a bit of fishing. I've looked at the 2 little islands many times over the years, and wondered what was really there, and how big they were. Now I know.

We moved in really close to the island, and then we started fishing. I hadn't been fishing for years, but really enjoyed this. I even managed to land a couple of sea monsters. The first one was a pretty little fish, but was of no interest to the crew (would barely have made a fish finger anyway). The second monster was a different story. As soon as I'd posed for a photo, it was straight in to the ice box for somebody's tea.

Some people's stomachs were starting to tell them that lunchtime was overdue. We upped anchor, and headed for the beach at Had Sai Noi. We anchored a couple of hundred yards offshore, and all got stuck into a fantastic buffet on the lower deck. OK, I can't eat much these days, but managed a 2nd helping - it was delicious. My wife tells me one member of our team actually went back for seconds, thirds and fourths. A sterling effort by the chef.

After lunch, we had plenty of spare time to do what we wanted to. Some people swam ashore, for a beer - some even got served. Others didn't take enough, or lost their money en-route.

Some people simply chilled out (doctor's orders - no swimming for a week)

The more able took advantage of the situation.

When the swimming had concluded, there was yet another treat in store for us all. We were all served with a fantastic strawberry sorbet with vanilla ice cream - delicious.

A few more drinks on the way back to the marina, and it was the end of a perfect day.


A big thank you to the very professional crew, and I fully commend this trip to everybody - it is 100% chill out with a great crew to cater for your every need.

A few snaps (slideshow) from the day, which include photos of my sea monsters :oops: can be viewed here http://www.flickr.com/photos/8517813@N0 ... 8474/show/
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Re: Mermaid Cruises - sublime...

Post by lomuamart »

I'll second BB's comments above.
It was an excellent day yesterday. Quite one of the best I've ever had in Thailand.
A big thank you to Barry, Tan and their team for truly great day out.
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Re: Mermaid Cruises - sublime...

Post by JW »

Saturday was brillant fun, great hospitailty from Barry, Tan and all of the staff :). BB really has done a top job of describing our tour - can just add that we forget how pretty an area of live in, the glass calm water, beautiful coastline. As a food lover I must mention the food that Tan prepared - cotton fish mango salad, crispy pork salad, panang curry were real heroes.
Anyone looking for a relaxing afternoon on the ocean with cold beers, beautiful views, great hosts and yummy eats should definitley make a day in the diary.

Well done guys you did a great job. :cheers:
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Re: Mermaid Cruises - sublime...

Post by buksida »

Here are a few pics to show why Mermaid Cruises are sublime ... we really do have a picturesque coastline that can only truly be appreciated when you get out on the water ...
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Re: Mermaid Cruises - sublime...

Post by lindosfan1 »

BB an excellent report, I also recommend the river cruise we thoroughly enjoyed that. Loved both sets of pictures. Thanks
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Re: Mermaid Cruises - sublime...

Post by huahinjim »

buksida wrote:Here are a few pics to show why Mermaid Cruises are sublime ... we really do have a picturesque coastline that can only truly be appreciated when you get out on the water ...
Great pics Mr B & BB :D
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Re: Mermaid Cruises - sublime...

Post by dtaai-maai »

Can I second and third all of the above comments. I've been on the Peacock several times now and have always enjoyed a fabulous day out, with some excellent food.

Haven't managed the SunCat or the river trip yet, but all in good time.

I would recommend it as a day out for residents and tourists alike. :cheers:
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