Elite Event: Flagship Cruises

Boat? I’m in!
So much fun zipping around the bay in the Patriot. The pancho was a life saver… kept me dry and the cute superhero design hid the kimchi stain on my top. :-D I would definitely do this again with visitors.

I feel the need. the need for speed! as a little bit of a adrenaline junkie this event was just the fix I had been craving! Unilocal superhero rain ponchos? pssh… how wet can you really get? right? WRONG! LOL. ended up sitting on the back starboard edge side. got pretty soaked! all for better!
I have been on most flagship cruises except for the patriot! aand ohh boy have I been missing out!
the 30 min. high speed ride gave us the chance to play in the bay by giving us quick accelerations up to 50 mph, quick turns, tons of water splashes! and fun music and entertainment provided by our captain!
So this is a great alternative if you are on a time crunch for hosting people out of town and want to show them the bay in 30 mins or less. The views were great, we went under the coronado bridge, got a view of shelter island, and went right by the midway! If you are coming back, dont sit in the back edges, you will get SOAKED. i think the most water safe seats are towards the front center!
the staff was able to stored valuables in the back of the boat to prevent them from getting wet and we also got group photos taken right by the boat as we walked in! printed photos are ALWAYS GREAT!
thank you Brad/​sandra/​chris Brake photography and flagship cruises for this awesome experience!!!

Got the need for speed? The Flagship speedboats will definitely give you the fix you need if you’re looking for some exhilaration!
I was a bit beat and hungover from Friday evening and nearly cancelled on the event but was glad I toughened it out and hopped onto this roller coaster ride in the SD Bay!
When they gave all of us ponchos, the majority of us were skeptical we even needed them. Well, it was a good thing I wore it because I would have been soaked from head to toe (luckily it was just the back of my head).
Going at 50+ mph, my lips and eyelids were literally flapping through the force of the wind! Smashing through the bay with great views of America’s Finest City was one of the best ways to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Too bad we didn’t have any grub or dranks. But then again, who would have wanted vomit flying 50+ mph into your face?!
Cheers again for another awesome event!

This boat ride was amazing. Thank you Flagship for inviting us to take a wild ride. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t the awesome free flying feeling I got on this boat trip. The wind in your face and I’ll admit, I love getting splashed.
I will definitely recommend this ride to everyone I know and meet visiting or living in San Diego. I think it’s a great adventure for when you have some visitors in town. This way they get to see some of the city and have a fun ride at the same time.
Next time I will definitely bring a brush or wear a hat. I don’t think I expected to get so wet, but it was fun. Thanks again, Brad and Flagship.

Revvin’ up your engine
Listen to her howlin’ roar
Metal under tension
Beggin’ you to touch and go
Highway to the Danger Zone
Ride into the Danger Zone
Headin’ into twilight
Spreadin’ out her wings tonight
She got you jumpin’ off the deck
And shovin’ into overdrive
Highway to the Danger Zone
I’ll take you
Right into the Danger Zone

So freaking cool! This was such a fun Unilocal elite event, again Brad found yet another way to organize an amazing out off the box event. We were only on the speed boat for about 30 minutes but it was so amazing.
What I liked about the boat ride was the following:
–Fast! You are going upwards of 50 miles per hour
–The views. You get amazing views of downtown San Diego, the USS Midway, the Coronado bridge, and the harbor.
–Music. The music is paired perfectly. You’ll get an adrenaline rush accompanied by music from Top Gun, Black Eyed Peas, ans Pitbull to name a few.
–Wet! As promised, you will get wet! It doesn’t matter what side you sit on, they will make sure there is equal distribution of water to both sides. That said, the edges are where you’ll more likely get wet.
–Ponchos were provided to reduce the impact of the water – they helped but I still got soaked!
A few mistakes I made and I recommend that no one else makes them I the future:
1. Do not wear prescription glasses and expect to be able to see after the ride. My glasses were soaked and gross. You also put them and any pair of glasses at risk for binge lost. Luckily I didn’t lose mine.
2. Fasten your seat belt TIGHTLY! Mine was initially lose and I swear I almost slid across the row. Oops!
3. Secure your belongings. Bring a good bag! My tiny wristlet almost went flying. Oops again!
All in all, I had so much fun!!! I would definitely bring my family or friends visiting out of town on this thing!

This event was probably one of my favorite events so far. I did not know what to expect prior to this event. I thought it was somewhat like a little cruise but boy was I wrong! We arrived and entered in this little speed boat that had about 50 seats or so. We had to buckle up so I was already a little nervous haha. I guess I didn’t really take the «50 mph» and that we’ll get wet too seriously. It was already drizzling a little bit that morning but it wasn’t too bad especially since we were going to get wet anyways.
The first 15 minutes of the ride was dry and probably was only 30−40mph but the last 10 – 15 minutes was crazy! The driver started to do 50mph 360 degree turns! Good thing I wasn’t seasick haha. It was really thrilling! Great experience. This event was very different from every other event but it was so much fun! We all got soaked… I don’t think the poncho helped much lol. Overall, it was amazing. I hope to have more exhilarating events like this :)

This was my FIRST San Diego Elite event (I’m from the North County elites) and it was by far the BEST. Wow.
I didn’t even know this kind of thing existed here in San Diego but I’ll definitely be taking my family and friends aboard the Patriot as soon as I can.
During the trip, I could swear one of us was going to come flying out of our seats… but somehow the Captain halted the boat, we all got sprayed with some water (not even that much for those of us in the front) but everything was fine after that. The Unilocal poncho helped a little bit, but my hair didn’t make it out alive lol. I definitely had to hit up a bathroom afterwards to comb in back into place.
At least he gave us some forewarning before spinning the boat around in the water… but it was literally like 2 seconds of warning lol. Sure there was a hand-​rail in front of us, which is kinda hard to hold onto especially when it’s WET.
I had a great time. Got to meet Brad, and got to go on my first southern San Diego event. Can’t wait to RSVP to the next one!

My first time ever on anything like this! Didn’t know what to expect except a lot of fun and possibly getting wet! Luckily we sat allll the way in the front so we felt nothing more than the salt water breeze. Oh, and all the waves as we crashed into them.
Luckily, I didn’t get sea sick! At first I thought «50mph isn’t too bad» but wow that was intense! The donuts and stops really got a couple screams out of me! I know some people that would really love a ride like that. And the music made it all more fun. Really felt like a party boat.
I would like to give a special thank you to the captain for announcing to hold on tight when we were about to do something fun! Or else, this poor little phone of mine would’ve been a goner! Pack a sweater and a poncho. Sit up front for full feel but no splash and in the middle for less movement and total wet zone!
Thank you Brad, Sandra, and Flagship Cruises for the awesome adventure, commemorative photo, and super hero poncho!!! That was genuinely awesome of you guys and I appreciate everything Unilocal!does for every event!
To many more! Cheers!

Okay, so I don’t really like boats. But this was different — way different…
Yesterday’s YEE on Flagship Cruise’s beautiful jet boat «Patriot» definitely fulfilled my need for speed! This monster cranked it up big time for the lucky few Unilocal elite’s that were able to secure a seat on this blustery summer day.
My friend Steve F. described it well. It was like the best roller coaster ride you’ve ever been on, only wetter!
We started out into the bay with a fair amount of Saturday boat traffic. The rock-​and-​roll was blasting, although it became harder to hear once we hit full speed. The roar of the monstrous jet engines was super exhilarating. We raced out towards the naval base Coronado, turned sharply South, and headed under the Coronado bay bridge. All the while, we were staying fairly dry, but then the captain let it go! We spun the big boat around some gnarly hairpins, kick a puppy into reverse, and experienced the rooster tail first hand over and onto our heads!
This was a incredibly fun ride, and I think everybody on board had a really fabulous time. For 22 bucks, you can do it, too. Well worth it for a half an hour of spills and thrills.
Thanks to Brad and Sandy for coordinating this fun event. And thanks to The 100+ year-​old flagship cruise line for letting us race with the Patriot. This is definitely a future activity for those out of town guests; One they’ve never experienced before!

«I’m on a BOAT!» — The Lonely Island (props to Steve for the Gilligan’s Island reference).
On an overcast Saturday afternoon the Elites got to experience a boat ride on Flagship Cruises’ Patriot. After releasing the company from any liabilities as a result of this boat ride, we were given superhero ponchos and led onto the boat. Shortly before getting seated we got a photo opportunity which we were able to obtain after the boat ride ends (similar to the Hornblower cruises). Grace and I took our pictures together and we looked great!
For those that have done Hornblower cruises, the Patriot advertises a different experience — a 30 minute boat ride that goes up to 50 mph. With two 1,400hp engines it’s quite a powerful engine — aside from the speeds, it can stop suddenly and make 360 degree turns. They also advertise that the passengers will get wet. Being on two previous Hornblower cruises (up in the Bay Area) this definitely was quite a different experience.
This experience is kinda like if you combined Splash Mountain with Space Mountain. Either the boat is cruising fast or is performing a trick at all times. I didn’t even bother to take pictures during most of the boat ride because I was afraid I was going to either lose or break my phone! Luckily Grace (person sitting next to me) was able to take some pics and even Snapchat one of the sudden turns. I was mostly concerned about holding on tight so I don’t fall off the boat. If you were a brave soul to take out your phone, there were some breathtaking views of downtown SD, the Coronado Bridge and the naval ships on dock.
Grace and I got our hairs wet, it was hard to untangle our hair for the rest of the day. Some of the people towards the center of the boat got more wet than us. Props to Vin and Soo for being more brave than us and not wearing ponchos! Looked like they didn’t get too wet either.
To those interested in riding this (especially future Comic-​Con attendees who want to do something different): throughout Labor Day this ride is offered 3x/​day: 12:30, 2:30 and 4:30. I would definitely recommend this to people visiting SD (or even locals) who want a different perspective of the SD waterfront. $ 27/​adult and $ 22 for children 4 – 12. Nearest parking is by the Midway ($ 10).
It was also very nice to see Grace, Steve, Jack, Vin and Soo again.
Thank you Brad and Sandra for organizing one of the most fun events I’ve been on this year!

It go fast! Really fast. It was no doubt the fastest I have ever been on the water. Flagship Cruise provided a contingent of Super San Diego Elite Unilocalers a quick cruise around the San Diego Harbor, not because it was short, but because the high speed boat with its twin 1,400 horse power engines propelled us through the 30 minute tour in flash filled with thrills and spills.
We traveled at an outstanding speed of 50 mph, and when we traveled against the wind, it felt as our faces were receiving a natural skin cleansing. Although our hair was a mess after the cruise, out faces sure felt renewed and fresh. To make matters in even better, the captain with his stellar personality would give warning, and then make an abrupt 360 degree turn that had all of on the edge of our seats, while having sea water raining down upon us. Talk about fun!
The staff members were all great! From the moment before we stepped on, we had a picture taken, then ponchos delivered if so desired, and after a few instructions, we were off to the races. The boat traveled so fast, that there was no time to get sea sick, and if you like thrilled rides, this one is for you.
The best part about this event, being a San Diego Native, I did not even know about this cruise. So there you go, I learned something new. If you are a native or visitor, I highly recommend the cruise.
Thank you Flagship Cruises, Brad B., and Sandra for making this happen. It was a great time indeed. I seriously thought Mac was going to fly off the boat.

Wow! I have to say… this was my favorite elite event so far.
From the moment I got on the boat the anticipation was killing me to find out exactly what the feel of this speed level would be. It was awesome. It was like a roller coaster on the ocean.
The music playing on the Patriot was a sweet surprise and totally pumped things up even more. I loved trying to dance to the tunes while holding on to my hat and the safety bar in front of me.
The captain warns you before every sharp turn which I greatly appreciate. Wear your seatbealt and hold on tight for a fun way of taking in the beauty of the San Diego sea. There are a few opportunities where the boat slows down for photo ops. The souvenir photo was a sweet surprise.
Thanks Brad, and the entire crew of the Patriot for this experience. I will be back for sure!

Revvin’ up your engine
Listen to her howlin’ roar
Metal under tension
Beggin’ you to touch and go!
Highway to the Danger Zone
Ride into the Danger Zone…
Honestly, I re read the summary of this event a few times. 360 degree turns… on a boat? That can’t be right. Oh, it was right and it was so much fun.
The music was the perfect compliment to the Americatastic themed boat and perfect for revving up the excitement. The staff were all very attentive. It was a really great experience that I doubt I would have even considered had Unilocal not invited me but I’m pretty sure it will be my new go to activity to take out of towners to. Maybe even a date with my husband on one of the blistering hot days we are sure to have soon.
Thanks Brad for letting some of us North County peeps crash and get to enjoy this awesome experience.

Honestly I wasn’t sure what to expect from today’s event but I don’t think I could imagine how fun it would be.
My fellow elites and I climbed aboard Flagships’ speed boat, The Patriot for a high speed tour of the harbor. Although the boat is large enough to seat a number of people, she sure can move and turns on a dime!
First of all, when the say you will get wet they are not kidding. Luckily Unilocal hooked us up with some handy dandy ponchos. The boat zips around the harbor making high speed turns and sharp maneuvers. Or skilled captain Will made sure we were all entertained.
Now that I’ve taken a ride on the Patriot I can say everyone should go. It’s an awesome experience and would be a great way to show out of towners the harbor.
Big shout out to Flagship For hosting and Brad and Sandra for putting together a unique Saturday activity!

The Need for Speed was real during this glorious Elite event. We parked in the Midway parking lot for a flat $ 10 fee and walked over to Flagship Cruises. We signed the required liability waivers and donned some fancy Unilocal Superhero ponchos.
Upon boarding the ship (The Patriot) I noticed the seats were already wet. I should have taken that as an indication of things to come, still, I remained in denial. We buckled up and the ride started off innocent enough but suddenly picked up some serious speed. Our captain would give us the heads up when we were to hold on (for dear life) prior to a thrilling 360 turn. We were soaked with walls of seawater several times and my poncho was rendered fairly useless after the first splashy turn.
I loved speeding by the tall downtown buildings and crossing under the Coronado Bridge. The weather was a tad dreary and drizzly but that didn’t put a damper on the fun. At the end, we received a photo momento of our group that we’d snapped prior to boarding; how nice! Thank you Brad and Sandra, what a unique experience today was!

BRING IT ON!
Exhilarating!
Exciting!
Fun!
How cool is this? A party on a huge speedboat with your closest Unilocal Elite friends! 50 MPH! Unilocal hero branded clear ponchos! Pumping music! And the Gorgeous San Diego Bay for a backdrop!
* I liked it better without the poncho, so I didn’t have to worry about sound of the poncho frantically waving in the wind!
* I liked it in the front! But I better try it in the back sometime!
*The music was great, but they need a little more amp so you can hear it at top top speed!
* Loved how Captain Will would warn us to hold on! He was right! …and kinda cute!
* In the beginning, I kept my hands up in the air and waved them like I just didn’t care! Felt like Superwoman cutting quickly through the air!
I’m having a family reunion here in San Diego this fall and might add this as an option for those that HAVE A NEED, A NEED FOR SPEED!!!
Thanks Unilocal (aka Brad B. and his crew and Flagship cruises!!!)

Unfortunately my Unilocal Rainy Day Superhero Kit (aka Unilocal poncho) did not work. However, it did banish wet-​weather boredom by giving us all a fun time on the Flagship cruise!
Today started off a little gloomy and drizzly but we were still able to board the ship for our fun afternoon around the bay! I didn’t realize that 50 mph was THAT fast! With the wind blowing and the water spraying, the boat ride did not disappoint! We definitely had a few bumps and turns that made us go «wooo hoo» and had the whole gang screaming for more! I felt like I was on a amusement park ride where the next move was unpredictable. Also, I might have lost a couple of bobby pins from my hair during a turn while on the boat so I apologize to the staff if they find some bobby pins laying around in the back of the ship.
Parking at the Midway was only $ 10 for the whole day so we parked there.
Thanks Brad, Sandra, and Flagship Cruises for giving us Unilocalers the chance to live it up on a gloomy Saturday! Next time I have family and friends in town looking for a fun and thrilling experience, I am definitely turning to Flagship Cruises.

Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale
A tale of a fateful trip
Which started from this quiet port
Aboard a real fast ship
The mate was a mighty sailing man
The skipper brave and sure
These Unilocal Elites set sail this day
For a thirty minute tour
A thirty minute tour
We’ve signed our lives away, gotten our ponchos… let’s do this!
To quote the Legion of Doom: «Oh… WHAT A RUSH!» 50 miles per hour, 180-​degree high speed turns, uptempo music (yes, that included «Danger Zone» by Kenny Loggins), and that sensation of bobbing up and down on the waves at high speed — man, THIS was a great way to spend an afternoon out with my fellow Elites! The feeling of the wind blowing (well, when I wasn’t trying to keep my poncho from flapping around), the sensation of high speed… totally blows away every roller coaster I’ve been on (shoot, I wanted to go again)! Plus the boarding photo we got for FREE was icing on the cake! And it was nice to share this with friends old and new (especially Isabella B., who’s now back full time in San Diego!)
And one more thing… even though I was up front sharing a row with Jay, I didn’t get wet at all! Okay, maybe the back of my head, but that was about it.
AWESOME event by Brad, Sandra, and the staff at Flagship Cruises! Thank you for doing this, and see you all at the next event!

Rain drops fall gently
Speedboat races on the bay
Roller coaster ride.
Wind. I don’t notice the wind much. I notice it now as it whips across my face at 50 mph as we race past jet skiers and speedboats out on the bay. We get airborne, we get pounded by waves, and pull a full g as the skipper does a 360 turn on a dime. I enjoy the awesome view in between the skipper doing something crazy.
Thanks Brad, Sandra, and Patriot cruises for the awesome afternoon excitement. I have never been on the bay at high speed before. Excellent times with my fellow elite Unilocalers Vin and Arlene. :-)