Pirates
can be funny like Johnny Depp’s character Captain Jack Sparrow in “Pirates of
the Caribbean” movies or frightening such as those dangerous criminals who are
committing acts of piracy off the African coast of Somali; however, our almost
four-year-old grandson Ryan thinks the best pirates in the world are the crew of
the replica pirate cruise ship, Pieces of Eight, which plies the waters of
Estero Bay off Fort Myers Beach, Florida.
The Pieces of Eight, a 65-foot
Spanish galleon flying numerous Jolly Roger flags, is staffed by a scurvy crew
of costumed pirates: Captain Gold Thief Glenn, Pillagin Pearl, Ravaging Randy
Red Beard, Mr. Cutter, Sir
Sparrow
and Mr. Flaherty, who are constantly recruiting young and old alike to search
for treasure. This jovial cast of characters interacted with the youthful
passengers as well as their adult companions constantly throughout the sailing
which made the time “at sea” fly by.
The ship was designed in the mid 2000s
by its original pirate captain, a naval architect curiously named Devious Dave.
The steel-hull vessel was built in Virginia Beach to U. S. Coast Guard
requirements
and is powered by twin 208 horsepower diesels engines. It is certified to carry
130 passengers and equipped with the latest life saving equipment including life
jackets, ship-to-shore radio and all captains, though clad in
pirate
attire, are licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard
During our 90 minute sail around
the area’s intra-coastal islands and beaches, the new recruits were welcomed
into the pirate life with free tattoos (face painting), an interactive pirate
history (story telling), pass the dead man’s skull game (hot potato), a limbo
dance party and raiding the ship’s treasure chest for secret maps, strings of
beads and pieces of eight gold coins. Although all the children and most of the
adults were too busy watching the pirate antics on deck, the passing scenery
along the sandy shoreline of Lover’s Key, Little and Big Hickory Islands was
serenely beautiful. The crystal clear water was a pale Caribbean azure
blue.
We were blessed with perfect weather on our
3
p.m. sailing which was a sellout. Embarrassingly, we were the very last party to
arrive. We ran up the gangway moments before the ship got underway. Since
Florida temperatures have been cooler than normal this winter, this perfect day
brought out every tourist and clogged traffic along Estero Boulevard the main
drag along the beach. Our blood pressure rose and we inched our way along this
two-lane roadway. Next time we take to the high seas on this pirate excursion,
we will plan to arrive at Salty Sam’s Marina where the Pieces of Eight is docked
several hours before hand and enjoy a relaxing lunch at the Parrot Key Caribbean
Grill. The food smelled wonderful, the prices within the norm and the atmosphere
perfect.
After browsing through the gift shop, we headed to the parking lot
to find an antique car show just getting underway. There were about 50 perfectly
restored cars gleaming in the late day sun and more were still arriving. Ginny’s
favorite was a pale pink 1932 Ford with a black leather rumble seat; Jim favored
a classic 1948 Chevrolet Woody. Ryan chose the Model T Ford, his 15-month old
sister Sarah just wanted her freedom to walk/run/crawl after being held for
several hours. A fun day was had by all.
FYI: Pieces-of-eight for which the
ship is named is a type of Spanish currency that was minted in the Spanish Main
and sent back to Europe in huge quantities on treasure ships. Pirates plundered
many of these Spanish galleon fleets (mid-1500s until early-1800s). The Spanish
pieces of eight were even used as currency in the American colonies. In England,
one piece of eight was worth 4.3 shillings but varied widely in each colony.
Since an 18th century English shilling would have been worth around $58 in
present day currency, a piece of eight would be worth anywhere from $246 to $465
and a crewman’s share of the captured treasure could be worth up to a million
dollars. Truly a king’s ransom.
The
modern day ransom required to take this adventure cruise is $25 for adults (14
and older), $20 for children (ages
2-14)
and under two years of age sail free of charge, reservations are required. Early
spring cruises depart Salty Sam’s Marina, 2500 Main Street, Ft. Myers Beach, Fl
at noon, 3 p.m. or 5:30 p.m.; for more information log on to
www.piecesofeight.com or call (239) 765-7272