DESTIN — More than 30 children danced gleefully around an open pirate chest filled with glinting plastic jewels and other goodies.
The newest “crew” on a recent Buccaneer Pirate Cruise had been put through the paces. They practiced their sword fighting, battled on the deck with water guns and, of course, found treasure. Parents played alongside their children.
See photos of a recent cruise. >>
Steve and Wendy Wilson, owners of the Buccaneer and the Southern Star, started dreaming of their newest business venture a few years ago. They knew they wanted something interactive and fun for anyone, regardless of age.
Disney’s marketing of the pirate as a good guy in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series made the scalawags more family friendly, Steve Wilson said. The couple tried a few pirate cruises themselves, and believed the tour was just what Destin needed.
“We have discovered a whole new way to bottle fun in Destin, Florida,” Wilson said.
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill delayed their plans, but soon after the couple started working toward their goal.
It took time to find financing and to build their dream boat, but in July 2012 the Buccaneer made its maiden voyage with its first guests.
The 100-foot pirate ship attracts attention no matter where it travels on its two-hour tours. Boaters wave as the ship’s crew of children give their best pirate “arrgh.” Visitors at HarborWalk Village take photos as its cannons boom.
With the help of friends and family, Wilson drew up plans for his dream ship. A naval architect put the boat into form and a bid package was created.
“When you go to a shipyard with a custom boat that no one has ever made before, you need it to be complete,” Wilson said.
The ship cost close to $2 million, he added.
“We wanted something that would be so of the scale, so amazing,” Wilson said.
The ship is only part of the experience. The working crew brings piracy to life.
Before the Buccaneer set sail, Wilson wrote a script for the crew. It lasted for about a day before it was completely changed.
“We’re constantly refining it, making it better,” he said.
Each member has his or her pirate name, persona and biography.
Capt, Cliff Atwell, aka Capt. Cannonball, was the captain of the Southern Star before he found his new calling after spending a weekend promoting the Buccaneer as a pirate.
“When they step onboard this ship, especially the children, they’re going to have an adventure they won’t forget,” Atwell said.
The ship offers the family friendly Buccaneer Treasure Hunt, the Scurvy Dogs Club for adults and a birthday cruise.
Inspired by his success, Wilson incorporated some scenes in the program that encourages passengers to work toward their dreams.
“We bring kids good clean fun and do it in a profound way,” he said.
He hopes the Buccaneer will be the No. 1 tour in the nation.
“We hope it’s going to be so amazing that when families go home, next year when they ask what they want to do for vacation, they insist on Destin,” Wilson said.
TO LEARN MORE: Visit www.destinpirateship.com.