"Bucket List" charterers aboard ALIZÉ in November, 2025, said:
There really are no words for how amazing this week has been. A few years ago, Paul and I agreed that we should start trying to do some of our "bucket list" adventures. A trip on a catamaran has always been at the very top, and I couldn't have imagined a better experience. You welcomed us into your home and have been so wonderful! You never steered us wrong in your advice, and we loved hearing all about your local knowledge. We'll never forget the peaceful and still water at Bitter End, and finally swimming with a turtle! We loved every bite of Maribel's food , and can tell how much passion she has for what she does. We'll be dreaming about that final meal for a long time! We had a truly special 10th. anniversary, and are already figuring out how we can come back with the kids.
Until next time...
Paul and Diana
Guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ in early July, 2025, wrote:This week with Carlos and Maribel onboard the ALIZE was truly unforgettable. This was our second visit to the BVI and we enjoyed very much every minute of it. It was also a great experience for our son Martin. The beaches, the snorkeling, the sailing and of course, Maribel's cooking and Carlos' painkillers! We will definitely come again to share more great times with Carlos and Maribel.
Bea, Fran and Martin
June 2025 guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ reported:
Dear Carlos and Maribel,
We can't thank you enough for a magnificent week aboard the beautiful ALIZE. Carlos, we so appreciated your expertise and sense of humor- not to mention your in-depth knowledge about the BVI and seamanship. Maribel, you are not only a master chef, but clearly the common ingredients in every delicious dish are thoughtfulness and generosity.
We hope that you enjoy your well deserved time off and look
forward to another adventure on ALIZE.
Take good care!
Warnly,
Lisa and Eliza,
New York
Mid-June, 2025 charterers on catamaran ALIZÉ wrote:
Thank you so much for an amazing week of kindness, great food, beautiful places and the best snorkeling the BVI has to offer. We would definitely recommend this trip to others and would do it again ourselves.
If we can ever be of service to you, please let us know how.
With grateful hearts and respect.
Florida
Maribel and Carlos,
Thank you for an amazing week we will never forget. Your experience and professionalism was a great comfort, and your hospitality made us feel like we were home. Can't say enough about the delicious food...yum!
So many great memories formed, you are fantastic hosts. We wish you well in all your future journeys and look forward to seeing you again in the future.
With gratitude and appreciation.
Nabil and Christine
Florida

Late May, 2025, guests aboard ALIZÉ said:
Dear Maribel and Carlos,
Muchísimas gracias por una semana de los sueños. (Thank you very much for a one week dream sailing vacation).
You introduced us to the beautiful BVI and we shall 150% return. If this is not paradise on earth then I don't know what is. Just beauty and calmness everywhere. Keith and I had the best time with empty heads, which means we really switched off and breathed in every moment. Our friend Reed's 40th birthday
was the best reason to bring us here.
Maribel, Du bist die beste kochin. (You're an amazing chef! Carlos is a very lucky man!
With gratitude and respect,
Yassi and Keith
With Chef Maribel you will always eat well. With Captain Carlos, you are always in safe and knowledgeable hands!
Keith
Maribel and Carlos,
Thank you for an unforgettable trip!
The food was amazing and the views spectacular! A trip we will always remember.
Lacey and Reed
Late April, 2025, guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ wrote:
Cuando María y Fernando nos invitaron, después de su experiencia del año pasado, tenía una idea de lo que me esperaba, pero todo ha superado AMPLIAMENTE mis expectativas. La simpatía, calidez y profesionalismo de Maribel y Carlos ha hecho realmente inolvidable esta semana. El esmero con que Maribel prepara cada plato, hace de cada comida una sorpresa y un deleite. Y todo con un plus: poder revivir los años pasados desde mi
nacimiento en el velero de mi padre, Carlos Iriarte.
Gracias!, Muchas Gracias!!
Bibi, Alcides, Maria Delia y Fernando.
Argentina
When María and Fernando invited us, after their experience last year, I had an idea of what to expect, but everything has FAR exceeded my expectations. The friendliness, warmth, and professionalism of Maribel and Carlos made this week truly unforgettable. The care with which Maribel prepares each dish makes each meal a surprise and a delight. And all with an added bonus: being able to relive the years since my birth on my father Carlos Iriarte's sailboat.
Thank you! Thank you so much!!
Bibi, Alcides, Maria Delia, and Fernando.
Argentina
A family chartering aboard catamaran ALIZÉ in mid-April, 2025, said:
What an incredible family vacation in the BVIs!
We tackled a lot this week. We know that we aren't your typical sailing family and we want you both to know how incredibly appreciative we are with your flexibility in creating our itinerary, that was suitable for our family needs. After this trip we are leaving with a deep understanding of this area of the world. We could not have gotten here without your
expertise and knowledge. Thank you for keeping our family safe and for letting us extend our time in Scrub Island. We truly had the best time exploring the various islands, snorkeling, and just creating such special family memories that truly are unforgettable.
Maribel, you are an exceptional cook. We are so lucky to have such a talented Chef onboard. 5Stars! If you are ever in central Mexico we are happy to host you in San Miguel de Allende.
See you all again soon!
Besos
Ezra, Sheryl, and Ezzie

Guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ for the last week of March, 2025, said:
Carlos and Maribel,
Wow, what an awesome life enhancing experience. We are so blessed to have had y'all as our Captain and Chef team through this BVI sailing adventure. Seven days of world class snorkeling and island hopping. Our dear friend Nancy Paschal said y'all were the best ever, yet that is so understated. Everyday built on the previous day! The focus on safety was so appreciated. We loved hiking on
Norman Island, Cooper island was fantastic. Hearing the stories of the islands brought everything to life. Marina Cay so nostalgic. We hit the time just right with just a few others on the beach. Two days at Bitter End was perfect, The Baths-wonderful loved Miss Patsy. Maribel's love and kindness was evident in every meal. So dedicated to delivering world class meals everyday. So blessed with this trip provided by two very special professionals.
Thank You!
Vicky and Scott, Marianne and Robert, and Leana and John
Anniversary guests aboard ALIZÉ in late March, 2025, said:
Carlos and Maribel:
Thank you for helping to make our 25th wedding anniversary so special and memorable. It was such a magical trip for us and we loved exploring the BVI. This is one of those trips that we will reflect on for the rest of our lives. The beautiful color of the ocean, snorkeling with schools of fish, the scary barracuda, and the amazing hike on Norman Island. There is so so much more. We cannot express our gratitude enough for all you shared with us. Your stories are so captivating that I leave with wanting to learn more. Write that book! You are both amazing story tellers and your adventures are so amazing. Maribel, write that cookbook! That seafood broth you served us was worthy of awards. Oh, there is so much to say- the turtles, the food, the knowledge...
Thank you so much!
Kim and Jim
Colorado

March, 2025, guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ wrote:
Maribel and Carlos,
We feel incredibly blessed that we've been able to travel the world with our kids, and this BVI catamaran trip was our favorite! What a gift to have your expertise on the islands. From our favorite excursion to the Baths early in the morning beating the crowds to our top islands:
#1: The Bitter End and Saba Rock.
#2:
Cooper-get the ice cream!
#3: Norman-Pirates Bight. Snorkeling, hiking, ... every step of the way GOD truly showed up, from the turtles to the dolphins, to the flying spotted eagle ray jumping right in front of the boat!
Maribel cooks the beast meals on the islands, and we loved learning so much about your 30 years in the industry throughout the week.
THANK YOU for sharing your amazing floating home with us. We are eternally grateful for the fabulous memories!
Love,
The Hochart Family
Early March, 2025, charterers aboard catamaran ALIZÉ said:
Carlos and Maribel,
Thank you so much for letting us celebrate our 50th. wedding anniversary with you. The food, as always, was Michelin star rated. You helped us revisit many of our old haunts that we stayed at when we had our own boat. This was a memorable trip, one that we will never forget.
Guy and Sue

Mid-February, 2025, guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ wrote:
Carlos and Maribel,
Thank you for such a relaxing and tasty trip. The different bays and cays were great and we got to experience some places we did not see on our first trip.
Thank you again and happy sailing.
Karl and Cindy
And:
Carlos and Maribel,
Thank you for inviting us into your home. The views around it are so amazing. Thank you for a magical week and another glorious visit to the BVI's.
Maribel, you are a special person and a wonderful chef. Everything was super tasty.
Best of luck in all your travels and sails. Now and Forever.
Karen and Jim
Early February, 2025, guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ wrote:
Carlos and Maribel:
We can not express how thankful and grateful we are that the Lord led us to you both for our family's vacation! You both are so kind, generous and full of wisdom and expertise at all you do. We have appreciated you accommodating our family of five, and specially our three adventurous boys. Carlos, your stories from your sailing for so many years and thoughtfulness on where/what we should do, has been
perfect. Maribel, your very sweet spirit, and of course amazing cuisine, has been over the top. Thank you for accommodating our little guys food preferences. We have loved doing our first sailing trip with you both. You have spurred our love for this and we hope to have many more in the future. We thank you both for showing us this beautiful area of the world, and pray that you have many ,more fun filled adventures ahead!
Love always, and Lord bless...
The Jackovichs

Early February, 2025, guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ wroteLate January, 2025, guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ said:This trip has been something we have wanted to do for a long time. When we were planning this I never could have imagined that finding the ALIZE would give us the two of you.
Carlos, your knowledge, experience and guidance landed us on some of the most beautiful beaches imaginable. The people you lined up for our excursions were top notch.
Maribel, Oh My!! The food!! You are so incredibly talented! Every meal was fabulous.
We have loved getting to know you both and hearing your stories. It has been a truly amazing week! We will have to do it again!
Thank you for opening your home to us.
Kathy, Ralph, Kelly and Herb.
North Carolina
New Years 2024-2025 guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ said:
Dear Carlos and Maribel,
We are so grateful for this experience with you!
You made our first boat trip as a family such an amazing adventure. We go back to St. Louis with a lifetime of memories.
From
the way you took care of us so thoughtfully with your expertise on the water, to the delicious food and amazing locations, we could not have asked for a more incredible vacation.
THANK YOU !
You have made us catamaran boaters for life end we can't wait for our next trip!
All our best to you this season and all the seasons ahead!
Rachael, Brian, Abigail, William and Patrick

Guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ in early December, 2024, wrote:
Carlos and Maribel,
Thank you so much for a fabulous vacation experience! As Sarah and I say: "It is always an adventure!" We lived up the saying with fantastic snorkeling, sailing, and the enjoyment of visiting each island!
Maribel, your cuisine was outstanding! We will need to go back home and run a marathon!
Carlos, your boating experience and knowledge of each island is top notch. We loved hearing about the history
of your home country and the culture of different people. Thank you again for a trip of a lifetime, one we will not forget! We hope to be back in the future! In the meantime...keep making memories!
Best.
Anne and Sarah

Early December guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ said:
Maribel and Carlos,
We had a fabulous week onboard Alize exploring the BVI. Every sail was a new opportunity to enjoy the beauty of creation. Carlos adding history and background was an added bonus. Maribel, your meals were always amazing. You kept us well fed with your exceptional culinary skills. I especially appreciate your concern for my early days with mild motion sickness. Your "bread ball swallow" trick really worked and
allowed me to fully enjoy the remainder of the trip.
Thank you for sharing your home with us I will never forget my 60th birthday present!
Sharon and Jamie
Winter Garden

Late November, 2024, guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ wrote:
Maribel and Carlos,
Where to even begin...?
This has been the most amazing family vacation we have ever been on. Watching our children experience so many firsts in such a beautiful place is something we will never forget. Every meal was ***** five stars! All four of us enjoyed everything Maribel made. Each meal had the perfect view thanks to Carlos's perfect planning. Thank you for making each day an adventure. We enjoyed
playing with all the toys and visiting all the best snorkeling spots. Watching the boys swim with a sea turtle was magical and something they will never forget. You made us all feel so welcome and comfortable aboard ALIZE.
Thanks again for the trip of a lifetime!!
Betheny, Brian, Marc and Jake
Louisville
Catamaran ALIZÉ's mid November, 2024, charter guests wrote:
Carlos and Maribel,
Thank you so much for an amazing week sailing in the BVI. You were amazing hosts and exceeded our expectations in all areas.
The food was over the top and you managed to finds the best possible weather!
Carol, Nancy, Rick and Andy
Colorado

Guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ in mid-July, 2024, said or their charter:
Thank you for hosting our quiet, quirky family and meeting us where we are. We had such a great time on the ALIZE this week! The restaurant-quality meals from that tiny galley are nothing short of amazing-crispy chicken on a boat is seriously impressive. All of the spots we visited were great, but the highlight for us all was the empty resort at Ocean's Seven, with our private snorkeling reef. It's hard to
imagine anyone taking more care to find us places that were perfect for us. Every detail was well thought and made for a really meaningful family vacation. Even in the midst of changing weather and "Christmas in July" we had the quiet sea-focused week we all wanted. And thank you for being inspiringly interesting, quiet, relaxed people. You two made us feel right at home on the boat, which is saying a lot since most of us had never even slept on a boat before. Thank you so much for all your hard work in making this experience one we will never forget!!
Della, Theo, Vievie, Debbie and Paul
Charlotte, NC
Catamaran ALIZÉ's mid-July, 2024 guests wrote:
Maribel & Carlos,
Thank you so much for making this time we had alone so special!
Thank you! for making the extra effort to find things we would really enjoy! We had a blast hiking, snorkeling, exploring and just being.
What
a fun time at Ocean's 7 in Peter Island. Our own private bar that day!
The meals were so incredible!
Thanks a thousand times!
Trish & David
Nebraska

Late June, 2024 guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ wrote:
Carlos y Maribel,
Somos todos arriba de 80 y disfrutamos esta semana ,gracias a ustedes, como si fueramos jovenes de vuelta. Nos llevamos un gran recuerdo de ustedes dos, Carlos como Capitan y Maribel como gran chef de cocina.
El orden, la pulcritud, la organizacion, el trato humano, hizo que pudieramos pasar unos dias inolvidables.
En
esta etapa de nuestras vidas es muy importante haber podido disfrutar estos dias juntos, momentos que no olvidaremos.
Fernando A.
Maria Delia A.
Fernando G.
Martha G.
"We are all over 80 and we enjoyed this week, thanks to you, as if we were young again. We have great memories of you two, Carlos as Captain and Maribel as a great chef.
The order, the neatness, the organization, the human treatment, meant that we could spend some unforgettable days.
At this stage of our lives it is very important to have been able to enjoy these days together, moments that we will not forget."
Mid June, 2024, guests on ALIZÉ wrote:
Maribel and Carlos:
Thank you for such a wonderful trip. Exceeded all our expectations. And we had been dreaming and planning a BVI trip for 30 Years, so that is a high praise! Carlos knew all the good places to go, from snorkeling, to the food; also a great place to celebrate an 11th year old's birthday. Everything was so much fun! Thank you very much! Wonderful trip. Thanks for putting up with our crazy crew. The hidden gem was Peter
Island on the last day. Ocean Seven Club for ourselves was unexpected and so relaxing. Great snorkeling. Thank you so much for the thoughtful planning, especially when thinking about the girls. Spectacular trip. The beauty of the BVI was more than I could ever imagine and your service was top notch. Winnie, our six year old, is speechless!
From our family to yours, our deepest heartfelt thanks.
The Blairs
The Olsons

ALIZÉ's early June, 2024, charter guests wrote:
SUPERIOR hospitality, food and knowledge of sailing the BVI. It was extraordinary! We couldn't have asked for a better 1st time experience sailing. We will be back with our kids next time!
P.S. Can you please get Maribel a restaurant? (In Texas of course!)
The Wombles
A late May, 2024, family chartering aboard catamaran ALIZÉ wrote:
What a wonderful adventure for our family!
This was our first sailing trip and we absolutely loved it. Carlos and Maribel were wonderful hosts and made our trip stress and worry free. The destinations were all beautiful and fun-filled, and the food was superb! Maribel is so talented!
Can't wait to sail with them again!

Early May, 2024, guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ wrote:
This was our fourth week-long catamaran trip in the BVI plus many day excursions for snorkeling, and even though we had snorkeled all the best spots, Carlos surprised us with phenomenal spots we had never snorkeled before! One spot seemed like it was in the middle of the ocean but had beautiful reefs! We loved it! Maribel's culinary skills were also phenomenal! Never had we had such delicious , well presented meals with
such a wonderful variety! Every day we looked forward to her meals. She shared tips and was so much fun! Thank you for sharing your home with us. Despite the rainy weather we had a wonderful trip and experienced new places in the BVI. Both Carlos and Maribel take great pride in their boat and skills and it shows! We are sad it's ending.
Thanks again,
Frank and Becky

Late April, 2024, guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ said:
Dear Carlos and Maribel:
Thank you for the wonderful time, the boat was great and the food and service were fabulous.
Hope to voyage with you again.
Dear Carlos and Maribel:
Thank you so very much for this marvelous experience. First class all the way. I felt very well taken care of, and the cuisine could not be any better. Thanks so very much!
So long... for now.
Betsy
New Jersey

Mid April 2024 guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ with Carlos and Mirabel wrote:
Carlos and Maribel,
Thank you for sharing your home with this rowdy group! We have had a fantastic time. Amazing sunsets, calm blue waters and sunshine!
We came to celebrate birthdays and were surprised with candles and cake. We can't begin to say enough about how wonderful Maribel's cooking was; way superior to any food we had on any island.
Your
hospitality made us feel like family. We can't wait to return and will miss this amazing adventure until then.
Thank you again for everything. Until next time.
Brian, Bryon, Jason, Paige, Kelly and Michelle.

Mid-April guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ wrote:
Carlos and Maribel,
Thank you for another wonderful sailing trip! It was so great for us (Dave and Jody) to share this wonderful experience with Ryan, Sophia and Alex. We prepared them for how great the time aboard ALIZE would be, but it was even better than they imagined!!
Norman Island, Bitter End, Saba Rock, The Baths, Marina Cay were so much fun! The last few days in Peter Island Cove was so relaxing. Giving us time as a family
to really hang out and enjoy the beauty of the BVI. And spend time with one another, which is precious time and creating memories that will last a lifetime!
Thank you for being part of those memories. Thank you for the fabulous experience and the great food!
Jody, Dave, Ryan, Sophia and Alex

Mid-March, 2024, guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ wrote:
We had a marvelous time aboard the ALIZE with Carlos and Maribel! The perfect mix of activity and peacefulness. We came for tranquillity and experienced it to the fullest. Everything that Maribel served was a work of art. Carlos picked up on our preferences for atmosphere and we experienced some wonderful spots. Thank you both for making our time away from reality a blessing!
The Sahjians, Tennessee

Charter guests aboard ALIZÉ in late February and early March, 2024, wrote:
Maribel and Carlos,
No words can describe this experience we have had sailing on the ALIZE. The week has been filled with such joy, relaxation, new experiences, and gastronomical delights! The two of you are the absolute best at hosting and caring for your guests!
Maribel, every dish you prepared was prepared with love. We very much appreciated all your hard work to present us culinary masterpieces! Carlos, we always felt safe as you navigated the seas. The service, the stories, the discussions, the music, and so much more, added to an amazing and unforgettable week!
Thank you both for everything and it would be our pleasure to host you in the States. We will stay in touch and we hope to hear from you about a visit soon.
With love, thanks for making memories with us!
Thris and Craig

Mid-February, 2024, guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ wrote:
Dear Carlos and Maribel,
Thank you for having us onboard ALIZE. We are grateful we had the opportunity to do our first catamaran family trip with you on the ALIZE. Your kindness, honest advice and the experience you showed us will forever be a big part of our memories. (Especially Carolyne's) This is probably more educational than one week of school, and memorable... Priceless!
Thank you for sharing your home with us, and for feeding us amazing food from a great chef!
The Quane Family

February, 2024, guests, a group of ladies that were celebrating the 50th. birthday of one of them aboard the Lagoon 44 cat ALIZÉ, said:
Maribel and Carlos,
Your hospitality has been amazing!!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful home with us, it has been epic!
Carlos's wisdom, history, and experience added much richness to this trip.
Maribel's culinary richness was such a gift to all of us worn out mammas! Just spectacular!
Thank you and praying many blessings to you both!"
"Words cannot express how thankful we are! You are a five star operation!
Our girls trip was better because of the accomodations, the delicious food, the pre-planning so we could make the most of every day, your knowledge of the boat and the weather conditions and the special party drinks too!"
"Your immaculate boat, smooth rides and delicious meals made this trip extra special!"
Amy, Julianne, Glenna, Rosanna and Sharla

Early February, 2024, guests aboard the Lagoon 44 cat ALIZÉ wrote:
Dearest Carlos and Maribel:
This past week has been the realization of a lifelong dream. Thank you very much for that! Little did we know that our trip would include a world class Captain and Chef... more importantly, a world class couple. Thank you for sheperding us safely through our adventure. We can't wait to do it again!
Love
Georgia
Maribel and Carlos,
Someone once said sailing is not just about the destination, but the journey and adventure along the way.
You have made a dream come true for Pete and I. You opened your home to us and captured our hearts!
Open seas, Carlos, you navigated daily to keep us comfortable and Maribel, your cooking is an extension of your soul and we are all beneficiaries! It was a delightful ride and we are richer knowing you both!
Open seas, Carlos, you navigated daily to keep us comfortable and Maribel, your cooking is an extension of your soul and we are all beneficiaries! It was a delightful ride and we are richer knowing you both!
Thanks just doesn't even cover the wonders of this week!
We will see you again!
Love
Susan and Pete
Georgia
Mid January, 2024, guests aboard ALIZÉ wrote:
Carlos and Maribel,
Once we boarded the ALIZE, after our two day delay, a wonderful adventure unfolded. Thank you both for sharing your talents with us. Fondly,
Jesse and Sandy
Dear Maribel and Carlos,
Thank you for making my 70th birthday special. We could write a novel about our culinary experiences. We loved hearing your adventures from around the world. Until we meet again,
Cathy and Bill
An early January, 2024, family who chartered ALIZÉ in the BVI
Where do we start? Our family normally goes on cruises., but this year we wanted to try something interesting, unique and WOW! We are so glad we did!
From Carlos's exceptional sailing expertise, knowing the BEST snorkeling spots, hiking trails, island restaurants and for recommending the sweetest tour lady named "Patsy".
And Maribel, your food all week was so amazing and scrumptious! We know you attended cooking school and enjoy cooking, but also think you were born with a lot of culinary skills, too. Thank you for baking Brad a birthday cake! Candles and all. So thoughtful of you!
We all had the most memorable vacation because of you both and really appreciate your help with that. Our boys had tons of fun knee-boarding and so did their 54 year old dad! LOL
We will certainly miss you both and our lovely conversations during the day.
Thank you so very much!
Brad, Julia, Kyan, Kendrick, and Kade