M family and I celebrated my birthday at the Latin Boat Ride on 9-29-24... Joanna Allen was a second to none host. She greeted me upon arrival and I was completely impressed with her staff. The DJ played excellent music, the bartender made great drinks and the food was very good. I am looking forward to future events with Allen Batista Travel. I highly recommend this business. Emilio A read more

I signed up for the Allen Batista "Salsa Cruise" because of NY Daily Deal that cut the usual $85.00 price to $40.00 per person and that's the only reason I am not more disappointed. The website describes the event as follows:Salsa Boat ride Professional salsa dancers are on hand to help guests hone their salsa movements during a 20 minute lesson. Then, these dancers will dazzle guests will a 30 minute salsa show. DJ will spin salsa, meringue, bachata, and Latin house during this boat ride. What we got instead was an extended comedy show with some salsa music at the end, with a belly dance number thrown in the mix -- it was a hodgepodge of entertainment. The event planner was supposed to do Comedy on one floor o the boat and Salsa on the other. Both events were combined due to low turn out. We signed up for Salsa -- dancing, dancing -- and some more dancing. Instead, because the boat didn't get filled up they forced us to sit through Latin comedy hour. The jokes were crude and grew old fast, including one stating fat women shouldn't worry about being raped because only skinny women are raped-- OFFENSIVE! But, you're on boat so what choice do you have? You're at sea and you can't get off until the tour is over. It felt like a bait & switch. To make matters worse the boat swayed on the water making it rather difficult to enjoy what little dance time there was -- or, floor space for that matter since folks were huddled onto one floor of the boat as the event planner squeezed everyone together. Definitely not a repeat for me. read more

My friend & I went to an Allen Batista Travel Three-Hour Themed Cruise with food that we purchased through a special offer on livingsocial.com (it was $39 instead of the usual $85). The offer is listed here: (http://livingsocial.com/deals/8532-three-hour-cruise-+-food-39). If it had been on land instead of on the water, we definitely would have made a run for it...but it was a cruise, and November is not a good time of year to attempt swimming to land. Although the advertisement says "fill up on a buffet meal", the food was a portion-controlled scoop of rice, watery pasta, and one piece of on-the-bone chicken. Then they ran out. The crew who works on the cruise ship informed us that this is standard with Allen Batista cruises. The first floor of the ship reeked like a port-a-potty and offered cringe-worthy standup comedy. The second floor offered samba lessons from a guy with 'white trash b*tch' written on the back of his shirt. Worst of all, drinks are not included in this "deal"., so if you want to drink until it's fun, it's going to set you back at least double what you paid already. I'm not sure how this cruise is still in business, but I have to assume it is because no one has written any Yelp reviews on it before. I'm writing this in hopes that no one else will make the same mistake we did. read more

A group of my friends and I bought tickets through Living Social for the comedy cruise, which came with dinner, drinks and a show. 1. We didn't realize that we'd have the salsa cruise upstairs, sharing the bar with us and creating A LOT of noise. 2. The food was substandard with limited options and you had to wait on a ridiculous line to get to it... when you reached the front, they were running out of a lot. It looked as though you were supposed to be given a piece of greasy chicken, rice, and pasta, but most people got 2/3. 3. Only one of the comics was good, and the rest of the audience did not laugh at ANYTHING. Can you say awkward? It was actually painful at times. Most people would have walked out if we weren't surrounded by water. Then you're stuck on a boat with the comedians who nobody laughed at... 4. The drinks were watery at times, overly strong at others. 5. The boat itself was dingy, but not unclean. 6. Bathroom facilities were okay. 7. Going out on the front of the boat, where other people didn't venture, was nice. It was an opportunity to be outside, on the water, without deafening music. 8. There was not enough seating for everyone. Since we were early, we got a table, but many other people were not as fortunate and stood to watch the comedians and even eat (granted, those were also the people who were closer to the food, so they got full meals). When we were waiting to board the boat, there was nowhere to sit and there were no bathrooms in the immediate area. Overall, the fact that it was something different to do, and it was a cheap day out on the water, made it all okay. We were more than ready to get off the boat when it docked though. Just make sure you go in with really low expectations and you'll fare just fine. read more

I attended a VDay Salsa Cruise for couples in the winter. Cons: sub-par food, no decor, insufficient heating. Pros: Great Salsa Lesson & Show, Good dance music, nice water front views of the city. read more

I worked with Joanna to plan a private party of about 70 people for my company outing. She was extremely accommodating and we had an awesome time. The boat rental fee was fair and Joanna helped us put together a catering menu that had something for everyone (vegan, gluten free and paleo included!) Her team let us deck out the boat in theme, man our own music and set up a photo booth. We cruised around the East River to the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge and couldn't have asked for a smoother trip. I'd highly recommend working with Joanna for your future boating events. read more

I also signed up for the Salsa Cruise. Joanna Allen cancelled the cruise without notifying me. Good thing I called to confirm a few hours prior to departure. I was never refunded. Joanna Allen is a stupid woman who has no idea how to run a business. read more

Just took a cruise with my fiancée and it was nice. You get a show, food, and take in the sites. There was a cash bar that I was worried would cost a fortune but thankfully it wasn't bad. Also, we too had another event taking place upstairs but it was only a faint noise,we could hardly tell the difference. But with that being said, it sounded like they were having a great time, I wished they allowed people to go to either event and mingle with other people on the cruise. It was a great time, I would def do it again. read more

My trip to Salvador Bahia was fantastic. The price was great and so was the company. The hotel was clean and the service was good. We did the usual tour and a boat ride and hug out with the locals, I didn't feel like a tourist but like a native. Everyone was friendly. I would love to take another trip with this group. Gloria read more

I had a great time at the Belly Dance Boat ride. We participated in a really fun class with the Belly Dancer and enjoyed a fabulous show with many featured belly dancers. The food was good and we had fun dancing with the belly dancer at the end of the show trying out our new moves. Looking forward to doing it again soon. Ella Chandler read more

I attended a trip earlier this year, put together by Joanna, to Niagara Falls. With a group of a couple hundred students and their professors, the organization was on point. The buses kept to their itineries on time, while the hotel was accommodating and very helpful with any requests or unexpected changes. And throughout the trip, Joanna was communicative and willing to address any questions or logistical issues promptly and smoothly. The pre-booked Maid of the Myst boat ride was easy to find, and with the beautiful views and friendly staff, an overall enjoyable experience. I'd highly recommend working with Allen Batista Travel to organize excursions, for groups large and small. read more

Thank you for the Boat Ride belly dance show, we had great time with belly dancer Jaida. She gave us a mini class, and an incredible show. Oh also thanks for delicious food. Looking forward a new event. The show at Tagine was beyond words, it was such a refreshment to attend a magic piece of belly dance. read more

My first experience with this company was not a positive one initially signed up for the comedy Cruise at the end of June via Groupon.I was really excited about the idea as was my girlfriend .That got canceled because of inclement weather the day prior although the next day it didn't rain grudge here ,the weather man isn't always right.They moved us to the the 14th of July. This was canceled the day prior due to increment weather,This time bothered me because everywhere I looked the weather up there was like a 10 % chance of precipitation and it was supposed to be like 90 degrees called the lady in change and she told me a bunch of people backed out and they didn't have enough to sail expressed to her that I was unhappy that this kept getting canceled and she responded by assuring me rain or shine they would be sailing on the 28th.She also offered me a free drink credit however I never received this.So finally we get to the dock that it states on Groupon,there was a large line at the dock how ever nothing that stated Allen Batista Travel so we were confused called the lady again to ask if we were in the right place.She said she was coming outside and kinda rushed my girlfriend off the phone.ironically it actually was drizzling this time.So they finally let us on the boat and I was literally immediately disappointed.I didn't Expect a 5 star floating restaurant but it looked like a basement to me with tables and chair's inside is mostly painted black with the foundation and pluming visible are lights all over the ceiling (possibly disco light's probably would look really cool at night but just not very appealing at 2 pm. So as soon as we get on the boat there was a line for the food.This was when my disappointment escalated dramatically "Menu" was very lackluster .I didn't expect a 5 star meal but I honestly would have rather gone to McDonald's. They had a Salad of Mixed greens and tomatoes 2 tuba-wear containers (reminiscent to what Chinese fast food restaurants sell homemade ice-tea in) filled with dressing .One Blue cheese the other Ranch.Then there was some Yellow rice.Some of the Driest grilled chicken breast I have ever encountered in my life with no type of condiments honestly didn't even taste like it was seasoned had some kind of fish ,I didn't ask what it was but it was OK.Then some white rice and then another tray with rice and beans white rice for some reason smelled burnt so it made it rather unappealing they randomly had some unsalted most likely Ore Ida french fries(no ketchup).The food was all served on Paper plates with plastic utensil's felt as if I was at a barbecue than at something I was expecting to be a a bit more elegant. .Eventually we migrate up stair to a more clustered dining area than downstairs with a dance-floor and a bar. Apparently drinks were not included because when I requested 2 sprites I was charged 4 dollars keep that in mind this is not all inclusive and I received a small plastic cut filled with Ice to the top with probably 3 FL oz. Me and my girlfriend find a seat.As I try to enter the Chair ,the tables are just to close to the seat for me because a fellow passenger has his chair to far out asked him if he could please move up a bit so I could sit,and he decides to make what he considers a joke at my expense and states in very broken English that I am to fat to sit behind him sit down anyway because I'm not.So this particular cruse date had a Zumba Class,Salsa,and a Comedy show.Now I don't do or know much about Zumba(I just thought is was a game on Nintendo Wii) but it initially appeared to me like a bunch of middle aged woman twerking. However they seemed to have about 3 instructors doing a routine to a song.The instructors would actually almost fall as the boat rocked back and forth was interesting to watch.The the same man who insulted me turned out to be the guitarist for the Salsa portion .I honestly walked out to enjoy the view after the this so I couldn't tell you if he was any good or not just that his is a douche bag.Enjoying the view was the best part of the encounter honestly don't know If the comedy show even happened because it seemed like most people was just out side enjoying the weather on the top of the boat.The scenery was beautiful and we got really close to the statue of liberty ,closer than I have ever been .Around 4:30ish we make it back to shore and I honestly couldn't wait to get off of this thing.As an overview I could not in all honestly recommend the Dinner or Lunch Cruise food wasn't good .If you were to use this company for anything I recommend the $20 cruise that doesn't charge for food really had High hopes for this and I feel I was let down.However the business would just have to make changes to this system they are doing for it to thrive and be memorable.Change the aesthetic of the boat as well as the food quality would add value to this deal. read more

I went to Salvador, Bahia with Allen Batista Travel in 2008 and really enjoyed myself. Ms. Allen organized group get togethers before we went on the trip so we could get to know our group members. The hotel was nice and in a central location, could walk to mall and take public transportation. The group excursions were a lot of fun; we took a dance class, went on a boat ride and observed a festival. I would travel with Ms. Allen on a future trip. read more

I am one of those people who get bored very quickly. Years ago, we had to take relatives from Sri-Lanka on the three hour circle line. The first hour was great and then the intense itch to test out your swimming skills sank in for the next two. I was excited about this cruise, because I always have people coming in from out of town, and I avoid the docks!! But this samba cruise with dancing, food, drinks and the sights sounded great. So I signed up for the samba cruise to check it out. Everyone was lovely and lively. The instructors were great, although it was a bit crowded. The major sights were pointed out somewhere in the middle of all the dancing, and we danced and waved at other ships going by. The food was portion controlled, as I was under the impression it was a buffet. We needed to pick up more on the flavor and the portion size. Overall, I had a great time. Latin culture mixed in with the NY sights and great people out at sea... (just bring an extra sandwich incase being at sea gives you a hearty appetite like it does for me). Thumbs up! read more

What is better than riding around on a cruise ship round the east river on a beautiful day while dancing to ZUMBA? I taught aboard two of the zumba cruises ran by allen batista travel and we had a blast! I taught an hour of zumba, we then listened to an awesome samba band, we ate some delicious jerked chicken with rice, and watched in awe on the rooftop ellis island, the statue of liberty, and the beautiful city skyline. read more

I've been to a couple of boat rides and while they haven't all been perfect I've enjoyed myself. The shows have been good, I've enjoyed the music and enjoyed the mature atmosphere.. As far as the food is concerned it's a buffet and it's been decent. It's not a fine restaurant... read more

Absolutely ridiculous! I purchased this as a gift for my son and his wife for his birthday in August. The agency cancelled four times with the same excuse that a big party had cancelled due to an emergency and they had to reschedule. They said they would refund us let's see If that happens read more

Went on a trip to Bahia Brazil with Joanna with my wife-to-be. We had a good time. Considering the number of people and the complexity of the travel arrangements it went quite well and we had a good time. We went to the festivale of Boa Morte and had a cool boat trip for a day. We skipped the dance classes which were indoor in favor of spending the lovely day walking around. Saw some good dance & drum performances. All in all a good value. read more

I can say from the several times I've been on one of Allen batista cruises- everyone was having a great time- dancing with the belly dancers or watching the belly dance show. The food served was tasty and my family enjoyed it. read more

My husband and I purchased tickets for the Allen Batista Travel Three-Hour Themed Cruise with food that we purchased through an offer on ruelala.com. We needed special accommodations for our food and Joanna, who runs the show, went extremely out of her way to be accommodating to us. Two of the three comics were great; although I was hoping the boat itself would have been in nicer condition. All in all it was a nice evening out in the summer, we had some laughs, and felt that Joanna really went above and beyond her call of duty to make sure we enjoyed. read more

I have attended 4 bellydance crusies over the summer they are fun and lively with great entertainment featuring DJ Derajja & Nourhan Sharif ! My friends love the chance to be on the water in the summer to take photos next to the statue of liberty ! It is a great way to take photos of NYC ! Fun event we do every summer now !! Bring on the Belly Dance boatrides ! read more

I purchased this deal through groupon and immediately called to book the comedy show ride- not bring such a lover of chaos or loud noise, I figured it was a perfect fit. Joanna went out of her way to such a degree that I was literally speechless in her dedication and attentiveness. We needed a special dietary meal and Joanna was totally on top it. She arranged the entire thing to our specific needs through emails, phone calls, and texts. She was always available even after business hours. I was super impressed and really couldn't wait for the crude already. She met us at the door with our food in hand. Already offering to rewarm it. The boat was clean and large, with decent stabilizers and I never felt dizzy or nauseous. The comedy was very entertaining, I noticed the audience really enjoying. The comedians tailored their material to the audience and it was all really funny and enjoyable. The tables are all draped in white tablecloths giving the place an air of elegance, many people dressed in classy attire as well which enhanced the romantic ambience. The bathroom was really surprisingly large and clean for a boat! Big points there. After the show we walked up to enjoy the sights of manhattan on the upper deck which I loved. The 3 hours seemed shorter than it truly was. Joanna was at my side for any question or concern I had and was super attentive to the entire crowd. Will purchase again and recommend to all my friends. read more

A really nice trip, good food and great entertainment. It was a great trip around the city and really close to lady Liberty is great fun and economical. read more

I got tickets for my husband and me for our one year anniversary on the comedy cruise. It was a complete disaster. This thing is a total scam. They overbooked the cruise, and there were only seats for about half of the people that were signed up to go. The rest of us were expected to stand in the packed corners of the room. The boat was shabby, the staff unhelpful, and the food looked disgusting. My husband and I, along with a number of other disgusted passengers, left the boat and asked the "woman in charge" for a refund. She said that there was room on the boat for everyone, but not everyone would be able to sit down. On a lunch/comedy cruise, of course we expected to sit down! We were not going to stand for a 3 hour cruise. She wrote all of our names down and said that we might be able to get a refund; she didn't seem to know what was going on. Overall, it was a horrible experience and I can't believe that they are still in business. read more

well i enjoy the cruise this weekend.. the zumba class different styles and rythms.. ... the view amazing.... people having fun.... but i d like to say that they should ve given us.... at least a bottle of water.. and the place was a little small..... after that,,, i had fun this wkn,, i d like to do it again.... Thanks for a nice weekend.... read more