Captain Zodiac honored by cruise line
Company is recipient of cruise tour of the year award

by Bobby Command
West Hawaii Today
bcommand@westhawaiitoday.com
Monday, June 25, 2007 9:07 AM HST

Bill and Linda Zabolski set out to raise their business to a new level when they purchased Captain Zodiac a few years ago.

An announcement that they were one of the recipients of Princess Cruises' 2006-07 CRUISE Tour of the Year awards is proof they have accomplished their goal.

"If you're not laughing from the time you get ready to step onto our boat, or even before," said Linda Zabolski, "you're not on our tour."

The honor, which was also awarded to Kona Beach Boys, is given to businesses based on consistent high ratings by passengers and staff, positive passenger comments and value. CRUISE is an acronym for Courtesy, Respect, Unfailing in Service Excellence.

According to the Zabolskis, the morning and afternoon raft and snorkel adventures include visits to historical sights of interest off the Kailua-Kona coast on the way to Kealakekua, and natural blowholes, exposed lava tubes and sea caves on the way back to town. During winter months, whale watching is included.

The Zabolskis, who lived and worked on Maui before relocating to Orange County to care for ailing parents, said they had always longed to return to Hawaii.

"When Captain Zodiac came up for sale, we were absolutely ecstatic," Linda Zabolski said. "It was a perfect match."

Captain Zodiac has been in business since the early 1970s when it was established to tour the rugged Na Pali Coast off the north coast of Kauai. Its focus eventually shifted to the Kona Coast.

Using what they had learned during prior employment stints in the ocean recreation and hospitality industries, the Zabolskis put their personal touch on an already familiar business.

"The company had the name recognition," said Zabolski, who added they took over control of the company in 2004. "We just used what we considered to be the best concepts from the corporate and business worlds and took this to a new level."

The boats, Hurricane 733s, are manufactured by Zodiac of America in the same factory that produces military versions used by U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. Each of the craft can accommodate 16 passengers.

Captain Zodiac provides employment for 30 people.

"They're the reason for this award," said Linda Zabolski. "It's our ohana that is responsible for making our tours so memorable to our guests."

The Zabolskis say the community has also been a big part of their success, and they have striven to give back in the form of donations and gifts. Linda Zabolski has also devoted time to the business community, serving as current president of Destination Kona Coast and the executive board of the Kona Kohala Chamber of Commerce.

"We are extremely honored," said Linda Zabolski, who along with Bill received the award aboard the Regal Princess. "This is a reaffirmation that we have achieved to do what we set out to do: To make this the most memorable thing you do on your trip."