Few things can match the majesty of a Hawaii sunset. Atlantis Cruises enhances that with an experience that’s part adventure, part relaxation and all pleasure.

Its 150-foot, 400-­passenger vessel Majestic boasts the sleek lines of a yacht, three decks, space for private functions and a lounge with a bar and dance floor. The air-conditioned first and second decks have high ceilings and walls of windows on both sides. The open-air top deck is the perfect place for those who can’t get enough of balmy breezes and spectacular panoramas.

The “Majestic is comfortable yet classy,” said Shannon Wilson, general manager of Atlantis Cruises. “It’s equipped with Seakeeper (seakeeper.com), the latest in boat stabilization technology. Basically, Seakeeper gauges ocean conditions and responds immediately, helping to prevent pitching and rolling.”

As the boat glides off Oahu’s southern coast, dolphins and flying fish might cavort off the bow; views encompass Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head and the Koolau mountain range; and sunset paints the sky with a vivid montage of colors (be on the lookout for the elusive green flash; see sidebar). As twilight slips into night, the lights of Honolulu twinkle along with a sky full of stars.

Dinner for the Island Style Buffet Cruise is an all-you-can-eat affair featuring baked fish, garlic shiitake teriyaki chicken, Hawaiian rock salt-crusted pork, mashed potatoes, rice, rolls, salad, steamed vegetables, fresh fruit and dessert (chef’s choice, which might include tiramisu, haupia cake and guava cake).

The buffet is open throughout the two-hour cruise so guests can dine whenever they’d like. Many prefer to eat a leisurely dinner before heading to the top deck or the second-deck lounge, where a vocalist, a guitarist and a hula dancer perform.

“Our lounge has a great vibe. It blends the chic ambience of a nightclub with the casual, relaxing atmosphere of your living room,” Wilson said. “It’s furnished with big sofas and cushioned seats that invite guests to linger. We encourage them to enjoy cocktails and conversation, sing along with the entertainers and get up and dance.”

The Majestic’s size allows for a more personal experience, Wilson said. The crew makes it a point to chat with every guest. Those celebrating a birthday, anniversary or other special occasion are recognized with a lei, a glass of Champagne, a song dedicated to them and/or flowers by their place setting.

“We recently had a World War II veteran onboard,” Wilson said. “The captain came out to meet him, and we thanked him for his service over the PA system. He received a standing ovation on every deck.”

Families have boarded the Majestic for private remembrances for departed loved ones. A section of the boat can be blocked off so they can honor their family member and scatter the ashes at sea.

“Whether or not guests are with us for a particular reason, they’ve chosen to spend an evening in Hawaii with us, and we appreciate that,” Wilson said. “We’re always looking for ways to ensure they have a wonderful time, to make everyone feel like he or she is the most important person on the boat. When we see guests disembark with big smiles on their faces, we know we’ve accomplished that.”

A Majestic Fourth of July

Celebrate Independence Day aboard the Majestic from 6:15 to 9:15 p.m. An American-themed buffet will include friedchicken, grilled fish, barbecue pork sliders, sweet-and-sour spareribs, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, salad,biscuits, apple pie squares, fresh fruit and one select drink.

Cost is $164 for adults and $96 for children ages 7-12. Kids 6 and younger are free. The Sunset Appetizer Cruise(regular menu) will also be available that day for $89.

Other special-event cruises are planned for Halloween, Thanksgiving and whale season (late December through earlyApril). Majestic is also available for birthdays, weddings, meetings and other private functions.

Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi is a Honolulu-based freelance writer whose travel features for the Star-Advertiser have won several Society of American Travel Writers awards.