This is who we are
Impassioned to create your tailored charter experience
The Valhalla Difference
Our people set us apart.
Our team is passionate about preparing an unrivaled experience for our guests who don't want a cookie cutter yachting experience. Contact our office to speak with our dedicated trip concierge. We can handle transportation, documents, catering, itinerary logistics, and even assist to put together that special moment to make this trip stand out.
Our crew
Experienced in producing smiles.
CAPTAIN
DAVID GIES
Captain David Gies joined Valhalla and managed the interior refit along with the organization of setting up a successful charter platform. Prior to that, David was on board the 150’ charter yacht, Themis, and the successful charter yacht, Sea Bear, a 124’ Christensen. David’s experience as captain spans over fifteen years and his time on board yachts has logged him enough miles to circumnavigate the world eight times! He has cruised extensively on-board charter yachts in New England, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean. David is originally from Spokane, WA and now resides full time in Ft. Lauderdale with his wife and his son. His casual personality and easy going attitude sets the tone for a happy and team oriented crew on board Valhalla. David believes in the importance of details, safety and fun to provide for the ultimate charter experience.
FIRST MATE
SIMON AMBROSE
Simon grew up fishing and surfing the East Coast of Florida, from Jacksonville to the Keys. He has worked in various industries on the water including operations manager of a boat club and boat sales. Simon spent four years in the U.S. Virgin Islands as a captain running day charters and also worked professionally on a charter fishing boat. He is an avid fisherman with a passion for the water and Florida conservation. In his spare time, Simon enjoys fishing, hiking and spending time at the beach with his wife and mini dachshund.
CHEF
VANESSA COTO
Vanessa was born and raised in San Jose, Costa Rica. She holds a BA in Hotel Business Management from the Universidad Latina De Costa Rica and a Diplome de Cusine from Le Cordon Bleu. She has enjoyed living in the USA, from the beautiful coasts of California to the warm beaches of Florida. For sixteen years Vanessa has enjoyed working in various aspects of the service and hospitality industry. Since moving to Florida, she has been cruising extensively in the Bahamas and East Coast. Her true joy is to provide a great experience through excellence in service which creates a memorable time aboard Valhalla. Vanessa enjoys preparing healthy dishes or satisfying that sweet tooth that no one likes to talk about. Whether it’s a French style meal, a craving for American cuisine, Italian or Latin food, she is sure to find the flavor to satisfy your palate.
Buen provecho!
ENGINEER
JUSTIN BILLINGS
Growing up in the windy city of Chicago, Justin experienced all four seasons enjoying the outdoors throughout the year. Often he could be found playing ice hockey on the frozen lakes during the colder months while excelling in water–sports and boating during the hot summers. Justin moved to DC for his professional career with BMW and enjoyed servicing the ultimate driving machine for 14 years. While living in the nation’s capital, he learned how to sail, traveling to various locations on the open ocean. That is where Justin found his passion for a nautical life joining the maritime industry in 2015. During his time away from work, Justin enjoys fishing, hiking, & camping in the great outdoors, while expanding his travel adventures.
STEWARDESS
NIKOLE ORNSTEIN
Born in Hawaii, and growing up in Las Vegas, Nikole discovered her love for the ocean and the hospitality industry early on. She spent six years working in both casual and fine dining restaurants and bars. This love for the industry led Nikole to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing and become a successful event planner. In her career, Nikole has cultivated a passion for creating memorable experiences for guests. She loves being creative with events and watching her guests walk away with unforgettable experiences.
Over the past year, Nikole has worked on charter yachts as a stewardess between the Virgin Islands and the Bahamas. She loves adventure and can often be found skiing, hiking, playing water sports, or simply exploring and traveling to new destinations. Nikole carries a refreshing trifecta of passion, dedication to service, and an infectious personality.
DECKHAND
MITCH HOAG
Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Mitch’s passion for being on the water was instilled in him at an early age. He spent most of his summers wakeboarding and water skiing on the lakes at his family’s cottage. Mitch loves creating fun experiences for people, which is what led him to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality of Business at Michigan State University. Shortly after graduating, he moved to the British Virgin Islands where he worked at a luxury community doing guided snorkel tours, SUP excursions, and tropical hiking tours as a guest services associate. He later moved on to director of the marine department where he worked closely with yacht management.
After the devastating hurricane, Irma, hit the islands, Mitch was brought stateside and began his career in the yachting industry. He has been working and traveling on yachts for the past three years. You’ll have a hard time finding Mitch anywhere but the water. He is very active and both an avid sports fan and athlete.
Immaculate
Set apart by excellent standards.
Above Standard
High speed internet & state of the art navigation system. Upgraded, newly remodeled, and always maintained to the highest standards. Explore South Florida and the Bahama Islands in unparalleled luxury aboard Valhalla.
American Vessel
Valhalla is owned and registered in the USA. Feel good about supporting American owned businesses, and safe in American hands.
Tailored Experience
No two voyages are ever the same. With a fun variety of the best water toys, exclusive private excursions, and world class cuisine all to your unique tastes and specific desires, our tireless preparation ensures your trip will be unparalleled.
Mindful Crews
Our experienced crews will easily become your new favorite people! Each one is carefully screened and highly trained. Our team truly enjoys serving you first and at the highest standards.
Bill C.
Irvine, CA
Valhalla is a beautiful vessel and the crew is even better. They made our trip even more fun with fabulous food and the friendliest service I've ever experienced. Great joint 60th birthday cruise for the best group of guys and most loyal friends anyone's ever had. Thanks for everything!
Daniel P.
Baton Rouge, LA
Dream trip. Beautiful boat and fantastic crew! Permanently etched in my memory. Thanks so much.
Scott G.
McKinney, TX
One of the best experiences a person can have! The scenery, the crew, the accommodations, and food all 6 star's or better! Thank you for your generosity and attention to detail in all experiences had on this tremendous "vacation." Going to be tough to beat!
It's your turn
Let us treat you.
Your experience begins before you are welcomed aboard the Valhalla. Our passionate crew customizes every detail of your trip based on your wishes. Expect to be surprised with special fine points. Whether it's breakfast on the sundeck, a private discovery of hidden coves, playing with the best water toys of any charter, or guided fishing aboard our 26 foot skif, you and your guests will enjoy the ultimate blend of fun and relaxation while we treat you to an extraordinary time away.
