Each year and every season, scores of people far and wide opt to take a cruise of some kind. Some are extended vacation stays aboard an elaborate luxury line. Others are more low-key outings, designed to be shorter and fit within a reduced block of time.
We, residents of the Mid-Atlantic region, have plenty of options for the latter. From sightseeing tours to custom-themed celebratory packages, here are 17 suggested local cruise considerations to keep in mind.
Assateague Adventure Cruise
311 Talbot Street, Ocean City, Maryland
Despite the numerous boat tours throughout Ocean City, this iconic option is a time-tested tradition. It’s the ultimate must-do for those looking to tackle Assateague Island wild pony (and other animal) sightseeing in a condensed span of time. Private bookings and charter services are also available. Visit their site for details.
Assateague Explorer
Chincoteague Island, Virginia
Sailing from the boat dock in Chincoteague Island, Virginia, is the one and only Assateague Explorer—a featured favorite since 2001. They offer an array of adventurous boat tours and outings, including their famed Pony Express Nature cruise of renown. The Sunset Wildlife suggestion is another favorite, along with kayaking and combo tours. Click here to learn more.
Cape Water Tours
217 Anglers Road, Lewes, Delaware 19958
With so many diverse options to choose from, you can leave your worries at the dock and brace yourself for high-seas happiness. Among their most popular public cruise picks are nature and history-themed excursions, sunset cruises, on-board entertainment presentations, and special event/holiday featured trips. They also provide water taxi services and private, customizable options. Discover more by clicking the link.
Chesapeake Water Tours
1 Bohemia Avenue, Chesapeake City, Maryland 21915
With a location set within the limits of Chesapeake City, these on-water sailings break away from usual departure sites. Among the offered experiences they provide, sunset cruises remain a famed favorite among fans. They also host special-themed sailings and customized outings. Visit the website to learn more.
Heritage Cruises (Annapolis Heritage Museum)
Park Campus at 7300 Edgewood Road, Annapolis, Maryland 21403
Did you know you can embark on an authentic sailboat sightseeing cruise from the Annapolis Heritage Museum? Options vary, but every experience is premium. That’s because you’ll be riding in style aboard the historic Wilma Lee. Spanning 47 feet on the deck, almost 75 feet overall, this impressive vessel is one of only a few remaining Chesapeake Bay Skipjacks and one of the last commercial sailing fleets in the United States. Sunset evening outings are among their most popular picks, although special themed outings and other options exist as well. All details can be found here.
Good Vibes Tiki Cruises
109 Collins Avenue, Slip B-64, Dewey Beach, Delaware 19971
Good Vibes lives up to its name for those who have ever dreamed of a private, customized on-water tiki party experience. Departure locations and experiences can be found in Dewey Beach and Rehoboth Beach in Delaware, and Ocean City, Maryland. Because you can customize your experience accordingly, children are welcome! More can be found on the webpage.
Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat
205 Hiawatha Blvd, Williamsport, Pennsylvania 17701
This is, hands-down, one of Central Pennsylvania’s star attractions. The sightseeing experience here takes form as an hour-long excursion set within a structured vessel designed to reflect the long-ago glory of a paddleboat. As you enjoy the sights and sounds of the Susquehanna, you will be treated to a recited narration of The Hiawatha. Click here for more.
Maryland Party Boat Charters
1901 Old Eastern Ave, Essex, Maryland 21221
When you sail with Maryland Party Boat Charters, you’re in for a real treat. With departures from Middle River Landing Marina, it’s a more low-key and arguably far more enjoyable experience along the Chesapeake Bay, sans all the unnecessary pomp and circumstance. Be that as it may, you get star treatment as they work to customize all your particular wishes for a memorable, maritime on-water celebration. Visit their site to discover more.
OC Bay Hopper
11703 Coastal Highway, The Kiosk, Ocean City, Maryland 21842
Did you know that this little water taxi offers a broad range of special themed cruises and sightseeing outings? Some packages even include refreshments and elevated amenities. Sunset evening cruises and Assateague adventure outings are among their top picks. They are also available for private rentals and chartering services. Learn more by clicking here.
Pride of the Susquehanna
1 Championship Way, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101
Operated by the Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society, a nonprofit organization, the Pride of the Susquehanna has many breathtaking callouts to boot. Not only is it the only authentic paddlewheel riverboat on this side of the Mississippi, but it also happens to be one of only six remaining in the entire nation. While the awe of riding aboard a regal caliber of this sort is impressive enough, the touring options they tout are optimized on every level. They’re best known for specialty cruises along the Susquehanna River with options for private tours and customized outings available. Follow the websitefor more.
River City Cruise Co.
10282 River Landing Rd, Denton, Maryland 21629
Based along the bucolic Choptank River in Caroline County, River City Cruise Co. may seem quaint and individualized, but that’s what makes it so unique. Their specialty is public guided and private river tours focused on local history and nature. Of course, they also offer special themes, tour/feast combos, and customized options (including getting to choose your own refreshments). Click here to learn more.
Rudee Tours
200 Winston Salem Avenue, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451
Their company’s claim to be the “only way to see the sea” rings true for scores of visitors and residents throughout the surrounding Virginia Beach vicinity. They offer a broad array of premium cruise experiences aboard a most stellar, standout fleet of ships. What’s more, you know you’re in great hands with a knowledgeable crew sporting over 40 years of experience at what they do best—leading on-water pleasantries, whatever you so request. Visit the website for all additional information.
Sand Dollar Cruises
113 Dickinson Street. Dewey Beach, Delaware 19971
There’s plenty to say about this delightful Delaware-based cruise company. They offer such a wide range of options for outings, from private boat tours and sightseeing excursions to sunset cruises, happy hour celebrations, boat yoga, and so much more. They’re also renowned for offering the state’s only cycleboat experience. Click on the link to learn more.
Smith Island Cruises
4065 Smith Island Road, Ewell, Maryland 21824
Explore the charm and enchantment of Smith Island Cruises from one of two departure locations. The first option runs between Wednesday and Sunday and departs from Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield. The second leaves from Point Lookout Marina in Ridge, Maryland, on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Various cruise packages and customized options exist, including their fan-favorite crab fest cruise. Visit the webpage for all additional details.
Tangier Island Cruises
468 Buzzards Point Road, Reedville, Virginia 22539
It’s one part ferrying and another part sightseeing when you hop aboard Chesapeake Breeze, the signature vessel of Tangier Island Cruises. Your cruising experience begins at Buzzard’s Point Marina in Reedville, Virginia, at 10 a.m. with a return time slated for 4:15 p.m. What you get along the way is an hour-and-a-half narrated excursion over to Tangier Island along the scenic Chesapeake Bay. Once you arrive, you get to spend your time on the Island on your own before embarking on your return. Visit the site for more.
Victorian Princess
1 State Street, Erie, Pennsylvania 16507
You’re in for the ultimate royal treatment when you sail with Victorian Princess. Based on the backdrop of lovely Lake Erie in Pennsylvania, you have your pick of multiple existing options for a regal outing fit for nobility. Whether you seek a soothing sunset dinner cruise with all the works, a stellar sightseeing experience, or an entertainment-paired excursion, Victorian Princess is among the most premium picks. Click here to find out more.
Watermark Journeys
1 Prince George Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
555 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
Located in Annapolis and Baltimore, Maryland, Watermark Journeys offers an array of cruising and sightseeing options. Some of their most popular regular hits include their Annapolis Harbor & U.S. Naval Academy excursion, Annapolis Sunset Cruise, Day on the Bay outing, Baltimore Sightseeing Cruise, Baltimore Sunset Cruise, sightseeing rides past historic lighthouses, and so many others. Durations range from 40 minutes to multi-hour outings. Customizable rentals are also available, along with water taxi services and special event features. Discover more on the website.
These are only some of the awesome cruises you can sail with throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Many other options, some more popular than these lesser-known gems, should be considered as well, as you go about making your own decisions on what works best for you and your crew.