Frequently Asked Questions

The sunset cruise is completely different from the children’s cruise. The sunset cruise is family friendly. There are no pirates on board and we do not use the water cannons. On the Sunset Cruise we have a live DJ playing music, and the bar is open for any snacks and beverages you would like to purchase.

The sunset cruise will be cancelled 30 prior to departure. We will call you to reschedule or refund you – your choice.

The Black Pearl sails rain or shine. Please plan to dress according to the weather, including bringing rain jackets, ponchos, and umbrellas. If we have to cancel due to weather this is usually done at the dock. Most of the afternoon storms that we get are over in 15 to 20 minutes. We have a waiting area under cover so sometimes the trip will get delayed.

There is a head on board the pirate ship (bathrooms for you landlubbers), which is large enough for a parent and their child. We have a wide variety of snacks, drinks and a full service bar aboard. Absolutely no outside alcoholic beverages.

There is a 24 hour cancellation policy. 24 hours before your scheduled cruise you may call our office for a full refund. No shows will be charged with no exceptions.

No, strollers are not allowed on board. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Yes, there is seating available on the upper deck of the ship and around each of the masts, although we encourage everyone to get up and take part in the pirate activities.

According to U.S. Coast Guard regulations, the Black Pearl pirate ship can hold a maximum of 75 passengers, regardless of age or size.

We recommend buying tickets in advance as most cruises sell out. We cannot sell more than 75 tickets for any cruise, so buy your tickets early to not miss out on the fun. Everyone on board needs to purchase a ticket. Check availability online.

Yes, the children’s interactive cruise is a water adventure and if you are on the lower deck you may get wet with salt water. You can go upstairs to the upper deck to avoid getting wet and still see the entire show. We recommend leaving all expensive bags and cameras at home.

You will not get wet on the sunset cruise.

No, there are life jackets for every passenger aboard the pirate ship, but the Coast Guard has deemed it safe to not wear life jackets during our cruises. Prior to departure we will teach you how to properly put on a life jacket. If there is an emergency, our highly trained staff will instruct passengers to wear life jackets to ensure their safety.

It is unlikely, as we sail in the calm protected waters of Little Egg Harbor Bay. It’s a smooth sail unless we hit a wake from another boat.

We need a minimum of 18 people in order for us to sail. We reserve the right to reschedule / refund your cruise if under 18 tickets are sold.

Each children’s interactive cruise includes a “check-in time” approximately 30 minutes before the pirate ship departs for dress-up and tattoos. Please walk over to our ticket office to check in. We have swords, pistols, eye patches, bandanas, and earrings for purchase at the dock. Once out on the water the crew will teach our pirates how to talk, dance, play games, and blast water cannons as part of the interactive pirate story. At the end of our water battle everyone always receives their treasure.

Each of our cruises includes 30 minutes of check-in and boarding activities and a full hour out on the water, making the experience an hour and a half long.

We dress our pirates (both young and old) before we board the ship in the 30 minutes prior to boarding. We have a costume chest that provides colorful pirate vests and waist sashes for all riders. All riders are offered a pirate tattoo to complete the pirate look. You are welcome to wear your own pirate outfit before you climb aboard, but the crew will dress up riders of all sizes. We encourage everyone to get dressed up!

The pirate ship will depart promptly at the time posted on your reservation. Please arrive 30 minute prior to departure. No refunds or rescheduling will be issued for passengers who miss departure.

The Family Adventure Cruise program is designed for families with children 3-9 years old. Everyone regardless of age will be encouraged to participate in the program and join in the fun.

No, the pirate ship does not allow smoking on board the ship or on the dock.

All cruises depart the dock at 7 PM, and the cruise lasts approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes depending on the time of the year.

Yes, the pirate ship can be chartered privately for the children’s cruise or private party/sunset cruise. Please call our office at (609)978-9951 to schedule your charter.