What time do I board and depart?

Boarding begins at 6:00 PM at the Carolina Beach Municipal Marina and the vessel departs promptly at 6:30 PM; return is approximately 8:30 PM.

Can I bring food or drinks?

Guests may bring food and snacks, but no outside beverages of any kind are permitted; a full bar is available onboard.

Is the cruise family friendly?

Yes—events are labeled family friendly. Children can attend, but you must be 21+ to purchase alcohol.

What happens in bad weather?

Cruises operate rain or shine unless the captain deems conditions unsafe; in that case trips may be canceled for safety.

Seating is first-come, first-served—arrive early to choose indoor or outdoor spots and secure a good view for sunset and dancing.

Are life jackets provided?

Yes. Life jackets and safety briefings are available and the captain and crew manage safety protocols throughout the trip.

Boogie at Sea: Disco Fever Sunset Cruise on the Island Explorer

On summer evenings at the Carolina Beach Municipal Marina, the Island Explorer becomes an unlikely time machine: a two-hour Disco Fever Cruise that pairs 1970s dance anthems with wide Atlantic sunsets and the low-lying salt marshes of the lower Cape Fear River. Boarding in Carolina Beach, North Carolina, this family-friendly cruise turns the vessel into a floating dance floor where disco classics — Bee Gees, Donna Summer, ABBA — ride the wind alongside gulls and the occasional dolphin. The route glides past the edge of the barrier island shoreline and into the estuarine sweep of the lower Cape Fear River, a landscape of sawgrass marshes, oyster beds, and weathered pilings. The water here reflects the sky with a flat, mirror quality at dusk; the shoreline mixes public beaches, piers, and the municipal marina where the Island Explorer departs. Onboard, indoor and outdoor seating give passengers options to dance under the stars or sink into a booth with a drink from the full bar. A strict no-outside-beverage policy keeps service smooth and the crowd focused on the music. This cruise is unique because it blends pop culture nostalgia with a maritime evening cruise, creating an experience that is both social and sensory. The music fills the cabins and decks while crew members manage boarding and safety with local familiarity; the captain times the trip to catch sunset light on the water for prime photo moments. Families and multi-generational groups find the event inclusive — children can enjoy the atmosphere and adults can purchase drinks on board (must be 21+ to buy alcohol). Practical details are straightforward: boarding begins at 6:00 PM at the Carolina Beach Municipal Marina with departure at 6:30 PM for an approximate return around 8:30 PM. The excursion operates rain or shine unless the captain flags unsafe conditions. Guests can bring food but not outside beverages. Seating is first-come, first-served, so arrive early to claim a spot on deck. Many passengers lean into the theme—bell bottoms, sequins, platform shoes and funky sunglasses are encouraged—which turns the boat into a living set against the low, horizontal light. Crew and captain keep the evening relaxed but safe; life jackets and briefings are available, and the captain will alter course if weather or tides become rough. Pair the cruise with a longer stay: Carolina Beach boardwalk, fishing piers, and local seafood restaurants sit minutes from the marina, letting you extend the night ashore and dancing.

About Island Cruises Inc.

Island Cruises Inc. is a Carolina Beach, North Carolina boat tour operator offering a range of themed cruises on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and the Cape Fear River. The company focuses on accessible, memorable experiences for families, adults, and holiday visitors. Trips include a family-friendly Sunset Cruise that blends history and entertainment, a Moonlight Cruise for guests 21 and older with a full bar, seasonal Island of Lights and Holiday Flotilla celebrations, and a kid-oriented Pleasure Island Pirate Adventure.

Each cruise is designed with clear durations and activities so guests can pick the best fit: the Sunset Cruise runs two hours, the Moonlight Cruise lasts 1.5 hours, the Island of Lights is approximately two hours, the Holiday Flotilla to Wrightsville Beach spans about seven hours, and the Pirate Adventure is 1.5 hours. Onboard offerings include narrated local history, themed music and dancing, family arts and crafts, and beverage service where permitted. The Holiday Flotilla events include opportunities to view decorated boats, local waterfront displays, and seasonal fireworks.

Safety and local knowledge are central to operations. Captains and crew navigate familiar waterways around Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach, following safety regulations and providing guidance to passengers. Ticketing is organized by trip and age restrictions are clearly stated for adult-only departures. Island Cruises Inc. presents reliable, location-specific boating experiences that connect visitors and residents to coastal North Carolina’s maritime culture.

Advance reservations and clear cancellation policies simplify planning for groups, families, and solo travelers seeking year-round coastal sightseeing and themed entertainment options.