What time does the cruise sail?

The cruise sails from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; boarding typically begins 15 minutes before departure.

Is the bar cash only?

Yes. The onboard bar accepts cash only; bring small bills for drinks and tips.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

No. Outside food and drinks are not permitted on board.

Are children welcome?

Yes. The cruise is family-friendly with child pricing available and limited booster seats upon request.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

The River Queen can accommodate guests requiring wheelchair access; contact the operator in advance to arrange assistance.

Boarding is at River Queen • 800 Ashley Ave • Brielle, NJ 08730. Arrive early for best exterior seating.

Manasquan River Independence Day Dinner & Fireworks Cruise

On summer nights the River Queen slips away from 800 Ashley Ave in Brielle and turns the Manasquan River into a moving Fourth of July celebration. The Independence Day Dinner & Fireworks Cruise is a 2.5‑hour outing that packs a classic Jersey Shore ritual — buffet dinner, live music, waterfront sunset and a parade of municipal fireworks — into one easy, family-friendly cruise. Boarding begins at River Queen • 800 Ashley Ave • Brielle, NJ 08730; the boat sails 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., so you get golden light that deepens into the bold contrast of flares and rockets over the water.

The route follows the tidal Manasquan estuary, where low dunes and salt marsh grasses edge a ribbon of brackish water, and prow hits the wake softened by coastal breezes. Along the shoreline you’ll spot private docks, boathouses and the layered silhouettes of small shore towns announcing the region’s boating culture. The onboard buffet features top round of beef, chicken piccata, stuffed shells, meatballs, whipped potatoes, Caesar salad and freshly baked cookies, paired with brewed coffee and a cash‑only bar. It’s comfort food that keeps the mood relaxed and festive as the sky shifts.

Why book this cruise? For many visitors, it’s the easiest way to combine sunset cruising, a hot buffet, music and front-row access to synchronized fireworks displays without fighting shoreline crowds. The River Queen offers accessible boarding with accommodations for guests who request assistance ahead of time, stroller‑friendly outside decks, and limited booster seats for families with young children. The atmosphere is convivial: couples, families and groups drift along the river watching lights wink on the shoreline, then tilt their faces up when the first shells burst overhead.

Practical notes: arrive early for best exterior viewing space, bring jackets for breezy evenings, and carry cash for the bar. The experience suits travelers looking for a low-effort celebration that still feels like an event—no driving between vantage points, no parking headaches, and no crowded municipal lots. Locally, the cruise is a highlight of Brielle’s summer calendar and offers a tidy snapshot of the Jersey Shore’s coastal pleasures: salt air, boat wakes, and community fireworks. Whether you’re marking a holiday or simply chasing summer light, the Independence Day Dinner & Fireworks Cruise on the River Queen is an accessible, spirited way to watch the shore light up.

Tickets are priced at Adult $90.00 and Child $40.00, making this an affordable full‑evening option for families and groups. Boarding typically begins 15 minutes before departure; arrive early to claim an outside seat. Strollers are permitted on the outside main deck only, and guests requiring wheelchair access should contact the operator in advance to arrange accommodations. Bring ID, sunscreen, and cameras.