Experience a delicious brunch aboard the historic Albemarle Queen riverboat and soak in panoramic views of Elizabeth City's waterways. Perfect for a relaxing day on the water that combines history, scenery, and great food.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical fitness required, suitable for most ages
Wildlife
History
The Albemarle Queen has been part of Elizabeth City's maritime heritage since its early days, hosting various scenic tours and events.
Conservation
The cruise company is committed to environmentally responsible practices, including waste reduction and supporting local ecological initiatives.
Harbor Towns Cruises
Experience a delicious brunch aboard the historic Albemarle Queen riverboat and soak in panoramic views of Elizabeth City's waterways. Perfect for a relaxing day on the water that combines history, scenery, and great food.
Harbor Towns Cruises operates sightseeing and dining cruises from Elizabeth City, North Carolina, aboard the Albemarle Queen, a historic 90-foot paddlewheel riverboat. The company offers a range of scheduled experiences including brunch cruises, sunset cruises, themed live-music brunches, and private events such as wedding celebrations. Routes travel through the Harbor Towns and scenic waterways like Shallowbag Bay and Albemarle Plantation, giving passengers open-air views from the top deck and sheltered seating in the vessel's cozy interior.
Scheduled public departures include Brunch Cruise from Elizabeth City and Edenton, Sunset Cruise from Elizabeth City and Edenton, and special-event sailings such as the Albemarle Queen Live Bluegrass Brunch Cruise and the Banjos and Sunsets Cruise. The operation also accommodates group and private charters, exemplified by the Perquimans County High School 1965 Class Reunion Cruise and wedding celebration charters. Live bluegrass music features on select brunch and sunset sailings.
Safety procedures and vessel maintenance follow local requirements for passenger riverboats; crewed operations use trained staff familiar with the Albemarle Queen. Reservations, event customization, and group inquiries are handled through the business's booking channels; wedding inquiries list contact 844 ibx boat in event information. Harbor Towns Cruises focuses on delivering historic-riverboat experiences that combine dining, live entertainment, and coastal scenery for residents and visitors to northeastern North Carolina.
Vessel Size
90 ft
Historic paddlewheel riverboat
Tours Offered
9 tours
Brunch, sunset, themed, private
Typical Duration
2 hours
Many cruises run two hours
Live Music
Available
Bluegrass on select cruises
Book a brunch or sunset cruise, or inquire about private events and wedding charters to secure a memorable Harbor Towns experience.
Arrive early
Get to the dock ahead of departure to secure the best seating and have time to enjoy the boat’s charm.
Dress comfortably
Wear layers and comfortable shoes suitable for outdoor decks and variable weather.
Bring sunscreen
Protect yourself from sun exposure on the open-air deck during the cruise.
Have cash or card ready
For any onboard purchases or tips, ensure you’re prepared with payment methods.
Sunhat
Helps protect your face from sun while enjoying the open decks.
spring|summer
Sunscreen
Essential for skin protection during outdoor water activities.
spring|summer
Light jacket
Useful for cooler weather or breezes along the water.
spring|fall
Camera or smartphone
Capture scenic views and memorable moments from the boat.