riverboat queen wilmington de

Riverboat Queen

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Experience the scenic Christina River like never before! The Riverboat Queen offers weekly scenic THursday Happy Hour Cruises and Friday & Saturday Christina River Tours. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy the outstanding cuisine, professional & friendly crew, and comfortable ambiance aboard this wonderful cruise.

All of our cruises offer a full bar and pre-packaged snacks. Our Thursday Happy Hour Cruises offer a rotating drink special. Our Christina Nights Cruise offers a unique view of the city lights as you tour the river! Our cruises can accommodate individuals, families, small and large groups for any special event!

Cruises board on the public docks which are located behind Joe’s Crab Shack and Iron Hill Brewery.

PRIVATE CHARTERS Celebrate a festive occasion, sweep a special someone off their feet, take sightseeing up a notch, or simply enjoy the company of family or friends over a unique dining experience. From the historic Christina and Brandywine Rivers to the tip of the Delaware River. Step aboard the refurbished 1988 vessel for an unforgettable harbor cruise featuring delicious cuisine, vibrant entertainment, dancing, and a memorable waterfront backdrop.

Private Charters: Whatever your group size up to 80 people and whatever the occasion, our well-equipped vessel offers a diversity of meeting space and services that can provide a comfortable setting for an unforgettable event.

For More Information:

Yvette Rouse, Events and Promotions Coordinator 302-425-4890  or  [email protected]

Upcoming Events

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12 Incredible Attractions. One Amazing Price.

Free things to do, read our blog, get our e-newsletter, visitors guide, discount pass, follow us #visitwilm, all aboard the riverboat queen is ready to sail along wilmington’s riverfront.

Get a rivers-eye view of Wilmington, Delaware with NEW Sight Seeing Tours aboard the Riverboat Queen during the its 2019 Season!

For the third year since its return, the Riverboat Queen is set to spend the Spring and Summer on the Christina River, offering tours and private charters.

The Queen’s season kicks-off Sunday, May 12 with a Mother’s Day brunch cruise, offering a traditional brunch followed by a scenic tour of the Christina River out to the Delaware Memorial Bridge. The popular replica steamboat will continue to feature Sunday brunch tours, and introduce sightseeing tours of the city, as well as happy hour cruises throughout its season!

Learn more about the Riverboat Queen Cruises!

New! For its 2019 season, Thursday-Sunday sightseeing tours, allowing guests to take in the scenic views of the river without the full meal. Thursday evening cruises will also feature Happy Hour with a weekly rotation of drink specials and offers.

Fridays and Saturdays offer scenic tours of the river, as well as a later version highlighting the city’s lights. These tours will provide even more chances to see the beautiful Christina River, Brandywine River, and historic Wilmington. What are you waiting for? Book your trip today!

All booking can be made through Wilmwaterattractions.com, or by contacting the Riverfront Development Corporation at 302-425-4890. Private charters are available for booking upon request.

Jessica Horstmann

Digital Marketing Manager at the Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau

About Jessica: Moving to Delaware at ten years old gifted me the opportunity to grow under the lights of the city, the serenity of the country, and everything in between. I would have never thought that so many fun and interesting attractions could be packed into such a small state. I love to travel, take pictures, and experience new adventures just like you, reading this now. I can promise you new adventures happen every day in the First State. Follow along with my blogs and see for yourself why Delaware is small, but mighty!

Spotlight on Wilmington

Spend A Perfect Day On This Old-Fashioned Paddle Boat Cruise In Delaware

Kim Magaraci

Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: [email protected]

More by this Author

Delaware is full of great adventures, and you don’t have to head down to the beach to spend some time out on the water. The Riverboat Queen is docked in Wilmington, and this beautiful, old fashioned paddle boat offers sails on the scenic Christina River all summer long.

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Book your Christina River Cruise on the Riverboat Queen website, here .

For another fantastic nautical adventure in Delaware, check out The Unforgettable Pirate Tour in Delaware That Will Make You Feel Like a Kid Again !

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Iconic paddle wheeler returns

The "Riverboat Queen" in Wilmington is back on the water offering brunch and dinner cruises.

The iconic paddle wheeler got some much needed restoration.

Guests can once again take Sunday brunch cruises, Thursday dinner cruises and other trips.

Each cruise is 2 hours long.

While on board you will eat, drink and enjoy live entertainment.

The Riverboat Queen is also available for private charter.

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Riverboat Queen returns to waters of the Christina

The Riverboat Queen is back on the Christina River in Wilmington starting this weekend.

This is the third year that the Riverboat Queen will cruise the Christina River along Wilmington’s Riverfront and beyond.

“We are again going to be offering the Sunday brunch cruises, which were very popular; it’s a two-hour tour, with a brunch to kick that off. And that goes out to the Delaware Memorial Bridge, all the way out - past - down the Christina River, over the Brandywine and out to the Delaware River,” said Joe Valenti, the marketing manager for the Riverfront Development Corporation.

Valenti says in addition to the brunch cruises, which run throughout the summer, there is something new this year to make the Riverboat Queen more available to the public.  

“This year, we’re also going to be offering some additional sightseeing tours that don’t include the full meal, but just have some snacks, a full bar and then just the tour itself to keep the cost of that down - a less expensive option for those who didn’t want to do the full meal but wanted to take the tour of the River.”

These new sightseeing tours are available Thursday through Sunday. The Thursday evening version of those tours will be billed as Happy Hour cruises.

Sightseeing tours and happy hour cruises are $24 for adults, $12 for children 15 and under and $20 for seniors 62 and over. Brunches are $45 for adults and $22.50 for children.

To book a cruise, click here .

Riverboat Queen brunch cruises begin on Mother's Day

Mother's Day, May 13, marks the return of the brunch and dinner cruises aboard the Riverboat Queen , the SkipperLiner paddle wheeler that chugs along the Christina River.

The popular cruises at the Wilmington Riverfront have been a fixture in the city since 2009, though operations were halted for two years in 2015. 

The Riverboat Queen resembles a much smaller version of an early-American grand riverboat. Built in 1988 by SkipperLiner Inc., in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the boat was once known as the Belle of Graton and later Pennsylvania’s Spirit.

It docks at the Wilmington Riverfront behind Joe’s Crab Shack and Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant on the Christina River in the 600 block of S. Madison Street.

The boat offered all-you-can-eat crab dinners for six years, but the service stopped when former owner Lt. Steven Barnes, a Wilmington police officer, decided to retire. 

The Riverfront Development Corp. of Delaware purchased and refurbished the 80-passenger commercial boat in 2016 and rebooted the Thursday evening dinner and Sunday brunch and supper cruises last year. 

Riverboat Queen back to cruising the Christina

The boat's major upgrades included structural improvements, new paint, a new awning, carpeting, fixtures and an overhauled bar area. 

The Riverboat Queen is not really a floating restaurant. Coast Guard regulations don’t allow cooking.

The food served on the double-deck vessel, which has two heads (restrooms), is prepared by a culinary team from Sodexo, based at the Chase Center on the Riverfront.

The cruises include one hour of docked eating and about two hours of cruising.

Sunday brunch cruises, which include jazz entertainment, start May 13 and run through Sept. 30. Boarding begins at 11 a.m., and cruising is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

Sunday supper cruises also begin May 13. Boarding is at 3:30 p.m. and cruising is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.  

The first Thursday sunset cruise is May 17 and the season runs through Sept. 6. Boarding for Thursday sunset cruises is at 5:30 p.m., with cruising beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The buffet menu for the Thursday sunset and Sunday supper cruises includes barbecue chicken, hamburgers, veggie burgers, smoked baby back ribs, rolls, coleslaw, potato salad, watermelon and assorted desserts.

The Sunday brunch buffet offers fresh-baked pastries, muffins, Danish, croissants, seasonal fruits and berries, whole salmon with panko dill crust and balsamic drizzle, scrambled eggs with chives, bacon, country sausage, roasted potatoes O'Brien, pan-seared chicken marsala, pasta primavera with tomato basil sauce, seasonal vegetables, sweets and cookies.

The cost for all the cruises is $45 for adults and $22.50 for children. A cash bar is available.

For more information about the Riverboat Queen, go to  wilmwaterattractions.com/riverboat-queen/  or call (302) 425-4890.

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• Riverboat Queen Tours

Adventure awaits in Wilmington. Journey to Wilmington for its abundance of parks and extensive recreation opportunities. The parks of Wilmington serve as a gathering place to enjoy the outdoors, build stronger communities, and promote healthy living. 

The City of WIlmington Department of Parks and Recreation strive to provide quality programming that supports holistic wellness of city residents, maintain the park lands and facilities, and provide recreational, cultural, social, and educational opportunities for everyone.

Each park has something special to offer its guests, including spacious land along the Brandywine Creek, historic buildings amid rolling hills and vistas, gorgeous views of the city, guided tours, evening summer concerts, and hiking, running, and equestrian trails.

Kentmere Parkway

Wilmington State Parks

Wilmington Rowing Center

Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park

Trails in the Wilmington Area

Topsail Island

Rockford Park

Riverwalk Mini Golf

Riverwalk & Hare Pavilion

Alapocas Run State Park

H. Fletcher Brown Park

Fox Point State Park

Fishing in the Wilmington Area

Delaware Seashore State Park

Charter Boats in the Wilmington Area

Cape Henlopen State Park

Brandywine Zoo

Brandywine Park

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Riverboat Queen returns for the spring and summer

The  Riverboat Queen will once again spend the spring and summer on the Christina River in Wilmington offering tours and private charters.

The  replica steamboat will once again offer Sunday brunch tours, but this season will expand her schedule to offer sightseeing tours of the city, as well as happy hour cruises.

The Queen’s season will kick-off on Sunday, May 12 with a Mother’s Day brunch cruise, offering a traditional brunch followed by a  tour of the Christina River out to the Delaware Memorial Bridge.

Brunch cruises will once again continue each Sunday throughout the summer months. The  Queen will also offer Thursday-Sunday sightseeing tours, allowing guests to take in the scenic views of the river without a full meal.

Thursday evening tours will be billed as Happy Hour cruises, with a weekly rotation of drink specials and offers. Fridays and Saturdays will offer tours of the river, as well as a later version highlighting the city’s lights. These tours will provide guests more chances to see the beautiful Christina River, Brandywine River, and historic Wilmington.

Private charters are also available for rental. All bookings can be made through Wilmwaterattractions.com , or by contacting the Riverfront Development Corporation at 302-425-4890.

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The Brandywine Tour Boat

Offering scenic river tours, evening skyline cruises, specialty-themed events, and private charters along the Christina River.

DELAWARE’S PREMIER PARTY BOAT COMPANY! Experience Wilmington from the water!

All of our boats have a licensed Captain and Deckhand, seating for over 40 passengers, restroom and a bar – serving your beverage of choice!

On the Christina River

Our boats docked at the wilmington riverfront:.

THE BRANDYWINE

Our custom-built passenger vessel features a full bar and restroom, and is capable of carrying up to 49 passengers!

Our sister company, Paradise Tiki Tours offers the coolest tropical experience on our custom built Tiki Boat!

Cruise the River!

Public cruises.

We offer Scenic River Tours, Evening Sunset & Skyline Cruises, Mimosa Brunch Cruises and more! Conveniently located at the Wilmington Riverfront along the historic Christina River. It’s hard to beat the views only available from Delaware Cruises!

Looking for a tropical get-away? Check out Paradise Tiki Tours a custom floating Tiki Boat also departing from the Riverfront!

See our list of cruises available. More dates and events added throughout the season! We run from April through the end of October.

Book a Cruise

Cruises available on the brandywine, book a tiki tour, cruises available on paradise tiki tours, we provide the perfect venue for any event, private charters.

Celebrate your next special event with us on the water! We provide an exclusive venue for Birthdays, Anniversaries, Weddings and more! Private Boat Cruises are available 7 days a week in season.

Our public calendar is now available! Book your experience today.

Start planning your next special event by reserving a  private boat charter for the upcoming season.

Fun Events Upcoming at the Wilmington Riverfront!

There’s something for everyone at riverfront wilmington, river taxi family nights.

River Taxi  Wednesday’s  on the Water Wine Cruises

Beginning Wednesday, June 14th- Enjoy a 1 hour wine tasting on the river, Wednesdays in June, July and August! Cruise by the scenic Christina River up to the I-495 bridge while enjoying hand selected wines. This unique outing is perfect for happy hour or an after-dinner drink! Want to add to the fun? Add on a fruit and cheese snack box! Available for pre-order for an additional $6 /person! Cruise Times:  5:30pm ,  6:30pm , and  7:30pm . Cost: $20!

4th of July  Fireworks Cruise to Nowhere Wine Tasting $20/Person

Enjoy a dockside wine tasting on our River Taxi while enjoying the city of Wilmington’s  4th of July  fireworks! Sample an array of Italian wines while enjoying the scenery of the beautiful Christina river and end the night with a prime view of the fireworks display! This cruise is for ages 21 and older only. The River Taxi will be docked at the public docks.

To book your Family Night or Wednesdays on the Water Wine Cruises online, please visit:  www.wilmingtonrivertaxi.com  

Riverboat queen.

The Riverboat Queen offers a unique way to tour the Historic Christina Riverfront, while enjoying  Sunday  brunch,  Sunday  Supper, or  Thursday  Sunset Dinner Cruises every week!

Looking for a fun and unique way to celebrate the  4th of July ? They offer a  4th of July  BBQ Cruise or our Fireworks cruise! Space is limited,   click here to reserve your spot today!

DuPont Environmental Education Center

Saturday, June 24, 11:30am Members/Non-Members: $15/$20

Paddle through winding channels of our urban freshwater march. Immerse yourself in the grassy domain of Great Blue Herons, American Beaver and other marsh creatures. Please pack a bag lunch.

For more information on all of the programs offered at DEEC, please visit:  www.DuPontEEC.org  

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We are Coastal Cruises – the leaders in water-oriented attractions and transportation. Across our growing portfolio we have extensive knowledge and expertise in the maritime industry. We offer water-based experiences and attractions, land-based tour guide and planning services, and ferry and transportation services!

Enjoy many different experiences on the water

We have locations in Wilmington, Delaware, Chesapeake City, Maryland and North East, Maryland. Gift certificates are valid at all locations.

Our custom boats provide a unique and fun experience on the water for everyone. Get away from the hustle and bustle of the world to hang out on the water with friends, or celebrate special events! Great for families, weddings, birthday parties, bachelorette nights and more! We can accommodate parties of various sizes with our fleet of boats across multiple locations.

Interested in booking one of our vessels for your next special event? Your friends & family will surely enjoy it! Our vessels have a full bar onboard. You are welcome to bring your own food or we can recommend catering options from famous local restaurants! 

Lots of ways to cruise the local waterways

Choose the boat and location that meets your needs!

Chesapeake City, MD

Chase N Dreams

Our custom-built party boat can accommodate up to 48 passengers. Our vessel is equipped with a surround-sound speaker system, LED lighting for evening cruises, a clean restroom and a full bar with beverage packages specifically designed for your event!

Chesapeake City, MD and Wilmington, DE

Our custom built Tiki Boat, “Pau Hana” can accommodate up to 40 guests. Our boat has unique features such as an attractive palm thatch canopy and cushioned seating! The tiki boat is also equipped with a surround-sound speaker system, LED lighting for evening cruises, a restroom and full bar serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages!

Wilmington, DE

The Brandywine

Our custom-built passenger vessel features a full bar and restroom, and is capable of carrying up to 49 passengers. We offer Scenic River Tours, Evening Sunset & Skyline Cruises, Mimosa Brunch Cruises and more! Conveniently located at the Wilmington Riverfront along the historic Christina River. 

North East, MD

The Wellwood

The “Wellwood” is equipped with a full Tiki Bar serving delicious tropical-inspired beverages and a restroom onboard. Bring your own food or let the Wellwood Restaurant provide delicious options. Whether you’re planning a corporate outing, wedding festivities or a party with friends, hosting an event on the water is a perfect setting for a memorable occasion! We depart from the North East Community Park Pier! 

Chesapeake City Ferry

Our 18 passenger ferry provides a vital connection between the North and South sides of Chesapeake City Maryland, crossing the historic and man-made Chesapeake & Delaware Canal. This vessel is also available for small excursions.