"Robert Smalls worked as a wheeler or pilot on the Confederate steamer, the Planter, along with seven other slaves. They planned and executed the most daring and courageous feat of anyone during the Civil War. On a dark night in May 1862, when the captain and other white officers left the boat docked in Charleston harbor and went into Charleston to spend the night, Smalls and his comrades gathered their families . . . . ." Read the Full Story

How do I have a private party on the Indian River Queen?
Call our office 321-454-7414. We will first check the date you would like to have your event. If the Queen is available you can submit a $350 non-refundable deposit to secure the date. The time and date will no longer be available for anyone else. Once your date is secured the Queen's Event Planner will assist you with all of the details and services you would like to enjoy during your event. You will need to have an estimate of the number of guest that you will be hosting. The type of food and beverage service you would like to provide. You will also be able to choose the type of entertainment you would like to offer your guest. Once all of these details are finalized the Queen's Event Planner will begin pulling all of the details together. 50% of the event quote must be paid 3 months prior to your event. The balance will be due in full two weeks prior to your event. If you are booking a last minute affair, then the balance must be paid in full within two weeks prior to your event.

Can I hire my own caterer?
Yes. As long as they are licensed and insured. I do recommend that you choose a caterer who has worked onboard the Queen before so that they are prepared properly to serve at your event. I highly recommend that you use the Catering Team who we contract on a regular basis. They provide excellent food and service and you know exactly what they need to bring to serve onboard the Queen.

How long will my private charter last?
As long as you like. I recommend 3-4 hour events. I never recommend an event to last longer then 4 hours if you are providing an open bar.

How much does it cost?
Cost varies depending on the personal details of you event. You can be as extravagant or modest as you like.

What should I wear?
Depends on the type of event you are attending. If you are a guest at someone’s wedding on the Queen I suggest you dress appropriately for a wedding. If you are invited to attend a corporate gathering I suggest business attire unless your host has stated casual. Public cruises are typically casual. Holiday parties are cocktail attire. Theme cruises - dress for the theme for example if you are invited to a private party, dress as a pirate. Castaway party, come as one of the castaways. 70’s wear your favorite disco duds.. If its cold wear a jacket. If its rainy, bring an umbrella and wear a rain jacket to walk to the Queen. I always recommend non-skid flat shoes.

Can I get married onboard?
The Indian River Queen is a magical place to get married. The Captain can also perform your ceremony. Your guest will enjoy everything occurring at one venue. Everyone who has been married on the Queen reports that their guest still tell them that their wedding onboard the Indian River Queen was the best wedding ever!!!

Can I have a dockside party?
Yes. We have special dockside rates if you choose not to cruise during your private party.

Can I have a Memorial Service onboard the Queen?
Yes. I recommend a dockside event for this type of special gathering. This gives your guest the option to pay their respects and come and go as they please.

Can kids come?
Absolutely. Kids are always welcome on the Queen. Daytime cruises are best for families with children. The kids are invited to enjoy a private tour of the wheel house, drive the Queen and meet the Captain. However, if you are invited to a private gathering that will have an open bar, I recommend you leave the kids at home and bring them another time.

Do you have a bar onboard?
Yes we have two full service bars.

Is the food prepared onboard?
No. We only have a staging area for the Caterers. The food is prepared in a proper caterer’s facility.

Will I get seasick?
The Queen does not go in the ocean. The Queen does not rock like a normal boat because of the design. Very few people have ever gotten motion sick onboard.

What if it rains?
The Indian River Queen has a fully enclosed air-conditioned room that you can gather in the event of rain. Also the second deck has rain gear along the railings to keep you dry. Bring an umbrella to keep you dry as you walk to and from the Queen. The dock is quite long and you will get drenched if you don’t have proper rain gear.

What if its windy?
If the winds exceed 20 knots then the Queen will not leave the dock. The party will go on!

What if there is a hurricane?
Most likely the entire community wills evaluate if there is a hurricane warning issued in our area. The host will have to rescheduling their event to a new date. All fees will be transferred to the new date.

Is it okay for older people?
Absolutely. The Queen's Room is on the main deck that they may prefer. There are large windows, air-conditioning and restrooms in that room. There are stairs to climb if they want to go to the second & third decks so depending on their mobility they may choose to limit their time to the Queen's Room.

Can we decorate ourselves?
Yes. You can not use nails or tape that removes paint.

Are linens provided? Yes. What kind of Beer and Wine do you serve?
Bud, Bud Lite, Miller LIte, Michelob lite, Amberjack, Corona, Land shark, Coors lite, Heineken, Becks Dark, Wines Chardonnay, Merlot, White Zin, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigo

What else is on your bars?
Call /House Brand Bar: McCarmick Vodka, Beefeater Gin, Castillo Silver Rum, Coruba Dark Rum, Ballentine’s Scotch, Canadian Mist Rye, Pepe Lopez Tequila, Brandy, Early Times Bourbon, Assorted Hiram Walker Cordials, Ryan’s Cream, Café Aztec, * Smirnoff Vodka, Stoli Vodka, Tanqueray Gin, Bacardi Rum, Captain Morgan’s Spice Rum, Malibu Rum, Dewars Scotch, Seagram’s VO Rye, Jose Cuervo Tequila, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, Southern Comfort, JagerMeister, Jack Daniels Bourbon, Jim Bean, Kahlua, Carolyn’s Cream, Chambord, Pinot Grigo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, White Zin, Domestic & Imported Beer.

Captains Top Shelf: For a fee of $8pp you can upgrade your call brand bar to include: 3-olive Vodka, Grey Goose Vodka, Bombay Sapphire Gin, Chivas Regal Scotch, J.W. Black Scotch, Single Malt Scotch, Crown Royal Rye, Patron Tequila, Jameson’s Irish Whiskey, Grand Marnier, Drambuie, B&B, Courvoisier VSOP, Hennessey VSOP

How late can we stay out?
If you are on a private charter your cruise will last as long as the Host has chartered the Queen. 3-4 hours for the entire event is typical. If you are on a Public Cruise they the first 30 min. will be dockside while boarding, underway for 2 hours and back at the dock for an additional 30 minute to continue the party prior to disembarking.

Do we have to use your venders?
NO. All outside venders must be pre-approved by the Queen's Management. Venders must be able to provide a high standard of service to serve onboard the Queen. They also must be licensed and insured.

What happens if there is a storm?
Private Events will not be cancelled if there is a storm. However if there is a named storm threatening the area then the host will have the option of rescheduling. If the event is a Public Cruise then there is a chance the event will be cancelled.

What happens if I have to cancel?
All payments you may have made are non-refundable.

Is there some place I can get dressed before my wedding?
Yes. We have access to a lovely private room in the marinas lounge. Based on availability we will reserve this room for your use when you secure your event for no additional charge.

Can you pick us up at our own dock?
No. The Queen is two large to dock at a private dock without damaging the dockage.

Can you come to a different city to pick us up?
Yes, as long as there is a proper marina dockage to land the Queen we can relocate. However, there is a relocation fee that would be charged. In most cases this option is to expensive.

Who do you recommend for transportation?
There are a number of motor coach companies which we have worked with. We will recommend the best option once you tell us which city would like to be picked up.

Shuttles & Motor coaches: Travel Links: 321-631-7777

What is the local Taxi Cab number?
Cocoa Beach Taxi (321) 406-0440 Yellow Cab 321-722-0196 Tropical Storm 321-269-0682

How far away is the beach from the boat? About 7 miles.

Are there hotels close by?

The Clarion is about one mile from the Queen in Merritt Island. There are many beachside hotels in Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral that are about 7 miles.

How far away are you from Orlando?
Orlando Airport is 45 minutes away. Orlando Convention Center on I-Drive is about one hour away.

Can we have a meeting onboard?
Yes. The Queen provides MEETINGS WITH A VIEW. It is a wonderful venue to gather for meetings. Your attendees will appreciate not being in banquets room at the hotel all day.

What type of set ups can you provide?
Board room, class room, round tables, outside, networking.

How many people does the Indian River Queen hold? 261

What is the ideal number? 50-150
How many can eat in the Queen's Room? Up to 100. 75 are ideal.

Can we have a buffet set up on the other decks? Yes

What about parking?
Onsite parking during weekends & nights. No onsite parking during normal office hours due to limited space. Buses & shuttles can drop off anytime but are not permitted to park onsite anytime.

What is near by that we can see?
Cocoa Village, Riverside park, Island Boat Lines eco tours, Lee Weiner Park, NASA & Kennedy Space Visitors Center, Cocoa Beach, Port Canaveral, Jetty Park, Space Museum, Brevard Zoo, Ron Jons & Cocoa Beach Surf Companies, Merritt Square Mall.

Can the caterer provide special food for my guest who has food allergies?
As long as the request is made 48 hours prior to the private event. No special meals on public cruises.

How do I get our party supplies to the dock from the parking lot?
There are some dock carts you can use. Please be sure to return them to the location you found them after you are finished. You can use them again when you are packing up.

PUBLIC CRUISE QUESTIONS

Can I bring a baby stroller?
Yes. We encourage you to bring a stroller for wee ones so that they are comfortable and safe during the event.

Do you have high chairs?
NO. Do to limited space we do not have high chairs onboard.

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
Advance purchase is strongly recommended and our Public trips which often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance. Tickets can only be purchased in advance with a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.

Is there an age limit?
No - any age is welcome to join us on board. However, all guests must have a ticket, regardless of age. Our passenger capacity is strictly limited by safety and comfort considerations, as well as by the US Coast Guard.

What happens if it rains?
Your captain and crew watch the weather forecasts closely and want to ensure your trip is safe, enjoyable, and a memorable experience. In the event that current or predicted conditions get in the way of that happening, requiring us to cancel, we will contact you as soon as possible so you can join us at another date/time. Be sure to provide a good local contact number or cell phone you will answer while on vacation when purchasing your tickets.

What type of ticket should I buy if I'm bringing a very young child?
Every guest, regardless of age, needs a ticket. For children ages 2 and under, a free "Lap Pass" ticket is available if there are vacant seats remaining on the cruise. Children ages 3 through 12 must have a "Child" ticket.
Is gratuity included in the ticket price?
Gratuities for your Indian River Queen crew are not included in your ticket price. If you have a great time and wish to recognize the contributions of the crew, you're welcome to give any one of them a tip to be shared by all. We are occasionally asked what a good tip is - it's entirely up to you, but 10% is common.

Are group discounts available for the public tours?
Unfortunately we do not offer group discounts.

What wildlife do we see on the trip?
You may see bottle-nose dolphin, manatees and some species of shore birds.

Are drinks or food served on the trip?
Food and drinks are available on your trip, so we ask that you please do not bring your own with you. Most public cruises like this one have a buffet, coffee, tea, and water included in the ticket price. A full-service cash bar is available on board. On some special event cruises, food and drinks are extra.

Are we allowed to bring our own alcohol on board?
Absolutely not, any alcohol or illegal drugs will be confiscated immediately if found in possession. Any special request must be approved by management.

Can I bring a cooler, picnic basket, or other large items?
You are not allowed to bring coolers on board.

Are there restrooms on board?
The Queen has ladies' and men's restrooms located on two decks; however, they are not handicap accessible for passengers in wheelchairs.

What time should we arrive?
Due to safety reasons, boarding will begin 30 minutes prior to departure. If the musicians and caterers are ready, we may begin boarding earlier.

How far is the parking lot to the boat?
The walk is about 30 yards - if you need a walker or wheelchair to assist you, we have a place for storage on the boat.

Will I get anything when the trip is over?
At the conclusion of your tour we will provide passengers with a souvenir postcard.

What should I wear?
Dress appropriately for the weather conditions. The sun is much stronger on the water although the boat does have a roof that provides nice shade. We always recommend sunglasses and sunscreen. You will not be getting off of the boat so you don’t have to worry about wading in the water and the hazards associated with that. You'll want to wear soft soled rubber shoes or sandals on the boat. On windy or breezy days, skirts are not recommended. During the cooler months, you may want to bring a jacket or fleece or rain gear.

Will I get wet?
Maybe. If it rains or if it is a windy day you may get an occasional spray from the river.

Is there any shade on the boat?
Yes. The Indian River Queen has a fully air conditioned, enclosed dining room and a fully covered 2nd deck.

Is the Indian River Queen stable?
Absolutely! The Queen has a flat bottom and you will feel very little movement or rocking.

Are life jackets available on board?
Life jackets for all passengers are provided on board. Infant life jackets are not provided.

Will I get seasick?
Our guests usually find the Indian River Queen to be a very steady vessel. However, we advise that you consult with your doctor about taking preventative measures beforehand if you are prone to motion sickness.

Is the Indian River Queen handicap accessible?
Boats are not typically handicap accessible. However, we have been able to accommodate almost all passengers in wheelchairs. Only portable chairs can be boarded due to weight restrictions on the boats. Sometimes the water level prohibits us from being able to board a wheelchair safely. Do keep in mind that the restrooms on board are not wheelchair accessible.

Will we see a manatee?
Maybe. There are many manatees that inhabit the Indian River Lagoon. However, we can not guarantee sightings.

How far away are the dolphin from the boat?
Sometimes, the dolphin will follow along the side or behind the vessel. We cannot guarantee sightings.

Are any souvenirs available?
Yes, tee-shirts will be available for purchase onboard only. They are navy blue with yellow lettering and feature the Indian River Queen logo on the front and the phrase "Party Crew" on the back. They are available in menus M, L, and XL, ladies S, M, L, and XL, and children's M or L.

Are gift certificates available?
Yes, but only directly through The Indian River Queen by clicking the "Contact this seller" link.

Can I book a private trip or charter?
Yes! We offer private trips, too. We can accommodate a variety of special requests. Please use the "Contact this seller" link to inquire further about your options.

Do you offer team building events?
Yes! Our trips are perfect for team building and corporate events. If you are interested in hearing more about our special offers for team building, please click on the "Contact this seller" link and let us know what you're interested in.

Do you sell souvenirs on board?
Yes, we sell t-shirts and beer cozies.