Make It A Day (Or Night) To Remember On The Water
See Portsmouth & the Seacoast Like Never Before
Discover the Isles of Shoals & New Hampshire’s coastal beauty, rich history, and unforgettable sunsets aboard our scenic harbor cruises and vibrant party ships.
A top 'Things to Do' experience for visitors, tour groups, and locals alike.
Explore Our Cruises & Tours
Plan Your Outing or Tour Today!
Special Offer: $3 Off Per Ticket For Groups Of 25 Or More
Planning a group outing, celebration, or special event on the New Hampshire Seacoast? There’s no better way to experience the beauty, history, and energy of the area than aboard one of our unforgettable sightseeing or party cruises. Whether you're here to relax, explore, or let loose, the M/V Thomas Laighton and M/V Challenger offer the most memorable way to get out on the water.
$3 Off Per Ticket For Large Groups
Private Charters & Rentals Still Available
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Our Vessels
Whether you're joining us for a narrated harbor tour, a sunset music cruise, or an all-out celebration, our two distinct vessels each offer a unique experience on the water. Both boats are U.S. Coast Guard certified and operated by an experienced, friendly crew.
The NH Seacoast's Must-See Attraction Since 1986
The perfect experience for tour groups, celebrations, and coastal getaways for your visit to the coastal region of New Hampshire & Southern Maine. Our scenic cruises offer a one-of-a-kind way to explore Portsmouth Harbor and the Isles of Shoals. Unbeatable views, unforgettable memories, and fun for every kind of crew.
Take a scenic cruise through Portsmouth Harbor and enjoy a one-hour guided walking tour on historic Star Island. Explore Gosport Village, the Oceanic Hotel, and centuries of island lore. A perfect blend of sightseeing and New England history. We visit Star Island daily all summer!
Star Island Walking Tour & Harbor Cruise
Book Your Cruise Today – Seats Fill Fast!
Experience the Seacoast From the Water
Book Your Trip Today!
Scenic harbor tours, island adventures, themed party cruises, and unforgettable stories from the Isles of Shoals, Piscataqua River & Coastal NH & Maine!
Portsmouth’s best floating dance floor. Cruise the harbor for 2.5 hours with top DJs, themed nights, and three levels of non-stop music. Perfect for group celebrations, birthdays, and bachelor or bachelorette parties. 21+ only. Cash-only bar.
Party Ships
Spend the day on Star Island with nearly four hours to explore at your own pace. Includes a narrated harbor cruise, optional walking tour, and time to relax, wander, or take in the coastal views. Great for families, day-trippers, and history lovers.
Star Island Day Visit & Harbor Cruise
End your weekend with live acoustic music and stunning harbor views aboard the Thomas Laighton. This Sunday evening cruise features local artists, full bars, and a laid-back vibe. Cash-only bar. 21+ with valid ID.
Sunset Acoustic Harbor Cruise
Relax on a narrated cruise through Portsmouth Harbor and around the Isles of Shoals. No island stops, just scenic views, fascinating stories, and a peaceful ride. Ideal for photographers and casual explorers.
Isles of Shoals & Portsmouth Harbor Tour
From family outings and employee appreciation nights to birthday parties and bus tours, our cruises offer something for everyone. Groups of 25 or more receive $5 off each ticket, making it easy to plan an affordable and exciting group experience.
Perfect For Large Groups And Private Events
Looking for a more exclusive vibe? Rent the private fantail area on the second level of the M/V Thomas Laighton. It’s the perfect spot for semi-private gatherings during public cruises, with optional catering available to make your event even more special.
Host Your Own Private Party On The Fantail
We proudly welcome bus and motorcoach tours, whether joining a scheduled public cruise or requesting a customized sailing to match your itinerary. We’ll work with you to make sure your passengers have a one-of-a-kind experience they’ll be talking about long after they leave.
Bus Tours Welcome
Our high-energy party ship cruises are legendary on the Seacoast. With three levels of music, full bars, and themed nights, they’re built for celebrations. They’re a go-to for birthday parties, bachelor and bachelorette parties, anniversaries, team outings, or just a fun night out with friends. The views are incredible. The vibe is unbeatable.
Party Ships Like No Other
Full Vessel Charters Available
Looking for something fully private? Both the M/V Thomas Laighton and M/V Challenger are available for full charter rentals for weddings, corporate events, reunions, and more. Availability is limited, so please reach out early to discuss your dates and event details.
From casual sightseeing to all-out celebrations, our cruises deliver unmatched views, great music, and coastal memories made to last. Get in touch today to plan your group outing or special event on the Piscataqua River & Portsmouth Harbor
Whether you're hosting a private event, exploring historic islands, or simply enjoying the sights and sounds of the Seacoast, our vessels provide the perfect platform for unforgettable moments on the water.
Planning Your Visit
Before you set sail with us, here are a few important things to know to make your trip smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free:
- Boarding begins 30 minutes prior to departure.
- Bathrooms are available on both the M/V Thomas Laighton and the M/V Challenger.
- On-site parking is available for $5 per vehicle for the duration of your cruise.
- A full-service bar and snack bar are available on all cruises.
- Small coolers and bags are allowed on sightseeing and daytime tours.
- No bags, large purses, or coolers are allowed on Party Ships or Sunset Acoustic Harbor Cruises.
- Party Ship bars are cash only; an ATM is available on-site before boarding.
- Valid state-issued ID required for all 21+ events.
- No outside food or beverages allowed on Party Ship cruises.
- Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Most cruises sail rain or shine, with plenty of indoor and covered seating available.
- In the event of unsafe sea conditions, cruises may be canceled or delayed for safety; full refunds will be issued to ticketed passengers.
- Pre-booking is strongly recommended as many cruises sell out in advance.
- No smoking or vaping is allowed onboard either vessel, including e-cigarettes and vape pens.
If you have any questions before your visit, feel free to call us or contact our team through the form above. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!
The M/V Thomas Laighton is our flagship vessel and a Seacoast icon. Built in 1986 and recently renovated, this three-level ship has a capacity of up to 340 passengers and is designed for comfort, fun, and panoramic views. The vessel features both indoor and outdoor seating, three full-service bars (one on each deck), a galley snack bar offering hot dogs, pizza, chips, candy, and more, and four onboard restrooms. The second-level fantail area is available to rent for private gatherings during public cruises and includes optional catering options. The top deck level offers a completely open air experience and panoramic views of the Piscataqua River and Portsmouth Harbor with plenty of seating. This vessel is the largest public vessel on the NH Seacoast!
M/V Thomas Laighton
M/V Challenger
The M/V Challenger is our smaller, more intimate, single level vessel. The Challenger is perfect for quieter sailings, scenic transfers to Star Island, and is flexible for private bookings. With an open design and shaded seating, it offers excellent visibility and a comfortable ride through Portsmouth Harbor and out to the Isles of Shoals. While smaller in scale, it retains all the charm of our coastal cruise experience and is frequently used for the outbound portion of our Star Island Day Trips. The Challenger can also be reserved for private charters, with limited availability throughout the season.