Wilmington’s vibrant Riverfront is once again buzzing with excitement as the beloved Riverboat Queen has made its grand return, offering delightful cruises along the Christina River. Alongside this iconic vessel, the River Taxi adds to the nautical charm, with its own unique wine cruises departing near the bustling 600 Block Of Justison Street. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor seeking a memorable experience, the Wilmington Riverfront promises an array of on-the-water activities for everyone.
The Riverboat Queen, a charming SkipperLiner paddle wheeler, has resumed its leisurely journeys on the Christina River, marking a welcome comeback after a brief hiatus since 2015. Docked conveniently at the Wilmington Riverfront, near popular spots like Joe’s Crab Shack and Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, the Riverboat Queen invites guests to indulge in scenic cruises paired with delicious dining experiences.
Riverboat Queen cruising on the Christina River near Wilmington's 600 block of Justison Street.
While the famed all-you-can-eat crab dinners of the past are no longer on the menu, the Riverboat Queen now presents a diverse selection of culinary cruises. Thursdays evenings are reserved for enchanting two-hour sunset dinner cruises, while Sundays offer both relaxing brunch and supper cruises. Priced at $45 for adults and $22.50 for children (ages 3-12), these cruises provide exceptional value for a unique dining and sightseeing experience. A full-service cash bar is also available, ensuring guests can savor their favorite beverages while enjoying the picturesque views.
Joseph Valenti, marketing manager of the Riverfront Development Corp. of Delaware, the current owner and operator of the Riverboat Queen cruises, explains that each event spans three hours. This includes an hour of relaxed dining while docked, followed by a delightful two-hour cruise. The scenic route takes passengers through downtown Wilmington, gracefully navigating the Christina River before crossing into the Brandywine River, extending towards the Delaware Memorial Bridge at the mouth of the Delaware River, and then returning to the Riverfront.
For those seeking a special celebration, the Riverboat Queen hosted two special barbecue cruises on the Fourth of July, including a fireworks viewing cruise which was a sold-out event, highlighting the popularity of these river excursions. The regular weekly cruises on Thursdays and Sundays are strategically scheduled to enhance the weekend experience, offering perfect opportunities to unwind and enjoy the riverfront ambiance.
The Riverboat Queen boasts a rich history at the Wilmington Riverfront. From 2009 to 2015, under the ownership of Wilmington police officer Lt. Steven Barnes, it became a beloved fixture. Initially docked in the 600 block of S. Madison St., adjacent to Iron Hill Restaurant & Brewery, the Riverboat Queen quickly gained fame for its all-you-can-eat crab cruises. Guests reveled in the experience of feasting on steamed crabs from Chesapeake City, Maryland, accompanied by music, drinks, and the ever-changing panorama of the Wilmington skyline.
Barnes’ vision of combining dining, entertainment, and scenic cruising proved to be a significant draw, contributing to the revitalization of Wilmington’s waterfront. However, after six successful years, rising maintenance costs led Barnes to retire from the business. He expressed gratitude for the loyal customers who supported the Riverboat Queen, acknowledging its established tradition on the riverfront.
Recognizing the Riverboat Queen’s importance to the Wilmington Riverfront, Mayor Michael Purzycki, then executive director of the Wilmington Riverfront Corp., played a key role in ensuring the ship remained a part of the waterfront experience. The Riverfront Development Corp. acquired the vessel in 2016 and undertook significant renovations, including structural improvements, fresh paint, a new awning, carpeting, updated fixtures, and a revamped bar area. These enhancements have revitalized the Riverboat Queen, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all passengers.
Captain Roy Rogers, a seasoned mariner with extensive experience captaining similar vessels in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, now commands the Riverboat Queen, adding expertise and professionalism to the cruise operations.
While the Riverboat Queen is not equipped for onboard cooking due to Coast Guard regulations for its size, the culinary offerings remain a highlight. The meals are expertly prepared by Sodexo’s culinary team at the Chase Center on the Riverfront. This collaboration ensures high-quality, buffet-style dining, with menus featuring barbecue favorites for Thursday dinner and Sunday supper cruises, and a delightful brunch spread on Sundays.
The Thursday and Sunday supper menus include mouthwatering grilled barbecue chicken breasts, Angus hamburgers, grilled black bean veggie burgers, slow-smoked baby back ribs, and a variety of classic sides and desserts. Sunday brunch features an array of breakfast staples, alongside elegant dishes such as whole side salmon with panko dill crust, pan-seared chicken Marsala, and pasta primavera.
Reservations are highly recommended for Riverboat Queen cruises, though walk-ins are welcome based on availability. With a seating capacity of 80, the intimate setting ensures a personalized and enjoyable experience. The Riverboat Queen also offers private charters for groups of 50 or more, providing customizable menus and entertainment options, ideal for special events ranging from rehearsal dinners to corporate gatherings.
Adding to the riverfront’s allure is the River Taxi, which departs from Dravo Plaza on Justison Street, conveniently located in the 600 block of Justison Street. The River Taxi offers unique one-hour wine cruises on Wednesday evenings throughout June, July, and August. These “Cruise to Nowhere Wine Tasting” excursions take passengers on a scenic journey along the Christina River towards the I-495 bridge, featuring curated wine selections each week. For $20 per person, guests can enjoy a delightful wine tasting experience, with an optional fruit and cheese snack box available for an additional $6.
Riverboat Queen cruising on the Christina River near Wilmington's 600 block of Justison Street.
The River Taxi also provides family-friendly cruises on Tuesdays and Thursdays, priced at just $4 per person. Tuesday evenings feature nature-focused cruises with guides from the Delaware Nature Society, while Thursday evenings transform into karaoke cruises, offering fun for all ages. Reservations for River Taxi cruises are required and can be made by phone or online.
Wilmington’s maritime history further enriches the Riverfront experience. The Riverboat Queen itself was built in 1988 by SkipperLiner Inc., a company once renowned as the largest builder of luxury houseboats and commercial passenger boats in the nation. The Riverboat Queen, originally named Belle of Graton and later Spirit of Pennsylvania, once graced Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia before finding its home in Wilmington.
Wilmington boasts a legacy as a significant shipbuilding center for over 300 years. Adding to the historical tapestry is the Kalmar Nyckel, a replica of the ship that brought Swedish settlers to establish present-day Wilmington. Docked at the Riverfront, the Kalmar Nyckel offers day sails, pirate sails, tours, and river cruises, providing an immersive glimpse into maritime history. The annual Wilmington Pirate Festival, held at the Kalmar Nyckel shipyard and adjacent Fort Christina Park, is a popular event that celebrates this rich heritage.
The return of the Riverboat Queen and the ongoing offerings of the River Taxi, especially the wine cruises departing from the 600 block of Justison Street area, solidify the Wilmington Riverfront as a premier destination for entertainment and recreation. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing brunch cruise, a sunset dinner, a wine tasting experience, or a family-friendly adventure, the Wilmington Riverfront offers a diverse range of on-the-water activities to create lasting memories. Plan your visit today and discover the charm of Wilmington’s revitalized waterfront.
If You Go: Riverboat Queen Cruises
- Where: Public docks at the Wilmington Riverfront behind Joe’s Crab Shack and Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in the 600 block of S. Madison St.
- When:
- Thursday Dinner Cruise Boarding: 5:30 PM, Departs: 6:30 PM, Docks: 8:30 PM
- Sunday Brunch Cruise Boarding: 10:30 AM, Departs: 11:30 AM, Docks: 1:30 PM
- Sunday Supper Cruise Boarding: 3:30 PM, Departs: 4:30 PM, Docks: 6:30 PM
- Cost: $45 adults, $22.50 children (ages 3-12), free for children under 3. Cash bar available.
- Information: wilmwaterattractions.com/riverboat-queen/ or call (302) 425-4890.
If You Go: River Taxi Wine Cruises
- Where: Dravo Plaza dock on Justison Street (near Timothy’s Restaurant), 600 block of Justison Street.
- When: Wednesday evenings in June, July, and August. Cruise times: 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM.
- Cost: $20 per person, $6 additional for fruit and cheese snack box.
- Information: wilmwaterattractions.com/river-taxi/ or call (302) 425-4890.
