Frequently Asked Questions

Where do we meet?

We meet at the yellow ‘Pirates‘ sign in front of the La Quinta Hotel @ Ripley Light Marina  located at 11 Ashley Point Drive in Charleston. 

While pirates typically live outside the law, we pride ourselves on being punctual and we ask that you plan to ARRIVE EARLY (we suggest 15 minutes prior to your assigned check-in time)  for your adventure as we can’t hold the cruise for stragglers. 

The Black Ghost has a cover but no enclosed spaces and Charleston weather can be unpredictable!

 

If it’s sunny, we highly recommend sunscreen. If it’s cloudy, consider a light rain jacket; We will still sail in a light drizzle, we’re pirates after all!  Also, it’s possible that a little light spray from the water cannons blows back aboard from the wind, but we typically stay dry.

Reservations are highly recommended as trips typically fill quickly. Walk ups are welcome, but a reservation will guarantee your family’s spot.

 

All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. However, we welcome anyone who may want to join in on their children’s or grandchildren’s pirate experience!

There be plenty of free parking directly in front of the marina. The La Quinta Hotel offers paid parking along the left side of the hotel (as you face the front of the hotel).

 Of course! In fact, we encourage it!!!   

 

Don’t have pirate swag?  You can order pirate headscarfs, foam swords and treasure pouches when you book your cruise or when you check-in for your adventure.

We can accommodate wheelchairs and mobility walkers but are unable to provide for any motorized scooters on the ship. Children with special needs are included in all activities aboard the ship.

Pirates aren’t used to lavish accommodations. That said, there is a mini port-a-potty on-board, but we recommend using shore-based restroom facilities before we cruise.

Full details on our cancelation policy may be found here.

Simple Answer: 

Drinks:  Yes

Food:     No

 

Drinks (even grog) and a small cooler are welcome aboard. We ask that you do not bring food as we pack so much into the cruise that there’s literally no time nor a place for eating. 

All passengers require a ticket, regardless of age, so they can be accurately counted in our manifest (a USCG requirement). We offer a reduced rate for babies/lap-children.

Each cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes.  We initially meet on shore at the yellow ‘Pirates‘ sign in front of the La Quinta Hotel where we check everyone in and brief our crew.  Check-in and briefing typically takes about 10-15 minutes. From there, we board The Black Ghost and cast-off. 

The majority of the adventure is aimed at children between the ages of 3 to 10 years old. That said, we’ve entertained everyone from two-year-olds to nanas!

Our cruise takes us on relatively calm waters. Therefore, motion sickness is normally not an issue, although the ship may occasionally rock on another boat’s wake. 

We have plenty of USCG approved life jackets on board, so no need to bring any.

Folding strollers are permissible, but most cruises fill up to capacity and there is very little room.  Considering the length of the cruise, it’s best if you can go without bringing it aboard.