Red Dragon Pirate Cruises — Attraction in Port Aransas

4 adults and 3 kids went on the sunset cruise. I would say this is probably one of the very best activities on the island for families with pre-teen kids. However, there is an adults only deck with a terrific view! This is about a 2-1/2 hour actual cruise time event.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Get there about an hour and a half before your scheduled departure and check in - you will get a voucher for a free appetizer at Fin's Restaurant and Bar next door. (Food at Fin's was so-so, but came fast and had good drinks prices.) Wear very light clothing, as it gets pretty warm on the ship, even with some terrific breezes.

**Be sure to leave lots of extra time over the weekend if you are going to be crossing via the fairy - the wait can be up to an extra hour. The fairy is only a quarter mile from where the pirate ship launches.

Pre-show beings about 20 minutes before boarding and is funny for both adults and kinds - lots of audience interaction. Pre-boarding announcement sets out the rules. NOTE: THESE FOLKS ARE SERIOUS ABOUT THE RULES AND WATCH THE KIDS LIKE A HAWK - I REALLY APPRECIATED THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. For example, kids have to sit or kneel to look out open ship windows; no running on deck, no kids on the upper decks without an adult; kids are given name-tags before boarding, etc.

Upon boarding, each family has a picture taken with the pirates. (Available for $10 purchase at end of cruise if you like). You are asked to be seated until out of port - again, they are very serious about enforcing this rule and you will be abruptly asked to sit down if you don't.

Pirates are all very friendly, stay in character the entire time. They have a number of good lines when interacting with the audience and are funny. There are watergun fights, plastic coin treasure hunt, and face painting for the kids. These pirates also take the safety of every person very seriously, and will let adults and kids alike know if they're doing something dangerous on their ship.

There are light snacks (chips, pickles, etc.) for $1 and drinks (both adult and regular) on the ship. They will confiscate "stowaway" food from you, so don't bring any of your own on board. Adult drinks run $4 to $9 (beer, wine, slushy mixed drinks and full-bar cocktails "grog") which is honestly not awful for a vacation/special attraction type venue, and certainly cheaper than buying drinks at a sporting event or rodeo. The adult mixed drinks were strong; however, on my trip I noticed they monitor heavy consumption for safety. One review complained about the drink prices, but with as many kids as were on board, this trip isn't about getting hammered drunk.

The boat is big enough to be pretty stable, but for those who easily get sea sick or car sick, take your Dramamine.

PROS: *Ticket prices were really not bad for the quality, time and entertainment - I spent $228 for 4 adults and 3 kids at the "Sunset" price during peak season. *Pirates seem to enjoy their job and were great with both adults and kids. *Drinks were strong and fairly priced for a vacation event. *Safety is taken very seriously. *Sunset was really beautiful.

CONS: The only downside would be that it can be a bit crowded on busy days, a bit hot on hot days and most of all the volume tended to be a bit loud for my liking - three hours is a long time to...

The Red Dragon Pirate Cruise is an unforgettable EXPERIENCE that the whole family will love, enjoy and never forget!

From the golden doubloons to the swashbuckling crew and the wide-eyed pirate - you will remember this voyage for the rest of your days! The evening cruise delivers A breathtaking view of the sunset as the afternoon cruise offers a bounty of beautiful blue waters and a sunshine of experiences in the ocean open to the Sea. You will have a chance to see some tide with time as the pirate tales and camaraderie is tossed about the boat ! This is a modern day swashbuckling pirate crew; nothing like that of Jack Sparrow, but it is something that you will remember and enjoy time and time again - And before you embark on your journey you will will meet the Captain!

So put on you best pirate face- for this opportunity will lead you to take a photo with Captain Greybeard! For those of you who want to be a little more of a Pitate - there is a cheerful beautiful maiden in the galley- and it is always open!

Be ready at all times though- because Feud could Breakout - a battle of swords and gunfire - it's something the whole family will enjoy and take part of from infant to 199. If you have been on the ocean for a long time or if this is your first experience of leaving the world of landlubbers, you Will love this ocean voyage!

The crew is very helpful and very happy ( passing off their chores above deck...lol) and the comedy rolls on and on as this Red Dragon Pirate Voyage has set sail in a modern day. Built with modern-day engineering with two upstairs, a Captains Loft and two clean HEADS (BATHROOMS), the deck is spacious with room for much pirate tomfoolery.

My family of eight fully enjoyed this RED DRAGON two hour journey filled with Laughs, Dancing, food, beverages of your choice, adventure, sword fights, and an Amazon battle of pistolero's!

The only thing missing is someone walking the plank- oh but wait....there's always a first time for everything .. It could be your time - if you do not pass the test of time! The rule of the Sea- on a pirate journey...become one or don't...AND IF YOU DON'T...WELL, WALK THE PLANK!!!!!!

Enjoy everyone ...you cannot go wrong stowing away on this pirate Journey. I have to say the Red Dragon Pirate cruises is where "X" marks the spot!!!! A treasure among Treasures - enjoy your golden doubloons! And as we say in the way of the Tulsa Live way, "Go Get u Sum RED DRAGON PIRATE CRUISE! ...

First of all, we are a family of 4 (2 parents and 2 kids) that live 3 hrs from this location. We have been planning our family mini vacation to Port Aransas  for about a month now keeping in mind this is off season and things would be slower. I called about a month go and made a reservation for this Pirate ship. We were told that we were the first customers signed up and if they did not make 15 then the trip would be cancelled. I was told that I could call frequently to see how the numbers were looking. We booked for  Sunday but we were available on Sat if the Sunday was cancelled. I made sure the manager knew this and was assured by Angela that she would call and we could go out on Saturday. My kids were so excited that this was part of our mini family vacation. Fast forward to the Wednesday prior to arriving on Friday. I called and was told the number was up to 7. Was again assured we could make the Sat flight if it filled up more than then Sunday flight. Thursday prior to leaving ....called still at 7. Friday called and spoke to the manager and she stated we were good to go on Sunday and would not need to look at Saturday. Kids were thrilled.  Sunday 1 hour prior to departure we received a call that there was not enough people and it was cancelled....EXCUSE ME???? After going around and around with the girl making the calls we asked to speak to Angela the manager. Girl said she was at church. Asked for a call back and never ever received one. We stopped by the location and the Skipper even agreed that Angela should not have promised the trip. So, still no call from the manager....2 sad kids and a boat that went out yesterday!!! How do you do business like this? Yes I understand numbers as well as off season but this was absolutely ridiculous. If you don't want your vacation ruined, empty promises and upset kids then DO NOT GO HERE.  A few of our friends  have reservations that they will be cancelling tomorrow. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH this...