Explore Patriot Cruises
Learn more about all of our offerings.
Your Cruise Awaits…
A St. Michaels tradition since 1969, Patriot Cruises takes passengers for an exploration of the Miles River on a 65-foot, USCG-inspected vessel built to resemble a traditional Chesapeake Bay steamboat. With its signature Narrated Historical Cruises and numerous specialty cruises, PATRIOT offers a memorable experience for all ages with on-board amenities that include a beverage and snack bar, indoor air-conditioned spaces, an upper outdoor deck, and bathrooms.
During its season from April-November, PATRIOT departs from St. Michaels harbor at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Free parking is available in CBMM’s lot. Our cruises sometimes sell out. We recommend you reserve your tickets ahead of time.
CBMM members save $6 per ticket on all cruises. For online purchases, simply log into your membership account and the discount will be automatically applied.
Everyone can save $2 by purchasing tickets in advance online. Buy a combo ticket to enjoy CBMM general admission and a cruise aboard PATRIOT. These tickets can be purchased in advance online or in-person at Patriot Cruises Ticketing at CBMM’s South Entrance or Welcome Center.
Introducing Family Funday Sundays: New this season, children ages 17 and under ride free on Sundays. Reserve these free tickets in advance online or at Patriot Cruises Ticketing. Join us to make memories on the Miles River!
Narrated Historical Cruises
On our signature 70-minute cruise, you’ll discover our region’s rich and diverse history while soaking in the sights along the Miles River. Guests of all ages will delight in exploring this quintessential Chesapeake landscape from our two-level cruise boat, glimpsing historic mansions and native wildlife along the way. The narrations share stories of the people, industries, and moments that define these waters. New this season, children ages 17 and under ride free on Sundays!
Tickets
Adults (ages 18-64): $30 online, $32 in-person
Seniors (ages 65+): $27 online, $29 in-person
Children (ages 6-17): $10 online, $12 in-person
Children (ages 5-and-under): $5 online, $7 in-person
Evening River Cruises
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful Miles River on a 70-minute cruise aboard PATRIOT. Get the best views of St. Michaels from the upper deck of our two-story vessel. Feel the gentle sea breeze with a cold drink and our cool playlist. Cocktails, mocktails, sodas, snacks, wine, and beer are available for purchase from the onboard bar. Can’t choose? Ask the bartender about wine or beer tastings!
Our Evening River Cruises have finished for the season. Please check back for more information on these cruises next year!
Tickets
Adults (ages 18+): $38 online, $40 in-person
Children (ages 6-17): $5 online & in-person
Children (ages 5-and-under): Free online & in-person
Live Music Cruises
Join in on the fun! Feel the rhythm on our 70-minute Live Music Cruises aboard PATRIOT featuring the Chesapeake Bay’s best singers and songwriters. Cocktails, mocktails, sodas, snacks, wine, and beer are available for purchase from the onboard bar. Can’t choose? Ask the bartender about wine or beer tastings!
These cruises are available at 5pm and 7pm on select weekend dates throughout the summer.
Tickets
Adults (ages 18+): $38 online, $40 in-person
Children (ages 6-17): $5 online & in-person
Children (ages 5-and-under): Free online & in-person
Upcoming Live Music Cruises
Fresh Squeezed OJ: Sept. 6
Michael Waskey: Sept. 5
Log Canoe Spectator Cruises
Enjoy a cruise to watch the log canoe races on the Miles River from the comfort of PATRIOT. Log canoe races are a quintessential Chesapeake pastime, and a log canoe charter provides an up close and exciting look at the action.
This cruise will be offered during morning racing on Saturday, July 25 and Saturday, Sept. 19.
Tickets
Adults (ages 18-64): $45 online, $47 in-person
Seniors (ages 65+): $43 online, $45 in-person
Children (ages 6-17): $20 online, $22 in-person
Children (ages 5-and-under): $5 online, $7 in-person
Flag Day Boat Parade Cruise
Celebrate Flag Day in St. Michaels! If you didn’t know, this is a huge weekend in our little town. This year, the party is even bigger celebrating America’s 250. Join us aboard PATRIOT on Sunday, June 14, from 12:30-2:30pm for a family-friendly cruise on the Miles River as we participate in a Patriotic Boat Parade. Get front row seats to see vessels large and small decked out in red, white, and blue. Enjoy the playlist, sip on cold drinks, and celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with Patriot Cruises.
Tickets
Adults (ages 18-64): $45 online, $47 in-person
Seniors (ages 65+): $43 online, $45 in-person
Children (ages 6-17): $20 online, $22 in-person
Children (ages 5-and-under): $5 online, $7 in-person
Patriot Cruises Season Passes
Patriot Cruises Season Pass sales for the 2026 season have ended. Please check back early next year for info on purchasing 2027 season passes.
This limited-availability pass is exclusively for CBMM members and includes more cruises and more perks than ever before for the 2026 season.
The 2026 Patriot Cruises Season Pass covers our full schedule of more than 300 public cruises, including our Narrated Historical Cruises, Evening River Cruises, Sunset Cruises with Live Music, and Log Canoe Spectator Cruises. The cost is $149 for one passenger, $199 for two, and $399 for four.
What’s included?
- Access to ALL public cruises on PATRIOT throughout the season running April-November
- 20% off PATRIOT’s on-board bar and souvenirs
- Unlimited rides on CBMM’s Historic Workboat Experience
- 10% off PATRIOT private charters
Patriot Cruises Season passes are non-transferrable and cannot be shared. (Please note that these passes are intended for adult passengers. Child tickets can be purchased for individual cruises at the already reduced price.)
Not a member yet? Join today to unlock insider access to our campus and collection while supporting our mission as a steward of this special place.
Refund Policy: Once tickets are purchased, we have a no refund policy. If you notify us of an emergency, traffic, or medical issue at least two hours before your cruise, we will allow you to reschedule your cruise to a later date and/or time in the season.
Contact Us: For cruise information, rescheduling, and general questions, contact patriotcruises@cbmm.org. For scheduling Private Charters and Groups, contact Sales & Operations Manager Joyce Gauthier at jgauthier@cbmm.org. You can also reach out by phone at 410-745-3100, and we will get back to you within one business day.