When you think of a pirate ship, you might picture sword fights, games, and kids running around. That’s not what you’ll find on the Adults Only Red Dragon Pirate Cruise out of Port Aransas, Texas. This version is strictly for grown-ups, and that’s exactly why we chose it. Sometimes you just want a night of music, drinks, and good company without all the kid-focused activities—and this cruise delivered.
For Lisa and me, it was the perfect chance to enjoy a fun evening on the water with our friends Dan and Maureen. We’ve shared plenty of adventures together, but hopping aboard a pirate ship for an adults-only sunset cruise? That was something new, and we were ready for it.
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Boarding the Red Dragon Pirate Cruise
The ship itself is impressive—painted bright red and styled after a classic pirate vessel, it looks like something straight out of the movies. From the moment we stepped aboard, the crew welcomed us with plenty of humor and a lively atmosphere. They weren’t there to perform skits or sword fights like the family cruises; instead, they created a relaxed, lighthearted vibe that let the drinks, music, and scenery take center stage.
Having Dan and Maureen along made the night even better. We grabbed a spot on deck, ordered our first round of drinks, and settled in as the Red Dragon pulled away from shore.
Drinks, Music, and Dolphins on the Red Dragon Pirate Cruise
The cruise didn’t include staged entertainment, and honestly, it didn’t need it. The atmosphere was laid-back, with reasonably priced drinks flowing from the bar and music keeping the energy upbeat. With a cocktail in hand, it was easy to relax and enjoy the ride.
The real show came courtesy of nature. Several dolphins swam alongside the ship, darting in and out of the waves as if they were putting on a performance. It was a highlight of the evening—everyone leaned over the railings to get a better view, and the excitement on deck was contagious. Seeing dolphins in the wild never gets old, no matter how many times you’ve spotted them.
As photographers, Lisa and I tried to capture the moment, but dolphins are nearly impossible to photograph well when they’re on the move. By the time you lift the camera, they’re usually back under the water. Still, watching them play in the surf so close to the ship was a highlight of the night, and one of those memories that’s better lived than framed.
The Lighthouse at Sunset
As the cruise continued, we sailed past the historic Lydia Ann Lighthouse, which has been guiding ships since the 1800s. Just as we approached, the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of orange, pink, and purple. The silhouette of the lighthouse against that colorful backdrop was breathtaking.
We snapped plenty of photos, but we also made sure to set the cameras down for a while and just soak in the moment. The warm glow of the sunset, the lighthouse standing tall, and the soft waves beneath us created a memory that felt timeless.
Why Adults Only?
One of the things we appreciated most about this trip was the adults-only atmosphere. We’ve been on plenty of family-friendly excursions, and they can be great, but sometimes it’s nice to enjoy an evening without kid-focused activities. The crowd was relaxed, the humor leaned more toward the grown-up side, and the whole experience felt like a night out with friends rather than a family outing. That’s exactly what we were looking for, and the Red Dragon delivered.
Tips for Booking the Red Dragon Pirate Cruise
- Book in advance – The adults-only cruises are popular and fill quickly.
- Arrive early for boarding – Grabbing a good seat on deck makes the ride even better.
- Bring tip money – The bartenders and crew earn it.
- Expect a party, not a show – This cruise is all about drinks, music, dolphins, and sunsets—not skits or sword fights.
- Go with friends if you can – Sharing the experience made it that much more fun.
Where to Book
To reserve your spot on the Adults Only Red Dragon Pirate Cruise, go directly to RedDragonPirateCruises.com. They handle all ticketing, schedules, and cruise options there.
They list all current schedules, pricing, and cruise options. Tickets for the adults-only sunset sail sell out quickly, so plan ahead.
Right now, the site lists:
- A 2-hour general pirate cruise (adults and children)
- An Adults Only Sunset Cruise (21+) — a shorter 1.5-hour cruise offered off-season on Thursdays, featuring music, drinks, and a mellow vibe
Other Adventures
Final Thoughts
We had a fantastic time on the Adults-Only Red Dragon Pirate Cruise. The combination of good drinks, upbeat music, dolphin sightings, and that unforgettable lighthouse sunset made it a night to remember. If you’re in Port Aransas and want a grown-ups-only outing that’s equal parts relaxing and entertaining, this cruise is worth taking.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or spending the winter on the Texas coast like we often do, the Red Dragon offers a unique way to experience the Gulf. It’s not every day you get to say you spent the evening on a pirate ship, rum in hand, dolphins at your side, and a Texas sunset on the horizon.
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