Frequently Asked Questions

  • By choosing to serve heavy hors d'oeuvres and/or passed hors d'oeuvres we can accommodate up to 110 guests utilizing both the parlor and upper deck.

  • Rental for private events includes up to 4 hrs of event time plus 2 hours before for set up and 1 hour after for clean up from the event

  • All catering for events must be provided by a licensed and insured caterer. We highly recommend having your caterer visit the boat to understand the unique limitations.

    Caterers can be recommended upon request!

  • Yes, we offer a full bar service.

  • We have a complete professional-grade sound system that can be tailored for various events, including multiple microphones.

  • We are a cashless vessel. If you would like to purchase a beverage from our onboard bar you will need a credit card.

  • Yes! We are hiring!

    Based in Edenton, NC

    (Seasonal March -December)

    Harbour Towns Cruises is hiring motivated, hardworking, reliable individuals to work aboard the Albemarle Queen paddle boat for the 2026 season.

    We are hiring:

    Deckhands,

    Bartenders,

    Historic Narrators in Period Costume,

    Musicians- Acoustic, duos, and instrumentalists.

    JOB DESCRIPTIONS:

    DECKHANDS:
    Job Summary: A deckhand assists the captain with navigation and docking, maintains a clean, safe, comfortable environment for passengers and crew members and provides quality customer service by providing a helpful, positive and friendly demeanor.

    Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
    Assist in safe boarding and disembarking of passengers, including ticket collection

    Handle mooring lines when docking the vessel

    Maintain daily pre and post cruise checklists

    Understand procedures for man overboard, fire at sea and abandon ship and dewatering/flooding

    General maintenance includes cleaning, painting and washing the vessels

    Participation in USCG required training drills

    Ensure proper setup for each cruise

    Act as lookout during inclement weather

    Keep an accurate passenger count

    Requirements:

     Must be 18 years of age or older

     Must be able to perform physical tasks which include lifting up to 50lbs, continuous walking and/or standing, and tolerate exposure to all types of weather;

    Pass a pre-employment drug test as per USCG regulations

     Must be willing to work a flexible schedule, which includes some nights and weekends

    Excellent customer service skills

    Hold a CPR and first aid certification and be able to provide documentation. If it needs to be renewed or secured, Harbor Towns will send you to a class.

    Flexible Hours

    Fun, outdoor work environment

    Please contact Captain Ran via call or text: 757-839-8433.

    HOSPITALITY 

    Bartenders- 

    21+

    Experienced  Preferred  
    Based in Edenton, NC

    (Seasonal March -December)

    Harbour Towns Cruises is hiring friendly, motivated, hardworking, reliable individuals to work aboard the Albemarle Queen paddle boat for the 2026 season. Must be able to lift 25 lbs and stand for three to four hours at a time.

    Departing Edenton and Elizabeth City

    Historic Narrators in Period Costume. 

    Musicians- Acoustic, duos, and instrumentalists.

    Ted Warren 252-339-1195

For Our Maritime Friends

  • The boat measures 99 feet with the gangway and 79 feet without it.

  • The beam measures 18 feet, and the draft is 4 feet.

  • The boat weighs 52 tons.

  • The boat is propelled by twin Cummins diesels, each powering individual paddle wheels. Additionally, it has bow and stern thrusters for safe docking.

  • The boat can cruise at a speed of 5 mph.

  • The Albemarle Queen operates with Cummins Diesel power on board and utilizes 100 amp fittings on land.

  • The boat has a water capacity of 500 gallons and a fuel capacity of 600 gallons.

    For catering purposes, there is no potable water on board

  • Captain Ran Keller is Captain of the Albemarle Queen. In addition to having served as a navigation and a tactics and pursuit trainer and instructor and serving in the command of CG STA Fort Myers Beach while in the Coast Guard, Captain Ran Keller, USCG, ret. served as a maritime instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and holds a 100 ton Merchant Marine Credential.

  • Each crew member has undergone training under Captain Ran to meet current USCG standards. They are dedicated to ensuring your safety and providing assistance throughout your journey.