WILMINGTON EVENTS FIELD GUIDE
Ring in the New Year on the River Aboard the Henrietta
A 2.5-hour New Year’s Eve celebration in Wilmington featuring DJ Kysheem Remix, open-air dancing, light hors d'oeuvres, and a midnight champagne toast—this guide outlines what to expect and how to plan.
Ring in the New Year on the River Aboard the Henrietta.
Welcome aboard the Henrietta for a downtown Wilmington New Year’s Eve cruise: an evening that trades crowded clubs for the river’s night air, with a DJ, light hors d'oeuvres, and a champagne toast at midnight. The event blends rooftop-style revelry on an open-air top deck with calmer, enclosed seating below, all while the city’s skyline passes by under the lights.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Live DJ & Open-Air Dancing
DJ Kysheem Remix provides the soundtrack while guests dance on the Henrietta’s open-air top deck; those preferring a quieter vantage can remain in enclosed seating on the lower deck.
Midnight Champagne Toast & Party Favors
A midnight champagne toast and party favors are included for all guests, punctuating the evening’s celebration as the clock turns to the New Year.
Downtown Wilmington Skyline by Night
Cruising the Cape Fear River offers a front-row view of downtown Wilmington’s illuminated skyline—an atmospheric backdrop to the music and festivities.
What the day feels like
What the Night Feels Like
The evening is structured as a late-night celebration: guests board ahead of sailing, the boat departs for approximately two and a half hours of music, mingling, and skyline views, and the night culminates in a collective champagne toast at midnight. The mix of an open-air top deck and enclosed lower deck allows for both energetic dancing and seated comfort while hors d'oeuvres and drinks are available onboard.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this event suits—and who might opt out.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
VIP boarding begins at 9:00 PM; the cruise sails from approximately 10:00 PM to 12:30 AM for a total duration of about 2.5 hours.
Light hors d'oeuvres, music by DJ Kysheem Remix, party favors, and a midnight champagne toast are provided; drinks are available from a fully stocked bar.
The vessel features an open-air top deck for dancing and an enclosed lower deck for seated comfort; guests may choose either during the cruise.
This is not a dinner cruise—expect light appetizers rather than a full meal; alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks are available for purchase at the onboard bar.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the cruise?
The event runs approximately 2.5 hours.
When do I need to arrive?
VIP boarding begins at 9:00 PM; the cruise sails from about 10:00 PM to 12:30 AM.
Where is the meeting/boarding location?
Boarding takes place in Wilmington, NC.
What is included with the ticket?
Tickets include light hors d'oeuvres, music from DJ Kysheem Remix, party favors, and a midnight champagne toast; drinks are available at the bar.
Is this a dinner cruise?
No—this event provides light appetizers but is explicitly not a dinner cruise.
Is there dancing and seating?
Yes—guests can dance on the open-air top deck or sit in the enclosed lower deck.