This summer, adventure awaits you aboard the “Fearless,” Fells Point’s very own pirate ship. Owned by two Baltimore moms, Urban Pirates creates a swashbuckling adventure you and your little pirates won’t forget. The Fearless sets sail daily from the Ann Street Pier for family cruises, private parties, adult-only cruises and birthday adventures along the Inner Harbor. Urban Pirates
offers something for everyone!
We spoke with owners, Lauren Bolin and Cara H. Joyce, to learn more – arg!
Charmed | What are tips to make your cruise as enjoyable as possible?
Urban Pirates | You should arrive 30 minutes prior to cruise time - we do all the face painting,
tattoos, and costumes before the cruise, and this also allows time for parking. No need to bring anything! We have free water onboard, and sunscreen if needed. Just dress for the weather and be prepared to have fun!
Charmed | How did you name the “Fearless”?
Urban Pirates | We had a nationwide naming contest with thousands of entries! We kept coming back to that name—it fit our business—we were fearless in our endeavor, it embodied what we wanted to bring out in the kids during their adventure…the opportunity to be Fearless!
Charmed | How many cruises daily?
Urban Pirates | We have 5 family adventure cruises daily (10/11:30am, 1/3/4:30pm). Every Wednesday and Friday at 9am thru Labor Day we offer FREE Pirate Story Time while docked. The 10am cruise following the story time is discounted to $15 per person. We also offer private adventure cruises.
Charmed | What is new and exciting?
Urban Pirates | We are changing up the script - our pirates are so creative we can’t keep up with their ideas! This summer is going to be full of new promotions, new cruises for ‘Tweens’, a Pirate’s Ball for kids in October, and tons of pirating frolicking on the water!
Charmed | What are B.Y.O.G. Cruises?
Urban Pirates | Bring Your Own Grog! For 21 and older pirates - an hour and a half of pure pirate revelry! And, Fells Point provides the most amazing setting for pre and post cruise activities. Every Friday and Saturday night, 7:30pm, 9pm and upon demand @ 10:30pm.
Charmed| Are reservations required or encouraged?
Urban Pirates| Reservations are strongly encouraged, we can’t guarantee room on desired cruises for walk up customers, even though we are more than happy to have them when there’s room.
Charmed| What is your cruise season?
Urban Pirates| We opened on Fell’s Point Privateer Day Festival in April, and will run weekends through Memorial Day, then daily through Labor Day, then weekends again through October 31st. Weekdays in April, May, September, and October we can run for parties and groups, etc. but are not open for regular cruises.
Charmed| What is your inclement weather policy?
Pirates aren’t afraid to get wet! If there are dangerous conditions, our captain will make the call at least one hour in advance of any cruise time. If WE cancel a cruise due to rain, we will call your cell phone and give you a rain check, or refund the full ticket amount.
Charmed| Are there special holiday/seasonal specials or events?
Urban Pirates| We do offer discounts on holidays, and have a fantastic offer throughout the year. July 4th we have a fireworks cruise! It is really spectacular, to see the fireworks from a pirate ship in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor once known as “the nest of pirates”! Check out additional specials at www.urbanpirates.com
Charmed| What inspired you to start Urban Pirates?
Urban Pirates| Cara attended a party with a similar operation, she called her husband from the party and told him this was what she was doing for the rest of her life- then she came to me and it seemed like an amazing opportunity to create something entertaining and unique in Baltimore for our families and our city. That was around June/July of 2007, we incorporated in September, and had the boat in the water open for business in April 2008.
Charmed| Having recently celebrated your second anniversary, what has been a key in making your business a success?
Urban Pirates| BEING FEARLESS! We never thought it would fail, the business fits an important niche in this city- we offer an amazing adventure to tourists and local families alike- for a great price! It has been a true collaboration- we have remarkable people working with us. From the beginning, Cara and I would look at each other and marvel at the talented, smart, and just plain ole’ good folks that are working so hard with us to make this business successful. That is what makes us believe this is a good thing- and that belief is what shows to our customers. We are moms, we know what families are looking for, and we provide it.
Charmed| What are your future plans?
Urban Pirates| We plan to continue to work hard to exceed the expectations of our customers by making this product the best it can be- there are also a few other irons in the fire…but that part we will keep locked in our treasure chest….for now.
Urban Pirates|
Ann St. Pier - Fells Point | 410.327.8378 | www.urbanpirates.com
Writer| Frankie Butry
Frankie studies Business Administration at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. He drives to take business beyond the classes and learn about the businesses Baltimore has to offer through Charmed.
