Night in Venice Cruise: Ocean City’s ICONA Yacht Experience

Evening light slides across Great Egg Harbor Bay as the ICONA slips away from The Point in Somers Point (998 Bay Ave, Somers Point, NJ 08244). On Saturday, July 25, 2026, join Ocean City’s 71st Annual Night in Venice aboard the ICONA Yacht for a three-hour front-row seat to a parade of decorated boats and illuminated waterfront homes winding between 17th Street and the Ocean City–Longport Bridge. Boarding begins at 5:30 p.m.; the yacht departs promptly at 5:45 p.m. Tickets are $95, include chef-curated hors d’oeuvres, assorted desserts, non-alcoholic beverages, festive swag, and an optional alcohol package available at purchase. This experience turns a local summer ritual into a floating social scene. From the yacht’s rail you’ll watch light displays reflect off the bay’s calm surface, framed by salt-marsh edges and the low, sandy spine of the Jersey Shore barrier islands. The back bays of Ocean City are estuarine in character—shallow tidal waters, marsh grass, and a coastline of private docks and Victorian houses that go all out for Night in Venice. Onboard, guests trade shore-bound vantage points for the moving tableau of boat bows, rope lights, and holiday motifs set against a dusky horizon. Practical details matter: arrive early with your ticket and signed waiver; late arrivals risk missing the departure and receive no refund. All sales are final and tickets are restricted to adults for purchase (tickets may be transferred). No outside food or drink is permitted. The Point’s dock at Somers Point provides easy pickup and drop-off, but parking fills fast on event nights—plan to carpool or use nearby municipal lots. Why book this trip? It’s the best way to experience a beloved regional tradition without the crowd crush on shore. The ICONA provides a comfortable, elevated platform for photography, socializing, and close-up views of decorated boats as they move along the bay. Couples, small groups, and seasonal visitors will appreciate the curated hors d’oeuvres and the sense of occasion—this year’s Stars, Stripes & Christmas Lights theme celebrates America’s 250th with an extra dose of pageantry. For photographers, aim for sunset into blue hour to capture reflections and illuminated facades; for families and friends, reserve early—availability is limited. Whether you’re a local marking a summer ritual or passing through the Jersey Shore in July, the Night in Venice cruise on the ICONA blends maritime calm, seaside spectacle, and a convivial onboard scene into a single memorable evening. Expect the air to smell of salt and grilling summer dinners, the breeze soft but cooling as the sun drops. Bring photo gear with stabilized lenses and a small windproof layer; wear comfortable shoes for boarding. The event is family-friendly to watch though purchaser age restrictions apply—plan accordingly and book early.