Pirates Voyage is Myrtle Beach's most spectacular dinner show and the one children talk about for years. Part of the family of attractions associated with Dolly Parton, it fills a purpose-built arena on North Kings Highway with a 15-foot-deep indoor lagoon holding two full-size pirate ships. The audience is split between two rival crews, the Crimson and the Sapphire, and cheers for its side as the pirates fight with swords, swing on ropes, splash through the lagoon and fly through high acrobatics, while mermaids, sea lions, dogs and tropical birds join the cast. Dinner is served during the show: a four-course pirate feast of soup and biscuit, roasted chicken, sugar-cured ham, buttery corn and mac and cheese, and dessert, with vegetarian and gluten-free meals available on request. The pre-show adds face painting and a sing-along, and the site suggests arriving up to an hour early. The 2026 holiday season brings an all-new Christmas show on select dates from November 4, 2026, to January 2, 2027: the Crimson and Emerald crews battle for Christmas plunder over the ships, Calico Jack and Blackbeard chase a traveler's missing gifts, and the evening closes with a live Nativity and a four-course holiday feast. The regular show runs on select days from February through December, so January after the holiday run is the only quiet stretch. Book online and choose your side and seating tier when you buy.
What sets it apart is scale. Most dinner theaters put the action on a stage; here the lagoon is the stage, and the ships, cannons, ropes and diving platforms surround the tiered seating so every row has a view. The pirate rivalry is the format that makes it work for kids: each side has its own captain and colors, the audience is coached to cheer and boo, and the competition runs through the evening. The animals are a big part of the appeal, with sea lions performing tricks in the water and birds flying over the seats.
Choosing tickets: you pick the Crimson or Sapphire side, then a seating tier (VIP, Preferred, Regular or accessible seating). VIP seats put you closest to the water. The meal is the same for everyone unless you request a special diet when booking. The show is loud and splashy, and the venue is busy, so allow time to park and collect tickets at the box office, then enjoy the pre-show entertainment before dinner service starts.
The Christmas version is a reason to plan a holiday trip around it. It keeps the acrobatics, water and ships but swaps the storyline for a festive treasure hunt and ends with the Nativity, which makes it a favorite for multi-generation family trips in November and December. Showtimes run late afternoon and evening. Pirates Voyage sits next door to The Carolina Opry on Kings Highway, so you can do one each on consecutive nights without changing your driving plans.
What to expect
The experience
A dinner show in an arena around a 15-foot indoor lagoon with two full-size pirate ships, rival Crimson and Sapphire crews, acrobatics, mermaids, sea lions and a four-course meal served during the show.
Best time
Any show date from February to December; the Christmas edition runs select dates November 4, 2026, to January 2, 2027.
How long
About two to three hours including pre-show.
Tips
Choose your crew and seating tier online. Arrive up to an hour early for the pre-show. Request vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free meals when booking.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with children of any age who want the biggest show in town.
- Families
- Outstanding: dinner, animals, water stunts and a crew to cheer for.
- Couples
- Fun as a playful date night, especially in VIP seats near the water.
- Pair with
- The Carolina Opry next door on another night; Ripley's Aquarium by day.
- Time needed
- An evening.
Good questions
When is the Pirates Voyage Christmas show?+
On select dates from November 4, 2026, through January 2, 2027.
What is served for dinner?+
A four-course feast with soup and biscuit, roasted chicken, sugar-cured ham, corn, mac and cheese and dessert, plus unlimited soft drinks, tea or coffee. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available on request.
Where is Pirates Voyage?+
At 8907 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, next door to The Carolina Opry.
How early should we arrive?+
Up to an hour before showtime to collect tickets and enjoy the pre-show, which includes face painting and a sing-along.
Is it open all year?+
The regular show runs on select days from February through December, and the holiday edition carries into early January.
