Book your tickets several weeks in advance. These fireworks cruises are very popular and tend to sell out fast.
Pack your rain ponchos and/or umbrellas. Fourth of July thunderstorms are quite common in the Midatlantic region.
Plan to arrive in Annapolis well ahead of sailing time so you can be sure to find parking. If you can't find a parking space in town, you can always park at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and take the shuttle down to Lawyer’s Mall in front of the State House, from which spot it's just a few blocks' walk down to the dock.
Eat a light supper before you board the ship, which will usually be around 6:30 to 7:00 PM (check with your individual cruise line). The fireworks cruises last from two to three hours, but they do not serve dinner on board.
Bring cash with you if you wish to purchase drinks (alcoholic or otherwise) or snacks aboard the ship. Some light snacks may be included in the price of your ticket, but drinks are only available from a cash bar.
Dress comfortably, as these cruises are pretty casual, not to mention sometimes soggy, affairs. You may wish to bring your dancing shoes, though, as a DJ will be spinning tunes all night long.
Enjoy your cruise up and down the Severn River, past the Naval Academy, and then some more of the Naval Academy (it's a pretty large place). Then look up in the sky for a truly breathtaking view from all angles as your ship drops anchor right by the barge from where the fireworks are launched.
