By Alexandra Pecci
Correspondent

According to the folks at the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company, a trip to Portsmouth isn’t complete without a harbor cruise. And with views of historical islands and lighthouses, live music, a full bar, and beautiful sunsets it’s hard to argue the point.

This Friday night, the cruise line’s Steamin’ Party Ship is hosting Massachusetts-based band The Groove Cats, who’ll play their mix of rock, swing, and party tunes during the two-hour cruise from Portsmouth Harbor to Great Bay and back.

According to Rich Ryzman, marketing manager for the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company, the Groove Cats play for one of their party boats every year because they offer something for everyone.

“The best thing about them is that they play everything from ‘60s to stuff today, which fits well with our party ships,” he says. “Our boat has a wide demographic of people who come on Friday nights. We have kids in their 20s to seniors.”

Plus, he adds, “They do a good job of getting everybody dancing.”

Dancing is just one of the things that make the Steamin’ Party Ship so much fun. The party boat, the three-deck M/V Thomas Laighton, holds up to 348 passengers and usually goes out Monday and Wednesday from 7 to 10 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. all summer long. There’s a two-hour cruise and live entertainment for three hours. Ryzman says they usually have live bands, with rock cover bands on Fridays and reggae on Wednesday. They’ll also occasionally have hip-hop or country cruises on Thursday nights.

The 21-plus party boats also have a snack bar with soft pretzels, hot dogs, and nachos, and three fully stocked cash bars.

“It’s a floatable function hall, and it’s a great place to meet people locally,” Ryzman says.

In addition to its party boats, Isles of Shoals Steamship Company also offers cruises of Portsmouth Harbor and around the Isles of Shoals, as well as the chance to explore Star Island, one of the nine islands that make up the Shoals. Star Island is a Victorian throwback, where the sweeping, whitewashed Oceanic Hotel overlooks the sparkling Gulf of Maine and stone cottages dot the landscape. Visitors can wander around the island for up to four hours, depending on the cruise, and take a guided tour with a historian.

Whether you’re into reggae, rock, history, dancing or just want to enjoy the ocean on a summer night or day, Isles of Shoals Steamship Company seems to have something for everyone.

“It’s a good way to get out on the town and see Portsmouth from a unique angle,” Ryzman says.

If you go:
What: Isles of Shoals Steamship Company’s Steamin’ Party Ship
Where: 315 Market St., Portsmouth
When: Friday, July 23; boarding starts at 8 p.m.
How: Tickets cost $11 online or $15 at the door
Learn more: 431-5500 or www.islesofshoals.com