Pirates Voyage: Swashbuckling Fun Lands in Florida

Ahoy, Mateys!

By Jordan Staggs | Photography courtesy of Pirates Voyage

For locals and visitors of Panama City Beach, Florida, a new dinner theater experience offers the excitement of cannon fire, mermaids, buried treasure, rival pirate crews, and much more. Dolly Parton’s Pirates Voyage, also dubbed “the most fun place to eat” since opening in early summer, combines an acrobatic romp across the seven seas with an engaging storyline as Captain Blackbeard and his quartermaster, Calico Jack, employ the Crimson crew and Sapphire crew in a race to find the legendary sunken treasure of Captain Davy Jones. All the while, guests (who become honorary crew members, of course) enjoy a pirate feast served with flair.

Buzz about Pirates Voyage began in PCB when the large parcel of land west of Pier Park on Highway 98 was cleared to make way, and the enormous stadium-like structure was built over eighteen months. Those frequently driving past could see the horseshoe-shaped seating take shape. Still, the real excitement began when the pirate ships themselves became briefly visible before the building was completed in early 2025. This is the third Pirates Voyage location, with attractions in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It follows the tradition of immersive dinner theater experiences such as Dolly Parton’s Stampede, which has delighted audiences since 1988.

“I always find so much joy in developing entertainment projects that bring families together to create memories that will last long after their visit, and my new Pirates Voyage dinner show does that and more,” Parton said at the new location’s grand opening in early June. She went on to say, “The atmosphere and people here in Panama City Beach have been so welcoming and excited to have us here; it certainly reminds me of the other great family-oriented areas where we have my dinner shows. To me, it has been the perfect place to open this new Pirates Voyage.”

For guests who are big fans of Parton’s music, an original song called “Sail Away” is featured prominently during the mermaids’ aerial acrobatics, wherein the audience feels as though they have journeyed under the sea with these beautiful and mysterious creatures. “The excitement and adventure in Pirates Voyage are something I have loved being a part of, and I loved writing the song that our beautiful mermaids perform to, ‘Sail Away,’” Parton shared.

Above all, I see myself as a storyteller, and this is an entertaining experience that combines so many elements in one show that people will want to experience it again and again.

Pirates Voyage welcomes guests to join the crew and enjoy a pirate feast while the performers engage in high-flying acrobatics, diving competitions, swordfights, and a journey to mysterious waters in search of sunken treasure.

From pirates and mermaids performing high-flying and swashbuckling stunts to animal performers such as “Salty” the sea lion and a flock of colorful macaws, the show has something for everyone—action, adventure, and dare we say even a splash of romance? Guests are invited to cheer, sing, and “yo ho” their way through a four-course feast as they support their crew—the Sapphire pirates are led by Captain Indigo Debleu, and the Crimson pirates sail under Captain Red Scarlett. The voyage culminates in an epic battle during which specially selected members from each audience crew join the fun to participate in a series of challenges. The best out of seven wins—but don’t worry, there’s treasure enough to go around, and no matter which crew you join, you’re guaranteed a good time!

The Pirates Voyage begins in the lobby when you arrive at Pirates Village. Get there early to enjoy extra entertainment, learn some pirate shanties and vocabulary, and set yer sights on the Pirates Treasure gift shop! The bar is open pre-show and fully stocked with a curated selection of snacks and themed cocktails, frozen adult drinks, and nonalcoholic beverages in fun drinkware. Once seated with your crew inside Buccaneer Bay, dinner starts with warm Voyager Creamy Vegetable Soup and a Buccaneer Biscuit, then Half O’ Roasted Chicken and Me Hearties Pulled Pork, accompanied by a side of Cob-O’ Buttery Corn and Matey’s Mashed Potatoes. Dessert offers a choice of Apple O’ Me Eye Pie or a Chocolate Coconut Cake—both are delicious! Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals are available on request.

VIP tickets offer exclusive meet-and-greets, pirate swag, souvenir photos, and more, plus the best seats in Buccaneer Bay, where guests are right in the action! Other pre-show activities for purchase include mermaid and pirate makeovers and special animal encounters. With the busy summer season winding down in PCB, it’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy this new attraction, with performances nearly every day through mid-October and four times per week heading into November. Whether joining the crew for the first time or returning with new friends and family, an unforgettable adventure awaits.

“I know that I never get tired of seeing this show where you get to actually be part of the pirate crew,” Parton said. “Where else can you do that? I hope everyone who lives here comes to visit and will join the fun with us—we’ll even teach you how to speak some pirate talk. Ahoy!”

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Visit PiratesVoyage.com to learn more and plan your trip to join the pirates in Buccaneer Bay!