About Us

Capt. Tony Newberry, founder of Island Cruises Inc., has spent a lifetime navigating the waters. His journey began in 1990 at just 14 years old, working on passenger boats in Carolina Beach. By the age of 19, he earned his captain's license and dedicated himself to full-time work on local boats. In 2003, his career expanded to the high seas, where he gained experience on cruise ships, oil field vessels, offshore construction ships, wind farm vessels, and core sample drill ships.

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With a deep love for his hometown and a vision to reconnect people with the beauty of Carolina Beach, Capt. Tony launched Island Cruises in March 2021, starting with the Island Explorer. His mission is to bring people together and showcase the charm of this coastal paradise, one unforgettable cruise at a time!