For the first time this year, during the City of Mercer Island’s annual Summer Celebration, rides on the historic Virginia V Steamship will be available.

Tickets will go on sale on June 1 for both the daytime and fireworks cruise on July 9. The cruises will last an hour and a half, going west around the Island toward Renton, leaving and returning to the docks at Luther Burbank Park.

Daytime rides will take place at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The boat boards 30 minutes before departure.

The evening firework cruise that night,  will feature desserts, a no host bar and great views of the Summer Celebration fireworks show.

Tickets for the daytime cruises can be purchased by calling the Community Center at Mercer View at 275-7609.

Tickets for the daytime rides are $10 for kids 17 years and under, while riders 18 and over are $15 each.

The fireworks cruise tickets can be purchased through the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce office by calling 232-3404 or by going to this site. Tickets are $50 per person if purchased before July 6. After July 6 tickets will be $55 each. The ride begins at 8 p.m. and returns after the fireworks around 11 p.m.

The Virginia V is a steam powered ship that was built in 1921, and only one of two steam-powered, wooden hull passenger ships still in operation today in the U.S. The ship was completely restored in 1996 and 2005.

For more information about Summer Celebration, visit the city’s Web site.