Cruises abound for fireworks bugs this July 4

You'll pay a premium to view the pyrotechnics from the water July 4.

Ordinary cruise costs are doubled, and sometimes quadrupled, when the regular appeal of a summer night on the water is amplified by the lure of the magnificent Macy's fireworks display.

The Hudson will be transformed into nautical parking lot Wednesday night, when thousands of boaters jockeying for a seabird's eye view of the fireworks festival clog the river.

The Coast Guard issues a special July 4 advisory notice each year regulating all vessel movement between 6 and 11 p.m.. This year, boats must make their way into designated viewing areas with thematically appropriate names like "Bravo" "Delta" or "Echo" sections, based on their size, by 8 p.m. Regular tugs, towboats and commercial vessels not there for fireworks gawking must be out of the regulated area by 6:30 p.m.

Alas, you won't be able to see the fireworks from the Staten Island Ferry: The last boat from both terminals departs at 7:30 p.m. with hourly service not resuming again until 11 p.m. Service is suspended in between, said the Department of Transportation "due to fireworks festivities."

Sausages, watermelon, slaw -- and, of course, suds -- will be served on The Brooklyn Brewery's excursion that is being held in conjunction with the NY Distilling Company and Brooklyn Roasting Company. Picnic lunches are also welcome.

The tri-level Paddlewheel Queen is an adults-only cruise with a three-hour open bar, dinner buffet and Top 40, hip-hop and dance music.

About 150 passengers are expected to board City Lights Cruises' 120-foot Amberjack to drink at the four-hour premium bar, dance and nibble at the three-entrée dinner buffet .

Want a chill sailing experience far away from the city fray?

The New York Sailing Center and Yacht Club will be setting off from City Island and sailing Long Island Sound to admire the more modest firework displays along the coast of Long Island. "You get miniature displays everywhere," said Sailing Center owner Capt. Stephen Glenn Card.

Circle Line tours are all sold out but if you just want to get close to the action without the grief of seasick kiddies, you can go to Circle Line's family-friendly Pier Party. Expect stilt walkers, costumed characters, carnival games and kid-friendly food available for purchase.