SS JOHN W. BROWN VISITS
NORFOLK, VA
MAY 20 - 22
The SS JOHN W. BROWN is Norfolk bound to celebrate their Maritime Day. The ship will be docking at the Half Moone Cruise Terminal next to the Nauticus Museum and will be open for tours. We will be offering one of our famous Living History Cruises. Be sure to get your tickets early!
Preliminary Itinerary
Last visitor aboard at 4pm on Friday and Saturday; Ship closes to visitors at 6pm.
Friday, May 20 Arrival
10 - 4pm: Open to the Public
Saturday, May 21
10 - 4: Open to the Public
Sunday, May 22
9 am - Living History Cruise Departs
To order tickets online click here.
The SS JOHN W. BROWN is a fully operational, steaming WWII memorial and museum ship. It is dedicated in honor of Merchant Seamen, the Naval Armed Guard, and the Shipyard workers of the Second World War.
Walk the Decks of this Historic Ship!
The S.S. JOHN W. BROWN, one of the last operating survivors from the great fleet of over 2,700 Liberty Ships and the last operational troopship of World War II, will call at Norfolk from Friday, May 20th through Sunday, May 22nd, 2016 and will be berthed at the Half Moone Cruise Terminal next to the Nauticus. During the visit the ship will be open for tours: Days and times to be announced. Tour the engine room, crew quarters, bridge, messrooms, troop berthing, museum spaces and much more. View the magnificent 140 -ton triple- expansion steam engine, and stand on the bridge from that historic time!
Take A Living History Cruise!
On Sunday, May 22nd the BROWN offers a “Living History Cruise.” The day cruise features: lunch, music of the 40’s, military and historical reenactors, flybys by World War II aircraft (conditions permitting). See the 140 -ton steam engine in operation, and much more! The JOHN W. BROWN is a National Historic Ship and is fully restored and maintained as close as possible to her World War II configuration and lacks modern conveniences. Visitors must be able to walk up the gangway.
The SS JOHN W BROWN is manned by an all volunteer crew. We keep her running with dedication and donations. If you would like to be a part of making this trip happen you can donate here.
Facts to know:
DO I NEED TO BRING AN ID?
On cruise day, all persons age 16 and older MUST have a photo ID to board the ship for the cruise. Acceptable forms of ID are a valid driver's license or a valid government-issued photo ID. The first and last name on your photo ID MUST match the name you supplied to Project Liberty Ship when you purchased your ticket. Guards cannot make exceptions or changes to the passenger lists.
NOTE: Each passenger younger than 18 MUST have a completed Maryland Port Authority (MPA) "Minor Release & Authorization for Access to MPA Property" form, signed by the minor's parent or guardian, regardless of whether the parent or guardian accompanies the minor when entering the Cruise Maryland Terminal. Please download, complete and bring with you the Minor Release form.
WHAT SECURITY REQUIREMENTS ARE IN PLACE?
Security is of utmost importance to us. All carry-on bags are subject to inspection prior to boarding. Firearms, knives, alcoholic beverages and hazardous materials are not permitted aboard the ship or in the terminal. Additional security requirements may be in place within the terminal or aboard the ship; please follow the directions of our crew members
HOW LONG IS THE CRUISE?
Passengers can arrive as early as 7:00 a.m with boarding starting at 8:00 a.m. All passengers must be on board by 9:15 a.m. to allow time for the crew to ready the ship to sail promptly at 10:00 a.m. The ship returns at about 4:00 p.m. and passengers begin debarking by about 4:30 p.m.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
That depends in part on the weather. If it's cool, bring a jacket or sweater. If it's warm, bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. If rain is forecast, dress accordingly; inclement weather won't stop us from sailing, except in extreme conditions. Although we do have chairs available, you may also want to bring your own folding chair. Don't forget your binoculars, camera and any personal medications. And your tickets!
WHAT DO I WEAR? WHAT SHOULDN'T I WEAR?
World War II military uniforms and other period clothing from the World War II era are encouraged!
Dress based on the weather forecast for the day. Casual, comfortable clothing and flat, closed-toe shoes are a good idea. A hat and sunscreen are a must on hot days.
For your safety, heels, clogs, flip-flops, sandals or any open-toed shoes are not permitted.
WHAT FOOD IS AVAILABLE?
All food is included in the ticket price. Lunch includes a variety of sandwiches, salads, beverages (coffee, tea, sodas & bottled water) and dessert.
Alcoholic beverages are not available nor are you permitted to bring alcoholic beverages aboard the ship.
DO YOU HAVE CHILDREN'S RATES?
No, all ticket prices are the same. We can't promise romance but mom and dad will have a much better time if they don't have to be concerned about the little ones.
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?
For cancellation for any reason 30 or more days prior to the cruise, there will be a $25 charge per ticket. There are no refunds for cancellations less than 30 days before the cruise.
HOW DO I MAKE A NAME CHANGE?
Email us at john.w.brown@usa.net, Subject line: Cruises, or call 410 558-0164. Changes must be made by 14 days before a cruise. No exceptions.
HOW CAN I GET OTHER QUESTIONS ANSWERED?
Please call our reservation service at 410-558-0164. Or e-mail Project Liberty Ship at john.w.brown@usa.net, Subject line: CRUISE.