EXPERIENCE WORLD WAR II AFLOAT
You’re in 1944, the world is at war, and you’ve just set sail to cross the Atlantic on S.S. JOHN W. BROWN – who knows what adventures lie in wait! Spend an exciting day in 1944 as you experience a sea and air adventure aboard our restored Liberty ship. Entertainment and music of the 40's, and fly-bys of vintage World War II aircraft (weather permitting) await you!
The ship is open for you to visit. View the magnificent 140-ton triple-expansion steam engine as it powers the ship through the water. Tour museum spaces, crew quarters, bridge, flying bridge, wheelhouse, radio room, mess rooms, troop berthing areas, stern gun deck and much more.
Check out our available cruises, and select a date to embark on a voyage of your own below. Questions? The guide below will most certainly help. This is Living History!
2025 Cruises on the Chesapeake Bay
May 24 & September 13
Tickets will be available soon
Project Liberty Ship is happy to announce we will have two cruises in 2025. Our shipyard visit was a little rough and we needed to replace some steel plate and it cost us over $300,000. Thank you to our members, crew and friends that have supported us. We hope you will come and sail with us in 2025.
Ticket Prices
Early Bird tickets
general admission - Adult & children -
Small Group (4 to 20) -
All ticket pricing includes all ticket fees.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Last day to purchase tickets is 14 days before the cruise
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.
Name Changes: Email us at john.w.brown@usa.net, Subject line: Cruises, or call 410 558-0164. Include the name that is to be removed and the replacement, so we can make the change and resend your tickets.
Changes must be made by 14 days before a cruise. No exceptions.
Uncomfortable ordering online: call the Reservation service at 410-558-0164 to order your tickets.
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FOR QUESTIONS: EMAIL US AT JOHN.W.BROWN@USA.NET OR CALL OUR RESERVATION SERVICE AND LEAVE A MESSAGE: 410-558-0164.
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For all of our Cruises
We sail from : Cruise Maryland Terminal: 2001 E McComas St, Baltimore MD
Passengers can begin to arrive at 7:15am.
Parking is free, follow the directions of our crew.
Passenger check-in begins at 7:45am
Boarding- 8:00am to 9:00am. All passengers must be aboard by 9:00am as the crew needs time to prepare the ship to sail at 10:00am.
For questions: e-mail us at john.w.brown@usa.net Subject line "Cruises"
or call the Reservation Service and leave a message 410-558-0164
We depend on the cruise income to “Keep Our Ship Sailing.” We look forward to having you aboard on a cruise or at an event when things open up. Please consider becoming a member, volunteer or making a small donation https://www.ssjohnwbrown.org/take-action.
Guide to Our Chesapeake Bay Day Cruises
Each 6 hour day cruise features: music of the 40’s; period entertainment & historical re-enactments; fly-bys (weather permitting) of vintage World War II aircraft, with the ship's Armed Guard gunners manning the guns to defend the ship Tour museum spaces, crew quarters, bridge and much more. View the 140-ton triple-expansion steam engine as it powers the ship through the water. Lunch, afternoon snacks and beverages included. Visitors must be able to walk up steps to board the ship.
Where does the ship sail from?
Our cruises board at the Cruise Maryland Terminal, South Locust Point, 2001 East McComas Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230. The Cruise Maryland Terminal is located just off 1-95 North, close to Fort McHenry. Complete instructions, including driving directions and security information, will be emailed 4 weeks before the cruise.
How do I get to the Cruise Maryland Terminal?
From the NORTH
Follow I-95 South through the Fort McHenry Tunnel; be sure to be in the right lane when going through the tunnel.
Take Exit 55, Key Highway, the first exit immediately after the tunnel.
At the first light, make a left turn onto East McComas Street. Look for signs directing you to S.S. JOHN W. BROWN. The entrance to the Cruise Maryland Terminal will be on your right a short distance further down McComas Street.
From the SOUTH
Follow I-95 North to Exit 55, Key Highway.
At the bottom of the ramp proceed straight, staying in the right lane on East McComas Street. Look for signs directing you to S.S. JOHN W. BROWN. The entrance to the Cruise Maryland Terminal will be on your right a short distance further down McComas Street.
From BALTIMORE
Take Key Highway toward I-95 North.
Where Key Highway dead-ends at East McComas Street, make a left turn. Look for signs directing you to S.S. JOHN W. BROWN. The entrance to the Cruise Maryland Terminal will be on your right a short distance further down McComas Street.
Where do I park my car at the Cruise Maryland Terminal?
There is ample free parking at the terminal. Please follow the directions of our crew while parking and exercise caution while driving or walking in the parking lot.
Do I need to bring an ID?
All persons age 16 and older MUST have a photo ID to enter secure areas at the Cruise Maryland Terminal. 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.
Minor Release Form
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 and access to port and boarding facilities are controlled by the Maryland Port Administration and not by Project Liberty Ship. 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 and Port Security Officers.
How long is the cruise?
Passengers can arrive as early as 7:15 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 happens during the cruise?
We will first steam past famous Fort McHenry, then past the site of the Bethlehem-Fairfield Shipyard, where S.S. JOHN W. BROWN was built in 1942.
Once under the Francis Scott Key Bridge we head south toward Annapolis and the open waters of the Chesapeake Bay. During the cruise we will stop for a memorial service and a wreath-laying ceremony. Throughout the day entertainment continues, with music of the 40's, barbershop quartet and lots more.
Watch the skies! Enemy aircraft may attack at any time. You can be sure that our Army Air Force or Navy fighters and our on-board Navy Armed Guard gunners will defend the ship from attack by the Germans or Japanese. We haven't been sunk yet! (Fly-by weather permitting.)
The ship is open for tours throughout the day. View the 140-ton triple-expansion steam engine as it powers the ship through the water. Tour museum spaces, crew quarters, wheelhouse, flying bridge, gun deck, messrooms, troop berthing areas, etc. Please note that, for reasons of safety, children under age 12 are not permitted to visit the engine room during our cruises. A few additional areas are off-limits to all visitors, either for safety concerns or for the privacy of our crew.
The Ship's Store will be open throughout the cruise where you can purchase souvenirs of your cruise.
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. It is a really long day for small children.
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. Include the name that is to be removed and the replacement, so we can make the change and resend your tickets.
Changes must be made by 14 days before a cruise. No exceptions.
How can I get other questions answered?
Please email us at john.w.brown@usa.net, Subject Line: CRUISES or call our reservation service at 410-558-0164.
