Guide to Our Chesapeake Bay Day Cruises

• Where does the ship sail from?

Our 2012 cruises board at the Cruise Maryland Terminal, South Locust Point, 2001 East McComas Street, Baltimore, Maryland. The Cruise Maryland Terminal is located just off 1-95 North, very close to Fort McHenry. Driving directions will be sent with your tickets.


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• 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. 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. 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. 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.

• How long is the cruise?

  Passengers can arrive as early as 7:00 am with boarding starting at 8:00 am. All passengers must be on board by 9:00 am to allow time for the crew to ready the ship to sail promptly at 10:00 am. The BROWN returns at about 4:00 pm. Note: it can take 45 minutes to one hour to tie up and for all passengers to disembark.

• What happens during the cruise?

We will first steam past famous Fort McHenry, then past the site of the Bethlehem-Fairfield Shipyard, where the BROWN was built in 1942.

Once under the Francis Scott Key Bridge we head south toward Annapolis and the open waters of the Chespeake Bay. North of the Bay Bridge we turn and stop for a memorial service and a wreath-laying ceremony. Throughout the day entertainment continues, with our Big Band, barbershop quartet, FDR, Abbott & Costello 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. You may tour museum spaces, crew quarters, bridge, 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. 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 and camera. And your tickets!

• What do I wear?

Casual, comfortable clothing and flat, closed-toe shoes are a good idea.

• What shouldn't I wear?

Avoid white or light-colored clothing; this is an operational World War II-era ship and Project Liberty Ship cannot be responsible for smudges or stains. For your safety, heels, clogs, flip-flops and sandals are not permitted.

• Do I need to bring an ID?

All persons age 16 and older MUST have a photo ID to enter secure areas at the North Locust Point Marine Terminal. Furthermore, the name on your photo ID MUST match the name you supplied to Project Liberty Ship when you purchased your tickets. Your bags are subject to inspection before boarding the ship, per Coast Guard regulations. Additional security requirments may be in place within the marine terminal and aboard the ship; please follow the directions of our crew members.

• What food is available?

There is a continental breakfast featuring sweet rolls, donuts, bagels, coffee, tea and juice. There is a buffet luncheon, afternoon snacks, and beverages (sodas, water, coffee, tea). No one goes away hungry.

• 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.

• 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.