Guide to the Providence, Rhode Island, Day Cruise

   Saturday, September 25, 2010

• Where does the ship sail from?

This Living History Cruise boards at Conley's Wharf, 200 Allens Avenue, near the foot of Public Street, in Providence, Rhode Island.

• How do I get to Conley's Wharf?

From the North:

• Proceed south on I-95 to Exit 19 (Eddy Street).
• Turn left (south) onto Eddy Street and then take the next left (east) onto Blackstone Street.
• Turn right (south) onto Allens Avenue (Route 1A) and proceed about 0.2 mile to the pier area.

From the South:

• Proceed north on I-95 to Exit 18 (Thurbers Avenue).
• Turn right (east) onto Thurbers Avenue.
• Turn left (north) onto Allens Avenue (Route 1A) and proceed about 0.2 mile to the pier area.

From the East:

• Proceed west on I-195 and turn onto I-95 South.
• Take Exit 19 (Eddy Street).
• Turn left (south) onto Eddy Street and then take the next left (east) onto Blackstone Street.
• Turn right (south) onto Allens Avenue (Route 1A) and proceed about 0.2 mile to the pier area.

See the map below. Click at "View Larger Map" to enlarge.

• Where may I park my car at Conley's Wharf?

There is ample free parking in the immediate area. Please allow sufficient time to park your car and walk to the pier for boarding the ship.

• How long is the cruise?

Passengers can arrive as early as 7:30 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?

Throughout the cruise there will be a variety of entertainment, with instrumental and vocal music of the era, military re-enactors and lots more. At some point we will stop the ship briefly for a memorial service and a wreath-laying ceremony to honor our veterans.

Watch the skies! Enemy aircraft may attack at any time. You can be sure that our Army Air Force or Navy fighters will be there to defend the ship from attack by the Germans or Japanese. (Fly-by conditions 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 age 12 and under are not permitted to visit the engine room during our cruises. A few additional areas are off-limits to all visitors, either for safety reasons 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 ID?

All adults age 18 and older MUST show a photo ID at Conley's Wharf. In addition, your bags are subject to inspection before boarding the ship, per Coast Guard regulations.

• 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.