How do we get to Pier 45? What’s the address to type into my GPS?
The ship’s physical address is Pier 45, The Embarcadero. However, this address usually doesn’t work well with GPS devices. Try “166 Jefferson St, San Francisco” as your coordinate; this is Boudin’s Bakery on the corner of Jefferson and Taylor, one block from the suggested parking lot, Shed A.
- From South: Take 280 North past 6th Street, 280 then becomes King Street which leads onto the Embarcadero. Stay on Embarcadero past Pier 39 – it becomes Jefferson Street near Fisherman’s Wharf. Turn right onto Taylor Street, and you will see Shed A ahead for parking.
- From North: From the Golden Gate Bridge, remain on Marina Blvd. It will turn right at the Safeway; make an immediate left at the light, onto Bay Street. Remain on Bay Street until Taylor, then turn left. About three blocks ahead on Taylor is Shed A for parking.
- From East: Take the Fremont exit off the Bay Bridge and follow the ramp, staying to the right for Folsom Street. Turn left at the light onto Folsom, and after about three blocks turn left again onto the Embarcadero. Stay on Embarcadero past Pier 39 – it becomes Jefferson Street near Fisherman’s Wharf. Turn right onto Taylor Street, and you will see Shed A ahead for parking.
Where can I park my car? When does the parking lot open and close?
City of San Francisco parking lots are available throughout the Fisherman’s Wharf area. The closest lot to the ship is at Pier 45 Shed A . On our cruise dates they open about 90 minutes before our departure time and remain open until 11 pm. You have time to enjoy a meal after the cruise or do a little sight-seeing. Shed A is located at the foot of Taylor Street. The parking entrance is next to the Musee Mecanique, a museum of mechanical toys and antique arcade games.
What should I bring? Are there things not allowed?
First, verify your name and address printed on the ticket page is correct. The US Coast Guard requires a complete and accurate manifest of all passengers. Before the day of the cruise, cross out errors and print in ink any corrections. If you give your ticket to someone else, they will replace your name with the name of the person actually going.
All carry-on items are subject to search. Layer your clothing, and wear non-skid flat shoes. Wide brim hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also good to have on sunny days. Cameras are welcome, but there is no storage place for personal items. Disposable cameras are available in the gift shop.
Don’t forget a little pocket money for the gift shop, as well as the silent auction and raffle, or maybe just to make a small donation to help us continue the ship’s ability to sail as a memorial to our maritime veterans. Please don’t wear high heels or flip-flop shoes. Please leave at home knives and other potential weapons, your personal inventory of adult beverages, ice coolers, glass bottles, and illegal substances.
When do we board? Is there assigned seating? When do we return?
No passengers are allowed to board before the designated time for the cruise. There is no assigned seating – you may tour the ship anywhere not restricted by door, chain or “no admittance” signs. We make every effort to keep on schedule; however, we can not guarantee returning to the dock as planned, due to weather changes or unforeseen events.
What are we going to eat? I have a special diet, can I bring my own food?
Coffee, tea, juice and doughnuts are available once you’re on board. A picnic lunch is provided about noon. Cold beverages (water, soft drinks, beer and wine) are available on the main deck throughout the cruise. We can not accommodate special dietary needs; feel free to bring your own food.
Can I use my walker, cane, wheelchair?
The ship is a registered National Historic Landmark. We are not permitted to alter the original 1943 vessel except for safety as required by the USCG. If you can walk up the gangway steps you are permitted aboard and may use a walker or cane once on board, which would limit you to the main deck area. The volunteer crew will be busy with their ship duties. None are trained to assist persons with canes, walkers, etc. If you feel you will need assistance to get your lunch, etc. you should not attempt to make the cruise alone.
I still have a few questions, Help!
Give us a call Monday – Friday 9am-4pm and we will be happy to help – (415) 544-0100.
