Reviews of American Victory Ship & Museum (Museum)

Jerry Joseph

Gem of an attraction for only $10! Parking tip...street park for free and hop on the TECO trolly for a free ride to the stop in front of the Aquarium. Easy and fun.

Jason Wallace

This is a Victory class ship. It was used to transport supplies for the troops. It is 1 of 3 left.

Raymond Smith

Enjoyed our visit to see a real piece of history. Volunteers work hard to maintain the museum and ship. Be aware that it can be quite warm below deck. We appreciated the talk given by the volunteer.

Amaury Viera Hernández

Ship is awesome and if you go at 3:30pm you can see cruises sailing for the cruises terminal.

Lori Kroening

Not as big as some I've gone thru but always fun and interesting.

BJ Morris

What a great time we had. My son and his friends did not get contaminated from the Zombies that took over the ship. Very creative and good use of the UV flashlights we used, with hidden hidden messages and cool artwork through out. Looking forward to a return visit to see this piece of American history during the day.

Jude.John@xtra.co.nz Baker

Great history and freedom to walk around,- keep up the great work!

Yaminah Sutton

It was fun exploring the ship. They have it set up like a museum so you can guide yourself with a tour guide.

MunchyHam

Great if you enjoy history.

alex kenville

There is alot of history on this ship. Was very cool to tour it, especially since they also take it out of the bay every now and then. The only thing that I wished I could see more is the engine room. But for safety reasons I understand why we werent allowed down there.

Dale McCann

A nice experience learning about world war 2 and the roll the American victory played in it

Anonymous User

Friendly staff, lots of interesting things to see and learn about. You can literally explore about 90% of the ship top to bottom. No AC obviously, just fans. Gift shop is small.

Anthony Vorg

me and my kids liked this place. entrance ticket is not expensive. It is a good experience to see the whole ship from the inside with your own eyes!

B Rose

Nice to see part of history! Gets Very hot! One air conditioned room on the whole ship. A bunch of ladders and going up and down.

John Holmes

I enjoyed my visit to the victory ship. Was very impressed by how the sailors lived and worked

Michael Spaulding

Really cool experience for the price

James Faurote

Pretty cool thing to do on a nice cool day. You really step into history here but it can get really hot if you go during the summer. Still worth it!

Rusty Solomon

Wonderful piece of history and worth visiting.

Laurie Petty

Amazing! At the back of the boat is a wonderful veteran man that will take you into an air conditioned bunk room and tell you all about the boat, it's history, the crew, ect. He really made our visit extra special with all the knowledge he shared with us.

Henry Stax

A great addition to your day at the Florida Aquarium. It's not too expensive. It is hot inside the ship as their is no running A.C. Outside in the open air it's better. We got to see a cruise ship leave port, you are so close that the people on the cruise are happy and waving at you. There was a volunteer on the ship, I don't remember his name, but he was very knowledgeable of the history of the ship having been one of its crew members. He told us many stories and walked us around which I thought was neat.

Lindsay Lauricia

The self guided tour was an amazing experience. Wander at your own pace and take a step back in time to see what it would be like to live on the ship. Great experience for young and old if you are able to handle walking for the whole time. At a moderate pace we saw the whole ship in about an hour and 15 minutes.

Jeff Risley

Very interesting, nice Tampa has this.

Sharon Dent

It was a pleasant surprise to find this. It was amazing to hear it's a functional ship that still does short cruises each year. Very interesting place to see.

Nicole K

Interesting tour. Picked up a tour guide part way through. He was super informative and a very nice man. Ask for Mr. Don!

Grace Birtchet

It's very cool to step back in history and get a glimpse of the Navy experience. The ship has lots of cool details. My highlight was a gentleman on the boat they ask to come down and share stories. He shared lots of personal history and it humanized the museum.

Rosa Price

Whatan awesome experience getting So close to history. Thank you to all our veterans! This ship also offers celebration amenities. That would be so cool. It was really eye opening to walk on the decks and touch something that played a part in our freedom today.

Laura Ballard

Lots of history but go in the cooler months because it was very hot inside.

AJ Klouda

Full of history. Working ship to this day. Note: it's very hot in the ship. You can bring water or buy drinks there. Will go back again.

Sandra Calsetta

What a fantastic place for history lovers

Carina Macorncan

Took my brother here and he loves it. He loves the ship and exploring it. The cost is a deal for only 10 bucks a person but if u went to the tampa aquarium, it is half off. Be warn, no AC.

Ed Hardy

Great view of the Christmas boat parade with a little history at hand...

Sohrab Kaviani

This is not a fancy place with air conditioning, it is 74 years Marin ship with deep history, I really enjoyed it even if it was really hot inside, you will experience at least how those people fought for our country.

Arren Bacon

Great museum. It does get extremely hot if you go on a hot day. But they have random AC rooms all over the ship to cool you off. Great views of the Bay from here. I'd recommend visiting..

Sharon Seymour

Very interesting...wait for a decent tour

erwin morrow

Too hot onboard. Many fans were not even plugged in. A neat historical merchant ship though with friendly volunteer staff.

Dr. Corsa

It's a time travel, looks like you really are in the ship back in 1940's... I think that need more details about the history of the ship. But is one awesome place to visit

Chris Pfaff

Pretty good time. A merchant Marine vessel, with some good history, the major good point on this is that it is an actual running vessel.

Nicold García

You take a great experience of history, and you can learn alot too. Be prepare tho cause is hot but it's an awesome experience

Corey McCarron

Awesome part of American history, a must see!

Joey / Amanda Bone richter

Amazing peice of history friendly

Monika Paradox

Great lil piece of history.... That still runs! See what it would've been like to be aboard the Victory in the 1940's. The tour guide was thorough and explained a lot in a manner easy to understand. He answered any questions we had to the best of his ability. He told us they plan to offer actual short trips with dinner in the future. No definitive date on that but you can periodically check the website. This (currently stationary) museum is run and maintained by many volunteers and I was told you can be one too! Fair price to enter and it took about an hour to go through the whole thing. There's also a donation box if you're feeling generous. You're also more than welcome to stay after the tour to walk around the ship and it's deck to take more photos and hang out. It was pointed out to us that they can do private events on board as well.

Isaiah Hogan

The story is not the ship itself, but those who sailed on it. The ship is still active and annually puts to sea, only one of four that do, so it's a living piece of history. You could rush through in an hour but a more leisurely pace will let you see things you hadn't imagined on other museum ships. You don't have to buy a hat, but if you do, you will be proud to describe to family and friends what you discovered at the American Victory ship.

Christopher Starks

What an incredible place. Few experiences will give you a sense of awe and amazement at what it was like for those who served our country during WWII, than walking around this ship. Just imagining what it must have been like navigating all those passageways and levels during actual missions. There are countless things to see on the ship. Crew quarters, engine room, mess hall, kitchen, deck guns, bridge and on and on. You could easily spend a whole afternoon just exploring and learning. Just trying to appreciate how these ships were built and operated will keep you engaged for hours.

Kim Kasten

Cool ship great way to spend a few hours by the water, didnt have the tour, but able to see alot of the ship, alot of history here, was nice to get a feel for what things were like 75yrs ago, good souls on the ship

Starr R

The staff is very nice, and it has lots of information about the history of the ship and time. Although it's very nice, it doesn't seem to be wheelchair accessible, which to be fair, isn't surprising for a merchant ship it's age.

Idaddy

Very memorable experience. A last minute call after the aquarium, an hour before they closed they were still very nice! Would definitely recommend too anyone if you want to a blast into our American History.

K Walker

It was very hot with no AC in most of the public spaces. This particular "museum" would greatly benefit from a tour guide who would share the ships unique history, rather than leaving it up to you to self guide yourself through the ship. If you do not have a great interest in maritime history, or ships you probably will not enjoy this.

Debbie Carrino

Got a birds eye view from a wonderful docent Mike. Hope everyone goes while they are in Tampa

Judson Brady

It is a living Museum with plenty of Hands-On experiences. The admission is also very cheap. The curators have done an exceptional job of keeping this part of our history alive and well.

jacob

Very interesting. A lot of history

snowy lynx

AWESOME PLACE. where is the six star option!? Anyone even half interested in the history of WW2 and the korean war really should check this place out. An astonishing peice of history remarkably preserved. Even seaworthy today!

Pamela Kaska

Fantastic ship. Great museum. My daughter loved going and seeing a bit of history.

store billing

Very very interesting place Much wear a good pair walking shoes Very reasonable for what it is Will be doing it again What out of town guests comes Also if you're smoking they have a smoking section for you which is very nice They do have a cool down Room To help put the heat Took family there for less than $100 Got something to eat parking in vision of the ship very good day

Stacy Levine

Interesting & worth the 2 hours.

Hunter Walker

We had an awesome time wandering around the ship! Would love to go back!

John Lennon

We love touring this ship when we're in Tampa. My grandfather was on this type of ship during the war and it really gives me a sense of walking in his footsteps.

Claudia Martins de Oliveira

An incredible experience to know from inside a used ship in World War II! I recommend it, it's a very instructive tour.

T.J. Day

Interesting piece of history placed smack in the middle of about a dozen cruise ships.

Fplaya Moon

My 6 year old son had blast. Very interesting facts with wide open tour to see almost everything!!!

Linda Harazin

The trip to see the ship was it gift to my boyfriend who was in the Navy. We both enjoyed it so very much and took lots and lots of pictures. We love to see history of our country you never know when it will all disappear.

Amanda Harrison

Such an amazing experience. Whole family loved it for a great price

Philip Luoma

Great piece of history from WWII right in the Tampa Bay. The ship is in great shape and the dedication of the crew along with the volunteers keep it together. I have been volunteering for a month and have enjoyed doing my part. Recommended for any Veteran or child that has a liking of ships. Make sure you get a good picture on the gun turret at the stern of the ship!

Mark Young

This is the last operational Victory merchant ship from World War 2. Merchant ships were used to transport supplies to the troops. World War 2 was won on logistics.

Derek Parsons

Great experience for the money. Well worth spending a few hours walking around.

Zachary Craig

Awesome meuseum ship, very friendly and knowledgeable staff!

Syl H.

I had a great experience with my daughter ❤ support the American Victory Ship. Share, Share

Darrin Bosco

Amazing ship and just a breathtaking piece of history! Suitable for all ages and it is like going back in time. It may be a little hot on the ship. So, make sure you wear something light! There are a few AC rooms and fans scattered about all over.

Pending Art

Fun and educational but not for wheelchairs

Jann Godbold

Lack of events for as many people that attended. Event planner failed to coordinate with harbour master to allow us passengers get off ship because of cruise ships. Had to wait an hour inside ship and was not able to disembark and there was no air in interior were everyone was waiting to get off!

Shelley Chewning

Loved taking children to explore history in this great ship of heart and steal.Our tour guide was fantastic.

Sharon F

I love it and I love everything military and everybody is super nice and helpful. It's truly amazing.

Alejandro Ferrand

Loved everything about it. The gentleman working the front was super knowledgable and friendly. So mutch to explore and do. I highly recommend this.

Marco V.

Amazing place, great for learning about WW2 history. Customer service was great at the counter and throughout the ship there were crew members that helped us around the ship and showed us more history than we expected.

James Singrey

So greatful to visit this Ship. Do not miss it!

Sharnee Garner

Great piece of history. Enjoyed it.

Dawn Arroyo

Zombie ship was so much fun

Katherine Flores

Amazing experience! I'm not a history buff but still enjoyed exploring this vessel. You can sit on the gun torrent at the front of the boat and even turn it! The best part of all is that everything, and I mean everything because a very nice veteran explained it to us, still works! It's a good way to spend they day out while still on a budget. I definitely recommend it to everyone. It's so great to have a living piece if history and when you think about it, it's truly astounding.

Yvonne Pribyl

They hosted a fabulous Independence Day celebration. I highly recommend!

Ben

Always special to me too visit ships that served our great country.

Wilson Moin

Great piece of little told history. Wish I could have been there for a cruise.

A g i S z e k a c s

Good historical monument. Fun for family.

nancy jackson

Enjoyed the visit. Very interesting.

KD Bhatti

Very nice

Ruth Jenkins

I truly enjoyed the exhibit learned some things I didn't know. This place is truly a treasure.

Dennis N

If you have never been on the ship, it will be interesting, otherwise it's pretty stripped down AC only in one small room, even though we went in spring on a typical sunny day - it was very hot as the ship is made out of metal and not much air movement inside.

Javier Insausti

Small but great museum ship! Very worth the 10usd admission's fee.

Katherine Duran

Great piece of history.

AustinsGaming Channel

Amazing place to go by and walk around and check out the history

anne lambert

Small and dark. Amazing in its own way

E Chavez

A bit hot but a place to remember.

Bambino The Great

Absolutely wonderful experience that everybody should check out!! Can you imagine being on a ship during World War II.... Add to that the way this ship is built! Can you say claustrophobia! The staff were wonderful and extremely knowledgeable!!Thank you for all your hard work and keeping history alive.

Jacqueline Gowins

Very interesting! Self guided tour. My 6 year old really enjoyed it.

StukaBoi

I got to go there for my birthday and it was great the gun at the front still rotates and a cruise ship in front so I got to point it at them and they started filming it was great I advice you go there

Linda Kerr

Was there for the 4th of July. The fireworks were a dud, but that is Tampa's fault, not the ship. I always have so much fun on the ship. I try to get to most events. The music is great, I love watching the dancing and kids just being kids. There are adult and children's beverages available for a small fee. Don't let the fireworks, or lack of, deter you from coming down. It's really a great time.

Pamela Buettner

Amazing, amazing experience! Great information posted on the ship. Parking was easy. Cheap entrance fee.

staphany danas

Lots of history on this boat. It was amazing to see it and be able to touch and look and just be apart of it. Love that it's still a fully functional ship. Prices weren't to bad actually. It's really hot on the ship in some parts. Would definitely recommend if you like history.

William Wright

Very cool I learned a lot and a veteran came over and talked to us about the ships history and all of the parts to it

Tim Schoeller

Had a blast. Kids loved it. Well worth the trip.

Steve Jennings

If you like WWI things this is for you. While there was was no guide, to walk the decks, see the exhibits, and in the silence think about where you are. And where she was. Sadly missed the cruise (yes, she still works!) this weekend. Going to be on the next one! Not many places get this opportunity.

Rob Walker

super friendly and helpful staff, living history, great time learning and exploring

Steve Raab

The SS American Victory is a really great place for the whole family to experience a little piece of history. Most of the ship is accessible, and there is much to see and learn throughout the vessel. We enjoyed being able to climb up and down to different decks, and exploring at our own pace. It does get rather warm below deck, and it was a great idea to have a few air conditioned rooms on the ship. Parking across the street from the aquarium is only $2 an hour, which isn't bad. We spend about 2 hours visiting the ship. Also, we found a Groupon for this, so we paid $24 for 4 admissions, and $6 for parking - $30 for a really fun experience!

David Davis

Me and my children had more fun on the American Victory ship than at Tampa Aquarium. Very cheap and learned alot. Gotta meet the Chaplain on board he a 70+yr old man with alot of fun information.10⭐

Tiffany Marshall

Enjoyed my visit and touring the ship

Teofilo Francisco

Good historical experience.

Eric Stauffer

Great experience! The tour guide did an excellent job and showed us a lot more of the ship than I expected. All for only $10. Highly recommend!

Andrea Hammond

The Ship was huge and very interesting.

Samuel Pollak

Nice place to visit and not crowded at all

Rebecca Johnston

We visited this WWll on a slow Sunday. I am in a cast with crutches so I wasn't expecting to be able to tour it in its entirety just going along with family. To my surprise the nice man at the front didn't charge because of it. I stayed and toured most of the main deck but my kids had a good time and really enjoyed the tour.

Rhonda Epps

It’s great to see a part of history that is living on and still set sail!! Go early in the summer as it gets extremely hot onboard.....their are a few areas that are air conditioned so you can cool off but most is not. Their are gorgeous views of the area from up top side of the ship. The movies are worth watching and have many facts that you may not have known!! Price is $10 but veterans and military get half price, definitely worth a look!! Would love to sail on this ship when it takes a trip out to sea!!

Chanda Staub

The ship was beautiful and so interesting! Ten dollars admission but we got a discount for also going to the aquarium (just show proof of purchase) The staff was knowledgeable and friendly as well.

Becky Diggs

Very interesting to tour the ship and get a feel for how the crew lived and learn a little history. Tight quarters and had to be very rough. Worth going to see.

mary williams

This was an unexpected little gem during our trip. It was really interesting. Very well presented look into our past.

E T

Great experience! Seeing a ship that went to war and how well maintained is until today. The staff is very pleasant and friendly. Just one thing... Be ready to sweat if you go during times of heat.

Sacha Mons

Lots of fun for the haunted ship this year, highly recommend it!

Megan Adamson

Great piece of history!

Brentt Moore

A neat and large exhibit that showcases a supply/cargo ship used within World War II. The ship has been restored somewhat recently and it features a wealth of reading material within the various corridors of the ship. I do wish that the engine compartment was visibile on the self guided tour, but you do get to see the top of the ship, some sleeping quarters, a chart room, restrooms and showers, a kitchen, and more. At the time, admission was $10 for adults, and veterans get in for $5!

Rebecca Davis

Great place to take students. My students loved hearing the veterans speak.

Lori Nellis

I went there with my 15 year old son and we both liked it. It was really nice. It doesn’t take all that long but was enjoyable. They had vets there that my son enjoyed talking with.

david kollar

While visiting this ship on a hot September day, I can imagine a bit of the hardship that was endured by sailors that manned these ships during war time. Many parts of the ship are available to tour, I found the radio room, engine room, galley, officer' s quarters, and bridge very interesting. This World War II era ship is operational, and they do cruises for various events.

Trish Acampora

I had a fun afternoon boarding this historic vessel with my 10 year old grandson. We enjoyed seeing how the merchant marines operated and all the old relics left behind.

Jim Malachowski

Love the old ship. Directions to the ship could be better.

John Ratering

What an experience! Great tour had some VFW guys in the tour which was a blessing hearing about their time in the navy and learning about the life aboard a ship.

Steve Adler

Interesting ship used in various deployments as part of the Merchant Marines. Takes a little over an hour to view.

Janet Perez

I love History. Amazing experience in the ship.

David Thomas

Tour guide George was awesome!! Certainly knew his stuff and made the ship come alive. His passion for history really came across. If i was walking round by myself, i wouldn't have found out half the info he reeled off. Definitely worth a trip if you are in the area and love history.

Brad Urban

Had a good time. Staff was friendly and only 5$ tickets for vets

xBlueWolf

Really cool and interesting, especially if you like ships and WWII like me

Jeremy Allen

Great ship, great staff. Lots of history. Amateur radio friendly.

Herb Driggers

Excellent time. Very informative sights were great and a good time to learn and admire a little more of the dedication and sacrifice of our US Navy

Lester Powis

Great history and things to learn. They have many displays and the ship looks like it's in use ( beds made up, uniforms hanging in the rooms) very fun to walk through. You can do a self guided tour and explore for yourself. Very fun and not expensive. They do have military discounts.

James Eaton-Brown

One of the best naval exhibitions I've ever been to, in the sense that there isn't a vast gift shop, there is a reasonable charge for entry, the exhibits themselves are well presented and the ship actually still operates on cruises! DO NOT miss this when visiting Tampa.

Ian Hutchinson

This is a fantastic living history museum. A real piece of history that you can get into, literally!

Sofia Trejo

I liked it a lot. It's bigger than I thought and it's in great condition. The entrance is $10 dls and I think it's worth it. My only recommendation is bring a lot of water and, if you have, a portable fan, IT'S HOT inside!!!

benjamin olsen

Awesome museum ship, one of the best things to see downtown.

Don Prokidansky

This was a rewarding experience this is a part of history. You can take your time and walk around on the ship. We were lucky someone working on the ship will gave us a private little tour and explained a lot about the ship to us. Thank You Chaplain ! So this is easy to get to park by aquarium and only $10. to tour .Highly Recommended ..

Deanna Valdes

Are you looking for a fun way to spend a few hours exploring a military cargo ship and finding out cool history? If so, you should check out the American Victory Ship which is turned into a museum. You can see the pilot house, sleeping quarters, the captain's quarters, the cargo hull, the engine room, the chart room and the radio room where Morse code was used for communication. There is also a pantry still stocked with supplies, and long halls, and rooms, too many to list, but still fun to explore. You can also check out all the upper decks as well. There are lots of steps to climb so be sure and wear comfortable shoes. The American Victory Ship is located behind the Aquarium. Parking is available at the same place you would park for the Aquarium. This place is really neat. I highly recommend seeing it. This is an experience I'll never forget. It makes history come alive!

Fred Hellmig

Great place to see some history

Sharon Abbott

Inexpensive visit to histoy and a bonus viewing a cruise ship loaded with passangers take off.

Ashlynn Sastre

It was very cool to see where Veterans spent their time on the water during the wars of WWII, Korean, and Vietnam as Merchant Marines! It was very reasonably priced, older and younger kids really enjoyed it. This place is actually located behind The Florida Aquarium, so parking in the Aquarium Parking Lot is the easiest way to access the ship if you have a car. You could easily visit both places in one day.

Corey Hammond

Really enjoyable experience, as much of the ship is open to tour; I'd normally expect more areas to be roped off. This is a great opportunity to gain a better understanding of the role and scale of the merchant marine, which I think is somewhat under appreciated in the US. Unfortunately it was not very busy when we went. Also note that you need to call ahead for tours.

Isaac S

Been going here for years now. I am a Sea Cadet based here, very neat. If you're a history or a ship buff, you'll love it.

Tony Vastano

Great piece of history. Immaculately kept. Do not attend if you hate museums, this is a museum and military vessel.

Attorney Ron Frey

If you enjoy history, you will enjoy a tour of this historic vessel stationed in Tampa!

Cory Stewart

Great history and amazing that it is a functioning ship to this day. Crew and volunteers do a great job. Also home to a Sea Cadets division.

Shawn Waite

A basic ship to walk around on. Not a whole lot on the ship itself to see, but a nice stop in Tampa for history buffs. Check for parking near the ship itself before paying in the aquarium lot.

Vincent Dowker

Amazing place worth the money. Skip the aquarium and visit history.

Chris Rapone

Learn history as we walked through the ship.

Karen Woodson

Awesome museum. Must see. Tour on your own.

Deborah Sallee

Wonderful place to wander and sink in some history. Staff has incredible knowledge of the ship and her exploits. Fascinating and fun! Great for all ages.

Shelly Sturgis

Very interesting! Parking was easy and the place was easy to navigate!

Peter Anderson

This old tub is still seaworthy. It's fun.

Big Dave

It was so cool to be able to wander around this piece of history. We went here before heading to the Florida Aquarium. Amazing to imagine this vessel sailing the seas in times of war. It was clean and hot. Really hot...but they did have cooling rooms scattered throughout the ship. It is so worth making a stop here.

Serena Fincel

I loved the American Victory Ship because it was a real slice of history. It gave me a genuine sense of respect for our boys that served.

Todd Gilmore

Not kept up well on outside! Prop is covered with crud and decay from sitting. To dark for any good photo shoots inside. Has some common things you could find displayed on most other shops! Stacks of life preservers which look 1970 ish.

James Giles

Helped out as a Volunteer. Exciting to see this Vessel and hear Her history!

Ian Lichtenberg

Fun experience. There is a lot to see on this ship, and he fact that it's a working ship is cool. It has a really authentic feel to it, but parts of it were kind of dirty and unkept. You can't go on the lower decks, but there is still a lot to see on the upper two decks. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. It would be cool to be on one of their cruises to see this ship in action.

Dee Eichstedt

Excellent. So worth it! Kids and adults will love it.

v Coffey

Interesting to understand life and times on a ship in WWII.