A once-in-a-generation tour of Battleship New Jersey is going for upward of $1,000
Steep ticket prices will keep the museum afloat while its usual revenue streams dry up while docked for maintenance.
For the first time in more than two decades, Camden’s famous World War II-era battleship will set sail on a historic homecoming voyage to South Philly, bringing with it an exclusive tour of the boat starting at $225.
The Battleship New Jersey is scheduled for $10 million dry dock maintenance at its original build site, the Philadelphia Navy Yard, where it was constructed in the 1930s and first launched in 1942.
This process will expose parts of the ship typically submerged, such as the propellers and underside, making them accessible for public tours and offering a view of rarely seen features. According to Battleship New Jersey’s CEO, Marshall Spevak, it’s an upgrade that will keep the boat afloat literally and financially.
Starting April 6, the USS New Jersey will offer tours every Saturday and Sunday until maintenance concludes in May. Entry to view the historic ship is priced at $225. But, if you want the battleship’s lead curator, Ryan Szimanski, to give you the grand tour — you’ll need to cough up a grand.
It’s for a good reason though, said Spevak. While the battleship is at the Navy Yard, its usual fundraising efforts, like special events, overnight campouts, and tours, will be nonexistent during the ship’s most popular time of year.
Plus, this is a “once-in-a-generation” experience.
“The Battleship New Jersey is the most decorated battleship in the 248-year history of the U.S. Navy and this opportunity won’t come for another 30-plus years,” Spavek said. “Unfortunately, we don’t have too many World War II veterans with us anymore and so, especially for our Korea and Vietnam vets, our volunteers, and everyone else, this will be for many the last time that they’ll see the ship move or even have the opportunity to walk under the ship in the dry dock.”
Throughout its history in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Lebanon, and the Persian Gulf, the USS New Jersey received 19 battle and campaign stars for its service. It returned to Philadelphia in 2001 and is permanently docked in Camden as a naval museum. In 2004, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The Battleship New Jersey will be departing from Camden’s harbor on March 21. A free bon voyage ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. with veterans, live entertainment, and food and bar service. From there, it will be towed by local crews from McAllister Towing under the Walt Whitman Bridge to South Philly and docked at the Navy Yard’s Dry Berth #3, the same dock where it was built.
The Spirit of Philadelphia, a dining and party cruise ship, will be sailing alongside the battleship during the move. Purchase Spirit of Philadelphia tickets at battleshipnewjersey.org/drydock.
Tickets to tour the Battleship New Jersey at the Philadelphia Navy Yard
Tickets to see the Battleship New Jersey in South Philly are only available online at battleshipnewjersey.org/drydock.
From there, you’ll have two options: a guided tour ($225) or guided tour with curator Ryan Szimanski ($1,000).
Veteran discount tickets for $170 are only available for the guided tour.
Tours are inside an active worksite. Guests are encouraged to wear steel-toed shoes and sturdy pants. Guests will receive a Battleship New Jersey hard hat that they can take home.
There is no wheelchair or walker accessibility on this tour as climbing stairs is required to get in and out of the worksite. Guests must be 16 and older.