The Friends of the Battleship North Carolina provide guided tours of the ship most days of the week.
Tours are led by trained volunteer docents.
Tours purchased through the portal are offered at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. and must be reserved at least 36 hours prior to the desired tour date.
Walkup Tours may be purchased at the ticket window but are subject to tour guide availability. Tour times can only be guaranteed for tours booked online in advance.
Make your reservations by clicking the link below.
Details of the tours available are provided below.
Proceeds from tours help to fund programs, acquisitions, and restoration of Battleship North Carolina.
Special Private Tours for groups of 10 or more are also available with prior arrangements. See information on Group Tours below.
For more information email us at tours@battleshipncfriends.com
During the heat of the summer months, the Friends reserve the right to reschedule, modify, or cancel guided tours in the event of extreme heat conditions that could adversely affect tour guides and participants. We will notify participants as soon as possible but in many cases the determination may not be made until the scheduled tour time. Refunds will be issued if it becomes necessary to cancel or significantly modify tours. For questions or more information, please contact us at info@battleshipncfriends.com or call (910)399-9117.
We regret any inconvenience this might cause.
Topside Tour (Main Deck & Above)
Cost: $12 per person (plus admission)
5 years old and under, no charge
Description: A 90-minute tour providing general information regarding the ship’s history, operations, armament, equipment, and life at sea. The tour takes guests along the entire length of the Battleship’s Main Deck and up to the 04 Level where the Captain’s Sea Cabin and Pilot House are located. Along the way, guests will also have the opportunity to view the Admiral’s Cabin, Combat Information Center, and Signal Bridge.
This tour does require going up and down several ladders (stairs). In the event of inclement weather, a portion of this tour may be moved inside the ship.
This tour can be modified to accommodate those with limited mobility.
The Topside Tour can be booked online or may be purchased on arrival (subject to tour guide availability.)
Tours booked online commence at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. daily (see notes)
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City at Sea Tour (Second Deck)
Cost: $12 per person (plus admission)
5 years old and under, no charge
Description: A 90-minute tour focusing on living conditions and life at sea aboard this floating city of 2,300 sailors. The tour transits the Second Deck, through the Mess Decks, Bake Shop, Galley, Crew’s Quarters, and Sick Bay. Visitors get a view of the Post Office, Ship Stores, Barber Shop, Soda Fountain, Ice Cream Shop, and much, much more.
This tour does require going up and down several ladders (stairs).
The City at Sea Tour can be booked online or may be purchased on arrival (subject to tour guide availability.)
Tours booked online commence at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. daily (see notes)
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The Showboat Tour (Full Tour)
Cost: $24 per person (plus admission)
5 years old and under, no charge
Description: A 3-1/2 to 4-hour tour. This tour covers all open spaces on the battleship covering all 9 levels. You will go from the bridge to the lower ammunition handling room and much, much more in between.
The Showboat Tour does require going up and down several ladders (stairs) and is not recommended for younger children or visitors with mobility issues.
The Showboat Tour can be booked online or may be purchased on arrival (subject to tour guide availability.)
Tours booked online commence at 9 a.m. daily Mon-Sat (see notes)
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The Big Bang Tour
(Currently only available on Saturdays)
Cost: $18 per person (plus admission)
(Ages 12 and over)
Description: 2 to 2-1/2 hour tour focusing on the Battleship’s 16-inch and 5-inch gun systems. Visitors will have the opportunity to follow the general procedure for firing the guns, from target identification and acquisition in the Combat Information Center and fire control directors to the development of the fire control solution in Main and Secondary Plots. A visit to the powder magazines, projectile handling space, and the gun house complete the process that ended with a Big Bang. The Big Bang Tour does require going up and down several ladders (stairs) and is not recommended for younger children or visitors with mobility issues.
The Big Bang Tour is limited to six (6) participants, must be booked online, and commence at 9 a.m. on Saturday only
Notes for all tours:
- All times subject to change and tour guide availability
- Tour times can only be guaranteed for tours booked online in advance.
- Routes may vary due to ship maintenance or scheduled events
- Please confirm tour guide availability with the cashier before purchasing tours on-site.
For Groups of 10 or more, we offer special Group Rates
(All prices are per person)
Topside Tour -- $22 includes admission and tour
City at Sea Tour -- $22 includes admission and tour
Showboat Tour -- $34 includes admission and tour
Group Tours are subject to tour guide availability.
We ask that group tours be booked a minimum of 7 days in advance.
If you have special needs, such as mobility issues, we call work with you to customize a tour based on those needs. Please let us know what they are, and we will do our best to accommodate them
Does the tour go on if it rains?
Tours will be conducted as long as the ship is open, rain or shine.
What type of clothing should I wear?
We recommend loose-fitting clothing and comfortable shoes.
Flip-flops or open-toe shoes are not recommended.
Are there restrooms on the tour route?
There is one restroom about midway through the tour route.
Is the tour route air conditioned?
There is no air conditioning on the tour route.
We strongly recommend dressing for the weather and bringing water.
Are tours recommended for children?
Children under 6 may find the Showboat too long.
Strollers are not allowed below the main deck.
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