July 20 | 4pm | Pier 16 | $20–$50
Embark on a musical journey through New York Harbor aboard the 1885 Schooner Pioneer with the Seaport Museum! This event offers a special sea-song sing-along, featuring historical songs that were used by old-time sailors to make their work more manageable.
As the Historical Register-listed vessel glides across the water, you’ll be treated to a round-robin of catchy rhythms, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of unfurled sails and iconic New York landmarks, including the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, Lower Manhattan’s architectural gems, Ellis Island, and more! This is a truly immersive experience that lets you soak in the essence of the city’s maritime history.
No matter your singing abilities, all are welcome to sign up and participate in this two-hour sail. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or simply a keen listener, you’ll have the chance to lead or request a traditional maritime work song or ballad.
Bring along your favorite beverage, meal, or snack to savor al fresco style on the deck, while surrounded by songs that have resonated along the waterways for centuries. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll even have the opportunity to help raise the sails and haul on lines, just like the sailors of old.
Advance reservations are recommended. Sign up today to join your fellow chantey enthusiasts and newbies as we set sail for a unique and unforgettable chantey sing at sea.
Seaport Museum members receive 20% off on all sailing opportunities. Just sign when prompted at checkout to receive your discount.
Advance reservations are recommended.
Schedule
Check In Begins: 3pm
Check In Ends: 3:45pm
Board: 3:45pm
Depart: 4pm
Return: 6pm
Please Note This is a Past Program, Event, or Activity
You are viewing an archived page for a program, event, or activity that has already taken place. In most cases these pages are no longer actively maintained and because of that may contain inaccurate or out-of-date information. These pages are left publicly viewable to preserve institutional memory and to allow the public to learn more about the types of programs, activities, and content created and made available by the South Street Seaport Museum throughout its history.
Know Before You Go
Tour routes are subject to change due to unpredictable boat traffic in the harbor and weather, though captains will do their best to include the sites listed. Read the full FAQ for more details on sailing with the Seaport Museum.
Enjoy More That the Museum Offers
General Admission to the Seaport Museum is included with your sailing tickets; you may attend the Museum anytime from 11am–5pm on the day of your voyage. To extend your visit and see more that the Museum has to offer, ask Museum staff about our daily offerings when you check in.
General Admission includes access to all current exhibitions on view in the introduction gallery space at 12 Fulton Street and access to the 1885 tall ship Wavertree. Free timed tickets for a tour of the 1908 lightship Ambrose are available separately at no additional cost.
About the 1885 Schooner Pioneer
Pioneer was built in Pennsylvania in 1885 to carry sand and heavy cargoes along the Delaware River. Unlike almost all American cargo sloops and schooners that were made of wood, Pioneer was constructed with a wrought iron hull because she was built in what was then the nation’s center for iron shipbuilding. Today, she is the sole American merchant sailing vessel with an iron hull.
What is a Chantey Sing?
Old-time sailors on long voyages spent months living together in close quarters with no outside entertainment, no new people to interact with, a monotonous diet, and each day pretty much just like the day before. How did they keep their spirits up? Singing together! Work songs and fun songs, story songs and nonsense songs, songs of nostalgia and songs of up-to-the-moment news—all were part of the repertoire onboard. At South Street Seaport Museum, the chantey tradition lives on.
“Sea chanteys fit in beautifully with the New York tradition,” says Laura Norwitz, Seaport Museum Senior Director of Program and Education. “Sailing ships were a melting pot of languages and cultures, and chanteys and forecastle songs, along with hard work and shared challenges, helped sailors merge into one community. When we sing these songs today—some old, and some updated with up-to-the-moment lyrics—we celebrate our connection with our maritime heritage and also with the community we create by enjoying home-made music together.”
Sea Chanteys and Maritime Music: A Monthly Sea Song Sing Along
From our living rooms and kitchens, and even fom the deck of Wavertree, join us for our round-robin of shared sea songs, featuring members of The New York Packet and friends.