September 9 | 4–6pm | 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.
General Admission to the Seaport Museum is included with your tickets; you may attend the Museum anytime from 11am–5pm on the day of your voyage.
Seaport Museum members receive 20% off on all sailing opportunities. Just sign in when prompted at checkout to receive your discount.
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You are viewing an archived page for a program, event, or activity that has already taken place. In most cases these pages are no longer actively maintained and because of that may contain inaccurate or out-of-date information.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.
New to Chantey Sings?
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 at the Seaport Museum
The Seaport Museum has a robust history of celebrating maritime music. On the first Sunday of each month, the Museum offers a free Sea Chanteys and Maritime Music program, which is the original New York City Chantey Sing. In the warmer months, the sing is on the deck of the Museum’s 1885 tall ship Wavertree, and in the colder months it comes indoors to the Museum’s 12 Fulton Street introductory galleries. This Chantey Sing and Sail is offered in addition to the monthly program.
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.
Schedule
Check In Begins: 3pm
Check In Ends: 3:45pm
Board: 3:45pm
Depart: 4pm
Return: 6pm