Alumni and Friends - bring the family for a topside lunch on the deck of the SS American Victory and then explore history throughout the decks of this WWII cargo ship!

This is the perfect blend of great food, great history and great company - all in one event! 


PLEASE NOTE - this event requires guests to climb up and down stairs, gangplanks and move between decks.  Good physical condition is required to take part in the tour of the ship.

The world-class SS American Victory was built in 55 days and was delivered to the U.S. War Shipping Administration by the California Shipbuilding Yard on May 24, 1945.  After serving in WWII, and the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the ship went through a $2.5 million restoration in June 1985. Feeling that a museum would be feasible in Tampa, FL and that it would act as a purveyor or maritime memories, the ship was towed from Virginia to its permanent location in the Channelside District in downtown Tampa.  Currently, the SS American Victory is only one of 3 fully-functioning ships in the country.

Aboard the American Victory Ship, visitors can come aboard a fully-functioning 1940s era steamship.  They experience an unforgettable voyage of discovery and relive history by visiting cavernous three level cargo holds, radio and gyro rooms, hospital, galley, weaponry, steering stations, flying bridge, signaling equipment, wheelhouse, mess halls, engine room, crew cabins, lifeboats and cargo equipment, then gaze upon photographs, uniforms, medals, documents and naval equipment.