USS Turner Joy Museum Ship Reviews

I'm not claustrophobic, but after an hour of poking around in the crew quarters, I had to get out and fast. I've never felt that way even in caverns where I've been for hours.

This just made me appreciate what the sailors lived in for long periods of time. I spoke later with a sailor who actually served on the ship and another who repairs electronics on submarines.

Apparently this destroyer ship is a palace compared to the quarters on a submarine. It is no small thing to serve for long periods of time on a ship of any kind.

Bremerton is a Navy town, and it's very appropriate to have this museum here. It's worth a few hours to poke around in this museum, if you've never been on a vessel of this kind before. Once was enough for me. I'd far rather be in a cave or an MRI machine than this vessel again.

This vessel fired the first US shots in the Vietnam War. Whatever your opinions of war and the Vietnam war are, this a piece of history. If reflecting on history is something you seek, you'll have plenty to see here as there are lots of exhibits on the walls.

My wife and I traveled to Bellevue for a business trip and scheduled this as a side day trip. We took a ferry to Bremerton to see the naval museum and the USS Turner Joy. You can do both in a day and it is worth the trip.
I am former infantry, yet it is fun for me to see how the other half lives. The ship is very open and you can take a self guided tour. The time you spend on the ship is entirely up to you. It involves going up and down ladders and they can be very steep. You get to view the machinery, crews quarters, officers quarters, galley, bridge and so much more.
We were fortunate the day we were there, One of the volunteers there was a tin can sailor from that era. He gave us a guided tour and told us of what life was like for those sailors. He gave us a detailed explanation of the five inch gun operation, to include loading and rates of fire. It was interesting to hear how the rate of fire depended on the human element, in other words how fast could the sailors reload the drum.
There were families there the day we visited and the children seemed to enjoy the ship. I would be careful with younger children as there are a lot of ladders to ascend and descend. Several are very steep and may be harder for younger children.
The ship itself is historic, it was part of the Gulf of Tonkin incident. In addition to that the they have a POW exhibit that is a must see. If in Bremerton I would highly recommend this.

just being able to roam around in the dark after closing time on an old destroyer with such history is awesome. the possibility of making contact with ghosts makes it even better. very spooky and exciting! it's a must-do.

It was a self guided tour of the ship. There is access to most of the ship. Very interesting to see the elements of a real war ship and imagine what conditions would have been like. They could have a better gift shop. Kids would love it climbing all through the ship and gun mounts.

A friend wanted to go, and so I went too. Turned out to be fascinating!b My dad had served in the Navy, and the reserves, and would go off on ships for a couple of weeks, so it was interesting to see what he would have been experiencing.

We spent 2.5 hours wandering around the USS Turner. We had such a fun afternoon. The volunteers onboard were helpful and very knowledgeable! We rode the ferry from Seattle and walked down to the USS Turner. I am so glad we went in this adventure.

I have been several times. Once by myself and a couple of times with scouts. One time we got to stay overnight with a group of scouts which was a very cool adventure. We ate on board and slept in the sailor quarters as if we were stationed on board. This ship tour gives you a very real time feel for what it must have been like to live on a Navy ship during war time. There are great displays and generally always a volunteer around to answer questions or provide a tour. It is located downtown Bremerton next to a new marina. There is ample parking and several restaurants available if you want more to do than just the tour of the ship. Lots of fun and interesting history here!

We just completed a "ghost hunt" tour of the museum ship USS Turner Joy in Bremerton WA with AGHOST (Advanced Ghost Hunters of Seattle-Tacoma). It was a lot of fun, though the group was probably a little too big for really trustworthy results.
The tour was given by Ross Allison of AGHOST and it was both fun to be on the ship after hours and informative: he was careful to explain all the ins and outs of ghost hunting for the group and we got a tour of where people have seen or heard things. Some of the classic ghost-hunting equipment was on hand to borrow, but some of us had our own gear and others used their cell phones. Then we were split into smaller groups and left in various areas for a few minutes to see if we experienced anything. Then they'd switch us so everyone got to see every space. It was a very fun, different kind of tour and very recommended to anyone who likes the TV shows about ghost hunters.

The Turner Joy is a very good ship-side experience even by day with the only caveat being that those who have ambulatory issues will probably not be able to make it up and down some of the ladder-stairs (this is not improved by dim lighting for the ghost tour so be warned). Part of the charm of this museum ship is that nearly all of it is open to the public and they haven't chopped holes in her to make it easier to get around. You go up and down the same gangways and ladders the crew would have used. It's an excellent education in what it must have been like to serve on her when she was commissioned.
Over all, I totally recommend anyone with naval or marine interests to come see the Turner Joy by day and for those who like an unusual tour or are interested in the paranormal as something more than Halloween-level haunted houses, come to see her again for the ghost tour: this is a very unique and interesting event.

USS TURNER JOY

The Turner Joy is a historic naval vessel. It was involved in the Tonkin Gulf Incident that started the Vietnam War and it fired the last shot of the Vietnam War.

At $14 admission it is a little expensive but we really enjoyed climbing all through this destroyer. You are able to see much of the ship. You can go into the gun turrets. You can go down into the crew’s quarters in many places and see how cramped the living conditions were. They aren’t all alike. Many of them contain additional displays. You can climb through most of the superstructure and the bridge. The engine room is sealed off. While we were visiting there was an ex-crewman on board that could explain everything to you.

You can see the hoists that take the ammunition up to the gun turret at one place below decks. They have a 5” projectile suspended in a net in such a way, allowing you to pick it up. It is 70 pounds and it was all I could do to hold it up.

There is no free parking. There is a parking structure at the end of the dock.

This is a great piece of history that everyone should see! This is the kind of display that honors our vets, remembers those who sacrificed and teaches our young that freedom is not free !! Thank you for putting together such a great display, I was honored to be aboard !!

We took our 7 & 9 year old grandkids, along with our son and daughter-in-law. All, including my wife and I, enjoyed the self-guided tour. Any kid will enjoy getting hands on all the hundredsof dials, cranks, etc. There were also some great old salt docents aboard to answer questions. You have virtually total access to all parts of the ship, including the big deck guns. The components are well-labeled, so you don't have to guess what you're seeing. Baby Boomers will appreciate some of the history of the Viet Nam conflict explained in parts of the ship and the explanation of the part this ship played. There is lots of ladder climbing involved, so much of the shp will be inaccessible to those with limited mobility.

This is a really cool piece of American Naval History. So interesting, and such fun to climb around on. We all went to visit this as a family, and we all enjoyed it. The kids loved it too, and they are girls.

Perfect day for the tour. Fun informative. No tour guide but a self tour. Several levels be ready to walk and climb stairs. Well kept and marked areas. I felt very patriotic after the tour. The ship was decorated for the holiday.

The USS Turner Joy is more than just a ship, it's a part of the fabric of our history that everyone should know. Permanently moored next to the Bremerton Ferry slip, the ship has something to offer every member of the family. The ship is almost totally open from mast to bilge, and you can either explore on your own or take the highly recommended yours.

I have visited the ship many times, and have yet to be disappointed with all you can see and do. To see the ship exactly how it was rigged while in service is a real treat. The volunteers are highly knowledgeable, and fun to chat with.

If you have kids or grandkids, and you served in the Navy, this is a great way to show then what shipboard life on a military vessel would have been like.

I highly recommend visiting this ship and exploring part of our naval roots!

This is a self tour. There are interesting things to see and learn from the changes that have been made. ""We had just toured my sons ship and definitely the Navy has made some great changes!!

We were having a reunion for the crew of the USS ROBISON DDG-12 which was the same class ship a the USS Turner Joy.
We held a memorial service on the fantail for all our shipmates who have passed on.
We then spent time wandering around the ship remembering our long days at sea on the USS ROBISON and had lunch on the mess decks (brought our own lunch).
The staff was very helpful and even opened some areas that are normally closed to the public so we could reminisce in spaces that were like the ones we worked in 30 or 40 years ago.

A couple of us toured the ship, and, while I don't have any specific complaints, I'll wait a couple of years before going through it again.
I'm former Navy, so know there is much more to a ship than they have prepared for presentation. I realize it is largely due to money & time limits, but will give it some time before paying for all 12 of us to do the tour.

Great for all ages. It was our second time to visit and just as fun!! And the weather was wonderful.

Our family vacations often include visiting historical sites. Because our kids have been interested in all things military, it was fun to tour this out of service “destroyer” ship. Kids will love exploring all the decks and seeing what life was like on a ship in close quarters. Quite an eye opener and definitely makes one appreciate those who serve. Here’s a tip- bring your own picnic lunch and eat it in the mess hall on the ship.

Most of ship is very open to explore. The spaces can be pretty small in places and the ladders between decks are often very steep. Worth taking time getting around.

An interesting self-guided tour of this historical ship. A docent was available for any questions, but we were able to walk through at our own pace. We spent a little over an hour, which time to see everything we wanted. A docent met us at the end and provided detailed stories about some of the men who served on the USS Turner Joy. My recommendation is to find a docent to share some stories; it really enriches the experience.

This was a last minute stop we decided to make, and I'm glad we did. You can explore so much of the ship, it puts other ship tours to shame! The kids loved climbing the ladders everywhere and pretending to be at sea.

A great self guided tour of our history. Lots of interesting things to see. Pictures are allowed and so is climbing up and down so most locations on the USS Turner Joy.

We liked it all, the price is perfect you get to go on an un-guided tiur on this incredible ship. The kids had a blast, we have been a few times.

It was a beautiful day to take this tour. So glad they are preserving these special ships. The volunteer was extremely helpful and informative. Would not recommend for very young children. Was nice to see a school class visiting and learning about the sacrifices our veterans have made for us. I could not go up and down the ladder to the bottom so unfortunately missed that. Be sure to walk around the area if it is nice out. A 50 minute ferry ride will get you there. Check out the Naval Museum too.

This is an actual Navy Destroyer that has been decommissioned and is open to view. Since it is a self guided tour, no one is hurrying you along. You can spend as little or as much time as you wish in each area. The majority of the ship is open.

Family was attending a Navy Reunion in area and the group took this tour. Great to learn about the history and visit the ship.

It's a facisnating ship with tons of history! Plaque of Japanese Treaty signing.

Be careful and walk down the ladders backwards!

It's a great chance to see the inside and outside of a US military ship. Out name happens to be Turner, so it was even that more fun. It sits in a gorgeous harbor.

What a fantastic interactive experience.

Upon boarding, guests are greeted with a well-preserved vessel that showcases various areas of the ship, including living quarters, the bridge, the galley, and operational spaces. The self-guided tours provide informative displays enriching the experience with historical context and personal anecdotes from past crew members. Almost every part of the ship is accessible. Be ready to climb up/down ship ladders though. For those with mobility issues there are still it’s to see on the main deck including the mess deck which has a virtual tour on a video screen so you can still see every part of the ship.

Parking is a bit of an issue, the only available parking are in private garages about 2 blocks away.

I didn't plan on going to this, but I'm glad I did! It was really informative and fun to explore the destroyer. You get first-hand experience walking around the vessel and you can just imagine what it must have been like actually living there for months (or even years)! It was really worth the visit!

One of the most memorable part of the exhibit was the memorial for the POWs...It was really remarkable and humbling to be able to read and hear about the experiences of the POWs...

Lots of Old memroies for my old man when her served in the army

We stopped at the USS Turner Joy our first day in town to “kill time” and it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. It was a very neat and informative experience!

This was a spontaneous trip to Bremerton and when we saw the USS Turner Joy we just had to check it out. The price is a little steep at $14.00 per adult but it's a self guided tour and good for the entire day. We were in awe at what our navy men experienced and how they lived back in the day. It was a very awesome tour and we left feeling very appreciative of our marine warriors.

Was at a loose end for a weekend in Seattle. Took the ferry over. Well worth the trip. You get to go into places - gun turrets, engine rooms - that other Museum ships don't allow. A good opportunity to understand/acknowledge the service of 1,000's of service personnel during the cold war. On the back of the door to the bridge there are instructions re what to do in the event of an atomic attack. Keeping the doors shut may not have helped much....

I started a love affair with retired naval vessels in England at Portsmouth in the early 1950s so have toured many similar (and dissimilar) war ships. The Turner Joy is one of the best. It is a self-guided walk below decks with a comprehensive view of living quarters, engine room, bridge and just about all elements of a 1950s-70s destroyer before the age of super electronics. The vessel was decommissioned in 1982 and, presumably, was acquired by the Bremerton non-profit before the thing rusted and died because it is in outstanding condition, unlike many of the historical floating artifacts of world navies. If you are a constitutional history buff you will be fascinated by the Turner Joy's very real and active involvement in the cloudy Gulf of Tonkin incident in August 1964, which really began America's military involvement in the Vietnam war, as well as the US Congress's abrogation of its constitutional responsibility to declare war, since the Tonkin Gulf Resolution gave the Executive branch the unilateral ability to wage war, the disastrous effects of which we have seen for a generation (just my opinion). Regardless of how you read the events of August 1964 and subsequent behavior of the military, Robert Mcnamara and Lyndon Johnson, the Turner Joy is a part of American history and should be revered. It is a great day trip on the Washington ferry from Seattle.

While in Bremerton I took my son on a tour of the USS Turner Joy. As it was a Friday afternoon there was virtually no one else touring the ship. My son who's 9 and i had full run of the ship. He though that was amazing. while touring below deck we ran into one of the ever friendly volunteers he went out of his way to explains things to my son and i.

I highly recommend taking a tour of this historic ship.

I have been on the USS Turner Joy several times with visitors when they come. If you like ships or history you will like this attraction! It is well preserved and they let you wonder at leisure

Going through this ship feels like an adventure. To see as much as possible, you have to be comfortable going up and down iron ladders. There is a lot of history and explanatory text on the ship to read to increase understanding about the ship and what things are in there.

This an interesting look backwards at the start of the Vietnam War. A self-guided tour of the USS Turner Joy lets you see what shipboard Navy life was like in the 1960s. The destroyer is located along the Bremerton boardwalk just north of the ferry terminal. Even our toddler grandson enjoyed visiting the ship, climbing the stairs between decks and going into the gun mount. Stairs are the only access between the decks.

If you are visiting Bremerton, this should be a must see. Allow about two hours for a visit. There are tour guides aboard to answer all of your questions; they are very knowledgeable.

While itbis not a huge retired aircraft carrier, the Turner Joy has it own history. It is set in a location with beautiful views and easy access from the ferries.

I moved to the area recently and this is the best attraction in downtown Bremerton, in my humble opinion. You can tell the pride the staff take in preserving the history of this warship. The gift shop has an nice mixture of items to purchase and the ship is in great shape. It was nice to see a memorial to the POWs. Great Job, keep up the good work.

Our grandson absolutely loved exploring the Turner Joy. It is a military vessel so be aware that you will have to climb/descend steep steps angled like a ladder to access the different decks of the ship. The steps are narrow but there are chains on both sides of the steps to grip as you go up or down. If you can not do this don't go. Some of the walkways are narrow and overhead spaces low, but this is what a destroyer is. This is why you go and explore this vessel to see just what it was like for all the various sailors that worked and lived on destroyers.
Of the three main guns on the ship one of the rear 5" gun turrets is accessible to climb into and walk through.

A great piece of recent US Navy history available for everyone...

The USS Turner Joy is anchored on the waterfront in Bremerton, WA. Entrance to the ship and exit afterward are through a gift shop where lots of navy trinkets are sold. The gift shop notwithstanding, the tour of this navy destroyer is very interesting. Guests have free, open access to nearly every part of the ship including the large on-deck gun turrets. You can stroll around at your own pace, seeing as much of the ship as you care to. For those of us unfamiliar with US Navy ships it was educational and very interesting. We too arrived when the ship was being decorated for a Halloween event, but were charged a reduced rate for our ticket. We still spent about an hour on board and thought the experience was well worth the cost and the effort. Children would love this tour, especially the opportunity to enter the gun turrets. I would like to have seen the engine room below decks but still thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Turner Joy. I'm still a little curious about the unusual name of this ship; I may have to do a little research. This is a good event to combine with a cruise from Seattle on the Washington State Ferry.

I visited as a little side trip while camping on Hood Canal. The ship offers very good access to much of the ship. Frequent signage explains just about everything. Very well done exhibit!

During our self guided tour, at least two dozen active chiefs, senior chiefs, and master chiefs were aboard during their liberty to chip and paint the Turner Joy to maintain this bit of Naval history.

With access to berthing, sonar equipment room, 5 inch cannon loading equipment room, the turbine room, the engine room (holes had been cut into the bulkhead for easy access), the enlisted mess, chief's mess, officer's wardroom, combat information center, bridge, navigation plotting room, and signal bridge, the tour was an amazing walk through history. Note that you will need to climb Navy ladders (steep staircases), in order to see the whole ship -- not for the physically handicapped.

Took a seven year old who enjoyed the inside and outside of the ship. Many spaces are accessible within the ship which made it into an exploration adventure. History displays make it very enjoyable for adults as well.

Three of us visited a few years ago. My sister was up from San Francisco with her husband and we went to the Turner Joy and Noah's ark both that day. The ship was empty. We were the only ones on it. Very very interesting and we were amazed at the condition the navy had kept it in. We went completely through it and even used all the flights of metal stairs. We took cute photos and got lots of exercise. The gift shop was nice too.

In awe of those that served on this tin can. The tour is self guided on this decommissioned vessel. Can see over 90% of the ship. Kids loved seeing everything.

Disclaimer: I love history. This was like going back to a time and place nearly remembered. We've toured subs and ships and museums, but most either take out parts or have many do not enter signs. This was a self guided tour, but people could be found to answer questions, even ones not yet asked. We crawled, walked and looked in just about every nook and cranny on the ship, pondered what meals, sleeping and free time would hold, felt the fear of enemies not yet seen, and enjoyed sea life and winds. One of the best boat boat museums we have experienced.

We took a ferry ride to Bremerton, not really knowing what was there. We were pleased to find this and enjoyed walking through the ship and learning about life at sea.

I have visited quite a few ships over the years, it was refreshing to visit a more modern destroyer. The informational signage on the ship is some of the most comprehensive I have ever seen. Lots of cool nooks and crannies to explore. The whole family loved exploring this ship.

Wonderful ferry ride over. Great people at the gift shop and on board the ship. Well worth the effort even if you are not an old Navy guy. Ship has an amazing history. Nice shop, restaurants around the harbor where the ferry pulls in. 5 min. walk to the ship.

Went to visit the USS Turner Joy destroyer. It was a cool day, so there wasn't any crowds. Did the self guided tour. Spent about 2 hours at the ship. Loads of information and lots of great photo ops. On the drive to the ship, you past the Navy shipyards which have old aircraft carriers being disassembled.

The USS Turner Joy Museum is not to be missed if you are in the local area and appreciate naval history. I am not 100% if they still do this, but if you are in the area around Halloween, see if they are putting on the haunted ship. It was fantastic!

We enjoyed touring the ship. Unfortunately we felt rushed to get through the ship because of the parking situation and only had one hour for the tour. We made it with time to spare but they really should have a parking lot for visitors. Parking is a major problem at this site.

The tour is self-guided but well marked. Set aside at least a good hour to see everything. The stories of the POWs were very moving along with most of the displays on the ship. I am glad we could support the continued display of history.

Was able to foam freely about much of the ship on most levels. Was interesting to see what it is like inside one of these legacy warships.

While visiting Seattle, we took a day trip over to Bremerton to do the tour. I gotta say it was great. Having been in the Navy it was like stepping back in time. The ship was about 90% open to the public. It was great reminiscing and telling stories to my friends.

Our son is currently on a Navy aircraft carrier, and although the USS Turner Joy is not a carrier, it gave our younger children a first hand look at how their brother lives. One very special touch is the POW/MIA table in the mess hall. A board highlights each item on the table. It gives one a sense of quiet reflection and reverence. You may walk around the ship ( much steep climbing to explore the inside).

The USS Turner Joy ship/ museum is a nice day out from Seattle Pier in good weather. We reached by a fast ferry to Bremerton Island and just a few minutes walk from the ferry centre is the Turner Joy. A very extensive shop of collectibles welcomes you before you walk onto the ship
Going through all levels of the ship gets one thorough feel of a real warship and its link to the US involvement in Vietnam in 1964 .
Each level of the ship and section is clearly marked out and for anyone to understand how a warship works- the decks , the guns, the bunkers, the services for the sailor and senior officer
The engine room , the gun deck and the captains room and control room are in particular nice

Worth to note
1 ship has steep ladders and need to be careful climbing up and down esp for children, elder etc
2 keep the map handy as it is very helpful find your way back and up
3 a preread on history on Google or wiki will help relate better
4 depending on one's interest can take 1 to 3 hours

We visited the ship on a whim and I'm so glad we did. On a Sunday morning right when they opened, it was not busy at all so I felt like we practically had the ship to ourselves. Within the ship, you are able to your most of the areas and see a lot! We were lucky enough to have the volunteer working give us additional information and show us around! It was awesome! He was in the Navy 27 years and had lots of interesting things to tell us about the ship. I would recommend anyone to visit this ship to learn more about the Navy and this particular ship.

For the history Nut this is must. the tour is self guided . Once you pay admission you can take all the time you please.
Make sure to wear good shoes for ladder climbing because you will be using them to get up and down decks .

With our AAA discount we had a cheap fun experience for my children. The kids are still talking about it. they had a blast. It was fun to walk around the ship mostly free-roaming with no tour guide. Would most definitely recommend it!

My husband was very happy to go aboard this restored Navy destroyer. I enjoyed it myself. We climbed into every available space to check it out and I took lots of pictures. Lots of history and a great look at life aboard a ship of this size.

I've been to several museum ships and think that this is one of the best. Well layed out tour route and descriptive map. Staff is friendly and helpful.

My husband loves these ships and he said he had the best tour ever because the docent was so knowledgable and showed everyone things they would have not understood. Everyone was happy they went on this tour.

As a veteran of Uncle Sam's Navy, stepping aboard the USS Turner Joy was like stepping back into some of the best memories of my youth. Of the few museum ships I've been aboard, the USS Turner Joy has by far the most free and unobstructed access. I especially enjoyed the up close and personal with snipe country (engine, electrical, and auxiliary mechanical spaces usually located on lower decks, often below the waterline.) Although the tour is self guided, even those with little to no seafaring knowledge will learn much about shipboard life, naval operations, naval culture, and perhaps most importantly, a healthy new respect for the sailors past and present who make such enormous sacrifices for our sake.

The USS Turner Joy is a part of our History. You can go almost anywhere on the ship. They try to take you back to the 60s or 70s. The tours are self guided and at your on pace. After seeing the ship you can go to the Naval Museum that is about a quarter mile away.

I was pleasantly surprised by this ship. I expected it to be boring but it was amazing. I learned so much about how a destroyer works. There are so many mechanical parts. To live on one of those ships must have been a lesson in closeness with other sailors. A visit is definitely not for someone with mobility issues as the stairs are very steep, just as you would expect on a naval vessel. I thoroughly enjoyed this destroyer. Be sure to watch the video in the mess hall.

Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Very family oriented. Spectacular views and incredible history! A must see!

This is a wonderful way to journey into the past of naval history. The USS Turner Joy is a Vietnam era ship and has been restored to the condition of it’s day. About 90% of the ship is open to the public and a self guided tour is very easy. A good portion of the ship requires a visitor to climb and descend steep ladders (Stairways) so the careful selection of foot wear is essential as is the ability to climb. There are many displays that tell the history of the ship. A nice gift shop forms the entry/exit point to the ship. Parking in the area of the ship is extremely limited and consists mostly of commercial lots.

I spent 5 years in the Navy on a ship very similar to the Turner Joy ( USS Hoel, DDG 13). The ship is very well maintained and accurately shows what it was like to be on board the ship. About 90% of the ship is open for the tour. Several exhibits look like the sailors just walked off the ship. If you want you see what tin can sailors did and how they lived during the Vietnam war, this is an excellent exhibit and self guided tour. Even my 21 year old son was impressed.

Be sure to use the restroom in the gift shop first.

This was a fun tour! I had never been on a Navy ship before - and it was very interesting to see what it was like for the Sailors who served time on it. It's amazing to see what our Sailors live like when on board!

I toured the USS Turner Joy with my daughter who teaches 5th grade. She is taking her class there in May and wanted to preview it. We spent about an hour on the ship and were delighted to see so much of how a sailor would live while at sea. Some of the stairs were very steep and openings were small. I think that families or school groups would enjoy this trip. They also had a nice gift shop with navy souvenirs.

It's not every day you get to walk through a Navy ship that saw action. It's easy to get turned around as you navigate steep steps between the decks and weave in and out of sailors' bunk beds. Explore from the engine room up to the superstructure on the top deck. Lots of signage but be careful with younger kids on the steep steps. There are parking garages and lots nearby so expect to pay extra for parking. It's a short walk to the free Puget Sound Navy Museum.

My daughter is military so I wanted to see this!!! It was a little costly for a self guided tour. I would have enjoyed it more( for the $) if we had a guide to give us more information than what was provided as a self guided tour.

I have toured a few warships and submarines in my life. The USS Turner Joy exhibit offers the opportunity to see in almost every compartment and cabin. Some of the docents actually served on the ship and have wonderful stories to tell. I would highly recommend a visit while in Bremerton.

This was a great ship! Used her for transport to my main ship the USS Hoel DDG-13 in 1974 after my "A" school training. Met up in Subic Bay PI. Great command and crew, 4+ months aboard and would of loved to stay. Unfortunately my main command wanted me back! So You do as ordered and went back to the USS Hoel. The self guided tour was nice as I had the ship to myself. Lots of upgrades since my time on board. New bunks and tv sets that weren't available in my time. Spend 4+ hours a day in the engine room electrical service area and wonder why my hearing sucks!
Would do it all over again! USN 1972-1975 Thanks to all for your service.

During our recent trip to Seattle we decided to hop on the Seattle-Bremerton ferry with the primary purpose of visiting this ship. It was well worth the time and the money (for both the ferry and the ship). My wife and I toured the ship along with our two boys (5 and 8).

It is a self guided tour and recommends allowing 1.5 hours. That seemed liked a lot to us but in the end we spent at least that and maybe a bit more. Partly because we were fortunate enough to run into a retired servicemen who was volunteering on the boat who had served in Vietnam on an identical destroyer as the USS Turner Joy. He answered any and all of our questions and was able to walk us around for just a bit showing something we would have other wised missed.

I was surprised at just how much of the ship is open for touring. Very few sections were roped or blocked off. My wife and I really loved being able to tour the ship and for the most part our two young boys stayed quite interested. I hope that the ship can stay open for years to come for others to be able to enjoy.

We sent 2 hours exploring all over this ship. Great opportunity to see and learn all about the era that it and it's crew served.

What a great find. The staff was super informative and friendly. The ship is not as bug as the Midway in San Diego, but still very impressive. Take time to walk along the boardwalk and maybe grab a bite at one of the local restaurants too.

It was an easy to follow self-guided tour. Lots of information to read and some audio information to listen to. I think it would be better to have a tour guide who can explain things more and tell stories of their personal experiences. It takes two hours to really experience it, but you could walk through in an hour or less if you don't read anything.

USS Turner Joy brought back memories of my naval service that I could share with my grandson. I could share the experience of operating and maintaining the propulsion system. He enjoyed scampering up and down the ladders looking at the engine room, bunking, crawling into the gun turrets.
Beware the inside passages area narrow and the ladders are steep and the knee knockers are still there.

Went with my father who was a sailor on a similar ship in the 50's and with my 7 year old son. Makes me very appreciative of how sailors lived. We have been twice and each time there have been other visiting veterans aboard as well as the docents to give more personal history. The self tour was great. My son especially liked being able to get into the gun turret . Nice way to spend an afternoon .

This is not a quiet walk but worth the effort. Allow enough time to see it all. The entire ship is open, even the guns! There are not so many stairs as the stairs are very steep.

You guide yourself through the ship, which I like as you can take as much time as you want. There are a lot of places you can go, up and down "ladders", and I feel they have the displays set up nicely and a lot of written information to go with the displays.

As visitors from England we found this visit absolutely fascinating. You could go almost everywhere from the engine room deep in the ship to the crews' cramped quarters and captain's spacious cabin. You could go into the gun turrets, onto the bridge, see the post office, the medical room with operating table and some fearsome looking equipment. It was amazing how much equipment and how many people could be housed in such a tight space.

Everywhere you went there were informative notices about the various areas and the history of the ship and other destroyers in the Vietnam war.

Our grandchildren loved exploring and it was great not to have to say "don't touch".

It was absolutely fascinating to see how the crew lived, worked and went to war on this ship.

My brother and I visited the ship and were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed it. At first, I did not think it would be all that interesting. However, being shown about and educated on the nuances and history of the ship, I came away with a better appreciation of what the sailors encountered day in and day out.

for a truly different and unique experience, you might want to venture onto the USS Turner Joy.

Almost the entire ship is available to be explored. Climb aboard and roam freely through the entire ship at your own pace. Well signed so you can learn a lot on your self guided self paced tour. Be prepared to climb up and down steep stairs.

Awesome museum kept in excellent condition.Really gives you an idea of how the sailors lived and how the ship ran. Small children might be an issue as you have to traverses the ship as the sailors did, via ladders and hatches.

Lots of fun to crawl all over a Naval destroyer. Lots of steep stairs and narrow spots though.

It's a great way to spend a half an hour. Walk around and explore the ship. Well preserved with an interesting story. Definitely recommend it.

Great ship and 95% of it is open. It is not for the faint of heart for navigating the steep stairs or if you have a low center of gravity. I was a former US Navy photographer and it was a "Joy" climbing around like I used to do on ships, subs, carriers and a nuclear reactor or two! Loved it and I enjoyed the smell of diesel in the morning!

I thought the ship itself was awesome, I even enjoyed the gift shop they had. The memorial they had set up for all the past sailors almost brings a tear to your eye.

We were happily surprised to see how much of the ship is open to view. The static displays, the interactive displays, all the information on display, is really interesting and well done. You have done a tremendous job of preserving her and the history she bears witness to. Make sure you go in the morning and plan to spend the day, you will need that time to take it all in if you really want to get a good visit. 30 minutes will not suffice! There is so much to learn! Thank you

We needed an activity for the family and decided the last second to go visit this amazing ship. It is WAY bigger than any of us expected. Warning: this tour is best for people who can move up and down steep ladders easily. This really gave my whole family a great example of what life was like for our amazing military. I would love to see retired volunteers who actually served on this ship come once or twice a week on this ship to answer some of our questions during the self guided tour. What we thought would take an hour to tour we spent more than 2 hours and still could have spent more time. We will go back to visit again next time we are in town because I'm sure we missed something! My oldest is a Young Marine and he can't wait to go back to his unit and show them all he learned. Kids had lots of hands on stuff to try out. And we had just as much fun as the kids!

Turner Joy is a must see for visitors to Bremerton or locals. Opt for the tour guide, they add a lot to the story of the ship.

This was awesome. We saw and learned so much, and it was so cool listening to Lieutenant Church talk about his experiences. He spent 3 hours with my family, and toured us through the boat on a slow day. It was amazing, and highly recommend. Thank you US NAVY for defending freedom.

My 9 year-old son and I toured the ship today and he totally loved it! We were able to get to most areas of the ship, including living quarters, boiler rooms, and the engine room. I really liked the way the barber's quarters, the sick bay, and so on were displayed, just like someone was using them. There were several docents on board, eager to answer questions. Admission was $12 for adults, which seemed reasonable for what we were able to see. I would definitely recommend visiting the USS Turner Joy, especially for kids.

Very good gift shop. Ship was well maintained. Gift shop staff were very nice to customers

This is an amazing ship to walk through and see. The smell of the engine room, the stairs and the different levels. You can feel the history and it gives you an idea of what it was like to be on this ship. Worth checking out at least once.
Within walking distance from Hampton Inn and Suites, Starbucks and Restaurants.

We were with our kids and grandkids. The little ones needed constant attention. The ladders are steep and the only way to get from one deck to another. The main deck had yearbooks and information about destroyers and POWs during the Vietnam War. Most of the ship was available for viewing and areas were labeled so you knew where you were. There were docents on board to help with questions. I eventually got comfortable climbing on the ladders but it's easy to overdo it.

This was worth the cost (not expensive) Although it was a self guided tour, it was very interesting & historic. Amazing to think that this was a full functioning/engaged in war ship. Learned a lot just by reading signs on the walls. Kids loved it. Would go again.

Had a wonderful time on the USS Turner Joy. Fantastic to take the Ferry from Seattle and walk down the Bremerton pier and have a Vietnam naval ship there to explore. Everyone in the family learned something.

Have been on a number of museum vessels but this was our first destroyer. It took a bit over an hour to walk through, see displays and historical information. Would be neat for younger folks to experience life on the vessel.

I was a sailor on the USS Ranger, and it just got yanked out of Bremerton to turn it into razor blades, so I was not really in the mood to be near the Navy, after they destroyed my old ship, but my wife gave me a extra little Christmas gift, which was a tour on the Turner Joy. It was awesome, I love going on Navy ships, and they have done a real good job, on making this a good experience. If I have friends from out of town I may take them there for a visit!

We were staying a week in the Bremerton area. Drove past the ships and mentioned to my husband that I always wanted to tour one if those huge ships, and he said let's do it. Checked the Internet and found the USS Turner Joy Museum Ship. It was an interesting experience, seeing how the crew co-existed in such tight quarters. Also, very intetesting to check out the guns and crawling into the gun turret, tight fit! Seeing the difference between the crews Mess Hall and the Dining Room for the officers. Officers sleeping quarters were two to a room, but the crew was stacked one bunk on top of another, fitting as many as possible into a room. No privacy at all! This was a good experience and we were so glad to have taken the tour. We have renewed respect for the men who served and endured those conditions. One last item, I read on the Internet that the USS Turner Joy shot the very first shot of the Vietnam War and also shot the last shot of the war. Intetesting trivia. So glad we toured the ship!

We spent about an hour going through this ship. It was very interesting. Right at the pier and walking distance from our hotel (Hampton Inn)

Hubby and I recently visited the ship and we had a nice time. There was some construction going on at the time so getting there was a small challenge, but we found it. We did the solo tour and there were all types of information available throughout the ship. It was cold and raining when we went, but we still had a great time. Would definitely recommend.

The ship is larger then it looks. Almost the whole ship is open to explore and climb through. The tour could use a few more wondering guides to supply additional information but overall a good tour.

This is a very well-done museum ship that allows a hands-on experience in certain areas. The tour is self-guided but if you are lucky you may run across a maintenance person who will tag along and explain some of what you are seeing.

Be aware when going through doorways, hatches and ladders. Some of the ladders are very steep but to see the entire ship they must be utilized
This is a must do when in the Bremerton area.

Kids loved exploring the ship and were really excited. A floating piece of history with lots of informational plaques. The admission price is a little steep though at $14 for adults.

Killed two birds with one stone. Took the ferry from Seattle and just a short walk from the terminal. The ship was cool to walk through to see the tight quarters the sailors had. well worth the trip.

This was an interesting look inside an old naval ship. It was good enough to hold the interest of a 6 and 10 year old too.

The ship is a work in progress .Been there many times and every time a new display is opened.Manned by dedicated volunteers that are well versed about the Turner Joy history and the Vietnam Conflict.

USS Turner Joy was a great tour and the gift shop is militarily based. A lot of history right here in Bremerton, something we did not know. We will return for another round.

I took my daughter here and was completely surprised by how fun it was. There were so many areas to explore. We learnt a lot about what it would have been like to be in the Navy! I recommend this tour for anyone interested in engineering. So many pumps and engines to look at. Awesome. I can't recommend it enough.

We arrived in Bremerton the previous afternoon and were staying nextdoor at the Hampton Inn. I had checked at the gift shop where you pay for your admission to the ship to get the hours and find out if it would be appropriate for our 4-year-old grandson. They answered my questions and suggested that if we really wanted to have a great tour to ask if the curator was available for a private tour. We did so and, boy, did we get a great tour. Lots of explanations and stories, inside insights to everything. Our grandson liked the guns and climbing up and down the gangways the best of all. But he remained attentive and well-behaved throughout the more the almost 2-hour tour. Thanks for a memorable experience!

If you are even a bit of a ships, boats, things that float buff you shouldn't miss a tour of the USS Turner Joy.
Admission is reasonably priced and the ship is in amazingly well kept condition. It absolutely demonstrates the care lavished upon her by the volunteers who maintain her and the respect that the visitors have for this historic vessel.
You can access over 90% of the ship and if you take the time to read the stories and explanations placed throughout you'll come away well informed of what life was like for the personnel manning her and the roles that she played. As the tour is self guided you can take as much time as you like and take in as much detail as you care to.
All in all we had a great time, recommend the tour highly and came away with an even greater appreciation for the men and women who make up our Navies.

A visit to the USS Turner Joy presents a wonderful opportunity to see an historic warship in much the same condition as when it was in theater 40 years ago. Nearly all parts of the ship are available for viewing, either by walking through them or by peering in through an opening. Very few concessions have been made for accommodating visitors, so there are many steep stairs (ladders) and narrow passageways. This just makes it easier to understand what a young sailor had to cope with trying to complete his duties in rough seas during combat. As a bonus, the ship is moored in an attractive waterfront setting a short walk from the ferry dock.

The U.S. Turner Joy is located in the harbor of Bremerton, Washington. It has a spectacular view of Puget Sound and the Bremerton Terminal and Washington State Ferry. It is a self guided walking tour where you can tour the Historic Naval Destroyer at your own pace, but can also sign up for guided tours also. There are location maps throughout the ship to help you through your trip along with staff to help answer questions and to help point you in the right directions. They offer programs for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Youth Programs along with Adult and Military Organizational Programs to either help with maintenance & upkeep or to have learning sessions and activities. There is an admission fee to go onto the boat. Need to wear sip resistant shoes and be prepared for a lot of walking with some very narrow and steep ladder like steps. Definitely, we'll worth the time and the exercise!! The entrance also offers a nice little gift shop, too, but shop after touring the destroyer.

We had extra time in the morning before taking ferry to Seattle and this was just outside of the hotel and ferry terminal. It was amazing to wonder on your own through this ship and see how everything was crammed inside to allow so many people to work on the ship. Older ship, but very interesting visit. Recommended for sure.

The exhibit is just off the board walk. No need for a car. Get off the ferry and go right. Take the stairs down and go left to the end of the board walk. We paid $15 per person.
You can come and go, so it is possible to do some visiting, go eat lunch and come back.
They allow you go and photograph everything that is open to the public. There are only a very few areas that are cordoned off. You can even get inside the gun turret.
An amazing and very humbling experience. It gives a true sense of appreciation for the sacrifices of the people who serve.

I really enjoyed this self guided tour. It's a little pricey especially if there are several in your tour party, but I have to say its well worth it.
You get to explore a Destroyer type vessel. And see what life would have been like on the ship.
There are lots of stairs and knee knockers so if you have mobility issues, I'd take that into consideration.
Overall interesting find!

yes I was in the navy and on my two cruises in 69and 71 my ship operated with the turner joy.I served on an older ship and it was nice to see how the newer ships looked. we sure didn't have the luxury like the turner did but we made do.if you the Vietnam war program the turner joy and another ship the Maddox were the first ships to fire at a north Vietnam boat. if you google the turner joy Wikipedia will give the ships history.the price for the tour are just right check it out on line. you can see what life was aboard a navy destroyer, kids will have fun checking every part of the ship. Like my opening line says it really takes me back. when in seattle I would think this is a must see. you all have a great time if you do visit . thank you for letting me tell you about the ship we served with.GO NAVY GO NAVY111

I took my extended family, including two six year olds, to visit the Turner Joy 2 weeks ago. It was a really nice experience, for everyone. For the children, they could see how the interior of the ship looks, how the military people live while at sea, and how they defend our country. For the adults, they learned how the Turner Joy was fired upon, beginning the Vietnam War. There is a portion showing the Prisoner of War experience, and memorials to these brave people. There are maps, strategic locations listed, and this takes one back into the history of this time. You can climb up and down ladders, several stories, and the children were never tired haha. We adults were perhaps a bit slower, but it was enjoyable to see deep into the ship, the engine room, giant ropes, machinery, sleeping areas, and the bridge. I highly recommend this experience, right by the marina and ferry dock in downtown Bremerton, and near the Naval Historical Museum, another wonderful experience.

good self guided tour. interesting to see how sailors live on a ship. ship is kept in good shape. good location. view of bay was great. nice museum store.

We were the only ones on the ship. It was a very interesting tour. Lots of climbing on steep ladders, so not for everyone.

The self guided tour of the the USS Turner Joy allows you to see what you want, how much or how little you want, for how long you want. It's very interesting to see how small the bunks are that they slept on, how tight the living and working quarters are, and to read stories of life on the ship and the adventures they had. Great for all ages, as long as climbing up and down the stairs (ladders) is possible for all involved.

Awesome!! Perfect for a rainy day and then the sun came out to explore the outside deck area. Kids loved it!

Pros: easy to visit from the Bremerton Ferry Terminal
Cons: needs some maintenance to be a 1st class tourist attraction

We visited on a typical (rainy) spring day. The ferry ride from Seattle was picturesque and, at 60 minutes, plenty of time to stroll the decks and have a snack or play a game. Once on land in Bremerton, the USS Turner Joy could not have been more convenient. Advertised as a 5 minute walk, it's probably even closer! However, we had driven on board so finding a parking spot was a slight adventure, partly because a parking lot attendant gave us bad advice. But, even so, be warned that the parking is not super obvious. At $1 for a couple hours, it was a good price though.

To access the ship, you enter through a tacky gift shop. Not much to purchase here except for some poorly made toys and some odd "decor items" that had absolutely nothing to do with a navy ship (glass tchotchkes, crafty jewelry, etc.) Someone is obviously trying to make a little on the side which has nothing to do with this attraction.

The ship tour is self-guided, as other reviews have mentioned. On the day we were there, during spring break season, we pretty much had the place to ourselves (which actually made for a somewhat eerie experience). Most of the information was printed on laminated paper taped to the wall. It was certainly enlightening to see how close the quarters were and to climb on the original stair cases (no accommodations for tourists, so if someone in your part is mobility challenged or has fear of heights or cramped quarters, this is NOT the attraction for them!). Having visited other floating naval history (e.g. the USS Midway in San Diego and “Old Ironsides” in Boston) the USS Turner Joy compares as a second-tier attraction at best. It’s not that it couldn’t be an interesting experience, but the fee to visit was out of line with how the information was presented and how the ship has been (not) maintained. It really did feel like a “mothballed” shop, as another reviewer put it.

Overall, there are worse ways to spend an hour, but definitely don’t make this a destination highlight of your visit to Kitsap County/Bremerton. On the bright side, two boys (ages 12 and 6) were quite interested. Though the younger one was a bit fearful of some of the dark, smelly spaces on the ship at first, his curiosity got the best of him and he certainly will remember the visit.

We loved the self-guided tour and also that there were people on board to answer any questions we had along the way. It was interesting to find out there are active service personnel living on board the vessel. It was amazing to get a little peek into the history of what sea life was like back then.

Had a nice time. The person that greeted me was so very helpful I had my 2 year old grandson with me. He really enjoyed all the play areas. Very informative.
Only bad thing about it was I was unsure of where to park and how to get in. But once I did that it was really nice.

This decommissioned Vietnam era ship is now a museum in the harbor by the Bremerton boardwalk. There is a shop for souvenirs and to pay to get in for a self guided tour. Open most days 10-5. They offer a senior discount and accept AAA and local hotel key cards for visitor discounts. Just ask. Lots of steep steps up and down to see all levels of the ship. I stayed on the main level and there was plenty to see from there. It is a ship and has a lot of written history on the walls. Spend as little or as much time as you want walking around the ship. There are uniformed personnel on board to answer your questions.

This is such an interesting place to explore. There is so much information about the US Navy and the base here in Bremerton. It is a wonderful place to learn about the local history. Also the docents there are always so very nice and eager to answer any questions you may have. It is a definite place to check out if you are visiting Bremerton or even if you have lived there all your life!

I visited the USS Turner Joy with my 7 year old - we started aft and worked our way throughout the ship up to the Foc'sle and all parts in between! You really can visit almost all of the ship - this really is a unique experience to see what life would have been like on a destroyer. It can be a little claustrophobic at times, but this adds to the overall impression of what it was like for the daily lives of the Officers and Crew. There are volunteers to help answer questions as well.
Recommended! Look for the Military/Veterans and AAA discounts!

Thanks to our daughter for giving me tickets to this historic ship, launched in 1958.

The Turner Joy was one of the two US ships fired upon the Vietnam's Gulf of Tonkin. On the basis of that action, LBJ escalated our involvement. Years later, the Turner Joy was the last Navy ship to fire upon Vietnam as our withdrawal took place.

Regardless of one's opinion of the Vietnam war, this ship pays great respect to those who served upon her during those times. The docents are largely sailors who served on the same era of destroyer. Their knowledge of what it was like to serve on such a ship, in combat and peace, is wonderful. As one who likes military history, I only wish I had more time with them!

One negative - parking. The ship is near the ferry terminal. There are lots of city parking garages nearby - all filled with ferry commuter's cars. We did find 2H parking on the street, but that did limit our time on the water front.

The ship was mostly open with signs pointing out items that you were looking at. It had a lot of info from men who had served on the ship. It could have had better maps or signs since I'm still not sure if I missed anything since you go yourself.

Bring your imagination! Great family fun for kids who can climb up and down ladders. Really makes you think of what our military has had to endure. A wonderful piece of history. I'd give it a good hour to an hour and a half if you really want to explore the ship. It's self guided. I like that part!

The Turner Joy is m,oored in Bremerton Harbor. It is in good shape, and offers tours year-around. Bremerton is a Navy town, so this floating museum fits well. Worth a visit; bring the kids.

The Bremerton waterfront is fun interesting. And educational to enjoy lots of things to do on waterfront ,Navy park to play eat and enjoys ,Navy Museum to visit you can spent a full day on the water front and learn a lot of navy history and if a loved one service d in the Navy it is especially entertaining and fun. I live in this area.

We took my 93 year old father in law, a WWII British navy vet, on this visit. He was in heaven and fir he I was quite interested in how the crew lived and worked on board. Great day trip for a family- probably not the best for really young children. We picnicked at table outside the gift shop on the plaza/waterfront and it was very pleasant. Eateries close by if you choose to dine in.

It’s self-guided tour. The cost of admission is $16 for adult, $9.50 for youth, and $5.50 for kids over 4. It’s interesting to read about the history of the ship and able to walked around and looked at different sections of the ship and how it’s operated.

After visiting the Navy museum you will not want to miss this ship. It is one thing to see one in the movies or TV but another up close and personal.

This was a great self led tour through history our 4 and 7 year old really enjoyed walking through the ship as well. A must see if you are near it is only open until 6pm, take about 2 hours to go through you really must see this fantastic ship.

We visited early in the morning on a weekday and we were the only people on the ship touring. You can spend at about 1 to 2 hours here. It is a self-guided tour. The ship is very interesting. If you don’t like going up and down step steps then you will miss out on some of the unique features of the ship. Definitely tour this ship while in Bremerton which is just a ferry ride from Seattle.

Wonderfully restored ship, the volunteers have done a great job! It's a perfect place to learn about history and to get a feel for life on a ship. Every time I visit, I feel like I go back in time and I learn something new that I may have missed before.

A vintage Vietnam era Battleship. Self guided tour, plenty of signage to explain what you are seeing. Freindly staff will answer any questions. Must be able to go up down steep latter and navigate tight areas. Worth the cost of admission.

This museum is full of recent history. Everything on this ship is well marked and labeled. Take the time to read the explanations. Those who keep this museum have put up so many full and eye opening facts of the past about this ship and its work and crew. Take the time to explore each level. Some stairs up or down look way to steep. But everyone knows some of us take them slower than others. There is also handicapped access. And make sure you take the time to see the small room and exhibit dedicated to prisoners of war. The Turner Joy will give you pause and fill you with the understanding of the awesome bravery, hard work and dedication this ship and its crew have given to all of us.

We went with our grandson and husband is disabled and they were so kind to let him go on the first deck with no charge. It was great because he got to experience the ship also. Grandson enjoyed going on all the decks and viewing. Soldiers aboard were very kind and considerate! Thanks for your service men!

We held an after-hours party on the Turner Joy for family and friends. The staff was helpful from start to finish. They were there setting up tables, chairs and tents in the locations we requested and provided power for the band - when the party was over they quickly put everything away. The volunteer docents provided knowledgeable tours for our guests. The staff and voleenteers helped us enjoy the party as much as our guests. We highly recommend this unique venue as a place for a memorable party.

World class United States Naval Destroyer with history during the Gulf of Tonkin. Looks like they did a great rehab earlier this year. Staff in office and on ship pleasant and well informed. Small entry fee but it cost big bucks to repaint a war ship. Nice gift shop and surrounding area to grab a bite to eat. Also visit Naval museum

The USS Turner Joy is a Vietnam battleship, in fact the battleship that "started" the Vietnam conflict. I'll let you read whatever version of that history that rings true for you, but history aside, if you haven't been on a battleship lately, you won't want to miss the Turner Joy. You can wander the ship seeing the mess halls (one for the enlisted guys and a much finer one for the officers), the post office, the navigation equipment, damage control room (where they store the equipment to repair the ship if it gets hit), the sick bay and more. There are descriptions and explanations of each area. You could whizz through quickly and get the gist or spend hours exploring every detail. We had a great time there.

This is an average ship tour. My boys love it and will probably bring them back again when they are older.

If you've never toured a Navy ship, this is an easy way to see what accommodations and living conditions were like on a 60's era ship. Very interesting!

A fascinating view of life aboard a ship of the Tin Can Navy. My personal experiences with the Navy during that era were from an aerial perspective, i.e. as an aviator. The Turner Joy completed the circle for me as my squadron's mission often included working in concert with similar ships.

We had very good access to most of the ship which was very interesting to see. I am amazed and impressed with the sailors who served their country in such tight quarters!

This place is wonderful. It was amazing to explore all the nooks and cabins and everything. I loved all the stories and articles that were posted around the ship to explain their functions and happenings. What a great visit and a wonderful piece of history.

Historic ship involved in the Gulf of Tonkin incident. You get to see a lot of the ship and it is well-marked and documented for a self-guided tour. Not good for small kids as the stairs are very steep, almost like ladders. No way a stroller would work there. Definitely not for anyone with a mobility impairment.

Took the grandkids to tour the ship--it was fascinating for them. They couldn't get to enough of the nooks and crannies climbing up on the 3 man racks in the sleeping quarters, role playing a staff meeting in the Captain's conference room, chowing down on the chocolate cake in the crews' mess, manning the gun mounts and on and on!! Spent 2 full hours here and could have stayed longer.
There were a number of ex Navy men who provided excellent insights into the Turner Joy, her history and service record.
Definitely worth the time and modest entrance fee.

Interesting to walk this destroyer. Great with all senior people with navy experience who came up and told stories and asked questions. Great way. We didn't have to follow a guide but we still got first hand good information. Thanks!

Nice Ship, My husband enjoys visiting the old ships. A former crew member was very kind and gave us a private history lesson while he was in between tour.

My hats off to the dedicated people who have restored this fascinating work of naval engineering. The ship opens at 10:00am for self-guided walking tours and at 1:30pm you can get a guided tour at no additional cost. Even if you are not a history buff, this will give you a new level of respect for the men who lived, fought and died on these ships.

I will start this review with the caveat that I may be a bit biased. I served on a Forrest Sherman class destroyer like the USS Turner Joy but with an ASW modification. So it was fun to show my two sons around this old beauty. One son is in the Navy now and was amazed at the amount of things that haven't changed in 50 years. But the cool things they have done on here is allow you access to almost everywhere, with viewing portals into the reduction gears, the boilers and other places, where most people never get to see. The ship is amazingly clean and well cared for. I highly recommend you spend a couple hours poking around this piece of American Naval history.

I took my three granddaughters , 9, 13 and 15...they enjoyed it and it opened their eyes to what it means to serve our country.

The Tin Can Sailors Association has done a phenomenal job of restoring and maintaining a piece of American history in the USS TURNER JOY (DD-951). If you've ever wondered what it would be like to serve on a post WW II destroyer, here is your opportunity to experience everything from stem to stern, starboard to port, and top to bottom. The signage was excellent, so it was easy to understand what each space was used for. Passageways (hallways) were narrow; ladders (stairs) were steep; the berthing quarters were cramped.

Great ship to explore. We have gone severall time, and find the it is never crowded, so you have time to explore, and learn about this time in history.

Hi my six and eight-year-old boys loved it!

Very cool to see how navy officers lived aboard a ship. I can see why they were so crazed when they came ashore!

Neat history presented on board too

We enjoyed a very thorough tour by USS Turner Joy Docent, Brian Roades. He was very informative, knew many details about this ship and served in the Navy himself, so appreciates this piece of history at our Bremerton Boardwalk.

This boat is a huge piece of history. It was pretty fun to walk around and see all the inner workings of the ship.

Cool ship, built later than most US museum warships. Tour is self-guided and pretty expansive. I was the only one there on a Wednesday. You have to park several blocks away - there is free 2-hour street parking on 5th St, 4th St, and Washington Ave - and walk down to the Marina to gain access, so set a timer. I did the tour in an hour and 35 minutes, moving fast and not reading much. In a perfect world, I’d have loved to have read everything but with time constraints I just took photos of the signage to read later unless the compartment was really interesting in the moment. Access was good - down to a boiler and engine room, up to the flying bridge and pilot house, plus a nice bonus stop on the signal bridge. All weather decks, plus the interior of two 5”’mounts. Wish access was available to one of the magazines though. Beware - the gun mount interior is extremely tight. I have a beer gut on my 6’, 210 lb frame and found it very squeezing to get around the breech and loading trays of the guns. The WWII-era 5” twin mounts are substantially more roomy!

Staff was a little lackadaisical, none of those on ship made an effort to say high, gift shop took their time ringing me up to get aboard even though I’d already expressed concern about my time limit from the 2-hour parking. That was my only complaint. Otherwise, the ship is in decent condition and there’s lots to explore. Vietnam isn’t my forte, but this was my 38th museum ship visited and I found it interesting comparing the differences and a nice scenic location up there with the best of them.

Best attraction in Bremerton.

It's worth looking in.
if you like that kind of thing.would take family and friends if in the area again

We enjoyed a reception aboard and enjoyed wandering the ship. It gives you perspective on the sacrifices required of those in the military. Tennis shoes are recommend since there are ladders to climb and nooks and crannies to see. Worth the look around and seeing a historical ship

This was a great opportunity for my kids And myself to learn about history. We really enjoyed exploring this retired naval ship and have a greater appreciation for the men and ladies who fought in the Vietnam war along with all other wars.

We visited for the Halloween haunted ship tour. Very fun! I like how history of the ship was incorporated into the tour.

My husband, brother,and I enjoyed the self-guided tour of the USS Turner Joy. It was fascinating and showed how sailors lived and worked to ensure our freedom. This piece of history needs our support.

This ship was historic to the Korean War and offers a good insight to how a ship is set up and operates. A fun excursion especially with family.

Having served as a tin can sailor, it was great to travel down memory lane. I was slightly disappointed that main control was not accessible but one of the "salts" explained that it had been pillaged heavily while the ship was in mothballs. Other than that it was a real treat. My wife has new appreciation for life on a destroyer after going up and down all of the ladders. We were on board two hours and had a great time.

If you've never been on a US Navy destroyer, this is the one to visit. With access to nearly everything on board, this well-preserved ship provides the visitor with a good sense of what on-board duty was like. Excellent information is displayed throughout each part of the ship. The staff was excellent.

This is so interesting to see! What a great part of history. There is always refurbishing going on, so it is always different. The people onboard are very friendly and helpful.

It is an interesting experience for someone who has never been in the navy to be in the presence of such a magnificent machine. One can easily feel the power of the machine and imagine the experiences of the fighters who rode in it during the war.

We were unable to visit the ship. The ship is currently in the Seattle area in dry dock,m not in Bremerton. I would recommend you call prior to trying to visit.

Yes the kids loved scoping out the stairs, passage ways, and windy places. The especially liked climbing into the gun mount and sitting on the bridge.

We’ve been on the USS Midway so this is not as well done as that. BUT this isn’t a carrier so I appreciated seeing a smaller ship and envisioning what life was like.

I enjoyed roming around an old Destroyer, amazing how it operated.

I love the Turner Joy. My condo is right above the Turner Joy and it makes me feel good every morning that I look at it. I have been on the Turner Joy several times and have thoroughly enjoyed it. Definitely the number one tourist attraction in Bremerton, WA Highly recommend a tour of it for all ages.

my buddy took me to see this as he is a Navy guy and he wanted me to see how the other half lives on our military ships.

wow the bunks are short. and steel!

the passage ways are something to remember.
the knowledge bumps and knee knockers.

how do these guys run to the call of duty?

and wow the mess - the daunting task for the cooks. the servers.

up top the gun crews.

enjoy the tour, but walk slowly.
my friend never seemed to stop laughing.
i failed to see the humor - I am only 6'6" tall and i was bruised from stem to stern as we popped up to the poop deck.

The Turner Joy is a Navy destroyer built in 1958 in the Bremerton shipyard. It was later involved in the so-called Gulf of Tonkin Incident that led to the Vietnam war. The ship was decommissioned in 1982. It is in very good shape and visitors can walk (climb) on the main deck and some below deck areas. It is an eye opener to how sailors lived and worked in such small, cramped areas. See the movie, the Caine Mutiny (1954) with Humphrey Bogart first. The Turner joy was a bigger destroyer than the one in the movie, but you can almost imagine Bogart and his crew at sea.

Check online at: www.ussturnerjoy.org

Step back in time--and watch your step on the ladders since you must be steady on your feet to navigate this historic destroyer. You can see about 90% of the ship--according to the brochure--and that is about right. Intriguing to see how the 200 plus sailors and officers lived and worked. This is a retired Vietnam-era ship. Volunteers (and the entry fee) keep it maintained.Hopefully, you will feel more patriotic about the USA and more appreciative of all our veterans. We did.

We have visited more than a dozen warship museums in the USA. This one is special because virtually all levels are available to self-touring visitors. The quality of the displays is impressive. Clearly the restoration and upkeep of DD 951 is a labor of love. Like most warships, access to various levels is by steep ladders with handrails. Visitors must wear sturdy footwear (not flip-flops) and use both hands to climb or descend ladders. Wear a fanny pack or leave your handbag in the car.

Great opportunity to get a touch of what our military men and women go through. Was just amazed at what is sacrificed for our behalf in such closed quarters. Then to consider bombs going off and enemy fore headed their way. WOW!! We were late getting there but had full access to most everything and was encouraged to take our time.

Very interesting for the adults in the group as well as the 6 and 8 year old. It was awesome that they let you go to so many places on the Ship and the boys could have hands on. I do wish there would have been some recordings throughout that explained the ship and the history a little better. I would highly suggest it.

Had a great time touring the ship and learning all about the history and what life was like working and living on the ship prior to it being retired. There was navel training going on when we were there so we got it was interesting to see all the officers onboard.

I've been ghost hunting and investigating anything paranormal for the last 5 years or so and surprisingly despite only a 3 people passing away on this battleship during its commission, all from a Vietnam War accident involving a misfire of one of the main guns, the vessel seems to have an inelegant haunting. Likely due to the sudden, violent, and unexpected nature of the deaths. Our experiences supported real-time communication with something able to control the lights on our K-2 EMF meter bringing the milligauss up to explainable levels on command or after a questioning/statements.... Whatever is here this place is worth the the time to absorb the historic energy present on the ship, as well as the marvels involved in its engineering despite is dated technology.... All this plus the best hospitality make you feel right at home on a battleship, not everyday that you get to experience that. The tour guides are also incredibly knowledgeable. A+++

-Dustin

ps - can't wait to review the rest of my data/evidence from my overnight stay, more supporting data is bound to surface.

It was fantastic to get this up close look and feel of this Magnificant warship. My daughter was completely amazed and now has a great appreciation of just what sailors have to live and go through

USS Turner Joy: DD 951; Destroyer
A look into the past as to what our Naval Personnel, assigned to the Destroyer, had to call Home. Can you imagine being on board this ship on the open seas.
My visit was a number of years ago and I was a Shipyard Worker. A visit as a tourist gives you a whole different view of the Ship.

Great museum! Really makes you appreciate the life of a sailor and how hard life is for them. Truly we thank them for their service.

My husband & I were visiting Seattle and I wanted a ferry ride in Puget Sound. So, we took the ferry to Bremerton Island and while we were there, took a tour of the USS Turner Joy. (It's very close to walk to from ferry dock) We've toured other naval ships and this one isn't much different. It is interesting though, especially to see how the sailors lived- very cramped!! And enjoyed reading the history of the ship. My husband & son were both in the Marine Corps and we were happy to find some Marine Corps wind socks in the gift shop!!

This place was beyond amazing for us. We had rented a house a little over an hour from Bremerton and came here specifically to see the destroyer. I was blown away. We were able to explore almost all of the ship and learned a lot. There were volunteers wandering around the ship who were very helpful and told us a great deal about what life was like on board. It gave us all a greater appreciation for those who have served/are serving. Especially when we saw how they were all crammed in there! Some of the ladders are a bit scary to go down, but if you're careful there's no problem and it's totally worth it. Even if you don't go below deck, you'll still get to see a great deal of the ship. The staff in the gift shop was also really helpful and nice.

After seeing the ship, we went over toward the ferry and had some ice cream for lunch at Cold Stone Creamery. We don't do it all the time, but it was a special day. We were able to see the ferry and it was really close to the ship. Also anchored there are more destroyers and some aircraft carriers. Great day! If you're in the area, don't miss this!

Our tour guide was fantastic, and very "spry"! We are half his age, but we were not able to keep up with him! LOL
Lots of history and interesting stories. Kudos to the volunteers and patrons of this wonderful ship.

Never knew how cramped things were on these ships. Definitely need to watch your head and all.

Not sure if they're active, reserve/ng, or veterans...but they had a crew that were working on maintaining the ship and they all had the lingo to make sense to most squids but not to this Army soldier...LöL. My uncle and dad both understood...but they're squids.

The ladders leading to different floors are difficult for some so I'd use a high sense of caution when touring.

You’ve seen these big ships on the movies and this is your chance to take a self guided tour. So interesting to see where food is prepared and where those Navy guys eat and sleep. You can take all the time you want and read all the info posted on the walls. The photos of the guys living on board are interesting as well.
We had the unique experience of attending my nephews retirement ceremony on the deck. It was wonderful. However during this time people were very respectful and continued to come on board quietly and take a long look inside.
There is also a gift shop, we had to go through it to go on board. After the ceremony I went inside and bought t-shirts for family that couldn’t make the event. Lots of fun things in there.

To visit, walk on and explore this piece of history was so inspiring. Just to think what it was like was amazing. Makes me admire the men and women who served on the ship.

Visited with older siblings and friends whom have served (as did myself), it’s a very good thing they’re doing onboard the Turner Joy!

This ship served it full tour of duty off the Vietnam coast during the Vietnam War. It fire the first and last shot of the war into Vietnam. I got the privilege of talking to some sailors on board who were doing ship maintenance. There work was helping to preserve the ship, so people like me could tour the ship. One of the Navy personnel volunteered to take my picture in the galley. I really appreciated this. I did not have enough time to complete the tour. I plan on going back next summer to finish the tour.

This is, I believe, the only US ship on display to the public in Bremerton, WA since the "Mighty Mo moved to Hawaii many years ago. It's a wonderful trip to go on especially if you've never been on a US Navy Destroyer Ship. They have made it easy for everyone to take there time to tour this Ship and a lovely gift shop with a variety of souvenirs to purchase is at an area just before the Ship. There is a true eagle's nest atop the Turner Joy and when the family of eagles is out it is a wonderful site to see these magnificent birds.

There is a lot of history at this Ship and the surrounding areas; great statues with educational information shared. There are bathroom facilities outside the ship at the beginning of the pier leading to the Turner Joy.

The waterfront also has a lot of fun things to see: the marina, many fast food restaurants--Subway, Starbucks, Cold Stone Ice Cream, Taco del Mar to mention a few and there is Anthony's Restaurant with great waterfront views while eating a great meal. Also, in the same pier area there is the Washington State ferry docks where you can catch a ride from Bremerton to the waterfront in Seattle--an hour's ride one way. You can make the trip by car or ride over as a walk-on. There is also a much smaller passenger-only "foot ferry" that takes you from Bremerton to Port Orchard, which is fun if you don't need your car on the other side.

In August there is the Blackberry Festival held on the piers leading to the Turner Joy where they have good bands, lots of foods, booths of just about anything you can think of and it lasts an entire weekend in August.

The Turner Joy Museum Ship is a good tour and being down on the waterfront with all the activities to see is very exciting for everyone: families, friends, pets although I don't think you can take your pets with you onto the Ship; call ahead to find out.

We came to Bremerton to see the mothballed aircraft carriers, but were surprised to see the USS Turner Joy right near our hotel. What a treat! It's really well maintained, with so much of the ship open for viewing. Don't miss the rear gun mount (you can actually go inside and see the internal mechanics!) and the captains quarters and the helm. If you have kids, they are sure to love this. Don't miss it!

We really enjoyed the visit of the ship. There is a lot to see and it took about an hour. The location is central and the parking cheap. However a few areas were closed to the public.

Self-guided tour, but the volunteers working on board were more than happy to chat & guide. They are still working on opening up more of the ship.
Even without using the guide, most items are well described with signs and plaques.
The head (bathroom) onboard was not open as the water was turned off for the "cold" winter weather, but the giftshop was kind enough to allow me to use their facilities even though clearly marked that no restroom was available. - I recommend "going" in the ferry terminal before you meander over to the ship.

Limited access for those in wheelchairs. Strollers and babes-in-arms NOT recommended. as there are 70 degree ladders for getting from level to level. Closed toe shoes are a better choice than sandals.
One-hour free marina visitor parking available, so suggest one of the nearby lots for $7 to $8.
Save your shopping for after the tour so you can have your hands free.
The website is www.ussturnerjoy.org

After I recommend you meander over to the free Puget Sound Navy Museum on the other side of the ferry terminal for more history & hands-on exhibits even the kids will enjoy
www.pugetsoundnavymuseum.org/‎

The USS Turner Joy is a great museum to visit. It is a Self guided tour, but there are plenty of signs and information along the way. Unless you've been on a ship before, you have no idea of what it's like until you see it... Remember that brave men and women spend months at a time in cramped quarters like those aboard this ship!

Went to tour the ship on a Saturday afternoon after driving about 45 minutes to get there. $16 to walk around an unheated cold ship. Interesting ship history but seems like for that much money per person it could be a better experience. Used a ship restroom...nasty, dirty, and smelled terrible. Beautiful gift shop though. When we bought our tickets the clerk asked if we wanted to donate. I told her "we just did". Would not return or recommend unless you have never been on a museum ship or were stationed on that ship while serving our country.

You get to wander the ship at your own pace, or see if there are guided tours from volunteers whom were most all were sailors on US Navy ships, some on this ship or similar type ships. Most of the crew and officers quarters are open as well as engine and boiler room and also the big guns!
Easy access from Seattle on the the ferry, because it is adjacent to the Bremerton ferry terminal.

Take a walk in the cramped little quarters that our soldiers had to live and work in for months on end! This little ship has wonderful docents to help you navigate what each part of the boat is, and set in the shipyard makes you feel a part of the military surroundings.

I've toured a few museum ships since separating from the Navy years ago and, in my opinion, this is one of the best opportunities to explore a US Navy vessel. On ships like the Battleship Wisconsin or Battleship Missouri, there is just so much of the ship you don't have access to. On the USS Turner Joy you can explore almost everything! I always want to go, into the engine room. In most museum ships you can't, at least not much. The audio stations make the self guided tour easy and fun for anyone that is in to these former navy ships. I loved the tour. We went on a week day in October. It wasn't crowded and we didn't feel pushed to keep moving. We could linger around as much as we wanted. Personnel around to ask questions that were very helpful. Take the pleasant 1 hour ferry ride from Seattle to Bremerton for this cool piece of history!

I gave it 3/5 stars because the day I went just happened to be an INCREDIBLY WINDY DAY! I put no blame on anyone but my planning skills. The ship is awesome and it’s in really good condition, and the fact you can go almost anywhere on the ship makes it that much better. However, I am a very sensitive person to smells and other things like that, and let me tell you, the ship had a very overpowering distinct “old ship smell”. It wasn’t terrible but it was very interesting for me. Another point on the ship I was trying to figure out (with my partner) if we had already seen the part of the ship we were in, and we ended up going up and down the steep stairs over and over because I wanted to see as much as possible. Basically we were lost because whoever built that ship, needed to use as much space as humanly possible. Overall I enjoyed the (self guided) tour! (Self guided makes it WAY better). I have nothing bad to actually say about my experience, it was very nice and I will probsbly be back again to tour someday. If you’ve toured other ships, the Turner Joy will have a very familiar layout.

I have so much fun going to ship museums.
This one is a must.
You get to explore everywhere. Unlike the USS Midway in San Diego or the USS Iowa in Long Beach. Those ships have sections you cant explore.
My daughter enjoyed the self tour too. Hard to entertain a teenager. I really enjoyed my time exploring the ship. If you are in to military history, this is a must.

It is $14 a person and my wife and I made the trip out from Seattle to visit it. The crew lets you go almost anywhere on the ship and it is like a massive tin castle. There is so much exploring to do and we got lost a couple of times down below the hull. It has been preserved pretty well so you really see what life was like.

A sixties destroyer which saw active service in Vietnam is open for visitors to wander its length and breadth. Few areas are inaccessible for those who can manage steep steps and confined spaces. In time-warp condition. If this is your thing, then a gem of an attraction. Could do with a little more information about the active service it saw.

I had never been on a battleship before. Our tour guide was excellent! He provided history about the ship and so much more. He was actually an officer on this ship when it was in service. His stories about the ship and life in the Navy were very interesting. There are a lot of stairs or ladders, but not too difficult for most people. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and will return when in the area again.

Nice spot to spend 1-2 he with kids. My 2 boys enjoyed our day trip here. Most of the tour is indoor so good on a rainy day. The organization is still restoring the ship so there are a few areas that are under renovation. You should incl a trip to the underwater museum about 20min away operate by the navy and it is free.

Great to see,touch and climb all over this ship. Set up and very educational. Vietnam Era Destroyer. Self guided tour

This is a museum like it should be, most equipment intact and 90% open to free roaming. Instead of standing behind ropes and viewing from a distance, you are climbing, crouching and in the 5 inch gun turret, crawling. You get to experience the cramped spaces, the smell of hydraulic fluid, a multilevel maze of pipes and valves in the boiler and engine rooms, and many other great scenes where you get to touch stuff and really get a feel for the ship. The fire control "computer" was particularly interesting with the analog gauges and hand cranks for input.

If you like naval hardware, you can easily spend a couple of hours wandering around. The Battleship North Carolina is the only ship I enjoyed more for the complete freedom to move about.

Parking is difficult to find and expensive, but once you do park the waterfront marina area makes for an interesting walk on its own and there are plenty of restaurants.

Wife and I toured the ship and were blown away. You can crawl into the gun turrets, go down into the engine room, visit the Bridge, touch the torpedo launchers, and more. Over 90 percent of the ship is open. Great tour, definitely worth the time.

Was very informative and we really enjoyed ourselves we would go back again and probably take friends and or family as well

The Turner Joy is open for people to look around and learn about our Navy history. It's educational and if you go in mid-Aug, you may even get to meet some real sailors. Some parts of the ship are still operational. Impressive!

Our group of 3 (hubby, 7-yo son and myself) had an incredible time during our self-guided tour of this battleship! It was far above and beyond our expectations. To be honest, I'm not exactly a huge maritime fan, but I'm telling you .. this is not to be missed! It was worth every penny .. and the time traveling to/from Seattle cross the Puget Sound. So glad we did!

steep ladder type staircases to go between the levels. Very interesting & now my son is talking about joining the navy

The ship is completely maintained by volunteers and is just as it was when it left active service. It is a real eye opener for anyone who has never lived and worked in close quarters. We are both retired Navy and took Navy friends from out of town. They enjoyed the visit.

At the time the Turner Joy was in service I was old enough to have served on her. But I think I had a much better time today just climbing up and down the ladders and exploring the maze of Steel above and below decks. It was like being in a time machine and being able to see how the sailors and the officers lived and the duties they had. Super fun. I even got to climb inside a gun turret and pretend I was the operator and also got to stand at the helm and turn the wheel pretend I was the pilot. This was better than going to the movies. Don't miss it!

I have toured several retired US Navy ships, but this was my first destroyer. Even though the ship is compact in comparison - just over 400 feet long - to the USS Midway (aircraft carrier - San Diego, CA) or the USS North Carolina (battleship - Wilmington, NC), the tour is probably the most complete I have done. You will see about 90% of the ship and learn how Vietnam-era sailors lived and worked aboard this historic vessel.

Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to scale several ladders (a shipboard equivalent to steep stairs) as you take the self-guided tour. Rest assured that the ship is safe and informative for everyone, from a Navy buff like myself to a kid.

The main deck of the ship is wheelchair accessible, no food or drink are allowed on board, but there are snacks at the entrance station, along with a good assortment of affordably priced souvenirs. Parking is $3 to $7 depending on how long you want to stay.

Very good if you like naval history. Other activities nearby. Near ferry dock and nice hotel. Easy walk downtown.

They were setting things up for the Halloween Ghost Ship so I could't go below decks which was a disappointment, but it was still fun being aboard a real Navy ship. You're free to wander as you please which is nice.

This self guided tour really informs and allows one to get a real feel for what it was like to be on one of these. Very educational and excellent for kids too!

This is a self guided tour over the entire ship. I have been on several ships over the years but this ship open from top to bottom. You should be in good shape in order to see everything. This is a great half day trip on the ferry from Seattle.

Although interesting it's way overpriced for a self guided tour.
Great access to all of the areas and a good vintage display.

My wife helped get the Turner Joy in Bremerton for the Waterfront area. We are very much pro the Navy History being available for folks. This is a ship with a lot of history and is well-maintained, an important one for Bremerton.

I always drag whomever I am with to these types of exhibits, and they say the same thing, "that was more interesting than I thought!" Plenty of nooks and crannies to explore and everything is well explained. This is a self guided tour so you have to do the reading. Only takes about one hour.

We took a fast ferry from Pier 50 and got to Bremerton in just 30 min. I have seen seem all kind of WW2 warships all over the world, but I never expected to be overwhelmed by a mere destroyer. In theory an aircraft carrier or a battleship will have much more stuff to show, but in the case of the USS Turner Joy, they put literally everything on display. I have never seen a ship so lovingly maintained, labelled and explained. Yes you have to climb the stairs up and down multiple times (not too hard really unless you are handicapped physically in some way) but it is all worth it. Certainly a pleasant surprise in my visit to Seattle!

Took the ferry from downtown Seattle to Bremerton and you could see the ship from the ferry before you even got off. Very easy walk to the ship. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable and the volunteer on duty told us lots of interesting facts about this ship and the way it was used. You do a self-guided tour and it is really something to see how those sailors lived. It took us about an hour and a half - make sure you wear sneakers or other comfortable shoes and some of those stairs are steep, so be prepared. Their gift shop is fun too, and has lots to offer. There are fast food shops and restaurants nearby if you want a bite to eat before or after your visit. Makes for a nice day.

This is a retired Navy Destroyer that is open for self-guided tours. The fee for the tour is a good price. I went with my son, we had printed material and a map, but the signage was very helpful. We were able to explore the ship at our own pace. There was staff on there to answer questions. There was a smell of old diesel and we had to climb up narrow stairs/ladders. Not handicap accessible. There was working being preformed at the time we were on, but it did not interfere. This was something I had always wanted to see and a good plus bathrooms on the ship.

Stopped to tour the USS Turner Joy on our stop for lunch in Bremerton with our 4 1/2 year old son. The ship was a big hit and we really enjoyed exploring every section. We especially appreciated that we could tour the ship on our own and explore at our own pace. Learned a lot about the boat, it's history and enjoyed it very much.

I always get a feeling of being overwhelmed on the ship. It's like a fun house in some spots because of floors. I feel like there's still energy there and it's very interesting and fun to visit!

We went on our self guided tour on a very busy weekend day. You can take your time going through the ship and they have a number of displays and printed explanations The only thing that could have made the experience any better would have been having an occasional person aboard to answer questions.

The USS Turner Joy Museum is only a five minute walk from the ferry terminal along the Bremerton Boardwalk. She is definitely an interesting experience for those who have an appreciation for history or naval vessels.

The USS Turner Joy has been restored to her Vietnam War configuration and she is handicapped accessible on her main deck only. The museum also keeps several wheelchairs available for guests and are available upon request.

You can tour the ship at your leisure. There is no set route or time limit. You can go to just about every compartment in the ship; from the bridge to the boiler room, from the mess deck to the deck guns, and everywhere in between is open to see and touch.

However, there are guided tours available on Saturdays at 1:30pm at no additional cost. First come, First served. Expect to spend 1-2 hours depending on how much you want to see.

General Admission: $14 adults, $10 youth (13-17 years), $8 (5-12 years) and 4/under free. $12 seniors and retired military. 1/2 price for active duty military. AAA members discount available.

Hours: March-October 10am-5pm, 7 days a week. November-February 10am-4pm Wed-Sun. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day and Easter Sunday.

On Saturday we walked around and I wanted to see this museum and it was everything I thought it would be. Well worth the money to see; plus you can go back all day with your ticket purchase.

A must see for anyone interested in the history of the US Navy. Take the time to read all of the sponsors on the pier leading up the Ship.

We visited this ship and was really amazed at the history and detail of how it was used. We climbed up and down stairs below decks and above deck. They have a lot of interesting things about the history of the ship. Standing on the bow was awesome. You really could imagine that the ship was moving. With flags flying it was very easy to imagine how it would be a good working ship. Lots of info posted in various areas around the inside. Well worth a visit especially for kids 10 and above.

My husband and I, with our 2 nieces visited this ship on a vacation to Seattle. My husband was the one who really wanted to see this, we weren't overly excited at first. The kids really enjoyed this tour. They got to climb all over the ship. The waterfront was really nice also. Lots of monuments. Would recommend this attraction, as a school field trip. Alot of history, and alot of respect for our Navy veterans goes into this tour.

It was an honor and privilege to tour this ship. People have put tremendous time and effort into the restoration and it shows from stem to stern. Wonderful POW/MIA memorial and a very touching tribute in the dining room as well. Not only an education about Navy life in general but great history about the Vietnam War. My heartfelt thanks to all who have served in our military and to the families of those who have been lost during their service.

It's always good to see a piece of history-especially when it's well taken care of like the Turner Joy. Its an inexpensive place to see and well worth it. Lines are rare.

What a different way to see an old naval ship. Most often you can only tour parts but on the Turner Joy you could wonder about the ship at your leisure. Lots of little stairs into little areas so if your a bit claustrophobic maybe stick to the main areas. take a few hours to do it coz its well worth the time.

Really interesting and fun being lucky enough to walk thru the Turner Joy when barely anyone was visiting so could really enjoy exploring it. Yes, the stairs were challenging for this sr w bad knees but I managed carefully. Highly recommend!

my husband and i are new to the area and since he is active duty military he had free admission. My mother was visiting and we all enjoyed viewing how navy life was aboard a real ship!

The USS Turner Joy destroyer started and finished the Vietnam War. A visit is a fascinating journey back in time. Visit the targeting room where the Gulf of Tonkin incident was germinated. The USS Maddox was also involved. (Yes, we fired first on North Vietnam torpedo boats while we were in North Vietnamese waters so we could "declare" war on the North.) Also, know that the commander of the Turner Joy later fired the last volley of artillery, timed to land on Vietnam at 0759 hours before the official 0800 hours ceasefire began. Just wow.

Very interesting US Navy destroyer that is now a museum ship. You are allowed to see almost all levels of ship from belowdecks to bridge and all living spaces. The ship has info posted in all areas. This ship saw action during Vietnam War era. If you are interested in US history you will enjoy.

I took a class of students here for a field trip and they absolutely loved it. I would highly recommend checking this place out, especially if you have kids. They have a blast here!

While it was somewhat interesting, one couldn't help but think back to just how America lost their only war in history. This is a self guided tour and it is up to you to make the most out of it. Here is my problem. This is a tour that many young people might want to go on, but quite frankly I would deem it to be unsafe for anyone under 15 or over 60. Never attempt to go on a tour on a wet slippery day or you might break a leg or worse. The tiny bunks makes one wonder if Navy personal needs to be under 5'10" or so. Also obviously the idea of a male and female navy would make one wonder just how they had personal privacy. All in all interesting but not really great.

The USS Turner Joy does not look too big from the outside, but climb aboard and start exploring its decks and you'll find first looks can be deceiving. There's a lot of ship to see within its hull.

It is a very convenient and fun mini-trip from Seattle . . . take the Bremerton ferry one hour from downtown Seattle to Bremerton (that will get you in a "boat mood"), and then the Turner Joy is a 5-minute walk from the Bremerton ferry landing.

You buy an admission ticket and then the ship is yours to explore on your own, at your own pace. You can climb ladders to go several levels above the main deck, and you can climb ladders down to descend into the bowels of the ship and see the engine room, boiler room, and crew quarters.

There are plenty of informational signs on the ship to explain to you what you're looking at.

I'm sure navy vets and maritime experts will appreciate touring the ship just as much as those, like me, who don't have any sort of maritime background whatsoever.

I had many friends gone in the Vietnam war,going on this ship was really an emotional experience.i am glad we had the chance to visit and it’s something everyone should do.

Took a group of children and parents as a field trip.We had an exceptional volunteer guide who walked us through the ship as well as explained all the history.Pretty amazing,especially in the engine room,walking the slim passage ways,mess hall and captains quarters.

I've been on many museum ships, ranging from HMS Victory up to modern ships and USS Turner Joy is one of the better visits. Pretty much everything on the ship is accessible and, while camped in places, is fairly easy to navigate. There are also a few places (such as the mess) where you can grab a seat and check out your map. There are a lot of exhibits that didn't sail with the ship but were added to make for a fuller experience. I definitely recommend DD-951. Easy to get to, it's about a quarter-mile from the Seattle ferry.

Great museum ship for a self guided tour. The USS Turner Joy was one of the first Destroyer ships that took part in the Vietnam War. They are doing a great job restoring this ship. Just take your time and walk around and see the Commander's Quarters, as well as the enlisted racks, kitchen/dining area, engine room and other facts of the ship. There is also a small POW/MIA display. I learned a lot about what daily life was like for the men assigned aboard this ship. Great place for anyone interested in military history.

We had to wait until COVID-19 restrictions lifted before we could actually tour, but we made several trips there hoping to fing it open. The volunteers are knowledgeable and it was fun just to be able to walk on board.

Get some great historical tours and explore the haunted ship.

We visited in January and we the only people on the ship for the first half of our tour. It was a little cold, but it was not crowded. We enjoyed our visit, I would go back and take family to visit. They are continuing to make improvements and add to this tour. It was worth the time and the money.

A Vietnam war era Naval Destroyer ship that has been converted into a museum. The tour is self guided. An admission ticket costs $16 for adults. If you have been stationed on a ship or have visited other Naval ships, this attraction by itself wouldn't carry a lot of weight. But otherwise, this is worth a visit. One can climb into the gun turret in front of the ship. The various segments of the ship - the sailors' bunks, ammunition firing area, officers recreation area, post office etc provide insight into life in the Navy. It gets a bit chilly on the main deck and I'd recommend taking an extra layer of clothes to wrap around oneself!
There is public parking available nearby and the walk along the marina is good too.

Was in Seattle for the weekend so took the hour ferry ride over and walked maybe 5 mns. Quite the sight as you walk up. An amazing experience as you guide yourself through the ship. I enjoyed not being rushed and could read all the signs posted. They advertise you can see 90% of the ship, and that sure felt right. Very windy day, but exploring the outside of the ship was fun too. They have one gun turret you can enter as you first board, that was really special.

The ladders are steep so be careful and watch your head if you are taller. I'm not the best on ladders, but by the end of my 2.5 hours on board, I started to get the hang of it.

Best money I spent all weekend and it wasn't even close. A must visit!

Thank you to all who served and are serving.

Great exhibit of a Vietnam era Navy destroyer. Walk through the engine room and boiler spaces. See how the crew lived. Get a feel of Navy life on a 'small boy'. Great value to see a piece of history.

We visited during en event down on the Bremerton Marina. A little break from the crowds that was worth the visit. There are not tour guides but there are a number of signs that explain what is what. Gives you a good feel of what serving on a destroyer is like space wise. Lots of narrow, steep stairs and you can climb into one of the gun turrets and find out if you are claustrophobic. The ship is a short walk from the Harborside Fouontain Park and the Puget Sound Navy Museum making for a good afternoon.

But I made believe it's boring because I've been on so many naval ships. Not worth the time. I guess, if you served on this ship it would be interesting.

Neat to see and they had a lot of informative plaques telling the history. Self-guided tour. Good prices.

Had no idea how tiny a destroyer class vessel really is and I'm a tiny girl. Had a huge appreciation for our naval soldiers to begin with but nothing like what I walked away from scampering, wiggling and wedging my way through the mazes and noises of this ship - which is moored and not even seeing action. I can't imagine combat on a floating tin can! Thank you those that served!

The Turner Joy museum ship is available for you to explore from stem to stern. You have almost complete access to the many and various compartments of this US Navy destroyer. The displays are still being added to and improved, but there is just so much to see.. I almost got lost once, but I had a great time. The various equipment is well signed and explained. You can even get into the rear gun turret. You get a real feel for the conditions the sailors had to work in. There is not much extra space on this ship.
Well worth the visit.

After visiting this ship I have a new appreciation for sailors. Small quarters with lots of steps and moving floors. Grandchildren loved it and my husband, a sailor from Vietnam era, went back in time. Amazed how dangerous the stairs were going down into the enlisted men's quarters. Use care when using stairs.

My husband and I did Ross Allison's haunted tour of this ship and had a lot of fun. It's historic and very interesting to look at everything.

This was an interesting find. Although a bit more than I thought it would cost ($16 for an adult), you're allowed to roam freely at your own pace. There are several levels and many nooks and crannies to explore with a lot of information to read and learn about the Destroyer ship that you're exploring. We visited during the week and while there were six or seven other families there at the same time, we only crossed their paths a few times. There are lots of ladders that lead to the other levels, and some of the spaces are tight to get into.

Enjoyed the chance to see a restored destroyer. It is a Naval historic ship attraction. On the pier going to the destroyer the navy had men in uniform practicing for an event which made it even more special. The ship honors those who serve on ships and our activity duty Navy of today! Worth the visit!

What an opportunity to get a tour of the ship.... Holy moly.. Give yourself at least 90 minutes. There is SO much to see. You don't realize how much there is on a ship until you get in and are going through all the hatches and rooms. So cool!

Be prepared to walk and go up and down very steep stairs constantly! We really enjoyed ourselves though. I think it took us nearly 2 hours to see it all so I felt it was well worth the admission.

I live so close to the Turner Joy that I can see it from my patio and I'd never been until looking for something to interest my 9-year-old granddaughter last August. She loved climbing up into the close sleeping quarters and going up and down the steep steps. It would have been better if she'd used the restroom in the nearby ferry terminal first although the clerk in the gift shop let her use their facility. Honestly I can't imagine a physically impaired visitor enjoying the self-guided
tour unless it was a ship served on years before. The gift shop was pretty typical for this kind of place. Something for everyone if you need to collect more "stuff". Parking in Bremerton is an issue. Read the signs carefully or you could be unpleasantly surprised with a ticket. It's hard to enjoy the lovely waterfront and what it has to offer in a one-hour space. Enforcement is 24/7.

Good to see what the men and women who protect this wonderful country experienced. Fascinating to see the detail of the ship and all its working parts. Its occupants most definitely needed to work as a team.

Enjoyed crawling through the ship and exploring the different areas. Most of the ship is open to exploration and it is a fun way to kill a day!

First of all, I have to say that I am not the type of person who is into boats or the navy. However, the self guided tour of this boat was pretty amazing. It's hard to believe that men can live in such small quarters. It is definitely worth a trip and kids are sure to have fun climbing up and down the ladders. It truly is a step back in time.

It took us a little bit of GPS navigating and driving to find the USS Turner Joy. It doesn't seem to be well marked. Just head right to the ferry terminal and you will find it. We parked very close by in the underground lot under the Hampton Inn and Suites. We took our 11 1/2 year old grandson who is very interested in military history, and he just loved it! The tour starts at a nice gift shop. Total cost was $37.75 for one child and two seniors. The tour is self-guided, so you can take your time, go at your own pace, and take lots of photos. It was very interesting. Everything is so small inside this huge destroyer! From the cramped claustrophobia-inducing bunks, to the tiny barber shop, post office, medical room, etc., it really shows what these heroes had to endure. There are multiple levels to the ship and, or course you'll have to go up and down ship ladders which can be difficult for very small children or if you are physically challenged. There is a nice boardwalk, restaurants, fountains park, ice cream store, free Navy Museum, and an incredible close up view of the ferry nearby. Definitely recommend for history and military buffs.

Do something different and fun. Get on the state Ferry to Bremerton for $4.00 and go visit a real naval destroyer. The USS Turner Joy was a joy to discover. Explore its many compartments, engine room, two huge 5" guns and get up close and personal with real torpedoes,

It is a floating museum ! Full of historic events ,displays ,historic photos and the science of firing the cannons . Allow plenty of time much to see it all .

We loved touring the ship! We did a self guided tour and spent almost 2 hours exploring every nook and cranny. Honestly though, we almost canceled visiting this ship, just because its almost impossible to find decent parking. We parked almost a 1/2 mile away, and it was only 2 hour parking. It was a constant concern and we rushed though our visit. We plan to come back, but will take the bus or uber to the docks.

We are still talking about our visit days later. There is so much to see, and we know we missed a lot. The hatches and ladders are a bit intimidating. Very steep but worth it! It is a complete maze and I can only imagine what it must have been like when it was full of sailors, noise, and rolling around in the ocean!!

What a privilege to be able to tour through a Vietnam veteran warship! The displays and written information were fabulous. Kudos to the staff and all the volunteers and service people who served aboard this ship!

Very interesting tour of Navy destroyer, top-side and below decks. See what life was like for a sailor 45+ years ago. Authentic, and real. This was an awesome war fighting machine. Brings back memories.