The Cap San Diego is a former commercial cargo ship, which, after careful renovation, now draws in the crowds as a floating museum. Built in 1961 for the Hamburg Süd shipping company, it formed part of a series of six express cargo ships known as the “White Swans”, serving the routes to South America.
Decommissioned in 1981, the Cap San Diego was destined for scrap before the City of Hamburg stepped in to save it. The run-down vessel was brought back to life, and the efforts paid off with the receipt of the Maritime Heritage Award from the World Ship Trust. It has been run as the largest seaworthy museum cargo ship since 2003.
Almost all areas of the ship are open to visitors. You’ll be able to explore the communications room and chart room, and descend into the cargo holds. Get first-hand insights into life at sea when you tour the captain’s quarters, the crew’s cabins, the galley and the pantry. A team of volunteers are on hand to answer any of your questions.
The Cap San Diego is also home to a permanent exhibition entitled “A suitcase full of hope – Hamburg as an Emigration Port”, including video and audio recordings, as well as original letters, which provide first-hand accounts of some of the five million Europeans who departed from the port of Hamburg for a new life in America between 1824 and 1920.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to the ship’s bistro on the starboard side, which offers a full lunch menu, as well as traditional coffee and cake.
As it is a fully operational vessel, the Cap San Diego also schedules short passenger trips down the River Elbe. During these day-long excursions, you’ll see the best of the riverside sights, whilst enjoying food, drink and live music. You can even stay overnight in one of the refurbished cabins. Choose from a single-berth, double-berth or, for extra luxury, the Captain’s cabin.
The Cap San Diego is open every day, and entry tickets are sold on site. It is docked at Überseebrücke. The nearest U-Bahn station is Baumwall.
