Schooner FAME of Salem

04/08/2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"It was a perfect day for sailing. Took two friends, my wife and eldest granddaughter, on this. For the money spent on this activity in Salem during Halloween it was perfect! The captain and deck crew were so professional and passionate about the job. I'd reccommend this tour to those visiting Salem for Halloween."

— Get Your Guide review, October 2024

04/07/2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"We finished our day touring Salem with a sunset cruise aboard the Fame. We were able to hoist the sails, steer, and we fired a canon. We had a local beer and met a variety of people on board and had great conversation. The crew is very friendly and enthusiastic. The captain was very professional, knowledgeable, and a very nice guy. He was happy to answer all my questions. It was the absolute perfect finish to our day. I would highly recommend visiting Fame when you are in Salem."

— Google review, 2024

04/06/2025

Yes!

04/05/2025

It’s a top-down day today! Bernie, Melissa, and Leila pitched in to get the winter cover off and packaged up for recycling. Then the frames came down and were put away for next fall. Now the real work can begin — as soon as the weather cooperates!

04/05/2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"What a fantastic way to spend a part of your day on the sea. The crew was wonderful and knowledgeable and friendly. They offer drinks and snacks on your tour. You'll see beautiful coastline, light houses, birds and the sounds of the waves will just transport your mind. Worth every penny."

— Google review, September 2024

04/03/2025

THROWIN' IT BACK TO... 2012! The bicentennial of the War of 1812. FAME was invited to spend a long weekend as a dockside attraction at the Maine Maritime Museum where Capt. Mike was able to participate in a reading with fellow 1812 authors James Nelson and George Daughan. Sailed up overnight in light winds; motorsailed back in an snotty easterly!

04/02/2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"One of the top activities to do when you are in Salem. I honestly did not know Salem was near the ocean and when I arrived I had a big surprise. You can walk to their location from the downtown area. A wife and husband own this boat and they are extremely friendly. I found out about this activity from the Girl Loves Travel group on Facebook. I thought the $39 entry was extremely affordable. Thank you for catering to the middle class and not just the upper end. It is easy to get into the boat even if you have bad knees. They allow you to help put up the sails and he shoots off a cannon. The tour is about an hour and 45 and is perfect. They do have snacks and drinks available for purchase if needed. Thank you for an amazing experience."

— Google review, 2024

03/31/2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"This was amazing!!! Great crew that interacted with us!! We did the sunset cruise which was fabulous! Guests got to put up the sails! Crew set off mini cannons! Snacks and beverages available for purchase at fair prices! Jack and Jason were so good! The captain too! Sorry, I didn't catch your name! Well worth it!!"

— Google review, October 2024

03/29/2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Such an extraordinary experience. After a day exploring Salem we ended the night with a sunset cruise aboard the schooner Fame. The captain was very knowledgeable about the history of the boat and harbor and answered any questions. The crew (Liam and Jerry) were very friendly and kept the conversation flowing. Members are allowed to help hoist the sails and steer the boat some throughout the trip which was nice. The wind was a bit chilly as the night progressed however the Captain and his wife provide blankets that work perfectly. Snacks and drinks are available on board and are very reasonably priced. As someone coming from out of town, I highly recommend this experience to fellow adventure seekers."

— Google review, October 2024

03/27/2025

THROWIN' IT BACK TO... 2010! Our Schooner Campers were taking soundings (measuring the depth of water) in Cocktail Cove on the north side of Misery Island. IIRC they used a tape measure attached to a 10' fireman's hook.

03/26/2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"My boyfriend & I had a great time on the boat! We were out of towners & it was our first time sailing here. We loved the whole experience & would definitely come back again! Highly recommend if you are looking for something fun yet relaxing! Oh and it was really awesome helping to raise the sail! So cool!"

— Google review, October 2024

03/24/2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"First time on a sailboat and boy what an adventure!!!! Crew was super friendly and full of information. They gave everyone onboard the "VIP" treatment/experience by letting us take turns hoisting the sails and steering the boat even!!!! If you're even thinking about sailing, I can tell you it's such an amazing value for what is really a low price! This event is a new core memory for me that I will treasure for the rest of my life!"

— Google review, October 2024

03/22/2025

HOW DO PEOPLE DESCRIBE THEIR CRUISE ON THE FAME?

—> “By far the best thing to do in Salem. We took the sunset cruise, and caught views of the full moon rising across the ocean — absolutely breathtaking. Ideal as a romantic time for couples.”

—> “We had the best time! The crew was very friendly, engaging and made the whole experience so fun! A must when visiting Salem!”

—> “From the beginning we felt welcomed and safe. The crew was very friendly and knowledgeable and lots of fun… I wouldn't hesitate to book this wonderful sail. FIVE STARS!”

—> “We had a great experience... A great way to see the coast and the beautiful homes.”

—> “From beginning to end, our experience was flawless. The view, the boat, the staff… easily our favorite activity we did in Salem!”

All Viator reviews from October 2024

03/21/2025

A 2021 shoutout from Destination Salem.

Get out on the water this summer in Salem, Massachusetts with a sail aboard Schooner Fame, a full-scale replica of the ship thought to be the first privateer to send...

03/20/2025

THROWIN' IT BACK TO... 2003! Harold is "dubbing" — flattening and fairing the outboard surface of the frames, so the planks will fit tight against them. He's wielding an adze, an ancient and versatile tool still used by boatbuilders and coopers, among others.

03/18/2025

On this date in 1815, the Salem privateer brig Grand Turk chased and engaged a brig under English colors, which engaged in a running fight with the privateer and even exchanged broadsides before hauling down her flag. This proved to be…

“the Br. brig Acorn, from Liverpool, for Rio Janeiro, mounting 14 12lb carronades, with a full cargo of dry goods, hard ware, crates of ware, &c, &c. Employed all night in receiving goods from our prize. At day light, saw two frigates and a brig on our lee beam in chase of us; received a very full boat load of goods from our prize, manned & ordered her for the United States — Joseph Phippen, prize master. As our prize was in a good plight for sailing, we have great reason to think she escaped. One of the frigates pursued us to 3/4 of an hour; but being convinced of our superior sailing, gave over the pursuit.”

Meanwhile, among the papers found on board Acorn, Captain Green found a letter dated January 2nd describing the signing of the Treaty of Ghent.

Even allowing time for the treaty to be carried to America and ratified by Congress, Green realized that the war had probably been over for weeks, if not months. He decided to give up the cruise and return home.

03/16/2025

Friendship of Salem is looking for a Deckhand (Seasonal). This position is open to all and applications are being accepted thru March 24.

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/833399600