Our events season opens in the spring and runs through mid-November each year, and dates are available on a first come, first serve basis. You can schedule a visit by contacting us at events@philashipguild.org.

Seated capacity = 80 heads

Standing capacity = 120 (guests, crew, & staffing)

Please note: To remain in compliance with Coast Guard safety standards, we must have additional external staff brought aboard for your event (with the number of staff contingent on the number of people attending your event). These staff will be factored into the total headcount aboard.

The rental fee varies on the type of event you are booking and when it is being held. The rental fee includes the venue space on the ship itself and the coinciding number of ship safety staff members to comply with Coast Guard Regulations. For safety purposes, guests are not freely permitted below deck during your event, outside of use of our three bathrooms down below.

Please see our current venue rates below.

The rental fee reserves the space for the contractually agreed upon amount of time, based on the needs of your event! As event needs vary, we tailor each contract to best suit each client’s specific needs. Should your event require overtime, we reserve the right to charge a modest additional fee on a case-by-case basis.

Event duration examples:

• Wedding Receptions: A standard guideline for a wedding reception is 4 hours for set up, 5 hours reception, and 2 hours for cleanup (~11 hours)

• Musical Performances: Musical performances aboard typically require 1.5- 2 hours to load in equipment and sound check, 2-3 hours of performance time, and 1.5-2 hours for clean up and load out. (5-7 hours)

• Workshops and Classes: Depending on the class, 30 minutes-1 hour to set up, 1-3 hours of class, 30 minutes-1 hour cleanup (2-5 hours).

To secure your date, a 30% non-refundable deposit is required, along with a signed contract. The remaining balance for your event is due 30 days prior to your event.

If you cancel your event, there is no additional fee. However, your deposit will not be refunded. You are welcome to choose another date if available but will be charged an additional fee to rebook.

We understand unforeseen circumstances happen, and we reserve the right to use judgment to handle them on a case-by-case basis. All cancellations must be submitted in writing or by email. You may not cancel over the phone or via voicemail.

In the case of inclement weather, we need a 48 hour notice to adjust staffing. It is highly recommended to have a rain plan for an outdoor event.

Depending on the nature of your event, we will often encourage you to schedule a rain date alongside your preferred date to avoid any potential issues related to weather. In case of severe weather that may put the ship or your guests in danger, PSPG reserves the right to cancel the event. If alternate plans cannot be arranged, you will be given a refund.

In the case of rain during your event, Gazela’s crew will provide awnings on deck for your guests. Please be aware that due to the nature of a ship’s configuration, total coverage is impossible.

No, the venue will be reserved for only one group per time slot.

Due to the nature of our unique venue, we are not ADA accessible.

Smoking is prohibited aboard Gazela.

Yes, we allow BYO events aboard!

However, if there will be alcohol purchased and/or served at your event, an alcohol catering permit must be completed, approved, and submitted to our Events Team at least 2 weeks prior to your event. Our Events Coordinator can assist with filing for the permit for a nominal fee, if your event needs these accommodations.

Our guests reserve the freedom to select all of their own vendors and are required to pay any of their additional vendor’s fees.

We suggest that you and your caterer speak with our office or, if possible, visit the ship prior to your event to become familiar with Gazela’s facilities and deck plan. Caterers are not permitted to use open flames aboard the ship, including candles, gas, or propane. Our ship offers a setup and prep area, but there is no cooking aboard.

The caterer will be responsible for the setup and removal of all food, setup supplies, serving supplies, and other equipment needed. They will also be responsible for ensuring that all garbage, recyclables, leftover food, supplies, etc. are in proper disposal bags or containers. Gazela must be left in the same clean condition found proper to the start of the event. PSPG reserves the right to charge an additional cleaning fee if deemed necessary.

No, we do not permit onsite cooking. All food needs to arrive fully cooked and ready to serve. We can only offer a kitchen prep space, equipped with a refrigerator, freezer, microwave, sink, and countertops. Due to the nature of our unique venue as a sailing vessel, our kitchen is not outfitted to support cooking onsite for events.

Nothing may be permanent or harm the ship. You are welcome to decorate the reception hall to fit your needs with any removable decorations. No nails, staples, tapes or glues that leave a sticky residue.​ Open flame candles are not permitted.

For you and your guests safety, we recommend avoiding sharp-pointed heels (i.e. stilettos, kitten heels, etc). Otherwise, you should dress according to your event’s needs and the weather!

This will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the ship’s storage availability and bookings for the surrounding dates, we will try our best to accommodate your needs. However, all items must be taken off the property when your event comes to an end.

Parking and other modes of transit are very close to the venue. The ship is located south of the Independence Seaport Museum, docked in the Delaware River, across the Penn’s Landing Marina from Spruce Street Harbor Park. You can find it on the map here.

• Nearby Parking: Due to ongoing construction, the Walnut St Parking Lot is closed. However, parking is available:

  • In the Hilton, at 201 S Christopher Columbus Blvd

  • Beneath Market St/Penn’s Landing Bridge near the RiverRink at 101 S Christopher Columbus Blvd

  • In the Garage at 100 N Christopher Columbus Blvd

• Nearby Train: Amtrak and Acela service 30th Street Station, which is a quick cab ride to the Landing, or a 12- minute subway ride from 30th St to the 2nd Street Penn’s Landing stop on the MFL

• Nearby Subway: Market-Frankford Line 2nd Street stop

• Nearby Bus: Routes 5, 12, 17, 21, 25, 33, or 42 have stops along Penn’s Landing

• Nearby Lodging: Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia Marriott Old City, Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia Penn’s Landing, Penn’s View Hotel