Our events season opens in the spring and runs through the end of October each year, and dates are available on a first come, first serve basis.

Please note: for America 250 this year, during June and July, we will be in the Chesapeake. There is a possibility to host your event during this time - you can schedule a visit by contacting us at events@philashipguild.org.

Seated capacity = 90

Standing capacity = 150

The rental fee varies on the number of guests and date 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.

Our pricing includes our minimum of 4 hours of event and the hour of set-up and take-down on either end. Feel free to inquire about pricing for longer events.

Deposit amount & due date:

• 20% non-refundable deposit to secure date

• Full payment due date: 30 days in advance, but flexible if inquiring shorter-term
  

The rental fee reserves the space for the contractually agreed upon amount of time, based on the needs of your event! The base price takes into account a 4-hour rental plus an hour of setup & breakdown on either end.

As event needs vary, we tailor each contract to best suit each client’s specific needs.

To secure your date, a 20% non-refundable deposit is required, along with a signed contract. The remaining balance for your event is due 30 days prior to your event.

Please either email events@philashipguild.org or submit a "Start the Conversation Today" form on this webpage.

If you cancel your event, there is no additional fee. However, your deposit will not be refunded. We recommend inquiring about a rain date for no extra charge. 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.

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 (minus the deposit).

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.

Depending on the nature of your event, we will often encourage you to schedule a rain date (at no extra charge) 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!

Catering of your choice is welcome. Please note, caterers will not be able to use open flames or cook aboard the ship.

Our ship offers a setup and prep area, but there is no cooking aboard.

We suggest that you and your caterer speak with our Events Manager at events@philashipguild.org or, if possible, visit the ship prior to your event to become familiar with Gazela’s facilities and deck plan.

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 and off the ship after your event. 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.

We welcome decorations as long as they are not permanent or harm the ship.

(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. Email events@philashipguild.org to start a conversation.

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