Visiting a Pirate Ship in Sevilla

Don Loco, like most children, is drawn to the pirate life.* Sevilla has its very own pirate ship docked on the river, called the Nao Victoria.  The Nao Victoria is a tall ship docked near the Torre de Oro on the Guadalquivir River in Sevilla. 

Is visiting the Nao Victoria a good activity for preschoolers? LOL, no. It's an actual ship docked in an actual harbor with a lot of slip n' fall hazards, presented in the classic Spanish style of "this activity is at your own risk, we warned you (with a tiny sign.)" But, if your little pirate really wants to board the ship, here are some tips to keep in mind from people who have been there and done that:

1. The Nao Victoria is a fully operational caravel ship made of wood, which is rather slippery, especially the front part of the boat** which is actually quite sharply inclined. Also there were pretty big preschooler-sized gaps in the railing around that top part of the boat. 

2. There are many incredibly steep ladder-type steps to reach different parts of the boat. 

The very steep steps of the Não Victoria

3. I mean, it's a boat in the river. Pretty self-explanatory why this is not the most advisable activity for small kids. 

The Nao Victoria was both smaller and larger than I thought. You can climb pretty much all over the ship. As a land-lubber, observing all the cramped spaces made me feel a smidge more grateful for the minimal comfort of the Basic Economy airfare that our deregulated airline overlords have deigned to grant us, the unlanded peasants, in this year of our lord 2024. 8 hours with all our worldly possessions crammed into the space in front of our seat, is slightly better than 8 weeks at sea and a case of scurvy.

Admission was 10 euros per adult and 5 euros for kids, which includes museum admission on the shore. I saw many tourists find out the price and then decide not to board the ship. Which was great for us because we had the whole ship to ourselves, reckless spendthrifts that we are! (Or maybe it was because it was high noon.***)  Don Loco enjoyed climbing all around the ship and firing the "cannons."I cannot comment on the museum; we didn't bother to go.

All in all, it's a boat in the river, it was well worth the admission price, although if you want a much more air-conditioned and educational experience, I'd recommend the Pabellón de la Navegación on the Isla de Cartuja.

*We should all remember however that it was not the Spaniards who were the pirates in the 16th century, but rather everyone else

**Clearly, Not a sailor

***I guess this goes without saying, but, this activity definitely is not part of my "Fun Indoor Activities for Preschoolers in Sevilla" list--go early or go on a cool day, it's all outdoors in the direct sun