Elizabeth II

Across from the downtown Manteo waterfront floats Elizabeth II at her home port at Roanoke Island Festival Park. The breeze from Shallowbag Bay cools guests as they admire the ship’s bold trim. The striking green and white Tudor flag  and the white and red Cross of St. George flag both fly in the wind and appear brilliant against the backdrop of a Carolina blue sky. The representational ship interprets one of the seven English merchant vessels from the Roanoke Voyage of 1585.

Board and explore Elizabeth II from every angle. Help costumed 16th century sailors set the sails, find your latitude with an astrolabe, and swab the decks. Marvel at the lines and rigging that allow the ship to sail. Enjoy the view of the water from the quarterdeck. Turn the capstan to raise the ship’s anchor, play checkers with a wily sailor, and search for surprises in barrels and boxes on board. Test out the straw and feather mattresses that gentlemen aboard the ship were lucky to sleep on.

The interpretive staff of sailors gladly answers questions about the ship, the historic Roanoke Voyages, or any other inquiry guests have about the beginnings of English-speaking America.