Visit the RRS Discovery (2012)

Sat. 13 & Sun. 14 September

Booking essential

UPDATE: Tours are now fully booked, but you can add your name to our waitlist.

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One hundred years ago the Discovery – built in Dundee in 1901 for Captain Scott’s first Antarctic voyage – was designated a Royal Research Ship; the first of its kind.

To celebrate this centenary a number of events are planned to take place in Dundee, including the modern day RRS Discovery, operated by the National Oceanography Centre to undertake modern-day oceanography and marine science around the world, offering the public an opportunity to come on board and take a look at what life on the ship is like!

There will also be an exhibition based at Dundee’s Discovery Point Museum celebrating ‘100 years of RRS Discovery Science’ and entry to the exhibition and museum will be free of charge for the 12th – 16th September, on a first-come first-served basis.

It’s an unusual event for the public to have access to a working royal research ship and tickets to board the RRS Discovery (2012) during its Dundee visit in September will be limited due to the small tour sizes. These free tours of the RRS Discovery (2012) will be an hour in duration - plus additional time for free bus transport between Discovery Point and the Port, making a 2-hour experience in total - and will provide access to working laboratories, the bridge, the dining area and lounge, plus a scientist's cabin.

The total experience (including bus travel to the Port and tour of RRS Discovery) will take up to 2 hours.

Dr. John Siddorn, Chief Executive of the National Oceanography Centre, said "We are very excited to be coming back to Dundee and to bring modern ocean science and technology to life for everyone. Our scientists, engineers and technologists love these opportunities to demonstrate how the ocean impacts us all, and the incredible career options that are possible."

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR BOARDING RRS DISCOVERY (2012)

Ship access and restrictions:

All people must be fit and mobile in order to board the ship. The stairwells are narrow and steep, and at times on the tour it’s necessary to climb four levels of stairs. Unfortunately, wheelchairs and buggies/prams cannot be accommodated. For those who are unable to tour the ship, we recommend viewing this virtual tour of RRS Discovery (2012).

The Captain has very generously agreed that there are no age restrictions to board the ship, however, all children and youth under 18 years of age must be always supervised by a responsible adult while on the Ship.

• Children aged 7 years and younger must be supervised at all times by an adult at a ratio of 1:1. Buggies/prams are not allowed on board but babies in slings/carriers on chest or back will be if it allows for hands-free access for the adult.
• Children and youth aged 8 to 17 years old must be supervised by an adult at all times at a ratio of 2 (children): 1 (adult) for this age.

Additional boarding requirements are as follows:

• All Ship visitors must wear non-slip closed toe footwear
• Strictly no smoking or vaping on board the Ship
• No eating on board the Ship is allowed, but visitors may bring their own (already filled) water bottle
• There are no toilet facilities on the Ship available for public use, but toilets are available at Discovery Point
• You must arrive at Discovery Point in time for your chosen ticket timeslot. If you do not arrive in time, you may miss the bus to the Dundee Port. We cannot guarantee that you would be able to join a later bus, due to high demand for tickets.

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Please note that official photography and video will be captured at this event for National Oceanography Centre (NOC) promotional and archival purposes.

The photographs and recordings made are likely to appear in digital and print publications, promotional materials and social media.

If you prefer not to be photographed or filmed by NOC you can opt-out by simply informing the event organisers & photographer on the day. You and your party will be provided with special non-photography lanyards which will indicate your preference not to be photographed or filmed.

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Example agenda:

[Your chosen time]: Arrive at Discovery Point, bus leaves for Dundee Port. You must arrive at your chosen time in order to board the bus. If you miss the bus, it cannot be guaranteed that you will be able to get on a later bus.

[30mins later]: Bus Arrives at Dundee Port, tour of RRS Discovery (2012) begins.

[1hour later]: RRS Discovery 2012 tour ends. Opportunity to buy merchandise. Bus leaves Dundee Port.

[30mins later]: Bus arrives back at Discovery Point.

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