GENERAL OPERATING QUESTIONS ● Are you open to the public?
Definitely! Dockside tours are always free.
● What days are you open?
The MV Lotus is open for dockside tours during the winter Saturday – Sunday 11 – 4, Summer Thursday – Sunday 11 – 4
Tea Parties are scheduled for Sundays 11 – 4. Reservations required.
● Historic Seattle Maritime Experience is the name of our overnight program of spending a day and a night in 1909 Splendid Simplicity, and reservations can be made nearly every day of the year. Family nights are available. All reservations can be made with the head steward by telephone, email or in person.
● Our hours and services vary depending on the season.
Hours for all locations will always be listed on the website. Look for announcements of book club meetings, corporate retreats, writing workshops, cooking classes, and musical house concerts
● Are you a volunteer? Is everyone here a volunteer?
The MV Lotus Foundation owes its continuing success to the efforts of our volunteers. And yes – The skippers, engineers, and stewards are all volunteers. And we are happy to speak with anyone about volunteering.
We are a nonprofit organization, which is open to the public year round. Anybody can come by. We are not a private club.
Can I rent this facility for my wedding/meeting/Cub Scouts?
Yes, our facilities are available for special events. Rental rates and more information can be found on our website.
● How is The MV Lotus funded?
Part of the MV Lotus funding comes from earned revenue, the rest comes from contributions. Earned income includes donations by guests of our Historic Tours and our Seattle Maritime Experience 1909 of spending a day and night aboard, Tea Parties workshops, small gift sales, and facility rentals. Contributions include, businesses sponsoring events, grants and individual contributions.
Donated materials, time and inkind services also help us run our programs.
Thanks for caring about LOTUS we are happy to have you aboard!