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The Live-Aboard Program allows visitors -- adult, family and scout/youth groups -- to stay aboard ship overnight. Most Live-Aboard dates occur on weekends, though there are select openings on some weekdays, too.

"Visitors board at about 5 o'clock (in the afternoon, when the museum closes)," program manager Christen Miller said. "They get an orientation and then have dinner in the crew's mess hall."

And there's more. After dinner, guests are treated to ghost stories about the ship's past before retiring for the night in the Hornet's original berthing compartments.

"Our family has been on the Hornet, and our kids have really enjoyed it," said Alameda resident Susan Ramos, who has taken part in the program with husband Steve and their three sons, Nathan, Zachary and Ian.