The S.S. Anne is one of the most iconic locations in the early Pokémon series, especially in Pokémon Red, Blue, Yellow, and their remakes. Docked in Vermilion City, the luxury cruise ship is not just a beautiful sightseeing attraction it’s also home to one of the most memorable series of trainer battles in the Kanto region. Boarding the S.S. Anne offers players an exciting sequence of events, filled with strategic Pokémon battles, rare items, and important story developments. This experience, known by many fans as the ‘Pokemon Battle Aboard the St. Anne,’ stands as a nostalgic highlight for players around the world.
Overview of the S.S. Anne
Location and Access
The S.S. Anne is accessible once the player obtains the S.S. Ticket, which is given by Bill after helping him with his teleportation machine near Cerulean City. Once players reach Vermilion City and show the ticket at the dock, they can board the cruise ship. It is important to note that the ship is a one-time location after completing the events aboard, the S.S. Anne departs and cannot be revisited, which adds a sense of urgency and exclusivity to exploring it thoroughly.
Ship Layout and Rooms
The ship consists of multiple cabins, hallways, and decks, each containing trainers, items, or important characters. Many trainers aboard specialize in Water-type Pokémon, fitting the oceanic theme. There’s also a kitchen filled with humorous dialogue, an engine room, and an upper deck where fresh air and stunning views set the stage for strategic duels.
Trainer Battles Aboard the S.S. Anne
Diverse Challenges
As players explore the ship, they encounter a wide variety of trainers, each offering a chance to earn experience points and money. Most trainers on the S.S. Anne use Pokémon between levels 17 and 22, depending on the trainer class. These opponents are designed to test the player’s team composition and prepare them for tougher battles ahead, such as the Gym Leader Lt. Surge.
- Sailors: Frequently use Water-type Pokémon like Horsea and Shellder.
- Gentlemen: Use higher-level Pokémon like Growlithe and Ponyta, and yield higher prize money.
- Lass and Youngster classes: Commonly seen with Pidgey, Nidoran, and Rattata.
Experience Building
For players who take time to battle every trainer aboard the S.S. Anne, the rewards are substantial. It’s one of the best early-game locations for leveling up your party before taking on the next Gym. Additionally, it allows new Pokémon added to your team to quickly catch up in strength.
Key Battle: Rival Encounter
Unexpected Challenge
Perhaps the most notable moment aboard the S.S. Anne is the surprise rival battle. Just before reaching the captain’s cabin, your rival appears and challenges you to a duel. By this point in the game, your rival’s team has become noticeably stronger, and the battle serves as a reality check for unprepared trainers.
Rival’s Team Composition
Your rival’s team will vary depending on the starter Pokémon chosen at the beginning of the game. However, you can expect the following Pokémon at this stage:
- Pidgeotto (Lv. 19): A fast and evasive Flying-type.
- Raticate (Lv. 16): Known for its speed and Hyper Fang attack.
- Kadabra (Lv. 18): A Psychic-type with strong Special Attack.
- Starter Evolution (Ivysaur, Charmeleon, or Wartortle at Lv. 20): The main threat based on type advantage.
This fight is crucial because it pushes players to think critically about type matchups, status moves, and healing strategies mid-battle. It’s also a preview of tougher rival battles later in the game.
Reward: HM01 Cut
Helping the Seasick Captain
After defeating your rival and entering the captain’s room, you find the ship’s captain in poor shape suffering from seasickness. After helping him recover (usually represented with a few lines of dialogue), the grateful captain gives you HM01 Cut. This move allows players to remove small trees blocking paths, a necessity for reaching Vermilion Gym and continuing the journey.
Why Cut Is Important
While not the strongest move in battle, Cut is a crucial utility move. It opens access to various areas in the overworld and is one of the first instances where Hidden Machines (HMs) play a role in puzzle-solving and world exploration. Players usually teach it to a Pokémon with high Speed or those unlikely to be part of the final team.
Strategic Value of the S.S. Anne
Item Collection
Hidden and visible items are scattered throughout the ship, including:
- Great Balls
- Super Potions
- Rare Candy
- TM31 (Mimic)
These items help players stock up for the battles ahead, particularly the upcoming Gym challenge. Exploring every cabin ensures no rewards are missed.
Training and Team Building
Because the S.S. Anne comes relatively early in the game, it is an ideal place to refine your party. New Pokémon caught near Cerulean and Vermilion can be tested here, allowing trainers to make adjustments before committing long-term. It’s also an opportunity to teach basic combat tactics, such as stat boosting and switching strategies.
The Departure and Its Consequences
Missed Opportunities
One of the game’s quirks is that once you leave the S.S. Anne or use Cut outside to access the Gym the ship departs permanently. This makes thorough exploration critical. Players who don’t collect all items or win all battles lose those opportunities forever unless they reset the game to an earlier save point.
Optional Glitch Events
In some versions of the original games, it’s possible through glitches or specific exploits to revisit the S.S. Anne later or even prevent it from leaving. While not part of standard gameplay, these curiosities have fascinated Pokémon fans and are often explored in speedruns and challenge playthroughs.
Legacy of the S.S. Anne
Return in Later Games
The S.S. Anne made returns or cameos in remakes such as Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, and it was even referenced in games like Pokémon Sun and Moon through NPC dialogue. Its classic design and story significance have made it a lasting part of Pokémon lore.
Influence on Anime and Merchandise
The anime also featured a memorable episode aboard the S.S. Anne, where Ash and his friends got caught in a storm. This helped elevate the ship’s status in the broader Pokémon universe and inspired various merchandise, from toy sets to posters.
The Pokémon battle aboard the St. Anne remains one of the most beloved and important segments in the early games of the franchise. It offers intense battles, valuable rewards, and a key turning point in the player’s adventure. For newcomers and veteran trainers alike, boarding the S.S. Anne is more than a ride it’s a rite of passage. The combination of exploration, combat, and storytelling makes this segment unforgettable and ensures that its legacy continues across generations of Pokémon games.