Comprising 2,862 pieces, Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Ship is a formidable model. Its stunning sail design contributes to its impressive dimensions, standing 25 inches tall, 25 inches long, and 9 inches wide, making it a commanding presence on any display shelf.

The set includes eight minifigures, featuring iconic characters such as Jack Sparrow, Will Turner, Elizabeth Swan, Captain Barbossa, Mr. Gibbs, Anamaria, Marty, and Mr. Cotton, complete with his parrot. While I would have loved to see Ragetti and Pintel included, their absence is understandable given the potential for lost pieces, like Ragetti’s notorious fake eyeball.

Displaying this movie-accurate replica is sure to spark conversations with guests. Despite an impressive LEGO collection, this set consistently draws the most attention. Visitors are particularly captivated by the ship’s functionality. Rotating dials unveil cannons on both sides, and spinning the wheel maneuvers the rudder. While the rudder’s movement is satisfying, the surprise reveal of 16 hidden cannons is the true showstopper, ready to engage the Interceptor or Endeavor.

A standout feature of this design is the ability to tilt the ship on its supports, evoking the dramatic climax of “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End,” where the Black Pearl and Flying Dutchman battle amidst a whirlpool. The ship’s bottom-heavy build ensures stability, provided you have ample shelf space.

The deck can be lifted off, where you’ll find the Captain’s Quarters. Just like in “The Curse of the Black Pearl,” the quarters are adorned with candles, the famous green apple, goblets, and maps. Treasure is also hidden in the hull of the ship, where you can store the Aztec gold pieces that come with the set. Also detachable is a small rowboat, which we’ve seen countless times in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films. It’s the perfect spot for Captain Jack’s compass, a flat 1×1 which will have you on track to Tortuga in no time.

One of the most impressive parts of the design for me, however, is the ability to tilt the ship so it’s leaning on its two supports. It immediately transported me to the final battle in “Pirates of Caribbean: At World’s End” as the Black Pearl and Flying Dutchman dance around the massive whirlpool. Since the LEGO ship is bottom heavy, you don’t have to worry about the ship falling over: you just need the shelf space.

As someone who has conquered LEGO’s Rivendell, Avengers Tower, and Milky Way Galaxy sets, I didn’t think any new build would top those experiences. While those three rank in my top five, there is something about Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Ship that earns its ranks among them. I feel like I’m choosing my favorite between four children at this point, but depending on the day and who is throwing a tantrum, this LEGO Black Pearl might be number one.

A lot of the allure here lies in the ship’s sails. Tattered and black as night, the sails of the LEGO set are really a sight to behold. Despite how complicated and delicate they might look, I have to say they were remarkably easy to put together. The masts are 90% ready by the time you open the bag, with minimal building to get them together. You do have to assemble the yards from scratch, but that was also a relatively easy construction. The sails are held by rubber rope cords, which occasionally caused some frustration for me because they like to bend a certain way. Once you learn how they prefer to lean, the rest of the construction comes easy.

While Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Ship is an amazing LEGO set for fans of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films, I think fellow AFOL’s who have never seen the movies would still enjoy this build. It is a stunning shelf piece and I’d love to see LEGO release the Flying Dutchman one day to accompany it. You can buy Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Ship now at LEGO’s website for $379.99. At the time of this review, there is a delay of approximately two months on shipment, but don’t let that deter you.