Before boarding, play a mental trick on yourself by pretending it is 1945. If you do this, there is little on the ship that will convince you otherwise. The displays contain authentic newspapers and magazines from the period. Each set of quarters have items that lead you to believe the crew just left and will return any moment. Some personal living spaces are so realistic you will feel like a peeping tom for looking in.
Swing music plays constantly on the ship-wide speaker system.
You expect a WW II sailor to walk up at any moment and ask why you are wandering around. If you don't get into the spirit, you're fighting too hard. Moving onto the ship a deckhand greets you, gives you a detailed brochure and offers assistance. I met a different deck hand on every one of my visits and continue to be awed at their knowledge. They all have something unique to offer and I recommend spending a little time talking and listening to them.