Ever since I added the LEGO® 10320 Eldorado Fortress to my display, I’ve had one thought in the back of my mind: it needs a ship. The LEGO® 31109 Pirate Ship has been sitting on my wishlist for exactly that reason — the perfect counterpart to sail into that classic pirate scene.
I still have a handful of old pirate minifigures from my childhood — hook hands, wide grins, and sun-faded torsos — and I can already picture them taking command of this ship’s deck once I finally add it to the collection.
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Quick Facts
- Set Number: 31109
- Theme: Creator 3-in-1
- Pieces: 1,264
- MSRP: $119.99 USD
- Release Year: 2020
- Ages: 9+
Why It’s on My Radar
The Creator 3-in-1 Pirate Ship strikes that perfect middle ground between nostalgia and modern design. It’s not a massive UCS-style model — it’s approachable, display-friendly, and packed with charm. The 3-in-1 format means you can rebuild it as a skull island or a pirate tavern, which makes it even more tempting as a flexible display companion for the LEGO® 10320 Eldorado Fortress.
What really hooks me (pun intended) is the brick-built sail design. It looks fresh and clever, yet still instantly recognizable as “classic pirates.”
Techniques & Details
After watching a few build videos and reading other fans’ impressions, it’s clear LEGO nailed the flow of the ship’s curves. The hull looks sturdy and well-layered, and the captain’s cabin hides a few surprises like a small treasure chest and working rudder.
It’s also one of those builds that feels right at home in either a kid’s room or an AFOL display — you can tell it was made with both audiences in mind.
Display Dreams: Fortress Meets Ship
Here’s what I’m imagining: the Eldorado Fortress perched on one side of my shelf, this ship angled slightly toward it like it’s about to drop anchor in the bay. Maybe even a few cannons mid-broadside for dramatic effect.
That’s exactly the kind of dynamic, storytelling display I’ve been building toward — and this set feels like the missing piece.
Comparisons
If you already have LEGO® 10320 Eldorado Fortress, this is the natural next step. Both sets feel like love letters to LEGO Pirates of the late ’80s and early ’90s.
For a more advanced (and now highly collectible) companion, the LEGO® Ideas 21322 Pirates of Barracuda Bay takes the pirate theme to a grander, display-level scale. Between Barracuda Bay, Eldorado Fortress, and this ship, you’d have the ultimate modern pirate trilogy.
Who It’s For
If you grew up in the pirate era and want something that bridges old-school charm with modern techniques, this is absolutely for you. It’s also a great choice for anyone looking to add depth to an existing pirate-themed display — especially if you’ve got nostalgic minifigures ready to crew it up.
Pros & Cons (from research and fan feedback)
Pros
- Great mix of nostalgia and new building techniques
- Brick-built sails look excellent in person
- Three builds in one box adds long-term value
- Perfectly complements the Eldorado Fortress
Cons
- No cloth sails for the purists
- Only a few minifigures included
Final Thoughts
I haven’t picked it up yet, but it’s only a matter of time. Once I finally bring it home, I’m planning to crew it with my childhood pirates and sail it straight into Eldorado’s harbor.
It’s one of those sets that perfectly bridges the gap between memory and modern LEGO design — and that’s exactly what makes this hobby so special.
Buy Now
If you’re tempted to add this ship to your fleet too, here’s where you can find it:
