Cross Sound Ferry Introduces New Vessel, Sees 'Rebound in Ridership Lost During Great Recession'

Passengers who ride the Cross Sound Ferry can look forward to stepping aboard a new vessel in 2016.

This week, the Cross Sound Ferry announced improvements to its service for 2016, including the addition of a vehicle/passenger ferry that will help the company serve the visitors and tourists that use the service during the summer months and holidays.

The company has unveiled the PAMLICO, a 50-car, 300-passenger ferry to its New London, Connecticut to Orient Point route.

“We have experienced a rebound in ridership that was lost during the Great Recession. As travel has picked up, so has demand for our service and by adding this vessel to the fleet we are responding to that demand. Most of our passengers are leisure travelers who take our ferry service in the summer months and holidays,” Stan Mickus , director of marketing and public affairs for CSF, said this week.

The vessel is presently undergoing renovations at Thames Shipyard & Repair Company in New London and is anticipated to be put into service in June.

“We needed a vessel that complemented the level of service provided on our other ferries such as the John H and Susan Anne. These amenities include spacious, climate-controlled passenger cabins, ample and comfortable seating, full food and beverage service and entertainment options,” said CSF president John P. Wronowski. “While this vessel is mid-sized and does not have the capacity of the aforementioned ferries, the amenities provided will be what our customers have come to expect from Cross Sound Ferry.”

Passengers should look forward to the ferry’s new name, which will be revealed before it launches for the season — and expect an upgrade in passenger comfort, CSF representatives said.

The vessel will primarily operate during the peak traveler periods and holidays. Cross Sound Ferry operates daily, year-round vehicle and passenger service between New London, Connecticut and Orient Point.

Besides its fleet of vehicle and passenger vessels, the company also operates the Sea Jet I, a high-speed, passenger-only ferry.