Cape May-Lewes Ferry anniversary specials kick off July 1
Cape May-Lewes Ferry officials announced a weeklong celebration recognizing the 60th anniversary of this important Delaware Bay crossing. Events will kick off Monday, July 1, with a special commemorative ticket from that original 1964 crossing. The ferry will also feature special throwback fare pricing, signature drinks, promotional giveaways and more.
For more information, go to cmlf.com.
“While a lot has changed in the past six decades, the ferry has always provided a break from the ordinary – a fun, relaxing way to add family memories to your vacation experience,” said Heath Gehrke, director of ferry operations. “The ferry continues to be an integral part of the resort communities we serve. As we celebrate our past, we also look forward to our next generation of ferry vessels, which will improve onboard amenities while reducing operating costs and emissions well into the future.”
Operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry welcomes foot and vehicle passengers 365 days a year. Because getting there is half the fun, all vessels are equipped with modern amenities, including outdoor deck chairs, air-conditioned lounges, cafes, comfortable reclining seats, Wi-Fi, lively deck bars and flat-screen televisions.
The 85-minute ride between the Lewes terminal in Delaware and the Cape May terminal in New Jersey offers a relaxing, picturesque way to cut miles off a road trip or simply get away for a day of sightseeing, shopping, beach time, ecotourism activities, dining or recreation.
The entire region came together in preparation for the ferry’s first official crossing in 1964. Dedication-week activities included pre-opening inaugural Hands Across the Bay ferry crossings to raise funds for the community celebrations and water float parades. Festivities also included a flyover by a squadron of jet fighter planes, 25 skydivers, receptions and dinners, and public concerts by a bagpipe band, the Air Force Band and the U.S. Coast Guard Band. Tens of thousands of people were involved in the week-long dedication celebrations because of the expected positive impact the new Cape May-Lewes Ferry would have on the economies of southern Delaware and southern New Jersey.
Delaware and New Jersey state, county and local government representatives, along with officials of the U.S. Department of Commerce, the DRBA and many private organizations and individuals participated in formal dedication ceremonies, first at the Lewes terminal, then moving to the Cape May terminal.
The first vehicle on the ferry was a Ford Mustang, which is also celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024. That first paying customer, Andrea Lippi, drove his black 1964 Mustang aboard the first vessel. When setting off July 1, 1964, the maiden voyage took eight vehicles and 15 passengers from Lewes to Cape May. Since then, the ferry has transported more than 17 million vehicles and served over 50 million customers.
