ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Atlantic City's casino executives are considering how a proposed high-speed ferry from Manhattan could bring additional customers to the resort, including the possibility of casinos covering transportation costs for certain visitors.
Former state Sen. Sonny McCullough, who attended Monday's meeting with Mayor Marty Small, casino executives and developers, provided new details about the ferry discussions Tuesday morning on The Don Williams Show on News Talk 1400 and 92.3 WOND.
McCullough said approximately 40 to 50 people attended the Sept. 21 meeting, which lasted nearly two hours and included representatives of every Atlantic City casino.
The proposed ferry service would connect Manhattan with Atlantic City's Frank S. Farley State Marina at Golden Nugget, offering a new transportation option for visitors traveling from the New York metropolitan area.
McCullough said casino executives expressed considerable interest in the proposal and discussed its potential cost, operating schedule, docking requirements and transportation arrangements.
"There was a lot of discussion about the high-speed ferry," McCullough told Williams.
He said the meeting went beyond a general discussion of the idea and addressed several practical questions about how the service could operate.
Casinos Discuss Potential $140 Round-Trip Fare
One of the most significant details to emerge from McCullough's account involved the potential cost of ferry tickets and whether Atlantic City's casinos might help pay for transportation.
McCullough said meeting participants discussed a round-trip fare of approximately $140.
He said casino executives appeared receptive to that price.
"The casino people seem to think that is very doable for them," McCullough said.
The former senator explained that casinos could potentially cover ferry transportation for certain customers whose expected spending would justify the expense.
He suggested that casinos might be willing to pay the fare for visitors who spend several thousand dollars during a casino visit.
The arrangement could give casino operators another way to attract customers from the New York metropolitan area without requiring those visitors to drive to Atlantic City.
However, McCullough did not identify any casino that has formally agreed to subsidize ferry fares.
No casino-sponsored ticket program or passenger incentive package has been announced.
The approximately $140 fare discussed by McCullough also differs slightly from the estimated $150 round-trip price reported Monday by WPG Talk Radio's Harry Hurley following his conversation with DEEM Enterprises partner Tommy Carr.
Neither figure has been announced as a final ticket price by ferry operator Seastreak.
Seasonal Service Appears More Likely
McCullough also discussed the challenges of operating a high-speed ferry along the New Jersey coast during winter.
He said the proposed vessel would be approximately 150 feet long and include food and beverage service.
However, he expressed doubts about operating the route during the coldest months because of potentially difficult ocean conditions.
"I don't think they're going to operate in December, January, February, and March, maybe even part of April," McCullough said.
His comments suggest that seasonal service could be more practical, particularly during the summer tourism season when highway traffic between New York and Atlantic City can be heavy.
The potential Memorial Day weekend 2027 launch date previously reported by Hurley would coincide with the beginning of the traditional summer tourism season.
However, Seastreak has not announced a final operating calendar, and McCullough's comments about winter service reflect his expectations rather than a confirmed company decision.
Docking and Transportation Logistics Discussed
The meeting also addressed where the ferry would dock in Atlantic City and how passengers would reach their destinations after arriving.
The proposed terminal is Farley State Marina at Golden Nugget, which would provide access to Atlantic City's marina district.
McCullough said participants discussed the vessel's draft, ocean conditions, docking requirements and ground transportation from the marina to individual casinos.
"All this discussion about the waves, the draft of the boat, where would it dock? How would you move the people from when you dock it to whatever casino? All that was discussed in the two hour meeting," McCullough said.
The proposed ground transportation component could be important because visitors arriving at Golden Nugget would need a convenient way to reach other casino properties, Boardwalk hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues.
No specific shuttle operator, transportation schedule or agreement among participating casinos has been announced.
It also remains unclear whether ground transportation would be included in the ferry fare or provided separately.
Casino Executives See Potential to Attract New Visitors
McCullough said the casino executives attending Monday's meeting appeared interested in the potential for the ferry to bring additional customers to Atlantic City.
The service could provide an alternative for visitors who prefer not to drive from New York City or navigate highway traffic.
A direct ferry connection would also allow visitors to reach Atlantic City's waterfront without traveling through Philadelphia or making multiple transportation connections.
McCullough described the ferry as another option for attracting visitors rather than a solution to all of Atlantic City's economic challenges.
During the interview, a caller questioned whether the proposal would significantly affect the resort.
McCullough acknowledged that the ferry alone would not determine Atlantic City's future but maintained that an additional transportation option could be worthwhile.
The proposal comes as Atlantic City prepares for increased casino competition from the New York metropolitan area.
A ferry could potentially give Atlantic City's casinos another way to attract visitors from that market, although its actual impact would depend on passenger demand, ticket prices, operating frequency and the participation of casino operators.
Ferry Proposal Remains in Development
The proposed service was among the principal topics discussed during Monday's meeting, which was organized by Small and Carr.
The gathering also included discussions about potential new regional airline service at Atlantic City International Airport.
McCullough said the meeting was attended by casino executives and major developers, with relatively little discussion devoted to the proposed Bader Field redevelopment.
The ferry proposal has an identified potential operator, a proposed Atlantic City terminal and a target launch around Memorial Day weekend 2027.
However, no final operating agreement, confirmed sailing schedule or ticket-sales date has been announced.
The participation of casino executives and discussion of potential passenger incentives provide additional details about how the service might be marketed if it moves forward.
For now, the proposal remains under development, with the final fare, operating season and transportation arrangements still to be determined.
About the Author
Peter Killeen
A 25-year radio news veteran, Peter covers South Jersey for NewsTalk 1400 & 92.3 WOND radio. Known for his concise and impactful delivery, he ensures listeners and readers stay informed without unnecessary filler.
