A proposed Seastreak passenger ferry would connect New York City with Atlantic City's Farley State Marina, offering a roughly 2½-hour trip and an estimated $150 round-trip fare.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — A passenger ferry connecting New York City and Atlantic City could begin operating as early as Memorial Day weekend 2027 under a proposal discussed Monday by Mayor Marty Small, casino executives, developers and representatives of ferry operator Seastreak.
The proposed service would carry as many as 600 passengers between Manhattan and Atlantic City's Farley State Marina at Golden Nugget, with an estimated travel time of approximately 2½ hours and a round-trip fare of about $150.
News of Monday's meeting was first broken on News Talk 1400 and 92.3 WOND early Monday afternoon when Don Williams called into Klein Time with Dan Klein, citing an unnamed source who was present at the meeting.
Williams reported that the mayor and casino executives had discussed the possibility of establishing passenger boat service between Manhattan and Atlantic City.
Additional details emerged later Monday when WPG Talk Radio's Harry Hurley reported on the meeting after speaking directly with Tommy Carr, a senior partner at DEEM Enterprises.
Hurley's report identified Seastreak as the proposed ferry operator and provided details about the potential route, passenger capacity, estimated fare and targeted launch date.
The Press of Atlantic City subsequently published video showing Seastreak CEO James Barker speaking at the meeting, providing additional confirmation that the ferry operator was directly involved in the discussions.
The proposal represents a potential new transportation connection between Atlantic City and the New York metropolitan area, one of the resort's major visitor markets.
However, the ferry service has not been finalized, and no official launch date, operating schedule or ticket sales have been announced.
Casino Executives, Developers and Ferry Operator Discuss Proposal
Monday's meeting brought together Small, members of his administration, casino executives and representatives of DEEM Enterprises, the development company associated with the proposed redevelopment of Atlantic City's former Bader Field airport property.
According to Hurley's reporting, Carr identified the proposed ferry service as one of the major topics discussed during the meeting.
The participation of Seastreak's leadership indicates that the proposal involves an identified ferry operator rather than simply a general discussion about improving transportation between New York and Atlantic City.
Nevertheless, the meeting did not establish that the service has received all necessary approvals or that a final operating agreement has been reached.
Proposed Ferry Would Bring Passengers to Golden Nugget Marina
Under the proposal, passengers would travel from New York City to the Frank S. Farley State Marina, located at Golden Nugget on Atlantic City's waterfront.
The marina has 630 floating slips and can accommodate vessels up to 300 feet long, according to published marina information.
The proposal also includes ground transportation from the marina to Atlantic City's casinos, restaurants and other destinations.
That arrangement would allow passengers to reach the city's main entertainment districts without bringing a vehicle.
However, the specific transportation arrangements have not been finalized. It remains unclear whether shuttle service would be included in the proposed $150 round-trip fare or require an additional charge.
The Manhattan departure terminal has also not been publicly identified.
Seastreak Already Operates Ferries Between New York and New Jersey
Seastreak is an established passenger ferry operator serving destinations in New York, New Jersey and New England.
The company currently operates service between Manhattan and New Jersey communities including Highlands and Atlantic Highlands, as well as seasonal service to other coastal destinations.
Its existing New York-area terminals include East 35th Street, Brookfield Place and the Battery Maritime Building in Lower Manhattan.
Atlantic City is not currently listed among the company's published ferry routes.
The proposed Atlantic City service would expand the company's reach farther south along the New Jersey coast.
According to Carr's account of Monday's meeting, the initial proposal calls for a ferry capable of carrying approximately 600 passengers.
If the route proves successful, Seastreak could consider building an additional, faster vessel capable of completing the trip in approximately two hours.
That potential expansion remains contingent on the success of the initial service and is not part of a confirmed operating schedule.
A New Way to Reach Atlantic City
A direct ferry connection could provide another transportation option for visitors traveling from New York City to Atlantic City.
Currently, visitors from the New York metropolitan area generally reach the resort by car, bus or a combination of rail services.
A ferry would offer an alternative that avoids highway traffic while delivering passengers directly to Atlantic City's waterfront.
The proposed service could also create opportunities for casino packages, overnight stays and visits to restaurants and entertainment venues.
Those possibilities remain dependent on the final route, ticket pricing, operating frequency and agreements among the ferry company, casinos and other participating businesses.
The proposal comes as Atlantic City prepares for increased casino competition from the New York metropolitan area.
A direct ferry connection could provide another way for Atlantic City's casinos and tourism businesses to attract visitors from that market.
Memorial Day 2027 Is the Target, but Questions Remain
According to Carr's account of Monday's meeting, the participants are working toward a potential launch around Memorial Day weekend 2027.
Several significant details have not yet been announced, including the Manhattan departure location, daily or weekly sailing frequency, seasonal versus year-round operations, financing arrangements and the final cost of tickets.
There has also been no public announcement establishing that all necessary operating and terminal approvals have been secured.
For now, the proposal represents a potentially significant new transportation initiative involving Atlantic City officials, casino industry representatives, developers and an established passenger ferry operator.
If the service moves forward, it would give New York-area visitors a direct water route to Atlantic City and provide the resort with another connection to one of its major tourism markets.
The next steps will determine whether the proposed Memorial Day 2027 launch becomes a reality.
News of the meeting was first reported Sept. 21 on News Talk 1400 and 92.3 WOND when Don Williams called into Klein Time with Dan Klein, citing a source who attended the meeting. Additional details were subsequently reported by Harry Hurley of WPG Talk Radio.
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.
