Share: 

“Redefine Daytrip” with the Cape May -Lewes Ferry’s 2013 Summer Programs, Packages and Upcoming Events - Discover Both Capes in a Ferry Fun Way!

- Private group -
June 18, 2013

(Cape May, NJ) Take a break from the ordinary…take a voyage on the Cape May -Lewes Ferry, this summer’s destination for fun in both New Jersey and Delaware! No matter which direction you are going, there is plenty of fun to be had on each end of the Bay. Some nights, you don’t even have to leave the boat to have a great time! Live music and entertainment accompany you as you cruise along the Bay. Ride from Lewes to Cape May to explore the Zoo, Atlantic City, or even the Wildwoods Boardwalk! Leave from Cape May and visit Historic Lewes, take a trolley through town, or discover the Kalmar Nyckel!

There is so much to do in Cape May and in Lewes, how can you choose just one? If you aren’t visiting both Capes, you’re missing out on half the fun.  The ferry is a great getaway that is easy and convenient without jeopardizing any of the fun! Perfect for walk-on passengers, just drop your worries ashore and climb aboard the fun ship! Park your car in our free, well-lit parking lot and purchase a foot-passenger/shuttle ticket combo at one of our ticket counters!  Or, bring your car along for the trip! Drive right onto the ferry and prepare for a great day on the Delaware Bay. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry partners with tourism hot-spots to offer value-added excursion packages that are perfect for any adventure-seeker. The following are being offered this 2013 summer season:

                                                 On the Ferry

Delaware Bay Maritime History Program: Interested in the history of the Delaware Bay? Come aboard the Cape May-Lewes Ferry every Monday, July 8 through August 19, to learn about pilots, pirates, breakwaters, and lighthouses! The Lewes Historical Society discusses the maritime history of the Delaware River and Bay – the nation’s foremost historic river! Departing from Lewes, the ferry leaves at 9:15 a.m. and returns at 11 a.m. Departing from Cape May, the ferry leaves at 12:45 p.m. and returns at 2:30 p.m. This package is free with the purchase of round-trip foot passenger.

Marine Naturalist Program: Want to get up close and personal with some oceanic wildlife? Well climb aboard the Cape May-Lewes Ferry this summer to meet some of your favorite sea critters! Beginning July 11 and continuing on for 7 consecutive weeks through August 22, naturalists from the Nature Center of Cape May will be aboard the ferry every Thursday.  Experience informal talks about live animals brought aboard (terrapins, horseshoe crabs, sea stars, etc.). The Ferry departs from Cape May at 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and would depart from Lewes at 11:15 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.  Free with the price of ferry foot passenger ticket.

Tropical Tuesday Cruise: Got two tickets to paradise? Not until you check out the Tropical Tuesday Cruise on the Cape May –Lewes Ferry! This party boat is bringing the islands to you! The Tropical Cruise will be available every Tuesday from July 2 to August 20. The departing time for the cruise in Cape May is 6:00 p.m. and the departing time for the cruise in Lewes is 4:15 p.m. Reservations are suggested.  Includes free drink ticket and tropical drink specials.

Pirate Pete’s Cruise: Come aboard the Cape May -Lewes Ferry as it turns into Pete’s Pirate ship every Wednesday and Thursday night July 10 through August 22. Enjoy the company of the ferry’s adorable mascot, Lighthouse Pete the Pirate, face painters, and kid’s entertainment! The Ferry leaves Cape May at 6:00 p.m. every Wednesday and leaves Lewes at 4:15 p.m. every Thursday. Participants will receive a complimentary “treasure voucher.”  Reservations are recommended.

Rock the Boat: Get ready to rock this summer when the party leaves shore and comes aboard the Cape May-Lewes Ferry! Put your dancing shoes on and jump aboard the party boat! With four different bands playing out of New Jersey and the most popular cover band in the area playing out of Delaware, there is a party for everyone! Every Friday night from July 5 to August 23, bands from the local area will “rock the boat”. Cruises leave from New Jersey at 6:00 p.m. and return to Cape May at 9:00 p.m. Cruises leave from Delaware at 6:15 p.m. and return to Lewes at 9:15 p.m. Guests will also receive complimentary drink voucher with purchase. Reservations are suggested.

 Sir Beatle: Beatles Sing-Along Show: Experience “Beatlemania” aboard the MV Twin Capes this summer with Sir Beatle! On Sunday July 21 and Sunday August 18 the Cape May- Lewes Ferry will host the “Sir Beatle” Sing-Along Show for passengers in Lewes as well as Cape May. Recreating the Beatles phenomenon on stage, this show chronologically highlights the journey of the Beatles from their career debut on the “Ed Sullivan Show” in 1964 to their final live performance in 1969. “Sir Beatle” will play a 45 minute set in the DeBraak Lounge on the MV Twin Capes. Food will be available during the crossing and a cash bar will be open in the lounge.  Two shows are scheduled for each day. Tickets cost $18.00 for guests 14 years of age and older, $15.50 for those between the ages of 6-13, and $9.00 for children ages 5 and under.  A $5.00 upgrade is available on standard fares and on-board.  Due to limited capacity and the popularity of this event, reservations are REQUIRED. To reserve tickets call our Customer Contact Center at 1-800-643-3779.

July 3rd Fireworks Cruise 2013 out of Lewes, DE- Enjoy this year’s Independence Day celebration aboard the M.V. Twin Capes! Take the ride across the Bay to view the spectacular Lower Township firework display in Cape May from a whole new perspective. Check-in time for the cruise is from 5:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Photo ID is required for the guest picking up the tickets. Boarding of the ferry will begin at 6:45 p.m. and the scheduled departure time is 7:15 p.m. Entertainment onboard the M.V. Twin Capes will include the live music performed by Delaware’s own “Glass Onion” and laughs for the entire family will be provided by Mike Warren from “Just Kidding Around”.  Food and beverages will be available for purchase onboard. Coolers, carry-on beverages and pets will not be permitted on the vessel. The fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:00 p.m. and run until approximately 9:30 p.m. The Ferry will return to Lewes at 11:00 p.m. Tickets are $30.00 per adult and $15.00 per child under the age of 12. To make reservations, please call 1-800-643-3779. Reservations are strongly recommended due to limited capacity. Please note that the fireworks demonstration WILL NOT be visible from the Lewes, DE terminal. 

Valhalla’s Pirates: - Climb aboard the MV Twin Capes as it is transformed into a Pirate voyage! On Saturday, June 29 and Saturday, July 13, the Valhalla Pirates will present both historical and theatrical entertainment for both children and adults. Their mission is to educate the public regarding the Golden Age of Piracy (life on the high seas, manner of dress, speech, common knowledge and skills, weapons, tools, and ship’s crew organization during the years 1670-1730). The crew is scheduled to perform two shows in the DeBraak Lounge aboard the MV Twin Capes.  For customers boarding in Cape May, a show will take place on the 4:30 p.m. departure while Lewes patrons will enjoy the same performance on the 6:15 p.m. sailing. Food and beverages will be available for purchase during the crossing. Tickets cost $18.00 for adults, $15.50 for children ages 6-13 and $9.00 for children 5 years and younger. This includes round-trip foot passage and a 45 minute performance by Valhalla’s Pirates. Space is limited and reservations are REQUIRED.  To reserve tickets, call our Customer Contact Center at 1-800-643-3779.

Rhythm and Blues: On Saturday, October 12, get ready to rock the boat with South Jersey band, Special Occasion! Playing in the DeBraak Lounge and the Mezzanine area aboard the MV Twin Capes, Special Occasion will perform an exclusive event to the public featuring their diverse music mix. Priding themselves on playing music from all genres, but they specializing in 70s Rhythm and Blues, Smooth Jazz, Funk and Ballads, this is a party you will not want to miss! On that Saturday, ferry passengers can enjoy the music of Special Occasion on the 4:15 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. departures from Lewes, Delaware and the 6:00 p.m. departure from Cape May, New Jersey. Ticket costs are $22.00 for round-trip foot passage for adults, $7.00 for tickets sold at the door or to upgrade their ticket purchase. $19.50 for kids ages 6-13, FREE for children under the age of 5, and one-way passengers from Lewes, Delaware can upgrade their ticket for $7.00. Due to limited space on the vessel, reservations are required. To reserve tickets, call our Customer Contact Center at 1-800-643-3779.

Friends of the Lighthouse Sunset Cruise: Friend of the Lighthouse? Join others on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry to help raise awareness of the historic significance and values of this Guardian of the Sea. The Friends of the Lighthouse Cruises will be on Sunday, June 23, departing Cape May at 7:00 p.m. and returning at 8:45 p.m. and Sunday, September 8, departing Cape May at 6:00 p.m. and returning at 7:45 p.m. Members of Friends of the Cape May Lighthouse tickets are $18.00 and non-member tickets are $23.00. There is a $5.00 on-board upgrade that will be collected by Friends. On the 1st leg of the journey they will be discussing the “Deadliest Cape” and on the return trip they will be focusing on the Lighthouse; there will also be a roaming Lighthouse Keeper! Hors d’oeuvres of cheese and fruit platters will be provided as well as a cash bar. Members are required to call 1-800-643-3779 to make a reservation.

                                            At the Terminals

On the Rocks: OTR restaurants, located at the water’s edge at both the Cape May and Lewes ferry terminals are open for the summer season. Both OTR bar and grill locations are open daily from 11:00 a.m. till sunset. Menu items at these locations include delicious burgers, succulent seafood, and grab-and-go items that can be brought on board the ferry! Local beers on tap will include some new beers from the Cape May Brewery and familiar microbrews from Dogfish Head in Cape May as well as 16 Mile and Evolution in Lewes. Nightly entertainment will be provided during the summer months. Check cmlf.com for entertainment schedule.  OTR is a great place to grab a drink, a bite to eat, or sit and listen to live music while waiting for your ferry. Even bring the kids to play a free round of mini-golf!

Kalmar Nyckel: The original Kalmar Nyckel ship sailed from Sweden to the New World in 1638, transporting the first settlers to the Delaware Valley. Her historical significance rivals that of the Mayflower, however not many people know of her remarkable journey. Learn all about this pioneer ship when you visit the dock in Lewes, Delaware this August! Make your own voyage from Cape May on the CMLF and visit the Kalmar Nyckel and then take a day sail on this historic ship. It is an experience that will take you back in time to feel what it was like to sail in the 1600s. The Kalmar Nyckel will be docked in Lewes August 4 through September 2 this summer. Go online to www.kalmarnyckel.org for a more detailed schedule. The cost is $60 for adults and $40 for ages 17 and younger. Enjoy pirate sails, day sails, or free deck tours onboard the Kalmar Nyckel for the experience of a lifetime.

Independence Day Festival & Fireworks: Lower Township will be providing an Independence Day firework display that can be enjoyed by the public on July 3, 2013. Spectators can set up their beach chairs on the green of the Cape May terminal to see the fireworks illuminate the sky over the Bay. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at OTR and the Terminal Food Court. The firework display is a part of Lower Townships “Independence Day Festival” which will be held on Bay Drive in North Cape May, NJ beginning at 5:00 p.m. After visiting the festival, grab your blankets and chairs and head down to the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal to enjoy free entertainment before the fireworks. Face painting for the kids and live music performed by Philadelphia based band, “Jumper” will fill the night with fun and excitement from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Pirate Pete will also join the fun at the festival and the terminal too!

Summer Concerts at the Cape May Terminal: The Cape May-Lewes Ferry in association with the Lower Township Department of Parks and Recreation presents FREE summer concerts featuring the BSTREETBAND and Sensational Soul Cruisers! Bring a blanket and some lawn chairs to enjoy the music on the green at the Cape May terminal. The BSTREETBAND, originally known as Backstreets, was formed in Asbury Park, New Jersey in May of 1980 by musicians Will Forte and the late Bob Chipak.  The addition of Springsteen look-alike, Glenn Stuart, furthered the success of the BSTREETBAND who now plays powerful Springsteen favorites as well as dance music. Selections range from the legendary Roy Orbinson, Billy Joel, 70′s Disco, and Motown to Tom Petty and John Mellencamp. The Sensational Soul Cruisers are an 11 man horn group fronted by four soulful vocalists who pay homage and tribute to classic performers from Otis Redding and the Drifters to Barry White and the Commodores. The BSTREETBAND will perform on Wednesday, July 10 at 5:30 p.m. and the Sensational Soul Cruisers will perform on Wednesday, July 24 at 5:30 p.m. Both concerts will be held at the Ferry Terminal Grounds in North Cape May.

Destination New Jersey

Guided Cape May Tour: Cape May, the “nation’s oldest seashore resort”, is known for its gentle sloping beaches, cool ocean breezes and stunning Victorian architecture.  Available daily, June 17 through September 30, the package includes round-trip ferry ride from Lewes and shuttle service into Cape May. From there, you will get acquainted with Cape May on a 45 minute guided trolley tour as knowledgeable guides present entertaining and educational stories about the nation's oldest seashore resort.  Following your tour, enjoy the city’s unique pedestrian mall and promenade which offer shops and boutiques galore. The cost is $25 for adults, $18 for ages 6-13, and FREE for children under the age of 5. Reservations are recommended.

Cape May Zoo: Are you looking to take a ride on the wild side? Join the fun on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry for a trip to the Cape May County Park and Zoo.  This world class zoo features more than 250 animals – from lions and leopards to panthers and pandas, there are so many animals to see!  Starting June 20, foot passengers can purchase the Ferry’s zoo package every Tuesday and Thursday through August 22. For Delaware guests, the Ferry departs the Lewes terminal at 11:15 a.m. and leaves Cape May at 6:00 p.m.  Along with seeing your favorite furry friends, the package includes round-trip foot passage on the ferry, shuttle transportation, and admission to Cape May Park and Zoo. The cost is $26.00 for ages 14 and older, $18.00 for ages 6 to 13, and FREE for children under the age of six making this an affordable way for the entire family to become one with nature.  

Lucky 7: Do you think you have game?  Ready to “DO AC?”   It’s not a crap shoot if you take the Cape May-Lewes Ferry’s “Lucky 7” package.  Starting June 19 through August 29, the popular “Lucky 7” package is available on Wednesdays and Thursdays of each week giving Delaware residents and visitors a chance to cruise hassle free to Atlantic City in style!  The ferry takes patrons from Lewes, Delaware to Cape May, New Jersey where a deluxe motor coach will be waiting to transport you to the Resorts Casino in Atlantic City. The package includes a round-trip ferry cruise, deluxe motor coach transportation to and from Atlantic City’s Resorts Casino, $10.00 in free slot play, $10 off the buffet, and free parking at the Lewes Terminal. The cost is $22.00 per person.  Reservations are required and participants must be 21 years or older to purchase this package. The Ferry will depart from the Lewes Terminal at 9:15 a.m. and will arrive back at 7:30 p.m. Customer check in begins at 8:15 a.m.

Wildwoods Boardwalk: The Cape May-Lewes Ferry is now offering a trip to one of America’s most popular boardwalks! Available Monday to Thursday, June 17 through August 29, departing from Lewes at 9:15 a.m., 10:15 a.m., and 11:15 a.m. and return from Cape May at 6:00 p.m. This package includes round-trip vehicle passage, unlimited rides on Morey’s Piers three amusement piers between 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., free rides on the Wildwoods' famous Tram Car, and 2 slices of Jumbo’s famous cheese pizza with a medium soda. The vehicle/driver price is $70.50, $34.50 for adults or children 6 to 13, $28.00 for children 5 and under, and FREE for children’s round-trip ferry only. This package does not include the waterparks.

Hands on History: Get ready to put your Hands on History this summer at the Jersey Shore! Take the Cape May-Lewes Ferry from now until the end of August to visit the Historic Cold Spring Village & NASW Aviation Museum in Cape May. If you have ever wanted to know what it was like to live in the “olden days”, or if it is your dream to sit in the cockpit of a fighter plane, then this is the adventure for you!  Watch history come to life at the Historic Cold Springs Village as day-to-day activities from the “age of homespun” (1798-1840) come to life! Visitors are able to make a personal connection between the past and present through interactive, educational, and hands-on family programs. Your second stop will be at Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, a non-profit museum located at the Cape May Airport inside historic Hangar #1. NAS Wildwood served as an active dive-bomber squadron training facility during World War II. Now until August 30, this package is available from Tuesday through Friday every week. The Ferry will be departing Lewes at 9:15 a.m., 10:15 a.m., and 11:15 a.m. Passengers can return from Cape May on any departure. Reservations are required. The cost is $57.50 for vehicle/driver, $21.50 ages 13 and older, $17.50 ages 3 to 12, and FREE for children 2 and under. This package includes round-trip vehicle passage, admission into the Village and Aviation Museum, a regular size ice cream cone at the Village Ice Cream Parlor and 10% off Country Store items (excluding hand-made artisan wares). Guests visiting the Aviation Museum will receive a mug and 10% off gift shop items. To make your reservation, call 1-800-643-3779.

                                Destination Delaware

Historic Lewes (Self-Guided) Walking Tour: Have you ever wondered what Lewes looked like a century ago? Well you can get an idea when you take the Lewes Historic Walking Tour package offered by the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. The Tour is self-guided, allowing tourists to roam freely and see everything they wanted to see in Lewes! This package includes round-trip foot passage aboard the ferry and shuttle transportation to and from Lewes, Delaware and admission into the Lewes Historical Society Complex, Cannonball House Maritime Museum and the Zwaanendael Museum which features artifacts and sunken treasure from the HMB DeBraak, the English Navy brig-rig that sank off the Delaware coast in May 1789. The tour is available Mondays through Saturdays, June 16 through September 15. The scheduled departure time is 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and passenger may return on any schedules Lewes Ferry departure. The cost is $25.00 for persons 14 years or older, $18.00 for children ages 6 to 13 and FREE for children 5 and under.

Lewes Guided Trolley Tour: Climb aboard the Lewes Trolley and experience Lewes in a unique way! This package includes round-trip foot passage aboard the ferry and shuttle transportation to and from Lewes, Delaware. The Trolley tour of Lewes is guided by a representative of the Lewes Historical Society and the tour lasts about 40 minutes. The guide points out many historical places along the way and is knowledgeable about everything in Lewes’s history to answer all of the questions you may have. The cost is $25.00 for 14 years of age or older, $18 for ages 6 – 13, and FREE for children under 5.

Lewes Maritime Historic Guided Trolley Tour: Want to see Lewes in a whole new way? Discover the Maritime History of Lewes on a trolley guided by a representative from the Lewes Historical Society! Departing from Cape May, this package includes round-trip foot passage aboard the ferry and 1 hour trolley tour which points out the many maritime historical highpoints of Lewes. The tour will go into the Cape Henlopen State Park to point out Observation Towers, Fort Miles, the various lighthouses and icebreakers. Then, the trolley will travel on Cape Henlopen Drive to point out the Cape Henlopen Reporting Station and Quarantine Station, the Menhaden fishing industry, Delaware Pilots and Lewes Beach. This will be followed by a tour of Lewes on Pilottown Road to point out the Overfalls, the Lewes Life Saving Station and the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal. The tour guide will also go over the role of Lewes in the War of 1812 and discuss pirates and shipwrecks. Immediately upon arrival at the Lewes Terminal, passengers will board the trolley for the tour and depart around 11:00 a.m. The cost is $25.00 for 14 years of age or older, $18.00 for children ages 6-13, and FREE for children under the age of 5. Reservations are required. 

Shuttle Service

The Cape May-Lewes Ferry offers convenient, round-trip foot passenger service to exciting destinations in Delaware and New Jersey. Just park in our free, well-lit and security patrolled lots and purchase a round-trip foot passenger/shuttle combo ticket! The shuttle from the Lewes terminal shuttles passengers to downtown Lewes, Tanger Outlets, and the Park & Ride where passengers can connect with the DART bus system to go to Rehoboth Beach or Ocean City, MD. The Cape May shuttle loops between downtown Cape May and the ferry terminal. The shuttle fare is $4 for ages 6 and up and free for children 5 and under. Go to www.cmlf.com for the full shuttle schedule. 

About the Cape May-Lewes Ferry

The Cape May-Lewes Ferry is owned and operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority, a bi-state governmental agency created by Compact in 1962.  The Ferry is open year-round and has carried more than forty million passengers since its inception on July 1, 1964.  In 2012, the ferry service, which connects Victorian Cape May, New Jersey, and historic Lewes, Delaware, transported approximately 275,000 vehicles and nearly 1 million passengers. 

 

Subscribe to the CapeGazette.com Daily Newsletter