“Take a Break from the Ordinary” with the Cape May- Lewes Ferry’s 2012 Summer Programs, Packages and Upcoming Events - Features Ferry Fun Things to Do in New Jersey and Delaware
(North Cape May, NJ) Looking for adventure, something different to do while vacationing in the Twin Capes resort region? The Cape May – Lewes Ferry – your ticket to fun destinations in both New Jersey and Delaware – offers a season full of excursion packages that will provide entertainment both on land and by sea! No matter which half of the Twin Capes you’re on, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry is the fun, easy way to explore the other side. From antiquing in historic Cape May, South Jersey, to splashing through a water park in Delaware, if you aren’t visiting both Capes, you’re missing half the fun.
The ferry is perfect for walk-on passengers! Just park your car in our free, well-lit and security patrolled lots. Then purchase a round-trip foot passenger/shuttle combo ticket at the ticket counter or avoid the lines and purchase your tickets at our self-serve kiosks. Once you board the ferry, enjoy the beautiful, scenic cruise across the Delaware Bay on “the best ferry ride in America.” Maybe you’ll see dolphins; you will surely see lighthouses on your voyage to either historic destination. The CMLF works with tourism partners to offer passengers value-added excursion programs. The following are program highlights for the summer season:
On the Ferry:
Rock the Boat: Passengers can enjoy free entertainment aboard select departures every Friday beginning July 6 through August 24. Boatloads of great music including “Animal House”, “Glass Onion” and “Jumper.” The ferry is the place to be on summer Friday nights in July and August. Cruises depart Cape May at 6:00 p.m. and from Lewes at 6:15 p.m. Entertainment is free with the price of ferry passage.
Lighthouse Pete’s Family Fun Cruise: Bring the family on a fun-filled adventure with the ferry’s adorable mascot, Lighthouse Pete the Pirate. Pete will be joined by other great family entertainment including kid-friendly performances or magician, face painting, and musical trios. Beginning July 11 through August 30, these cruises depart the Cape May terminal at 6:00 p.m. every Wednesday and the Lewes terminal at 4:15 p.m. every Thursday. Reservations are suggested. Free with the price of ferry foot passenger ticket.
Marine Naturalist Program: Beginning July 5 and continuing through August 23, Stone Harbor Wetland’s Institute naturalists will be aboard the ferry every Thursday. Experience informal talks about live animals brought aboard (terrapins, horseshoe crabs, sea stars, etc.). Departs from Cape May at 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Departs from Lewes at 11:15 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. Free with the price of ferry foot passenger ticket.
Delaware Bay History: Beginning July 9 and continuing through August 27, the Lewes Historical Society historians will be aboard every Monday. Hear about pilots, pirates, breakwaters, and lighthouses! The Lewes Historical Society discusses the maritime history of the Delaware River & Bay – the nation’s foremost historic river! Departs from Lewes at 9:15 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Departs from Cape May at 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Free with the price of ferry foot passenger ticket.
Sir Beatle Show: On Sunday, July 15, and Sunday, August 26, a fun filled Beatles Sing Along
Show, complete with authentic instrumentation and costuming, will perform a 45 minute show in the DeBraak Lounge aboard the MV Twin Capes on the 4:30 p.m. departure from Cape May and the 6:15 p.m. departure from Lewes. The performance features live vocals and live bass guitar, along with state of the art drum and guitar tracks to recreate the sounds of a live Beatles performance. Space is limited. Reservations are required at 800-64 FERRY.
Rhythm & Blues Cruise: Special Occasion, a band comprised of musicians from the South Jersey area, will make waves aboard the MV Twin Capes on Saturdays and Sundays, July 28-29 and October 6-7. The Band prides itself on playing music of all genres, but specializes in 70s Rhythm and Blues, Smooth Jazz, Funk and Ballads. Space is limited for the show. Reservations are required at 800-64 FERRY.
Vallahas Pirates: On Sunday, August 5, Valhallas Pirates, re-enactors renowned for their authentic portrayal of the Golden Age of Piracy, will be performing two schedule 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. The cost is $18.00 for adults, $9.00 for children 6-13 and free for children 5 years and younger. Space is limited. Reservations are required at 800 643-3779.
At the Terminals:
Ferry Fresh Farmer’s Market: Beginning Saturday, June 30 and continuing through August 25, the market will be open on the Cape May terminal green every Saturday, weather permitting, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Annie M. Events is sponsoring the series of nine “Ferry Fresh Farm Market” Saturdays. More than twenty (20) vendors have signed up to participate in the new market. It’s a great place to purchase locally grown produce and homemade items.
On the Rocks: The Ferry’s popular outdoor bar and grill on the water’s edge at both Cape May and Lewes ferry terminals is open seven days a week from 11:00 a.m. until the last ferry departure. These fantastic outdoor waterfront locations feature great burgers, grilled ahi tuna sandwiches, soft shell crabs, and other local favorites as well as numerous varieties of local craft-brewed beers on draught. OTR - Lewes has evening live entertainment on Mondays (Three Sheets Acoustic Trio), Tuesdays (Electric Velvet Duo) and Thursdays (Flattop & Chrome). In Cape May, Guitarist Gregg Carpenter appears on Wednesday afternoons, Shore Sound Entertainment on Friday nights and Alan Weber on Saturday evenings. On Sunday afternoons, Steel Horizons, featuring Caribbean steel drum music, will appear beginning on June 24. Come and enjoy the great food and beverages while sitting at the dock of the Bay soaking up the ambience!
Delaware Lighthouse Festival: On Saturday, August 11, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on the green at the Lewes Terminal, come join us for a day of Delaware lighthouse-related exhibits, programs, and activities. There’ll be chats with descendants of former keepers, musical entertainment, food and drink from area restaurants, kids activities, commemorative merchandise sales, and so much more.
Destination New Jersey:
Heed the Call of the Wild! Take a trip to the Cape May County Park and Zoo every Tuesday and Thursday, June 19 through August 23. The package includes round-trip ferry ride, which departs from Lewes at 9:15 am and returns from Cape May at 4:30 pm; includes shuttle service to and from the zoo. You’ll get a fascinating look at 250 species of animals, birds and reptiles in a beautiful garden setting. Adults: $26; Children 6 -13: $18; Children under 6: Free. Space is limited and reservations are required at 800-643-3779.
Cape May Guided Trolley Tour: The “nation’s oldest seaside resort” is known for its gentle sloping beaches, cool ocean breezes and stunning Victorian architecture. Available daily, June 18-September 7, 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. Adults: $25; Children 6 - 13: $18; Children under 6: Free.
Wildwoods Boardwalk – An Authentic American Experience’: Beginning June 18 and continuing through August 30, this vehicle package, available Mondays through Thursdays, includes a round-trip ride on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry from Lewes, DE to Cape May, NJ and back. Once in the Wildwoods, package holders can enjoy unlimited rides at Morey’s Piers’ three world-class boardwalk amusement piers from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.; complimentary rides on the famous Wildwoods Boardwalk ‘Sightseer’ Tram Car; and 2 slices of cheese pizza and a medium soda from Jumbo’s Seafood Grill, and a free stuffed animal courtesy of Gateway 26. The ferry departs Lewes for Cape May at 9:15 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. and returns for Delaware from Cape May at 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The all-inclusive price for one vehicle and driver is $69.50. The price for additional adults and children is $33.50 per person. If purchased separately, the features of this package would equal $123 per driver and $73 per person. That’s a 50% savings for a family of four making this arguably one of the best value packages at the Jersey shore. Call 800-643-3779 to reserve your space!
Destination Delaware
Dogfish Head Brewery Tour: A very special shuttle package to the award-winning craft brewer Dogfish Head, including a tour of the Milton, DE 100,000 sq. ft. plus brewery that produces about 30 unique styles of beer. Available every Monday from July 23 – August 13. Package includes round-trip ferry ride, which departs from Cape May at 9:30 a.m. and returns from Lewes at 1:45 p.m.; includes shuttle service to and from the brewery and a Dogfish Head souvenir. Adults 21 and over only: $25. Space is limited, call for reservations at 800.643.3779.
Historic Lewes Tour (Self-Guided): A unique destination that combines the lure of the sea with fascinating opportunities to “live” history. The package, which is available on 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. departures, Monday through Saturday from June 19-September 13, includes round-trip ferry ride from Cape May, shuttle service into Lewes and admission into the Lewes Historical Society Complex, Cannonball House Maritime Museum and HMB DeBraak exhibit at Zwaadendael museum. Adults: $25.00; Children 6-13: $18.00; Children under 6: Free
Lewes Guided Trolley Tour: Explore the quaint streets and beautiful waterfront of Lewes every Tuesday through Thursday from June 19 through September 13. Depart Cape May at 9:30 am or 11:00 am to enjoy your 30-minute guided tour of historic Lewes. You will have a chance to meander down Pilottown Road along the Lewes & Rehoboth Canal and to see the grand Victorians of Kings Highway. Shipcarpenter Square, Front Street, Third Street, Fourth Street and Savannah Road are also included. Adults: $25.00; Children 6-13: $18.00; Children under 6: Free. Reservations are required!
Shop ‘til you drop!: The Tanger Outlet Center on Route 1 offers more than 130 designer outlet shops for those rainy or sunny day shopping excursions.
Shuttle Service
In New Jersey, shuttle service connects the Cape May terminal with downtown Cape May. In Delaware, shuttle service connects the Lewes terminal with downtown Lewes, Tanger Outlets and the DART Park & Ride lot with connections to Rehoboth Beach and Ocean City, MD. The shuttle service operates seven days a week through September 30. In October, the shuttle service runs on weekends only.
About the Cape May-Lewes Ferry
The Cape May – Lewes Ferry (CMLF) is owned and operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority, a bi-state governmental agency created by Compact in 1962. The CMLF is open year-round and has carried more than forty million passengers since its inception on July 1, 1964. In 2010, the ferry service, which connects Victorian Cape May, New Jersey, and historic Lewes, Delaware, transported approximately 300,000 vehicles and nearly 1 million passengers. For schedule, rates and other program information, please visit the ferry’s website at www.CMLF.com, or call toll free, 800-643-3779.
