New Cross-Bay Ferry Offers Service to St. Pete & Tampa
The new Cross Bay Ferry is making waves in the Bay area. The pilot project connects downtown St. Petersburg to downtown Tampa. Riders can board the ferry at the Vinoy basin in St. Pete or at the Tampa Convention Center in downtown Tampa. The ferry offers up to three round trips per day and will begin regular service on Monday, November 28th.
A very particular vessel was chosen to offer passengers rides across the bay. The new catamaran offers seating for 149 passengers. Regular service will offer riders two roundtrips on Fridays and Sundays. Three roundtrips will be offered on Saturdays. The project’s leaders want to use the pilot period to gauge the interest in water transportation in the Bay area. A program called “Test the Waters” is also in place to provide civic and business groups the chance to ride and tour the catamaran at no cost. Individuals can enjoy free rides on November 23rd.n The testing period will also allow organizers to determine customer demand and what schedules might best serve the community.
Enjoy Several Amenities On Board
One-way fares can be purchased for $10 for adults and $8 for children. Kids 3 and under can ride the ferry at no charge. Commuter tickets are expected to be available for purchase at the beginning of December. The schedule could be changed slightly after the “Test the Waters” period wraps up and interest can be gauged. For the latest schedule information click here.
- Limited food service is available on-board as well as coffee, tea, soft drinks, water and other beverages.
- Up to two (2) pieces of luggage and one (1) small personal item may be carried on board at no additional charge.
- Guests may bring a bike on the ferry for an additional charge of $1.00 one way.
- The vessel is a twin-hull aluminum catamaran that provides a stable and comfortable ride cruising at approximately 29 knots (33mph)
- The ferry is certified to carry a maximum of 149 guests with ample interior and exterior seating on the main and upper deck.
Getting There
One of the best parts about the Cross Bay Ferry is the location of its stops. You’ll step off the ferry and enjoy hours of entertainment without having to use any other method of transportation unless you choose to.
Don’t Forget the “Destination Deals”
Several businesses understand the opportunity presented by the Cross Bay Ferry. They are offering discounts to ferry riders. Here are a few of the businesses participating and the specials they have. Remember you must have your same day ferry ticket to participate in these offers.
Cafe Dufrain- 10% off your bill
Cry Baby Cafe- 10% off your bill
Florida Cain Distillery- $5 off any bottle of liquor
The Great Escape Room- 10% off admission
Jackson’s- Complementary Flatbread
Museum of Fine Arts- $5 off admission
St. Petersburg Museum of History- 50% off admission
Body Electric Yoga Company- Free Class
Wine Madonna- Free Mimosa
Hampton Inn & Suites- 15%off best available rate
Locale Market- BOGO draft (Mother Kombucha)
The Brew Bus Brewery- Free Brew Bus or Florida Ave draft at the brewery
You can find all of the most current deals and bargains by clicking here.
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