Cruisin' with the Cross-Bay Ferry

Ahoy, Mateys  In the next month or so, residents and visitors will have a new on-the-water opportunity. Plans were released this week for a cruise between the downtowns of St. Petersburg and Tampa aboard a 98 foot, 149 passenger catamaran. Commuters and day trippers can sail across Tampa Bay at 33 mph on the Cross-Bay Ferry. This new service elevates our status among the best communities on the water in the country. The ferry will connect Beach Drive in St. Petersburg to the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa along with all the shops, restaurants, museums and hotels these two destinations offer. 
As a collaborative effort between the cities, each will put in $350,000 to kick start the six month pilot program. The vessel, called the Provincetown IV will arrive in late October.  The public will have several days to ride for free during Thanksgiving week.   The regular fare will be $10 for adults one way and $8 for kids 3-12. Commuters will be eligible for reduced pricing. The trip is expected to take 50 minutes. Food and beverage service, bike racks, indoor and outdoor seating and spectacular views are planned.
For additional info, check out CrossBayFerry.com or www.Suncoasthome.com.