FLEET INFO

The John H. was built in 1989 by Eastern Marine Shipyard in Panama City, Florida exclusively for Cross Sound Ferry and is the largest capacity ferry in the fleet able to carry in excess of 100 vehicles and 1000 passengers. The vessel features a dual-level auto deck, lounge, food service, and satellite televisions. For those passengers requiring assistance, there is an elevator between the vehicle deck and main passenger cabin. Recent cabin renovations have improved overall passenger comfort. The John H. is powered with EPA Tier 2 engines that reduce emissions and improve air quality. Other passenger amenities include WiFi and an exhibit titled Discover Long Island Sound, a collaboration with Mystic Aquarium. This exhibit features lifesize graphics, tablets featuring educational and interactive activities for the entire family and a live cam showing realtime activity of the beluga whale population at Mystic Aquarium.

Built in 1964, the Susan Anne began as the vessel Prince Nova, sailing between Caribou, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island in Canada. After receiving an Act of Congress in 1998 to purchase the Prince Nova, Cross Sound Ferry completely refurbished the vessel to include new passenger cabins, hydraulic lift decks for automobiles, and improvements to the engine room, electrical and propulsion systems. The third largest vessel in the fleet (80 autos and 840 passengers), it is also among the fastest, thanks to the efficient “round bilge” hull design. The vessel’s General Motors engines are upgraded to EPA Tier 2 emissions standards improving efficiency and reducing the vessel’s overall carbon footprint. Major cabin refurbishments were completed in 2020 improving overall passenger comfort. Additional passenger amenities include WiFi along with a complete food service area and lounge offering scenic views during the crossing. The vessel is equipped with an elevator between the vehicle deck and main passenger cabin.

Built as a World War II landing craft (USS LST 510) in Jeffersonville, Indiana, the Cape Henlopen participated in the D-Day invasion at Normandy in 1944 receiving one battle star for service. In 1966, it was converted to a passenger and auto ferry and served on the Lewes, Delaware - Cape May, New Jersey route. It was purchased in 1983 by Cross Sound Ferry and underwent a total refurbishment before entering service. The vessel was repowered in 2016 with Caterpillar 3516C Tier 3 engines for greater efficiency and lessening overall emissions. Cross Sound Ferry marked the 75th anniversary of the famous D-Day invasion with a major project aboard its vessel that served in the battle that changed the course of history. The CAPE HENLOPEN, former USS LST 510 had its entire main cabin refurbished with new seating and arrangement of accommodations. The comfortable layout and furnishings provide a major upgrade to the comforts aboard. A new passenger cabin was added on the sundeck and Cross Sound created an exhibit commemorating the D-Day invasion. Complete with murals, photos and historic quotes from the battle, this exhibit ensures that the story of the invasion that liberated a nation and the role of the USS LST 510 will be passed along to ferry passengers for years to come. We hope you enjoy our tribute.

With a service speed of 15 knots, the Mary Ellen is one of the swiftest in the Cross Sound fleet. Acquired by Cross Sound Ferry in March 2003, then renovated at Thames Shipyard & Repair, it was put into service in June, 2003. It has a capacity of 85 vehicles and 675 passengers. Passenger cabin refurbishments, including new comfortably appointed furniture, were recently completed to improve passenger comfort during the crossing. The vessel is repowered with Caterpillar EPA Tier 2 engines reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Passenger amenities include an elevator between the vehicle deck and main passenger cabins.

The JENNIFER C was originally built in 1965 as the M/V PAMLICO by New Bern Shipyard in New Bern, North Carolina for the North Carolina Department of Transportation Ferry Division. The vessel served on the Swan Quarter to Ocracoke and the Cedar Island to Ocracoke routes across the Pamlico Sound in that state. The vessel was acquired by Cross Sound Ferry Services in 2015 and was delivered in early 2016 where it underwent extensive improvements at Thames Shipyard & Repair Co. A new passenger cabin was added along with a complete renovation to the existing cabin. Comfortable seating accommodations were added in a climate controlled environment along with a full service Cross Sound Deli and lounge offering signature sandwiches, salads and flatbreads. The JENNIFER C is named for Jennifer C. Wronowski, the wife of Cross Sound Ferry Vice President and co-owner Adam Wronowski. The vessel can accommodate up to 50 automobiles and 300 passengers and offers all of the amenities Cross Sound travelers have come to enjoy.

The New London was built in New London, Connecticut by Thames Shipyard and Repair Company in 1979 as the first new build vessel in the Cross Sound Ferry fleet. Between 1992 and 2003, extensive renovations included a new upper passenger cabin and the installation of a 50 foot mid-body that increased vehicle capacity by 30%. The ferry NEW LONDON exemplifies the ingenuity at Cross Sound Ferry. Since installation of the midbody in 2003, the vessel was widened in 2015 to create more cabin and vehicle space. The vessel was repowered in 2018 with Cummins QSK38-M1 turbo-diesel engines certified to EPA Tier 3 standards. One of the fastest vehicle carriers in the Cross Sound fleet, the New London travels at a speed of 15 knots.

The CECELIA ANN, our newest member of the fleet, is a 43.5-meter (143 feet) Catamaran built by Austal shipyard in Mobile, Alabama in 2003. The vessel, originally named ZEPHYR, first operated in and around the waters of New York City where it joined the fleet of Circle Line-Statue of Liberty Ferry, Inc. and transported passengers each day to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The vessel also served as a nighttime entertainment venue cruising around lower Manhattan. Acquired by Cross Sound Ferry in 2017 and renamed the CECELIA ANN for Adam and Jenny Wronowski’s daughter, the vessel has two climate-controlled, comfortably appointed interior passenger cabins in addition to a full outdoor sundeck and other outdoor viewing space. The interior cabins include panoramic windows to enhance your viewing experience. The vessel has a capacity of 600 passengers and cruises at speeds up to 30 knots. The addition of a Naiad Dynamics computer-controlled ride control system enhances passenger comfort. Other passenger amenities include full Cross Sound Deli snack bar with culinary offerings in addition to signature cocktails and craft beers. The vessel will primarily perform lighthouse cruises for Cross Sound Cruises in addition to duty on the ferry services’ other routes, which include New London – Orient Point, Long Island and service between New London and Block Island.

The first high-speed passenger ferry added to the fleet, the 400-passenger Sea Jet I makes the 16 mile crossing in just 40 minutes and is capable of cruising at speeds in excess of 30 knots (35 mph). Its patented Wave Piercing Catamaran design and upgraded ride control system ensure a high level of passenger comfort in all sea conditions. Built by Nichols Brothers Shipyard in the state of Washington, the Australian designed InCat once served as part of a Hawaiian inter-island commuter service and dinner cruise boat. After service between the California coast and Catalina Island, Cross Sound acquired the vessel in 1995, where it has served reliably ever since between New London and Orient Point as well as seasonal service between New London and Block Island. In 2015, the vessel was put into service as a lighthouse cruise excursion vessel offering two hour sightseeing tours of the region’s lighthouses narrated by local experts as to the history and significance of these iconic structures. The Sea Jet is powered with Caterpillar 3512 CHD high-speed diesel engines certified to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 2 emissions standards and recent cabin refurbishments have improved passenger comfort during the crossing.

As the fastest ferry between Block Island and the mainland, the Jessica W has a cruising speed of more than 35 knots (40 mph) and is equipped with comfortable, modern airline-style seating on two enclosed air-conditioned passenger decks. For those who prefer the great outdoors, an outside passenger deck is available for viewing the scenery on the trip between New London and Block Island. Other passenger amenities include a satellite television entertainment system, culinary offerings that include homemade pastries, personal pizzas, hot soft pretzels, other snack options along with and a selection of craft beers, wine, and specialty cocktails including Cross Sound Deli’s famous Bloody Mary. At approximately 160 feet (49 meters) in length, the Jessica W is a wave-piercing catamaran equipped with a state-of-the-art motion control system that incorporates patented T-Foils and Interceptors from Maritime Dynamics to ensure smooth travel in all sea conditions. The Jessica W was repowered in 2014 with new Caterpillar high-speed diesel engines that are certified to EPA Tier 3 emissions standards making the vessel more efficient, with lower emissions, fuel savings and lessening the vessel’s overall carbon footprint. With this repowering, the vessel has performed incredibly well with less vibration making for a smoother and quieter ride while improving overall passenger comfort. Built in 1990 and introduced into service in 1991 on the United Kingdom to Channel Islands service under the name Condor 9, it was renamed when purchased by Block Island Express and honors Jessica Wronowski, who co-owns BIFS with her brother, Adam Wronowski.

The Caribbean was built in 1972 by Blount Marine in Warren, Rhode Island for service throughout the Caribbean archipelago and West Indies. It was purchased by Cross Sound in 1977. Most recently, it was fitted with a new pilothouse and loading ramp.

Built in Morgan City, Louisiana as an offshore supply vessel, the North Star was purchased by Cross Sound Ferry in 1984 and converted to an auto/passenger ferry by Eastern Marine Shipyard in Panama City, Florida. The NORTH STAR has been removed from regular service and is now primarily used for charter service to multiple destinations on request.