For immediate release:
Friday, July 11, 2007

Contact:
Elizabeth Rapuano, 212-440-2205


STATUE CRUISES ADDS FIRST EVER STOP AT GOVERNORS ISLAND  
Every Friday through Sunday, harbor cruise stops twice a day to allow tourists to experience both New York Harbor and Governors Island

Statue Cruises, the National Park Service concessioner for ferry service to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island, will provide its first ever connection to Governors Island. This new service marks the first time tourists taking a cruise to see Liberty and Ellis Islands will be able to stop and experience Governors Island as well. Statue Cruises will begin stopping on Governors Island during Liberty Harbor Cruises on Friday, July 11th, and continuing through Labor Day weekend.

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the Liberty Harbor Cruise will stop on Governors Island at 12:15 pm and 2:15 pm. These cruises leave from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan, provide dramatic view of lower Manhattan from the water and sail past Liberty and Ellis Islands so that visitors can get a close-up view of these American icons. Visitors do not disembark the ferry until they stop on Governors Island or return to Battery Park.

“We are thrilled that Statue Cruises has added a stop on Governors Island,” said GIPEC Chair Avi Schick. “This service will encourage more tourists than ever to discover all there is to do on Governors Island.”

“The Liberty Harbor Cruise is intended to open visitors’ eyes to the remarkable history of the parks of New York Harbor. Through this partnership with the National Parks of New York Harbor and GIPEC, we hope to further connect visitors with Governors Island and instill a deeper appreciation of the City’s harbor.” Michael Burke, Vice President and COO, Statue Cruises.

Once the boat arrives on Governors Island, visitors can disembark and spend the afternoon. They are invited to take a tour with the National Park Service, bike, picnic, take a tram ride, enjoy concerts and exhibits, walk the National Historic District, and more.

“Statue Cruises’ new service connects Liberty, Ellis, and Governors Islands in a whole new way,” said Linda Neal, Superintendent, Governors Island National Monument. “We are so pleased that tourists interested in seeing the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Islands will also be able to experience Governors Island.”

Statue Cruises leaves from gangway 5 in Battery Park, and only two designated boats will stop on Governors Island every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Visitors disembarking from Statue Cruises can take the free ferry provided by GIPEC back to Manhattan’s Battery Maritime Building.

Tickets for the Liberty Harbor Cruise, as well as the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, can be booked at www.statuecruises.com  or by calling 877-LADY TIX. Tickets are also sold at booths located inside Castle Clinton in Battery Park or inside the Terminal Building in Liberty State Park, NJ. Prices for both types of tickets is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for children (ages 4-12).

About the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC)
The Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC) is responsible for the planning, redevelopment, and ongoing operations for 150 acres of Governors Island. A partnership of New York City and New York State, GIPEC seeks to bring Governors Island back to life, making this island at the center of New York Harbor a destination with great public open space, as well as future education, not for profit and commercial facilities. For more information please visit www.govisland.com.

About Statue Cruises

Statue Cruises is the National Park Service concessioner of ferry service to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island Immigration Museum. There are multiple daily departures from Battery Park in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in New Jersey. In addition, Statue Cruises has recently introduced the Liberty Harbor Cruise, a 90-minute harbor tour that provides an informative narration and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. The Liberty Harbor Cruise also makes stops at Governors Island on Friday, Saturday and Sunday tours.