Statue Cruises’ Rafael Abreu On Safe Tourism During The COVID-19 Pandemic, Future Plans & More
New York residents ought to be very familiar with Statue Cruises as the official operator of ferry service to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island on behalf of the National Park Service. Even in the midst of COVID-19, both islands remain open 7 days a week with daily departures from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. In turn, it is possible to experience both the great outdoors and some international history via a single-day visit to some of the New York City area’s crown jewels.
To learn more about Statue Cruises, I had the pleasure of doing Q&A with Rafael Abreu, the company’s Director of Sales & Marketing. More information on Statue Cruises can be found online via www.statuecruises.com and www.facebook.com/statuecruises.
I think the average New Yorker or person visiting New York these days is a bit uncertain about whether their favorite spots are open these days. Are the Statue Cruises currently running?
Rafael Abreu: We are open and operating 7 days a week to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from our departure points in Battery Park in Lower Manhattan and Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. In addition to the grounds of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, which provide wide-open space, the Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island National Immigration Museum are also open. Access to each island and museum are included with every Statue Cruises ticket.
For those who are concerned about the safety of your cruises, what sorts of steps are being taken?
Rafael Abreu: Statue Cruises is operating with strict public safety protocols in place to help keep guests and crews safe. We have encouraged social distancing to the greatest extent possible, reduced the vessel capacity by 50 percent, require all employees and guests to wear face masks at all times, conduct deep cleaning of vessels throughout the day, conduct daily temperature checks of all Statue Cruises personnel, offer contactless payment and we have sanitizer stations on board all vessels.
Although I’ve lived in New York for almost my whole life, I have never been to Ellis Island. Do you find that to be common?
Rafael Abreu: I’m not surprised to hear that among local New Yorkers and it’s certainly not uncommon. We also hear a lot from locals that they hadn’t been to Ellis Island since their childhood or since they went on a school trip. With lighter crowds and an outdoor environment, this is a great time for locals who have never been to Liberty and Ellis Island or haven’t been in a really long time, to enjoy a day trip right in their own backyard.
What is coming up for Statue Cruises in the coming months? Any partnerships, special events or anniversaries being discussed?
Rafael Abreu: We are actually working on a local partnership with our neighboring Lower Manhattan attractions, One World Observatory and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, to encourage locals to get outside and explore their city. We expect to be launching that very soon as a way to help our partner attractions encourage local visitors.
When not busy with Status Cruises, where does your free time usually go?
Rafael Abreu: The reality is that this crisis has forced us to spend more time at home with the people we care about. I am thankful that I can spend more time with my family.
Finally, Rafael, any last words about the experience, for kids?
Rafael Abreu: Between the relaxing boat ride in New York Harbor, to learning about the Statue’s origins and exploring the Ellis Island National Immigration Museum, at your leisure, a visit with Statue Cruises is educational, fun and a good way to simply get out and see your own city.
