IMPORTANT NOTICE

New US Coast Guard rules limit numbers of Charter Eco-Cruises

On December 1, 2011, the US Coast Guard’s new Vessel Capacity rules took effect, based on current data from the Centers for Disease Control that lists the average weight of an adult American at 185 pounds. The previous average was 160 pounds. In compliance with the new rules and to maintain our longstanding commitment to safety, we have lowered the number of people we can accommodate on our Eco-Cruises. The maximum number of people we can now take aboard each boat (exclusive of the captain) is as follows:

Adult Charter Eco-Cruises (Meadowlands and Upriver):
13 persons max, no exceptions

Adult Charter Eco-Cruises (Newark Bay):
12 persons, max, no exceptions

Youth Charter Eco-Cruises:
13 persons max, 11-12th grade
15 persons max, 8-10th grade
17 persons max, preschool-7th grade

Combination Programs (Two back-to-back 1.5-hour cruises using one boat):
26, 30, or 34 persons maximum depending on the age group

As built, our pontoon boats were certified for a maximum of 18 adults at the 160-pound calculation. Ten years ago we voluntarily cut back the number of adult participants to 15 as it was clear to us that the boats were carrying too much weight. While we know that some groups will difficulty with the new restriction, we’re sure you understand that we cannot – and will not – compromise your safety.

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Open Eco-Cruise Update and Reservation Changes

When you book an Eco-Cruise with us, you’re not buying a ticket. Instead, you’re making a donation to Hackensack Riverkeeper. Unlike booking passage on a NY Waterway ferry or a party boat down the Shore, your trip aboard the Edward Abbey or Robert H. Boyle is a thank-you gift for supporting Hackensack Riverkeeper. In order to bring our program more in line with that reality (and to better guard against identity theft), we’re changing our Open Eco-Cruise booking procedure. The new procedure is as follows:

a. Review the schedule and call to make your reservations (same as before);
b. You book your seat(s) and secure your reservation with a credit card (same as before);
c. We will run the credit card and mail you the receipt, along with directions/trip tips and a newly-designed boarding pass;
d. If the trip is cancelled on account of weather; or if for some reason you cannot participate, your pass can be used on any subsequent Open Eco-Cruise in any year. The pass is 100% transferrable and has no expiration date.

We are making these changes to better reflect the donation nature of the program; and to better protect our program participants from identity theft by processing credit information in a timely manner rather than holding on to it. The requested donation amounts have not changed; they remain: $10 for children 4-12 years; and $25 for persons 13 and up.

These changes only affect our Open Eco-Cruises and do not affect Charter Eco-Cruises, Combo programs or Guided Paddles. Thank you for your cooperation & see you at the river!