TAMPA, Fla. — Travel is getting easier for Bay area residents. That’s because the seventh season of the Cross Bay Ferry kicked off Sunday.

What You Need To Know

  • The Cross Bay Ferry kicked off it’s 7th season on Sunday

  • This season the ferry will run until June 2024

  • The ferry departs from its new location the Port of St. Pete

  • Margaret Samicz is taking her first ride on the Ferry and excited about how efficient the trip is

There’s no one more excited to hop on the Cross Bay Ferry than Margaret Samicz, that’s because she was the first one in line this morning.

"I’ve been living here since 1989 in St. Petersburg area and this is the first time for me here,” said Samicz.

Samicz says it’s a chance to relax, while also offering riders like herself a reliable mode of transportation.

She’s taking the trip with her loved one, to celebrate her new job. With a simile on her face she’s ready for the voyage.

"It’s total enjoyment regrouping for the week.”

The season's run of the Cross Bay Ferry will be up and running for the next 9 months, according to Transportation and Parking Management Director, Evan Mory.

“The first year was a pilot to test of if it was going to be successful or not — and that pilot was so successful that we kept doing it," he said.

It’s continued to bring people back each season while also attracting new people like Samicz.

Although it might be her first time riding the ferry it won’t be her last.

“You have to create little bit of time for yourself otherwise nobody else will do it for you, so you have to look for the little times you can enjoy it and make the memory with a loved one, she said"

As Samicz sets sail the Cross Bay Ferry, it’s giving her new experiences to have fun and enjoy what the city has to offer.

Tickets are $12 each which is a roundtrip to both St. Petersburg and Tampa. For more on how to purchase a ticket click here.