The annual departure and arrival of EMPIRE STATE VI for Summer Sea Term are two of the most exciting and highly anticipated events on campus. Typically, these celebratory events attract anywhere from 1200-1500 visitors to campus (per event).  

NYS COVID-19 Guidelines and Campus Access

Currently, the NYS Department of Health (DOH) and SUNY have established specific guidelines for on-campus events. Considering the number of visitors that SST ship departure attracts, Maritime College cannot implement all COVID-19 safety measures required by DOH and SUNY for a medium/large scale event (over 200 people). As such, the campus will be closed to all visitors on the day EMPIRE STATE VI is scheduled to depart campus (Tuesday, April 27).  Only students and employees will be allowed to access the campus. No family members or friends will be permitted access.

Virtual Ship Departure and Public Viewing Sites

This year our Ship Departure for A-Cruise will be virtual and the event will be Livestreamed directly from Olivet Pier beginning at 8:30 a.m.

View the Ship Departure via Livestream 

Families and friends are also encouraged to take advantage of the many public parks and sites along the East River to observe the EMPIRE STATE’s transit. These include:

• Francis Lewis Park, Whitestone

• Ferry Point Park, Throggs Neck

• Clason Point Park, Soundview

• Hermon A. Macneil Park, College Point

• Randall’s Island

• Astoria Park, Astoria Queens

• Roosevelt Island

• John Lindsey East River Park, Lower East Side

• Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge Park

• South Street Seaport

Maritime College looks forward to a successful Summer Sea Term with the hope that future updates to the NYS, DOH and SUNY guidelines will allow guests and visitors on campus when EMPIRE STATE returns on June 25.