The City of Peekskill has officially selected the Emerald Princess as the designated tour boat for Fleischmann Pier, awarding operator RMS a new five-year contract running from 2026 through 2030. The agreement positions the 153-passenger cruise vessel as the primary homeport attraction at the city’s revitalized waterfront destination.
Following a competitive request for proposals process, city officials determined that RMS was the only bidder capable of meeting all operational, management, and tourism development objectives for Fleischmann Pier. Competing submissions included Trinity Cruises/NY Boat and Seatow Hudson Valley. According to city staff, RMS demonstrated the capacity to both manage the pier and operate full-scale cruise programming from the site.
The selection follows a successful inaugural season in 2025, during which RMS welcomed more than 7,000 adult passengers. The Emerald Princess operated sightseeing cruises, brunch outings, specialty events, and private charters from the restored pier at Charles Point. City officials cited strong visitor response, effective pier management, and cooperative infrastructure improvements as key factors in awarding the extended contract.
Designed for Hudson River cruising, the two-level Emerald Princess offers a climate-controlled main deck and an open-air upper deck for panoramic viewing. Popular experiences include weekend brunch cruises featuring full-service dining, along with customizable charters for corporate gatherings, weddings, and private celebrations. Operator RMS emphasizes flexible programming tailored to community and tourism needs.
Under the new agreement, RMS will continue paying a per-passenger fee structure to the city, aligning cruise success with municipal revenue growth. The longer contract term is intended to attract sustained investment, ensure programming stability, and establish Fleischmann Pier as a long-term river tourism hub.
Captain Frank Adam, co-owner of RMS, expressed enthusiasm about returning for the extended term, noting plans to expand waterfront offerings and enhance visitor experiences. With the Emerald Princess now confirmed as Peekskill’s official tour boat, the city aims to further strengthen its position as a vibrant Hudson River destination.
