Captain Meghan Palmer

Meet Captain Meghan Palmer

Charting a Course from the Classroom to the Captain’s Wheel

For Captain Meghan Palmer, the path to the helm began with a strong academic foundation and a passion for teamwork — both on and off the water. A graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Logistics and Intermodal Transportation and brings a spirit of discipline and leadership shaped by her collegiate basketball years.

“Mentorship is how we chart the next generation’s course. I’m proud to help students discover careers on the water.”

Captain Palmer

Captain Palmer joined the Cape May–Lewes Ferry team in 2011 as a seasonal crew member and steadily advanced through the ranks. By 2018, she was “sailing up” as a Captain, and in 2020, she officially became a full-fledged permanent Captain — joining Captains Sharon Urban and Melissa Velli as part of the Ferry’s all-female permanent Captain’s wheelhouse, a milestone moment in the Ferry’s history.

Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, Captain Palmer combines her love of maritime operations with a dedication to community and mentorship. She serves on an advisory board for Cape May County Technical High School, helping to shape the school’s Marine Maintenance program, which gives students hands-on experience and educational pathways toward careers in the maritime industry.

At home, her two young daughters keep her anchored and inspired. Balancing leadership at sea with life on shore, Captain Palmer is proof that the maritime profession offers both adventure and stability — and that the next generation of captains can look to the Ferry for a future full of opportunity.

Fun Facts About Ferry Boats & Ferry History

How many standard vehicles can each Ferry carry?

Each of the current Ferry vessels in the Cape May – Lewes Ferry fleet can carry 100 standard vehicles on the car deck.

How many passengers can each Ferry carry?

Each Ferry vessel in the Cape May – Lewes Ferry fleet can carry 800 passengers (we call them “Foot Passengers”) along with the 100 standard vehicles on the car deck.

If I want to be a Ferry Captain can I start working on the Ferry crew to get there?

Yes you can! Anyone age 18 and over may apply to join the Cape May – Lewes Ferry crew, if you become a crew member you will begin – most likely – as an Ordinary Seaman, and work your way up. This is called the Hawespiper method. Learn more in our blog about Becoming a Ferry Captain.

Where was the first Ferry in the United States?

The first ferry in the United States is the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry, which began operating in 1655 across the Connecticut River. This ferry is also the oldest continuously operating one in the country, connecting the towns of Rocky Hill and Glastonbury.