Ballyhoo Media has announced a nationwide partnership with Hornblower Group, expanding its footprint across one of the largest passenger vessel fleets in the United States. Headquartered in Miami, Ballyhoo will bring its waterway advertising and experiential activation expertise to Hornblower’s extensive ferry, water taxi, and charter operations.
Expanding Maritime Advertising Reach
With this partnership, Ballyhoo Media strengthens its position as the nation’s largest waterway media company, now collaborating with both major public and private passenger vessel operators. The phased rollout begins with Potomac Water Taxi and will expand across Hornblower’s national fleet.
Hornblower Group operates hundreds of vessels across key metropolitan markets and serves more than 20 million guests annually, offering significant scale for integrated advertising campaigns.
Proven Collaboration in Chicago
The companies have previously collaborated on high-profile St. Patrick’s Day activations along the Chicago River, including campaigns with Jameson Irish Whiskey. These activations, executed during the city’s iconic river dyeing event, demonstrated Ballyhoo’s ability to generate incremental revenue while managing operations in high-traffic maritime environments.
Strategic Industry Impact
Tyler Zlatin, Chief Revenue Officer of Ballyhoo Media, described the partnership as a “1+1=3 effect,” emphasizing the combined value creation for maritime operators and brand partners. Executives from Hornblower’s City Cruises division also highlighted the potential for thoughtfully integrated advertising solutions across their fleet.
Hornblower Group’s broader portfolio includes ferry services to major attractions such as Niagara Falls, Statue of Liberty, and Alcatraz Island, reinforcing the scale and visibility of the partnership.
Strategic Significance
As experiential marketing continues to evolve, the collaboration positions both companies to bridge advertising innovation with maritime transportation infrastructure. By integrating media solutions across a national vessel network, Ballyhoo and Hornblower aim to unlock new revenue streams while enhancing brand engagement in high-visibility waterfront markets.
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