Meet the Captains of Circle Line

Kenneth Corcoran

Born in Washington Heights and raised in Inwood, Manhattan, Captain Ken has been with Circle Line since 1983. His journey began on the pier as a line catcher, and over the years he worked his way up through roles as a deckhand and Mate before becoming a Captain. He’s also spent time at the helm of fuel tankers in New York Harbor, but Circle Line has always been close to his heart.

For Ken, working at Circle Line is a proud family tradition—three uncles and nine cousins worked here before him, starting in 1956. Today, he carries on their legacy as the last member of the family still with the company. “It’s the people that make this job special,” Ken says. “I love meeting guests from around the world and putting a smile on their faces.”

Ken finds it hard to pick a favorite landmark—there’s just too much to love—but the Statue of Liberty holds deep meaning. It was the first thing his mother saw when she immigrated from Ireland. He also has a personal connection to Hamilton Heights, where his father grew up, and to Inwood, his own childhood neighborhood.

His best tip for visitors? “Be systematic—explore the city by sections: uptown, downtown, east side, west side. Take it all in! You can rest when you get home.”

If Ken had one perfect day in NYC, he’d start with a Circle Line cruise, visit Central Park, grab a bite at the Grand Central Oyster Bar, take in the view from Top of the Summit, catch a Broadway show, dance a little, and end the night on a Harbor Lights Cruise—his favorite time to sail.

Joseph Volini

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Captain Joe has spent nearly four decades on the water, with 26 of those years proudly serving as a captain for Circle Line. His maritime journey began humbly as a line catcher, then progressed through roles as a deckhand, oiler, and mate before earning his captain’s title.

For Joe, being a captain is more than a job—it’s a family tradition. His greatest inspiration is his father, a longtime Circle Line captain whose legacy lives on every time Joe takes the helm. “My father always inspired me. He was a good captain, and I’m proud to follow in his footsteps,” Joe says.

While he’s worked in a few other places, Circle Line has always felt like home. His favorite part of the cruise? “The Statue, of course—it never gets old.” And his top tip for visitors? “You’ve got to see the city from the water and from the top of a skyscraper.”

If he had a day off in New York City, you'd find Joe visiting One World Trade Center, catching a Broadway show, and cruising on the Harbor Lights. That twilight tour is also his favorite time to sail: “You get to see the city in the day and the night. It’s the best of both worlds.”

Ümit Yolcu

Born and raised in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, Captain Emit brings hometown pride to every cruise. With three seasons under his belt at Circle Line, he’s known for his calm presence at the helm and his deep knowledge of New York Harbor. Before becoming a captain, he worked his way up from deckhand to mate at several ferry and tour boat companies, eventually captaining vessels around the harbor.

Captain Emit’s favorite landmark to cruise by is the Statue of Liberty at sunset—there’s nothing quite like that golden-hour glow on the water. His top NYC tip for visitors? Explore beyond Manhattan and head to South Brooklyn—especially Coney Island and Stillwell Park—for a true local experience.

What inspired him to join Circle Line was the high level of professionalism he saw in the marine crew—a standard that continues to motivate him every day. When he’s not at the helm, passengers might be surprised to learn he’s American-Turkish and a serious 9-ball billiards player. If he had a day off in the city, you’d find him taking a cruise around Manhattan and checking out the Edge balcony for the views.

His favorite cruises? Sunset runs past Lady Liberty—because no matter how many times he sees it, it never gets old.

Michael Duffy