The color choice helped allow the boats to be easily seen in fog and snow, increasing the overall safety of the crew and passengers. Vanderbilt Family Money Started the Fleet: In 1810, 16-year-old Cornelius Vanderbilt received $100 for his birthday.
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To put cars on the ferry would require a major security checkpoint, DeSimone said. It's not as simple as just driving down here, there's a whole bevy of regulations the Coast Guard would require. Vehicles haven't been allowed on the Staten Island Ferry since the Sept.11 terrorist attacks.
Staten Island FerrySince the service is completely free, this is a great option for viewing the Statue of Liberty up close. The ferry route brings you directly across New York Harbor and right by the statue and Ellis Island. Pros: Of all the free options, the ferry has the best and closest view of the statue.
If you're getting on from the Manhattan side, go to the right (starboard) side of the boat for the best view of the Statue of Liberty. From the Staten Island side, go to the left (port). The ride is 25 minutes each way with boats departing every 30 minutes on either side on weekends.
We ask that you finish your beverage prior to leaving. Alcoholic beverages can only be sold (1) per I.D. at a time with a limit of (2) drinks per passenger. No outside food or beverages shall be consumed on board NYC Ferry vessels at any time.
First off, avoid traveling at or around the commuter rush hours of 7:00 to 8:45 am and 5:00 to 6:45 pm! Even the boats right before and after these times are often very busy. Traveling in the late morning and early afternoon is your best chance to get a boat that isn't overly packed.
Due to the smaller size of the boat, the trip was a bit less smooth than what riders of the Staten Island Ferry have come to expect, with choppy water resulting in a bumpy ride at one point.
Staten Island is worth visiting if one has the time in New York City; a 10-day itinerary for NYC is enough time to see all five boroughs. But if one only has a weekend in NYC, and it's one's first time in the Big Apple, then perhaps one is best focusing on the key highlights in Manhattan.
How Long is the Staten Island Ferry Round Trip? You should plan for at least 60 - 90 minutes for your journey once you arrive at Whitehall Ferry Terminal in Lower Manhattan. The ferry rides each way are approximately 25-30 minutes.