NYC Ferry System

Back when the cherry blossoms were in bloom Don and I went into NYC to see them on Roosevelt Island. Instead of a beautiful Spring day, we had a dreary one. We took the tram from the 60th Street station, and flew over the East River. In trying to figure out the best way back a couple we passed suggested taking the ferry. All this years we have visited New York City and neither one of us realized the city has an active ferry system. The fare is higher than the subway ($4.50 vs. $3), and on bad weather days it does not run, but it seemed like a fun way for us to get from Roosevelt Island to the theater district in time to see Schmigadoon at the Nederlander.

We learned there is a serious space limit on the ferries. We were not even close to making the boat we wanted to be on. Along with dozens of others, we were left on the dock with the next ferry not set to arrive for another half an hour. 

When we looked at the ticket, we realized it was good for three months. Surely we would have a chance to use it before July 3.

We have been back to New York City several other times, but never with enough time to take a joyride. A couple of weeks ago we intended to use it when we decided to get distracted at the REI store before it was set to close. 

Today we set aside a couple of hours to ride the ferry. We walked from the World Trade Center PATH station to the Wall Street ferry station. Unlike Roosevelt Island, though, the Wall Street Station has about a half-dozen different docks. We wandered around and asked advice before opting for the local ER boat. 

Once we boarded we walked through the indoor area, up the stairs to deck. Unsure if we were allowed to stand, we played a silent version of musical chairs and snagged two seats and rode to the first stop: DUMBO (otherwise known as Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass). That looked like a lively area. We hardly ever cross the East River and explore the neighborhoods. Maybe we should sign up for a tour someday.

That was the longest stop. We paused at both South and North Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Hunters Point South, and ended at the 34th Street port, which is a terminus. We were surprised the stops varied in length. Unlike our day on Roosevelt Island, everyone who wanted to get on did.

After that first stop we decided to stand near the front of the boat and act like tourists. Based on the number of people we saw posing for selfies and taking pictures of both Brooklyn and Manhattan, most people upstairs seemed to be tourists. As we left, we noticed a worker with a serious toolbox. He looked like his shift was over for the day. Taking the ferry has a relaxed pace, vs. taking the subway or a bus. I commented to Don I am glad to not live someplace where I am dependent upon a ferry to get to work.

We enjoyed ourselves. The ferry has views of both sides of the river, plus Roosevelt Island. I don't know if we'll ever do it again, but we are glad we did it once. As Don said, it was the best $4.50 spent in NYC. At free, the Staten Island ferry is a better deal, plus it passes the Statue of Liberty, but this ferry showed us a part of New York we never visit.