The world’s top 10 ferry boat rides
By Bob Schulman
OK, so water ferries probably aren't the first thing that comes to mind when you're planning a vacation. But when you get there, you'll find some places have ferry rides with views so spectacular they rate among the destination's top attractions.
Where are they? The answer comes from the Society of American Travel Writers, which polled its 1,150 globe-trotting members to come up with the top 10 ferry rides.
Here's their picks along with sample comments from the travel pros:
Topping the list, and the writers' hands-down favorite, was...trumpet blast...Hong Kong's Star Ferry, about a 20-minute ride between the Chinese city's mainland section on Kowloon and Hong Kong island. Guidebook author and freelance writer Chris McBeath says the crossing “...is crammed with views and people to create the cheapest (under a buck) multi-cultural, multi-sensory cruise experience in the world.” Freelancer Fred Gebhart notes, “Star Ferry is the perfect introduction to the controlled frenzy that is Hong Kong.” More info: www.starferry.com.hk/home.html.
Runners-up, in descending order, were:
2. California's Sausalito-San Francisco Ferries: Eric Lindberg, freelance writer and photographer, gave the trip this rave notice: “Crossing San Francisco Bay on a sunny afternoon, with Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge to the right, the Berkeley Hills to the left, and that glorious San Francisco skyline looming ahead... all that's missing is a bar of Ghirardelli Chocolate and a warm loaf of sourdough bread.” More info: www.goldengateferry.org and www.blueandgoldfleet.com
3. New York Harbor's Staten Island Ferry: “It's not new, squeaky clean, or super fast but it is iconic,” says writer/editor Christine Loomis, “...the view it offers of Manhattan is superb – and you get to see it all with local New Yorkers, not just tourists.” Adds writer Jan Aaron, “Staten Island Ferry with twinkling skyline lights is a year-round Valentine.” More info: siferry.com.
4. Washington State's Puget Sound-San Juan Islands Ferry: Freelancer
Richard Varr puts his vote this way: "Stiff winds and dramatic weather changes turn a simple commute between islands into a short-burst travel journey...” Columnist and contributing editor to frommers.com Robert Haru Fisher says the ferries “...offer the most beautiful views of water, mountains and forests, with whales right up close, too.” More info: www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries
5. British Columbia's BC Ferries, including Vancouver-Victoria: “(The ferry system) is a world apart, with tents set up on deck and people from all parts talking and comparing world travel experiences. And you can't beat the beauty all around you,” reports freelancer Roger Toll. Annette Thompson, associate travel editor of Southern Living, points out, “(You can) park your car and enjoy Wi Fi in the boat, a/c or heat, and sip a cup of tea in the lounge. You end up an hour later on a lovely maritime island totally relaxed.” More info: www.bcferries.com
6. Australia's Sydney Harbour-Manley Ferry: A short blurb by Elizabeth Hansen, travel editor of Ranch & Coast, says it all: “The trip across (the harbor) provides a priceless view of the Opera House as well as the skyline of the city. Do it on Sunday when the harbor is full of 'yachties.'" And for about $6, the half-hour ride is “one of Australia's many bargains,” adds writer/photographer Michael Algar. More info: www.sydneyferries.info.
7. The Greek Islands' Ferry System: “Approaching mystical Santorini captivates the senses: the cliffs rear up, while caught in the morning sun and perched on top, like the frosting on a wedding cake, cling the white-painted houses in a scene you'll always remember,” writes Eric Anderson, editor of Anderson's World. And from freelancer Mary Ann Treger: “It's hard to find a more romantic experience for less money than a local ferry meandering its way through the Greek Islands.” More info: www.greek-islands-ferries.gr/
8. The “Blue Canoes” of the Alaska State Ferry: Writer Alan Solomon notes, “Not only is (the ferry system) a bargain way to enjoy the Inside Passage, but you can get on and off the boat for independent exploration. Or haul your car down on the boat after driving up on the Alaska Highway.” What's more, overnight passengers can pitch their tens on the deck, adds journalist Janet Fullwood. More info: www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs
9. “Norway in a Nutshell” Tour and Ferry Ride: Freelancer Barbara Ramsay Orr applauds the trip saying, “The ferry ride from Flam to Gudvangen is the best way to see Norway's magnificent fjords.” More info: www.norwaynutshell.com
10. “Scottish Ferry from Mallaig to Isle of Skye:” Writes Marilyn Green, “Skye is one of the most mysterious and beautiful islands in the world, and its emergence from the mists, shaped like a bird in flight, never fails to lift the heart.” Barbara Radcliffe Rogers, author of “Exploring Europe by Boat,” says the trip “...carries romance equal to its beautiful scenery, as travelers follow in the footsteps of the Bonnie Prince or begin their own island-hopping expedition into the Hebrides.” More info: www.calmac.co.uk
The Society of American Travel Writers is a professional association whose purpose is to promote responsible travel journalism, to provide professional support for its members and to encourage the conservation and preservation of travel resources worldwide. Its members include travel journalists and public relations representatives from the travel industry. More info on the society: www.satw.org.
Photo credits: Cover photo, Hong Kong Tourism Board; Star Ferry, HKTB; Sausalito-San Francisco Ferry, San Francisco CVB; Greek Islands Ferry, Bob Schulman.
