Ship Review-Staten Island Ferry

[DaCruzNut]

I arrived at the port at the appointed time, and was going to drop the luggage off and park, when I learned that I could take my car aboard for an additional $3.50. So, I decided that would be the best choice.

Embarkation went very smoothly. I waited in line for less than 10 minutes, signed in (purchased the $3.50 vehicle ticket) and was, soon, aboard.

The ship is a little on the older side, but has worn well and is soundly maintained. The décor is very plain and functional, but comfortable. The public rooms are large and open, and bright. I can’t comment on the cabin, since I never found mine….

The food is very good. They have specialty dishes that you don’t usually find on a ship.

One of my favorites is the New York Pretzel…

It is served with a mustard sauce and is very tasty. The outside is crunchy, and the inside is soft, but not chewy.

Following the pretzel, I enjoyed a Sabrett hot dog and a knish…

All washed down with a Dr. Brown’s cel-ray!

After enjoying the Welcome Aboard Buffet, I decided to tour the ship. There are various venues where you can enjoy the entertainment. On the main deck aft, there was a fellow who talked to himself for the entire voyage! One of the best shipboard acts I’ve seen. There was adagio team who worked without music, but were excellent. You should see him throw her all over the deck… Everywhere you looked, there was something to see.

I went up to the Lido Deck and, to my surprise, the ship has no pool! The deck is large, and spacious, but there are no deck chairs. There were plenty of benches, and there was no trouble finding a seat.

We arrived at our port, Richmond (Staten Island) and disembarked. Having your own car in a foreign port is very handy! I drove around and saw the local sights, and bought a Staten Island t-shirt, before returning to the ship.

Dinner was similar to lunch, good old “American†food. I had pizza and a coke. Both were quite good. In fact, the pizza was better than that aboard Carnival…

The ride back was uneventful.

Note: Because the ship only sails between U.S. ports, there is no casino!

All-in-all, it was a very nice cruise. I’d rate it a “5†on a “1 to 10†scale. However, for the price (free!), it’s well worth it!

[Lisa63]

Next to Cel-ray, my favorite is Dr. Brown's Cream soda. Or perhaps the Black Cherry? Oh the choices...

[DaCruzNut]

Notice the words "Natural Flavor" on the labels! That makes ALL the difference in the world, coupled with an "old time, secret" formula. Luckily, we can get Dr. Brown's here in South Florida....and it, also, comes in "diet."

[Guest]

Hi!!!! This was a nice surprise to see. I am so glad you enjoyed your cruise. I live in Brooklyn exactly where the Verrazano Bridge connects with the Isle of Staten. I think the best part of that cruise is seeing that "Weathered Copper Lady" in the harbor as you pass her by. I see her most everyday and she is a constant reminder of what a wonderful country we live in and what it has to offer us and our children. Also the New York Skyline and the radical change in her look since 9/11. Also the history left from the Revolutionay War of Fort Wadsworth and Fort Hamilton. I am glad you enjoyed your trip and there is something to say about "the simple things of life. Regards Alice Underground 1/04 Enchantment of the Seas

[Shari2]

Jeff...GREAT REVIEW!!! :smiley: :smiley:

[DaCruzNut]

Alice....

I remember the years before the bridge was built, when the “69th Street Ferry†used to transport us from Brooklyn to Staten Island.

Years later, I watched the towers rise out of the harbor; the cables connect the towers; and the roadway slowly connect the two shores.

My oldest son was only a few months old, when the bridge opened. That night, we packed him into the car and made to round-trip journey. I made sure to get a dated toll receipt, which my son still has. It’s one of his claims to fame: “I crossed the Verrazano Narrows Bridge the day it opened…â€Â

[Guest]

Hi Jeff That's Great!!!!! I remember when the day the World Trade Center opened. A couple years later I worked in Tower One for quite a while. Getting back to the bridge what I thought was the best was in "Saturday Night Fever", when John Travolta is sitting on a bench by Shore Road and telling the girl the history of how the bridge was made. Well----------------- "Those Were The Day's My Friend". Kind Regards, Alice Underground Enchantment of the Seas 1/04

[Lisa63]

This is a bit off topic, but I think you'll enjoy it.

My great-grandfather immigrated to the US as a young boy a little over 100 years ago. He often shared his memories with us -- he lived into his 90s so we got to know him pretty well. Anyway, while had no recollection of the Statue of Liberty, there was one structure that had an effect on him -- the Brooklyn Bridge. (He later settled in Brooklyn, by the way.) I don't know if it's genetic, but I still get a chill every time I see it.

[DaCruzNut]

Lisa-

Me, too............

[GottaCruz]

Wow, I haven't been on the Staten Island Ferry since I went with my brownie troop about 41 years ago. Do I feel old!. Anyway, one thing stands out in my mind- that very strange smell- at that age I couldn't identify it so , who knows? That Sabrett hot dog and pretzel sound mighty good to me about now. I absolutely love Dr. Brown's Cream Soda. It brings back wonderful memories of a Nathans hot dog with saurkraut in the Bronx, under the train tracks, in one of those tiny little deli's with my dad.