From the Society of American Travel Writers
1. Star Ferry in Hong Kong (www.starferry.com.hk/home.html). “Hong Kong’s Star Ferry provides great views of the city skylines and a glimpse into the lifestyle of Hong Kongers for under a buck.” — Robin Robinson, Toronto Sun travel editor
2. Ferries from Sausalito to San Francisco, Calif. (goldengateferry.org, blueandgoldfleet ). “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.” — Eric Lindberg, freelance travel writer/photographer
3. Staten Island Ferry, New York Harbor (siferry.com). “The Staten Island Ferry is not new, squeaky clean or super fast but it is iconic, and even with the World Trade Centers gone, the view it offers of Manhattan is superb — and you get to see it all with local New Yorkers, not just tourists.” — Christine Loomis, travel writer/editor
4. Washington State Ferries, Puget Sound to the San Juan Islands (wsdot.wa.gov /ferries) “Washington State Ferries offers the most beautiful views of water, mountains and forests, with whales right up close, too.” — Robert Haru Fisher, columnist and contributing editor,
5. British Columbia Ferry System, including Vancouver to Victoria (bcferries.com) “The ferry system connecting Vancouver to Victoria is clean, efficient and more than comfortable. 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.” — Annette Thompson, associate travel editor, Southern Living
6. Ferry from Sydney Harbor to Manly, Australia (sydneyferries.info) “The trip across Sydney Harbour provides a priceless view of the Opera House, as well as the skyline of the city. Do it on Sundays when the harbor is full of ‘yachties.’ ” — Elizabeth Hansen, travel editor, Ranch & Coast
7. The Ferry System of the Greek Isles (greek-islands-ferries.gr) “It’s hard to find a more romantic experience for less money than a local ferry meandering its way through the Greek Islands.” — Mary Ann Treger, freelance travel writer
8. The “Blue Canoes” of the Alaska State Ferry System (dot.state.ak.us/amhs/index .shtml) “The Alaska State Ferry system’s ‘blue canoes’ allow overnight passengers to pitch their tents on deck — surely one of the world’s most unusual camping experiences.” — Janet Fullwood, independent journalist
9. “Norway in a Nutshell” Tour and ferry ride (norwaynutshell.com) “The ferry ride from Flam to Gudvangen is the best way to see Norway’s magnificent fjords. — Barbara Ramsay Orr, freelance travel writer and photographer
10. Ferry from Mallaig to Isle of Skye, Scotland (calmac.co.uk) “Sailing across the waters to Skye 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.” Barbara Radcliffe Rogers, author of “Exploring Europe by Boat”
