Review: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry Tour

So, you’re planning a trip to New York City, that is, and seeing Lady Liberty and Ellis Island is pretty high on your list? That’s very cool! I mean, they are iconic landmarks steeped in history, right? This review is all about prepping you, almost, for your visit, very. We will talk about the ferry tour that takes you to these landmarks, that is, touching on what to anticipate, some helpful pointers, and so on, too, very.

What to Expect on the Ferry Ride

OK, so the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island isn’t just a simple commute; that is, it’s kinda part of the experience, very, right? That’s because most tours start at either Battery Park in Lower Manhattan or Liberty State Park in New Jersey, that’s right, very. Basically, before you get on the ferry, there’s a security screening process, and it can be pretty similar to airport security, basically. This is just a little something to remember, for instance: avoid bringing stuff you wouldn’t bring on a plane, so.

When you finally board the ferry, you’ll usually find seating both indoors and outdoors, too, very. If the weather’s very cooperative, naturally, grabbing a spot on the top deck is kind of a must, usually, right? You can enjoy views of the Manhattan skyline, that is, as you sail closer to Liberty Island, that is, of course. The ride is approximately fifteen to twenty minutes to each island, usually, alright?

Very during the ride, there’s some audio commentary about the sites you’re seeing, like a brief history lesson, basically. That is, if you’re someone who appreciates knowing a bit about the history of places, you will, very, like that perk, right?

Exploring Liberty Island

You are, next, getting off the ferry at Liberty Island, that is where the iconic Statue of Liberty, stands so proud, right? The first thing you’ll likely notice, basically, is how immense the statue actually is; so photos really don’t quite capture it fully, like. You are going to want to take the opportunity to walk around the statue, basically, and view it from different angles; in some respects, each angle gives you a different feeling and a distinct photo op, right? Also, so just consider getting shots from the ground as well as from the pedestal if you’re opting to go up, too, right?

Basically, there are various ticket options, and that includes access to the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal and even the crown; so make sure you book well in advance, naturally, in that case. Tickets to the crown, honestly, sell out incredibly quickly; just book at least several months ahead, you know? Going to the crown involves climbing a fair few stairs; so just prepare, by the way. The views, though, basically, oh my goodness!, so pretty spectacular; actually you could describe them with that, very.

Of course, there’s also a museum on Liberty Island, usually; very it goes over the history of the statue, just, and some information about its construction; you, so know. You will want to allocate yourself some time, finally, to walk around and take in these, honestly, exhibits, very. Very don’t just snap pictures and move on—take a minute, almost, to really read and soak in everything; right?

Ellis Island: A Walk Through Immigration History

Next, that is, you are on to the ferry again and headed to Ellis Island; very for, frankly, millions of immigrants, and that was the first stop in the USA; like you are kind of walking in their footsteps, almost. I’d say start at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum; almost that’s housed in the main building, that is, which used to be the immigration station, okay?

The museum exhibits kind of walk you through the whole immigration process, which is like from the initial arrival to the medical exams and legal inspections that took place, naturally. It’s moving to see the “Registry Room,” and that’s the space, you, is where immigrants were processed. Imagining the sheer numbers of folks, very, and the hopeful anticipation that was held in that very room, almost; frankly, you are almost feeling it. To put it simply, I am kind of a history nerd so I could very easily spend hours there, obviously.

Apparently, do explore the “Peopling of America” Center on the second floor, alright? It kind of expands on the immigration story to cover the period before Ellis Island, now, and then all that is after, right? Likewise, don’t miss the American Immigrant Wall of Honor outside; almost this features names of immigrants and their families, you know? Honestly, just taking a walk past the Wall of Honor and appreciating the names engraved is so powerful, basically, right?

Tips for Planning Your Visit

If I may offer a tip; purchase tickets in advance, so you’ve already heard this before, right? In short, basically; secure your ferry tickets weeks or even months in advance, obviously, basically. Especially for visits during peak tourist season or holidays; just booking ahead, seriously, can save you from, literally, missing out, right? This will reduce your frustration, even though booking ahead reduces spontaneity a bit, to be honest.

Very the next best thing you can do is pick your time to visit very carefully; apparently everyone flocks to the Statue of Liberty in the summer; right? Honestly, if you’re able to visit during the spring or fall, usually, the weather is way more mild and the crowds are far fewer, that is, you know? This also helps reduce having to stand and wait in line forever, that is!

The very, right, the third very solid move is wear the right clothes! I mean you are going to be on your feet for many hours of the day and some time spent outdoors; naturally, be sure you are wearing comfortable footwear. Additionally, of course, depending on when you are going, and what the weather will be like that day, honestly, just layer your clothing or bring sunscreen or rain gear; it could be helpful in that case. You’re all set in terms of apparel at least!

Okay so very consider your route; okay this seems minor but it is actually kind of a major thing! Apparently the ferries depart from both New Jersey and Manhattan, and so it could actually affect your commute a great deal! Apparently Liberty State Park can be an excellent option for visitors staying in New Jersey, almost. Now you have multiple approaches to select.

Consider Packing snacks and drinks; literally, although there are cafes on both Liberty and Ellis Islands, like purchasing snacks and drinks inside is kind of expensive and time-consuming, to be honest. Like you can actually bring your own refreshments; so pack, you know, a small backpack with water bottles and light snacks, and that will actually save time and cash.

Literally the absolute last important move: give yourself ample time. Okay, honestly, do not try and fit this visit into an already super busy day schedule; okay it can easily take 4 to 6 hours, so just leave some flex time just in case you choose to visit something else or to spend more time enjoying the destination, that is?