Another bucket list item ticked. Although some asp...

Another bucket list item ticked. Although some aspects of the boarding and organisation were a bit chaotic, this was one of the few NYC attractions that did not disappoint. Here are some quick tips:
- Research the different visit/ticket options. (We found some of the Statue
Cruises website information confusing and misleading.)
- You need to actually land on Liberty Island to fully appreciate the Lady s size
and symbolism. However, if you are pressed for time or just want some closer
photos, you can just stay on board the Statue Cruises boat, but a better option
is the Staten Island Ferry or a water taxi.
- Book tickets in advance through a reputable supplier. Pedestal or Crown access
is limited (tickets are available on line 5 months ahead and sell out fast).
- Select the Print at home option or you will need to collect your tickets on the
day at Castle Clinton (you will not be allowed to board on the basis of a booking
confirmation).
- Boarding can take 30-90 minutes. Boarding queues are shorter and the island is
less crowded if you go earlier in the day. Queues are also shorter if you leave
fom New Jersey rather than Battery Park.
- Leaving Battery Park, the best views will be on the right-hand side of the ferry.
Head for the left-hand side on the other journeys.
- Allow enough time, especially if visiting later in the day. At least 2.5 hours for
photos and whistle-stop tour of the new museum. 3-4 hours if visiting the
Pedestal/Crown.
- If you are into American history, combine with a visit to Ellis Island which is
included in the Statues Cruises ticket (see separate review) in which case you
need to add 1-3 hours.

In more detail .

We had Reserve tickets on the first (9 am) ferry with Statue Cruises. We had decided against Pedestal/Crown Tickets because of the climb (195 steps or elevator with long queues for the Pedestal and 377 more steps via narrow spiral stair case for the Crown) plus you have to store belongings and go through a second security check.
At Battery Park, the queues to board started an hour before the first ferry. There were two queues (the one for Reserved tickets is on the left and the Flexi tickets (purchased on the day) is on the right. After passing through airport style screening, you board the next available ferry. The hype about priority boarding for advance tickets is rubbish. In Battery Park both queues were opened at the same time, however because the flexi ticket queue was much longer so later in the day you can t be sure of boarding the first ferry. Several people were ejected from the queue as they only had a booking confirmation (if book in advance, make sure you select the Print at home option or you will need to collect your tickets on the day from the Pre-booked tickets counter at Castle Clinton). Boarding at Liberty and Ellis Islands was pretty much a free for all, with lots of pushing and shoving. Ferries run every 20-35 minutes and vary in size - 400 to 800 passengers on two or three decks, with both indoor and outdoor seating, toilets and limited snacks.i hope this review will usefull for many peoples expecially touristers so do like thank you