The Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), the world’s largest organization of professional travel journalists and photographers, recently polled its members to come up with the “Top 10” most exciting ferry rides in the world.

“Public and private ferry boats provide an inexpensive alternative to cruises, often traversing some of the world’s most beautiful harbors, fjords, rivers and waterways at bargain prices,” states SATW president, Bea Broda.

Listed in order of votes from SATW writers are the world’s “Top 10” trips by ferry boat:

1. Star Ferry in Hong Kong

2. Ferries from Sausalito to San Francisco, California

3. Staten Island Ferry, New York Harbor

4. Washington State Ferries, Puget Sound to the San Juan Islands www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/

• “Stiff winds and dramatic weather changes turn a simple commute between islands into a short-burst travel journey on many of the Washington State ferries.” Richard Varr, freelance travel writer

5. British Columbia Ferry System, including Vancouver to Victoria

6. Ferry from Sydney Harbor to Manly, Australia

7. The Ferry System of the Greek Isles

8. The “Blue Canoes” of the Alaska State Ferry System

9. “Norway in a Nutshell” Tour and ferry ride

10. Ferry from Mallaig to Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) is a non-profit professional association that works to promote responsible travel journalism and to provide professional support for its members, including travel journalists, photographers, editors, electronic media, film lecturers, television and film producers, and public relations representatives from the travel industry. For more information on the Society of American Travel Writers, visit www.satw.org/