Prof Martens, not that I'm any great "ferry fan", but my Father's family resided on Staten Island. So, I've had "experience" - at least when my Mother was at the wheel (Father preferred Goethals to Turnpike to George; too impatient, and yes to those here born post-9/11; they did once handle motor vehicles). The Merril, and Sisters, "Cornelius Kopff", and "Verrazzano", were first with on-board food service; Mary, and Sisters "Miss New York" and "Gold Star Mother" had such added.
The last SI ferry I "sailed" on was during '66 the JFK, that I learned has now been withdrawn.
The most "memorable" ferry ride I've had was X-ing the North Sea during '71 Haak to Harwich. Even for this Fairfield Navy Cadet, it was the roughest seas I've ever known - and even harder to admit, I was "mildly" seasick.
To close rail related; yes I did ride the SIRT Huguenot to St George and then the ferry.
So volks, read this before it's killed.