Alice Austen Cruise Ferry Details

The Austen class cruise ferries were built in the early 2000s specifically for the Staten Island Ferry and are modern Ro-Pax vessels optimized for high-frequency short harbor crossings. They feature large vehicle decks with fast-loading hydraulic ramps and reinforced hulls for winter ice conditions. The ships include spacious passenger lounges with panoramic windows and climate-controlled seating designed for quick commuter routes. The class remains the workhorse of one of the busiest ferry routes in the world with exceptional daily departure reliability.