A vessel carries passengers and sometimes vehicles across a body of water on a regular route. That vessel is a ferry. It links islands, riverbanks, and coastal cities where bridges or tunnels are impractical.

Ferries range from small passenger-only boats to large ships handling hundreds of cars and trucks. Schedules may be frequent on short crossings or limited to a few departures daily on longer routes. Tickets are purchased at terminals or in advance; boarding procedures resemble simplified airport processes on busy routes.

Weather can disrupt service, especially on exposed crossings. Ferries often provide the only practical access to island communities and are part of daily life as well as tourism. The journey itself can be a scenic part of the trip.

Standing on deck as the destination shoreline grows closer remains one of travel's simple pleasures.