how to get to.......in NY?
 

In October we will be staying 3 nights in NY. What is the best way/directions to get from Times Square down to take the little ferry that goes to Statten Island (is subway best option)? How long would that jouney take and does the ferry go back and forth all day? Also, on the same day will we be able to pay our respects to the memorial before hand (do we get off at same stop) is there any etiquette to follow around this area?

You can take the 1,9 from Times Square to Rector Street and the World Trade Center Site will be right there. You cannot miss the location.

Walk south through Battery Park (look at the globe) and look for the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. Follow the masses. The Ferry runs constantly.

The best time to go is at dusk when the Statue of Liberty lights up. The view coming back (you do not have to get off the Ferry) of lower Manhattan lit up is very pretty and a good Kodak moment.

Take the 1 or the 9 to South Ferry from Port Authority. Or take the n/R from 42nd Street to Whitehall St/South Ferry.

Go to the DOWNTOWN PLATFORM,
Take first train that enters the station. IF it is a #2 or #3 (Express) get off at Chambers Street, cross platform and take a #1 or #9 local to last stop, South Ferry. You must be in one of the first five cars in the train. If train that enters TImes Square station is a #1 or a #9 local take train to last stop South Ferry. When you exit the subway station you will be at the entrance to the Staten Island ferry.
Ferry is free - trip takes 30 minutes. Ferry runs all day . You don't have to get off the ferry when it docks in Staten Island.

Just for the record, it's not such a "little" ferry -- it's actually quite a large ferry, as ferries go.