Simple and easy experience taking a round trip excursion from Hyannis to Nantucket using the Steamship Authority Ferry. Reservation was made and paid for online. I brought my proof of purchase and was provided tickets at the ticket booth. No issues at all with the ride and experience. We were able to board about 15 minutes before hand and found window seats with a great view. Service was prompt. We departed at exactly 8:15 am and 3:30pm. Seats were comfortable and an outlet for charging was available at our table. read more

We had a great experience going from Hyannis to Nantucket. We took the high-speed ferry. We were lucky enough to have made friends with a couple just before we left Hyannis. They had made the trip many times before. They told us where to go and what to do for every step. That says a lot that you have customers who are willing to help others. Buying the tickets and getting on board was extremely easy. I can't wait to do my next trip to Nantucket. read more

I road the ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket on a Tuesday morning and returned on the last ferry of the day. Everything ran on time. Ferry is clean. There are charging outlets at some seats. read more

They were very helpful here. Customer service is lightning fast. They take Apple Pay. They give succinct explanations that help you get on your way. The facility is well-maintained and clean. Prices are fair, considering that Nantucket isn't exactly the cheapest island in the world. read more

Steamship Authority - Travel Services Near Me - Hyannis, Massachusetts

They cancelled our 6:15 pm ferry out of nantucket at 4:40 pm by email. Luckily we werent stranded on the island with our kid and dog since the HyLine was running. Found out at the Steamship Authority ticket office they cancelled all their ferries for the rest of the day due to "weather". HyLine was running just fine though, luckily for us. read more

Hard to find. Not clearly marked. We were late because there are two confusing destinations in navigation: "Steamship Authority" and Steamship authority ferry". With one way streets and terrible traffic in Hyannis those are 10 mins apart. Very disappointing... read more

WARNING. Steamship Authority can and will cancel a ferry without warning. If you are counting on the last boat off an island, you'll find out your ferry listed on their schedule is not going and you are stuck on the island in high season with no rooms. When you are travelling as a family with children under 5 there is no compensation, no alternate transportation for you and you are stranded. Sleep on the beach? Steamship Authority must be more responsible and STOP screwing over their passengers. read more

Customer service is terrible because they know they're the only game in town. We booked tickets to Nantucket for the July 4th weekend in January 2023. Because the Steamship Authority opens the entire summer's availability at once, the website constantly crashes. It look 5 hours to book the high-speed ferry. In late June 2023, one week before we arrived on Cape Cod, I got a call from an unknown 508 area code. I answered it, and the woman identified themselves as from the Steamship Authority. SA: Is this Jennifer? Me: Yes. SA: Great, thanks. We've decided to cancel the last 8:45 p.m. ferry on July 4th. We're rebooking you on the 6:15 p.m. ferry. Me: Uh... what? I have dinner reservations on Nantucket at 7, this completely messes things up. SA: Well I can just go ahead and cancel the entire trip then. Steamship Authority, your phone representatives threatening to "cancel the entire trip" when they screw up people's plans a week before they happen is NOT a good look. I'd say do better, but I know you don't actually care. read more

Good Crew. Captain treated others including passengers with disrespect and disregard.

We were very happy with our roundtrip to Nantucket. Tickets were easy to obtain and load online. The boarding process is very quick and we were headed to and from our destination in no time. There's a limited amount of seating outside, which was an enjoyable way to pass the afternoon trip. There's also a basic café on the ship. We didn't have to wait long for the shuttles to the parking lot. However, they charge for parking on top of the already pricey ferry tickets, which doesn't seem necessary -- but what can you do? read more

So traveling with them is so easy. They have tvs on the boats and it's easy to sit inside or outside. There is food and restrooms on board. They can take cars etc. The tickets are easy to get at the ticket office and there are plenty of times to get you there and back. Very easily handicap accessible. read more

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Here is a letter I just sent to the Steam Ship Authority regarding the clown show going on all day at the Vineyard Haven ferry terminal: Scheduled for 5 PM ferry and told ferry canceled. Now told we are out of luck as no accommodation is made to get us out and the schedule just rolls on without us while people scheduled for later ferries go out on time. I am told this is policy. Well it's terrible policy. We feel like refugees as we have no place to go. Communication has been terrible. Why not pay the extra $$ to get more boats or a later boat, after the final 9:30 ferry, to get every one out. Also told no guarantee we get out tomorrow. I have never seen such ineptitude and complete lack of customer service and care in my life. How can we be made to be refugees when we paid in good faith for the services? Seems like dollars and sense to get an extra boat tonight. These policies have put your on the ground staff right in the line of fire for all the angry customers while corporate hides. There really is no excuse for not getting another plan in place or having emergency protocols to avoid this pandemonium. Still waiting to see if we get off island tonight after waiting 5 hrs at this point. The picture is of ALL the standby cars. Here is a letter I just sent to the Steam Ship Authority regarding the clown show going on all day at the Vineyard Haven ferry terminal: Scheduled for 5 PM ferry and told ferry canceled. Now told we are out of luck as no accommodation is made to get us out and the schedule just rolls on without us while people scheduled for later ferries go out on time. I am told this is policy. Well it's terrible policy. We feel like refugees as we have no place to go. Communication has been terrible. Why not pay the extra $$ to get more boats or a later boat, after the final 9:30 ferry, to get every one out. Also told no guarantee we get out tomorrow. I have never seen such ineptitude and complete lack of customer service and care in my life. How can we be made to be refugees when we paid in good faith for the services? Seems like dollars and sense to get an extra boat tonight. These policies have put your on the ground staff right in the line of fire for all the angry customers while corporate hides. There really is no excuse for not getting another plan in place or having emergency protocols to avoid this pandemonium. Still waiting to see if we get off island tonight after waiting 5 hrs at this point. The picture is of ALL the standby cars. read more

We took the fast Steamship Ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket and then back in late December just before they discontinue that service for the season. The staff who get you on and off the ship are very friendly. The ferry is comfortable enough for an hour and the snack bar is pretty basic but nice. The port is a decent place to wait for a few minutes before you get on the ship. Oh and there's wifi on the ferry. I'd gladly use this service again. read more

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Initially, I thought they canceled the charter due to rain. Then, i learned they had been struggling with bathroom issues throughout the day. Ship arrived when we were scheduled to depart. After boarding, they called us off the speed ferry and moved us to the larger ferry. Anticipated arrival was 9p. New arrival...10:15p. In the end our 30 minute ride turned into a 135 minute ride because the bathrooms don't work. read more

We used The Steamship Authority on two separate occasions for our trips to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard respectively. Both trips went off without a hitch. The Hyannis to Nantucket fast service was great. We did not take the car. It was an easy process, masks are required while in the ship. They had a bar with drinks and food items. It was busy but efficient. The staff were super helpful and made the process seem easy. The second trip was from Wood's Hole to Martha's Vineyard a shorter trip but we had to drive to Woods Hole from Hyannis. Not a problem, however there is no parking at the terminal but The Steamship has designated parking outside the town and they ferry you to the terminal. Again we didn't see a car and the process was seamless. Again masks are required per Covid protocols while on The Steamship properties. Both ferry trips were expensive but it is what it is. We got to enjoy a beautiful ride and take in the beautiful sunset stress free. I would strongly recommend for a day trip to not take the car. It's so much less stressful and both islands are easy walking. read more

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This is the best ferry system I have ever used . My whole life they always get me to the family beach house and back no problem . Nice slow relaxing ride . Everybody is always nice even Rick and morty . TVs always work and bathrooms always clean . Thank you Nantucket ferry for all you do and all you have to put up with . . People please read the small print and understand working at sea is hard work and be as nice as u can because the steam ship authority deserves that, at the Very least . St. Louis thanks you . For all you do . And continue to do . ! God bless . God speed . read more

The Steamship Authority is a pretty standard way to get your Nantucket tickets. I'd say get them way in advance, especially if you have a car and need to get on the slow ferry. The station itself is pretty sleek and low key. There's only one cafe to get snacks - though there are options on the boat. The set-up is quite organized. You have to stand in a long queue to get your pre-booked tickets, but the set up for getting cars on board is pretty streamlined. The website for getting your tickets really sucks and is not fully intuitive, but take your time to make sure you're getting the right dates! Dogs are welcome on board the boats, which is a fun treat. Be careful about sitting out on the back of the boat outside. You'll inevitably be sprayed! read more

Steamship Authority - Travel Services Near Me - Hyannis, Massachusetts

For first time ferry rides could have used more directions but otherwise great experience! Highly recommend the clam chowder on board really good! Clean bathroom and nice seating. Be sure to be on time! They will leave you! read more

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Customer service at the Hyannis could use an overhaul! As a customer service employee for a state agency, I understand only too well how challenging it can be to deal with the public at large...but after my second time seeing how the ticketing employees treat customers, it seems to be the culture at this location... From out right rude, to appearing too inconvenienced to stop scrolling on their cell phone, to barely acknowledging me ( to be clear, I was the only one in the early morning line at that point). To say I am less than impressed is an understatement. The parking and dock crew, however are always super friendly and helpful. P.S. I never have this issue at the Woods Hole terminal read more

Very impressed with this Ferry! I took the traditional Ferry to Nantucket which is the slower option but it was such a pleasant ride. Loved the free wifi, spacious bathrooms, power outlets to charge your phone at your seat, and the TV's! read more

Steamship Authority - Travel Services Near Me - Hyannis, Massachusetts

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TELL your people where to park! Got charged $35 for parking. Went to the wrong port almost missed steamship. This is an unfriendly program for visitors that have never been here. read more

Booked a round trip from Hyannis to Nantucket and back, months in advance. Received email notification that my ferry trip was cancelled less than 24 hours from my departure. I called in to book another ferry time but they only offered standby. After asking for other options, they offered to book me on a ferry a week later. That wouldn't work based on my hotel reservations. No other solutions were offered. So I requested a refund. Hopefully that will come through soon. The only saving grace was that this happened before I got to Nantucket. I can't imagine what I would do if me and my car were stuck on Nantucket for an extra week due to a cancellation and poor customer service. I have never received service like this at Hy-Line cruises - I highly recommend them over Steamship Authority. Unfortunately, Hy-Line doesn't have a car option, though. So in the end we canceled our trip and forfeited $1,500 in hotel reservations along the way due to Steamship Authority's last-minute cancellation and terrible customer service. read more

Unclear what this business has done to make accommodations for COVID-19. There were no COVID protocols enforced by the staff. There was crowding at boarding and no effort to create spacing on the boat; people laughed out loud when the captain suggested staying 6 ft away from other passengers since this was not possible with the number of people on board. Nothing was done to the boat to clean/disinfect between rides. Only positive was that the boat left and arrived on time, but I did not feel safe during the trip. read more

This is a ferry that is designed to take a bunch of people from point A to point B. The Steamship Authority high-speed ferry does this well - no complaints. I really don't like the fact that it seems that everywhere you turn these days, there's a TV blaring at you. There were at least 5 television's in the lower seating area - all on and all on different channels. No one was watching them. The only seats by a window (good for avoiding sea-sickness on rough water!) were directly under one of the TV's and I finally just turned it off for a little peace. So, it's a great way to get to Nantucket. Just avoid the TVs! read more

Steamship Authority - Scenery - Travel Services Near Me - Hyannis, Massachusetts

We took the fast ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket with our dog on Monday July 7, 2023. For starters, the ferry was late both ways. Our dog cannot walk well because he has hip dysplasia, so we had a stroller with us. The whole experience of being seated on this ferry was an unorganized disaster. On the way there, we were never informed as to where to sit with our dog. We later noticed the signs that showed just a few rows upfront where dogs are allowed so we made sure to get seats in those designated rows. Then an employee, who was extremely rude and unprofessional approached us and said that strollers are only allowed in the center aisles. At this point, all of the seats in the center aisle were already taken. Why could he not have informed us earlier as we were boarding the ferry was my question, instead of rudely demanding that people with a disabled dog change seats at the last minute. When I had asked what I am supposed to do at this point, the response was 'I don't care.' How unprofessional was this? My advice is that if you have rules regarding seating then you need to inform your passengers before they board the ferry. This whole trip felt highly unorganized, stressful, the staff was rude and unprofessional and I would recommend to use one of the other ferry companies over this one when traveling to Nantucket. read more

Great experience and quick ride from Hyannis to Nantucket. Nice comfortable seats with cell phone chargers. read more

Steamship Authority - Beautiful lighthouse custom built by the homeowner next to he Steamship Authority - Travel Services Near Me - Hyannis, Massachusetts

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We took the slower ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket and recommend it if you are sightseeing. It is relaxing, beautiful and has plenty of seating and services on board including free wi-fi. We thought the price was reasonable. read more

Steamship Authority - Travel Services Near Me - Hyannis, Massachusetts

Everything's fine other than that the air conditioning is ALWAYS blasting. Always. I can't really give only 1 star for that when everything else is okay and there's no other problems. But oh my god it's so cold read more

Writing this as a warning. I have always had positive experiences with steamship over the years with zero complaints. Giving 2 stars not based on service, but based on COVID protocols. Getting bags off of the cart is like a warzone with absolutely no social distancing, people fighting over who touched who, and hurling insults. Mask wearing is not enforced whatsoever. Masks dangling below noses and chins are everywhere, both on and off the boat (while waiting in line). While there are plenty of employees/patrol around, not once did I see reminders directed at the countless people disregarding mask regulations. A woman and her child across the aisle from my group removed their mask down to their chins for the duration of the trip, and spent the whole trip on the phone. The woman even coughed a few times! When I got my bag, I witnessed a man scream "f**k you" at a fellow passenger who asked him politely not to touch her belongings and maintain social distancing. Overall, I and my group felt very unsafe traveling. There is only so much power of suggestion one has over fellow passengers, so it should be up to Steamship employees to remind passengers that it is not only a suggestion to wear a mask (over one's nose AND mouth), but the law. read more

No problems with the Ferry and the prices are reasonable but the totally avoidable logjam of cars on the way out is just stupid. You've got an entire Ferry full of people all getting to their cars at the same time and everyone is bottlenecked into one pay station lane with an elderly man taking half a century to count change. I sat there in my car for over a half hour without moving an inch and when I finally get up to the front of the line that's when the opt to open up a second line. It's not like the ferry is sneaking up on anyone. Act like you've done this before and get your personnel in place to handle the rush. We're trying to give you money. At least be prepared if you're dead set on making people pay when they leave instead of when they come in. read more

As far as stations go this is the nicest one I have been too. The bathrooms are clean and modern. They have a small cafe, vending machines, and pretty views of the water. There is free wi-fi, which helps make they wait go by if you are habitually early like me. They also have a free shuttle from the parking lot to the station, both drivers I got were very nice and helpful. The woman who worked at the ticket counter was super nice. She answered my questions and pointed me to a restaurant nearby because the cafe was not open yet. If all travel stations were this nice, I would skip the long drive. read more

It gets the job done. Since I usually drive there, most of my experience is with the car ferry (slow boat). However, I've taken the fast ferry enough times to know that that's the way to go if at all possible. In addition to what the others have said, if you're going on the car ferry make sure you check in at least a half-hour before sailing otherwise you could lose your reservation. The trip is pretty boring, at least for me now. A couple of the boats have a room with a couple of TVs, unfortunately apparently hardwired to FoxNoise, so bring a book. What we usually do is bring an audio book and snooze in the car with the dogs. Despite the noise and diesel fumes it's still more comfortable than the lounges. (PS: if you've got a car with a sensitive alarm, do vehicle deck rats like me a favor and don't arm it when you exit the vehicle.) Be aware that the ferry doesn't run when there are high winds or high seas. I've been stranded on Nantucket by this even when the weather looked fine. It's a good idea to check in with http://www.steamshipauthority.com/ssa/opsinfo.cfm?Loc=HY before you leave for the steamship wharf. The boats are also quite old and occasionally break down. I was left standing on the Nantucket wharf because of this too. Cellphone service is surprisingly good on the boat, at least with T-Mobile, and there's free wi-fi. Unfortunately because the ferries are steel wi-fi coverage is spotty outside the upper lounge. On season, reservations should be made well in advance however there are off-season events like Christmas Stroll and Daffodil Days which book up the ferries weeks in advance too. Depending on the hour and time of year, you can catch seals sunning themselves on the rock jetties before pulling into Nantucket harbor. read more

I don't believe I've ever written a review but my experience yesterday on the Steamship Authority motivates me to do so. Furthermore, after reading other negative reviews here I understand there are some issues with the service at the Steamship Authority. That said, here is a vote for exceptional service. After a day biking with my 13-year-old daughter, we waited on the Oak Bluff's dock with our bikes to board the 7:30pm ferry back to Woods Hole last night. Although I bought round trip tickets for us, I inadvertently failed to buy return tickets for the bikes and was told that I needed to go back to the ticket office - a good 100+ yards away - to purchase. The deck hand realized it was not easy to move bikes/gear and daughter through the maze of Sunday night return traffic and offered to drive me with a golf cart back to the ticket booth allowing my daughter to keep in line with the bikes/gear [Positive customer experience #1]. The deck hand actually waited with the golf cart to drive me back after purchasing the tickets and I returned to the line. [Positive customer experience #2]. Unfortunately, while purchasing the bike return tickets, I was unaware I was in the New Bedford line, nor was I asked "where to", so I unwittingly bought return tickets for my bikes to go to NEW BEDFORD! - not Woods Hole. Shoot me. The agent at the loading dock would not accept the tickets FOR BIKES and I had to go back to the booth again. Although this seemed a bit rigid not to simply allow two bikes on board, the deck hand again took me back to the booth and waited in the golf cart. While this is taking place, the boat had been fully boarded and I'm worried I'm going to make the boat. After correcting my bike ticket mix up and frantically returning to the boat ramp, my daughter, bikes and gear are gone. I'm the last person to board and I'm a little panicked. However, there was a man anticipating my arrival on the ramp and he introduced himself to me saying "Don't worry. I have your daughter up in the bridge waiting for you. We brought all your things onboard and I'll bring you to her." [Positive customer experience #3]. It turns out the "man" waiting on the dock for me was the actually captain of the ship. With the hundreds of people boarding by foot and vehicle, I was impressed that the captain knew of my "little situation" and calmly controlled the matter on my behalf. After an unexpected but much appreciated tour of the bridge and introduction to some of the ship's crew, I was thoroughly impressed by how professional and courteous the crew members treated us. While it was not my proudest moment as a dad, I am very thankful and appreciative for the crew, namely pilot Jim, deck hand Carlos, and in particular, captain Mark. read more

I used this ferry service to visit Nantucket this past weekend. The website is pretty straightforward, although it can be a pain to find out exactly what times are available on both the traditional ferry service (2:15) and fast ferry (1 hr) so that you can decide which you want to use. When we got there Friday afternoon, the ferry terminal was clean and the lines were short. The boarding process for passengers was easy (I didn't take a car over) for the traditional ferry. The parking lot was a short walk away, which was okay. Parking was $15/day but thems the breaks. The ride was pretty smooth although there was a little rocking on the way there and the way back. The ferries left on schedule and arrived on time or early. All in all, it was a pretty good way to go. Plus, you really don't have a choice, since there aren't that many ways to get to Nantucket. The other ferry companies didn't impress me and this seemed like the standard. read more

DO NOT EVER TAKE THEM!! This review is long overdue. It's been a month without phone or computer access thanks to breaking it while traveling. On June 24th at 7am, We arrived after a travel all the way from California, 6 hour flight, then 2 hour drive from airport, and arrived 4 hours before a family wedding in Nantucket, to the ferry we booked round trip for 3 people 2 months in advance through the steamship authority. We arrived early only to find out that THERE WAS NO FERRY!!! Apparently the 1rst ferry had a horrible nationwide covered accident that ran aground smashing into the jetty rocks leaving large amount of passengers injured the week before. After booking our tickets 2 months prior, We arrived very early on the day of June 24th at 7 am, 4 hours before family wedding in Nantucket. .. while approaching there was a large group of people conjugating together discussing very angrily about being stranded because there was no ferry, and no one called alerting them. Leary after hearing this, we approached the window and were left standing there in complete shock and beyond disgusted as the women with the no care bad attitude told us there has now been another problem, and there was NO ferry at all now. Not even a replacement. We asked "how is this even possible??".. and WHY didn't someone call us?? She lied to us that they did. We told her "No you didn't!" and the only call we received was the 1rst day after the accident that there was a problem due to accident and the one we booked would be out for repair, however we would not be affected as they have a temporary replacement ferry that we WOULD STILL be leaving on as planned. We said ok then, but why the call?..she said because we would have to make arrangements on the return trip as it was overbooked, I said even though we booked 2 months ago? She said yes. Ok, understood. She confirmed again the was a replacement boat going out so we would still make the wedding as planned and we rebooked the return. Well imagine if you will, arriving that day, and now had a new problem.. NO FERRY AT ALL now. So here we are, and there isn't a temporary replacement?? We say again to the woman who had zero remorse, "why didn't someone call us back after the next problem and tell us?".. She LIED right to our faces that they did call us and everyone.. we told them that is 100 percent not true, and in fact the 10 other angry people waiting for the ferry that day at the same time were yelling the exact same thing. I said how is it that 10 people are saying otherwise and all showed up together if that was the case? No logic! Staying calm but feeling angry inside we told her that is not true and asked her what does she plan to do about it, she said "nothing!", but she will return our money or we could grab the temporary ferry at 12:00. Which would get us into Nantucket at 2:00pm.. 3 hours passed the 11:00 family wedding!! We then realized wait, SO let me get this straight, there IS a temporary ferry NOW. You just said there wasn't. She then says "well there is but it's having issues and can't go till later now." So we will have to go to the only other island ferry The Hyline... We called them first and they were sold out. We left just about crying, went to HY-LINE ferry anyways, and They were completely sold out!.. so we were completely stranded. Thanks to God that day, and Thank you HY-LINE Ferry for the wonderful Captain and wonderful crew who had been hearing the same story from the other passengers that were left stranded that after 30 minutes they worked it so the 3 of could make the wedding on time!.. I will never forget how wonderful Hyline ferry crew were!.. how sympathetic they were, and felt the remorse that the Steamship authority staff did not....I'm beyond appreciative with the upmost gratitude. I will never forgive Steamship authority for such a HUGE problem, not giving advanced notice, and lying about it. ...10 passengers have the same story?!! I'm ashamed of them!! No one even called afterwards to apologize or compensate. Word of mouth is far more powerful. read more

We took the fast ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket. There's tons of parking in the off-site lots, and shuttles run frequently. When you get there, a baggage handler will take your bags. I didn't have luggage tags, so I was a little nervous, but it turned out fine. Make sure you check in when you get to the terminal, even if you made your reservation online! The ticket agents are nice, and are more than happy to answer your questions, should you have any. We got there early, so we got lunch at the cafe. Sure it's overpriced, but the food was decent, and honestly. What on the Cape/Islands isn't over priced? The ferry itself was clean and comfortable. Flat screen TVs are available, as is a snack bar. The ride to Nantucket took about an hour. The only other ferries I'd taken prior to this trip were the two Long Island ferries, and this boat was in much better condition. read more

Having taken them at least a hundred times, the Steamship Authority has had its ups and downs. The Hyannis dock is a bit noisy and crowded. The people can be rude, but are not always by any means. Make a reservation in advance if you want to bring a car. Also note that you'll need to take the slow (traditional) boat, which can be long. One option is the "drive-on drive-off" service, which comes with an extra fee ($50). The tickets are overpriced, it costs $250+ in peak season to bring a car, and there are extra fees for bicycles, surf boards, bike racks, and wind surfers. The fast boat can be expensive as well. Hyannis Parking can be expensive, but there are some competitive rates from the lot across the street. On weekends and peak travel times, be sure to purchase tickets well in advance, particularly on the fast boat. The snack bar is overpriced. Bring your own food (Something Natural sandwiches if going Nantucket-Hyannis). Come early. Although it's annoying, they'll love you for it. Overall: WAY overpriced, but the best service that there is. 3 stars. read more

Standard ferry service. Staff is "salty" but friendly. No nearby parking so plan on taking the shuttles which can be a hassle when the boat unloads back in Hyannis read more

Steamship Authority - Small area to get air on the back of the boat - Travel Services Near Me - Hyannis, Massachusetts

Arrived at the steamship Authority Woods Hole parking lot at 3pm on 12/16/17 and found 30 cars in the standby line. the ferry Island home which has two lifts to hold extra cars only used one lift. Leaving 20+ cars to wait in the standby line. what's the story? This has happened many times. What was the cost of these lifts and why aren't they used. read more

The only way to get to Nantucket if you don't have your own boat. Take the Hi Speed its worth teh extra money.