On Oct. 29th, 2023, we went to Martha’s Vineyard. We opted to take the car, even though it was... read more
On Oct. 29th, 2023, we went to Martha’s Vineyard. We opted to take the car, even though it was... read more
Took the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard and it was a very smooth trip. Lots of seating and great views... read more
We took the ferry from Woods Hole to Vineyard Haven (just us, not the car). Very reasonable price and they serve tap beer! Nice smooth ride and you can stay inside or enjoy the view from the top deck. We actually enjoyed the ride better than the time spent on Martha's Vineyard. If you go, take your car or rent one there.
The ferries run pretty frequently even in this off season. It is about a 45 minute trip to Martha's Vineyard from Woods Hole. There is no available parking in Woods Hole (drove through-plenty of private parking or meters-even saw a meter maid issuing a ticket) so you park at 286 Palmer Ave. in Falmouth and catch the shuttle bus to the departure area. If you are not taking a vehicle, you can just show up and get a ticket but with a vehicle, you have to reserve ahead. The parking lot is quite large and costs $10.00 for the day-still probably best option. The shuttle is waiting when you get off the ferry upon return to take you back. On the ferry, there are reasonably comfortable seats inside-some not as comfortable seats outside and there is a snack bar with limited choices but includes beer and wine. There is some seating with tables and there is free wifi on board. The website is helpful at https://www.steamshipauthority.com where you can check availability, schedules, and get further information. I called ahead and the person I talked to was extremely helpful and pleasant. During off season, they only stop at one place on Martha's Vineyard which is Vineyard Haven. It is a small town with some shops and restaurants but some are closed in the off season. I was told you can buy a $7.00 bus pass to get around all day but didn't try it myself. Cost for the ferry was $16.00 roundtrip.
My first passenger experience on a Steamship Authority vessel was in 1950, on the Hackensack, which preceded the venerable Islander. Been on most of the ships, from the old Nobska to the recently-built Island Home. The Authority has changed to keep abreast of the times. In response to the rise in passenger, auto and freight traffic, both Vineyard Haven and Woods Hole sport two gangplanks instead of one each as in years past. The reservation system has been well-adapted to the online world, and my "profile" has existed for about 5 years...profile including make and model of vehicle(s). For it's the vehicles that require reservations, none needed if you're a foot passenger. And in the ticket offices, pay-toilets have thankfully become a thing of the past.
Our first trip over this year was right after Labor Day weekend, traditionally the end of the season. Nevertheless, the boat was pretty crowded. We were foot passengers then, having flown into Boston's Logan Airport and taken a Peter Pan bus to Woods Hole. Bought our tickets at the office right next to the boarding area. Office was crowded, but the lines moved quickly. Our bags went on the luggage cart, no problem. Trip over (and back four days later) was smooth, uneventful. Disembarked in Oak Bluffs. No matter which town you land in, it's going to be crowded during the season and probably through September.
Our second trip occurred the third week in October. We put the car on...no problem getting a reservation for the sailing we wanted (Island Home, mid-afternoon). Traffic across the Bourne Bridge and south on Rt. 28 through Falmouth and subsequently Woods Hole Rd. was very light, so we got there pretty early. Early enough that we were put on the Martha's Vineyard about an hour or so earlier. Had we opted to do the later sailing, we would have had to park outside the car-boarding area, which was too bad because we would have preferred to have the car in line, but with enough time to walk around Woods Hole (which is pretty easy to do).
Unlike the Island Home, the Martha's Vineyard backs out of the slip on departure and does a 180, so what appears to be the starboard side is actually the port side when the MV gets underway. On arrival, it backs into the slip as well. Sort of fun to watch.
There are additional "freight" boats which ply the route, and vehicles can be brought aboard those as well. Still need vehicle reservations though. And again, depending on whether there's room, the Steamship Authority staff may have you board earlier if there's room on one of the freight boats. No problem, it still takes around 45 minutes, and there's room to sit, stand, or just relax in your vehicle. We recommend the chowder and hot-dog from the snack bar on the Island Home (can't speak for the other ships).
Still loving it after all these years...even with all the changes.
one time and that's enough, nothing like what we expected. never will we be back. it was not very clean, and there quite a few drunks just hanging around.
really disappointed.
After October 14th all of Cape Cod, well 80% of it, seems to shut down. So one, check the schedules if arriving after that date. Two, the web site talk about reservations does not appy to you unless you are taking a car. Three, there is plenty of seating for passengers, and because it goes forward and then backward, all the seating you see on one is also repeated on the otherside, if your side is full just go to the other side- think about it a little- or just explore, I asure it is there.
, three, if not taking a car with you forget all the prebooking noise on the web site.
The Steamship Authority was efficient and on time. I only wish there were announcements that we were going in to a different town than the one we had reservations for - only found out by accident.