Whenever we take a Fun Family Adventure anywhere, we bury ourselves in research to prepare us for the journey ahead. Questions like "Can the stroller go here?", "Where do we leave our truck", "Is there anything to eat or drink?" are constantly rolling around in both our heads.
Information for parents, let alone the every day traveler, is almost non-existent for the steamship authority ferry to-and-from Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard out of Hyannis, MA in Cape Cod. Yes their website gives some info but little to nothing about what your trip over to the island will be like, what the system for loading your car is, etc.
If you do decide to bring your car, make sure to reserve your spot on the ferry as far in advance as possible. Getting a spot on the ferry is much easier (and cheaper I might add) if you do not bring your car. Public transportation is ample on Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, there are also places to rent cars on both islands as well.
If you and you're family are walking or driving onto the ferry, make sure to arrive at least an hour before your departure time. We were told to be there a half-hour before, the ferries entrance was packed by the time we got there. We did spend some time soaking up the sun beforehand at the incredibly beautiful Kalmus Beach just a stones throw down the road from the ferry (See our previous article for more info on Kalmus Beach).
If you are on foot, simply head into the Steamship Authoritie's terminal where you can get a quick snack or drink. If you're in your car, you will be directed into one of ten lanes. You will sit in the lane while the bomb dog comes and sniffs your car and then shortly after you will be guided by a Steamship Authority employee on how to board the vessel.
The squeeze onto the ferry is pretty tight but we saw people towing boats and big rigs on board, the ship is very large and your vehicle will be packed very tightly on the boat. Once on board you can choose to stay down below with the cars and trucks (your car's engine must be left off for the voyage) or you can head up the stairs located at the bow and stern of the ferry which will take you up to the passenger area and up top to the outside deck.
The passenger area has a good many seats, which do fill up quickly in the summer, several bathrooms and a very well stocked galley complete with lunch items and booze. The three of us preferred to spend our time up on the top deck taking in the gorgeous salt breeze and amazing view of Cape Cod.
On the day we choose to head to Nantucket, the seas were relatively calm, leaving us feeling spry and ready to do some adventuring on the island. We loved the little voyage 30 miles out to sea to one of our favorite islands in the world. The trip does last about an hour and half, so sit back, relax and enjoy the view.
