Are reservations recommended?
We do recommend making advance reservations especially for travel during our peak summer season. Reservations can be made online, over the phone, or in one of our ticket offices.
Do I have to pay for my ticket when I make a reservation?
Yes, pre-payment is required to secure a reservation. We accept VISA, MASTERCARD, or AMERICAN EXPRESS.
What if I need to change or cancel my reservation?
All reservations are Non-Refundable. We are happy to exchange a reservation for you provided there is space available on the departure date and time you wish to exchange to. If you need to exchange your reservation a $5 fee will be added to all reservations exchanged over the phone. There is no fee applied to an exchange done in person at one of our ticket offices.
If you are unable to travel on the date you reserved for, the reservation may be applied towards another reservation and will be honored up to one year from the original departure date. We must be notified on or before your original travel date in order for your reservation to be honored at a later date within one year of the initial reservation. Reserved tickets not picked up within 10 minutes prior to a departure may be released to stand-by customers.
Do you accept stand-by reservations?
If a departure is sold out, we will try to accommodate passengers that wish to stand-by for boarding. If you would like to stand-by for a sold-out departure you must purchase a ticket for the next available boat in the ticket office. Stand-by passengers are boarded on a first-come, first-serve basis from the stand-by line located at the boarding gate. All stand-by passengers must be parked and present in the stand-by line when unclaimed reservations are released. Unclaimed reservations will be released 10 minutes prior to departure after all ticketed passengers have been boarded.
Is there parking available?
Yes. The parking lot for ferry passengers is operated by the City of New Bedford. The lot provides 24-hour security. It is located approximately 1/2 mile from the terminal with free shuttle service provided to and from the lot. The parking fee is $10 per calendar day. The fee will be collected upon leaving the parking lot. Credit cards are accepted. Reservations do not need to be made for parking. An annual parking pass is available for purchase in the terminal for the Elm Street Garage. Annual Parking passes may be purchased with a personal check or cash. We cannot accept a credit card to purchase an annual parking pass.
What time should I arrive before my scheduled departure?
From New Bedford, we recommend that you plan to arrive at least 30-45 minutes prior to a departure during the summer season. Boarding will begin 15 minutes prior to the departure. Reservations not picked up 10 minutes prior to a departure may be released to stand-by passengers.
Do you have restrictions on baggage?
Currently, we have no restrictions on the amount of baggage passengers can bring with them on board. Luggage carts are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the dock. We do reserve the right to screen all passenger baggage. Luggage cannot be left un-attended at the terminal or on the pier. Combustible materials cannot be brought on board.
Can dogs travel on the ferry?
We do welcome dogs aboard all of our vessels. All dogs must be leashed at all times in and around the terminal and while on board. We do also ask that dogs not be permitted to ride on the seats while on board. The Captains reserve the right to deny boarding to any dog if he/she feels that there would be a threat to other passengers. Please remember to clean up after your pet.
If I am flying in from out of state, which airport should I fly into?
We recommend flying to TF Green airport located in Providence, Rhode Island. From Providence, we are approximately 45 minutes. We recommend Town Car Travel for transportation between Providence and our New Bedford Terminal. Reservations are required by Town Car Travel and can be made by calling 508-678-5500.
What happens if the ferry is cancelled due to weather?
Over the last two years of operation we have had very few instances where we have needed to cancel all of our trips due to weather. Occasionally during the summer season we have needed to cancel or re-route our vessel from the Oak Bluffs dock to Vineyard Haven. If a weather cancellation should take place during a departure you are booked on, we make every effort to contact you using the telephone number provided in your reservation and arrange the most efficient way possible to get you to or from the island.
Will I get sea sick while on board your vessel?
We have the lowest incidences of motion sickness among passenger ferry services in the north east for the following reasons: 1) our short 24 mile route to and from Martha's Vineyard has us pass through two protected sounds 2) catamarans offer the benefit of stability 3) our vessels are equipped with a computer aided ride control system that senses and counteracts the wave motion. However, inclement weather can occur and those who are sensitive to motion sickness should take that into consideration when traveling on board any vessel.
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