HughSince I was a young kid watching Peter Pan for the first time, I wished that I had some of that magic fairy dust to use now and then! Wouldn’t that be great! Instant levitation for anything!
But I strongly doubt that fairy dust will work on the Nantucket Ferry. Not that it is a bad transportation system! Goodness no! It is an excellent way to reach Nantucket. What I mean is that it is vital to respect your booking time, and understand the ferry lines basics; you will not be able to sprinkle any fairy dust and make the ship fly.
My first trip to Nantucket via the Steamship Authority (SSA) was quite an experience. Although I arrived at the port ready to go at my scheduled trip time and date, there were unusually high seas that day due to strong winds, and my trip was cancelled. Uh-oh.
Unless you want to swim 30 miles, the only two ways to get to Nantucket – of course – are by ferry or air. I did not feel like swimming, so I had to find a hotel room because all the ferry crossings that day were abandoned. Shoot.
That unexpected cancellation made me think about it; was there anything else I should find out now about the Nantucket ferry? When settled in my hotel room, I began to do a little online research. I was not aware that the priority for the ferry service is the big trucks that service the businesses on the island, but of course that makes sense. I also learned about vehicle restrictions, towing restrictions, car racks, and much more. In short, it can pay to know!
The SSA told me to be at the front entrance of the dock as soon as they open the next morning. I was put on a waiting list. When I got there at 6:30 am, I parked and waited – as instructed – in the special area for waitlist vehicles. When the time finally came that next morning to load that first ferry of the day, I sat in my car and watched the big 18-wheelers load first and was amazed that so many trucks could disappear into the belly of the ferry. Then came the vehicles booked for that day, which are the next priority. If there was any room left, perhaps I could get aboard.
There were at least 6 others parked behind me in the waiting area. I felt kinda bad for them; I was the only one from the waitlist that made it onto that first ferry. The others would move up in the line, but would have to wait for subsequent trips throughout the day.
My little Jetta seemed to barely fit at the very stern of the ship. Wow, was I glad to get aboard. As a side note, every time I have flown on a commercial jet, I was profoundly amazed that such a heavy piece of machinery could actually fly through the air. The same sort of thought now struck me about this boat with all of this extreme tonnage; how in the heck can it float! Amazing!
The seas were still rough. Still sitting in my car, I could feel the rough seas trying to displace my car. I decided to get out and see all that I could of those wet 30 miles to the island. Perhaps 20 feet from my car was an open portal. Waves were crashing against the ship and spilling onto the floor of the ferry. It was tricky walking around. A small tip: you might want to think twice about walking around if you are not confident on your feet…that is, if the seas are agitated.
I spent the majority of the ferry ride exhilarated, enamored, and full of adrenaline. There’s nothing quite like being on a rocking and rolling ship in rough seas, especially one so heavy and huge. It is quite humbling too; the sea has a definite way of making you feel absolutely tiny.
I learned that 90 percent of the time – or more – the ferry ride is calm and easy. My first trip was not the usual experience at all…and I was glad. I loved it.
So, take the extra time to learn about your ferry booking details. Hope that your trip is uneventful with no cancellations or high seas.
And if you do have any fairy dust, leave it packed away or at home.
