Freedom Cruise Line
Freedom Cruise Line
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
The fun way to travel to Nantucket! Avoid the trip to Hyannis and sail away on the Freedom Ferry from Harwich Port. Enjoy the beautiful 80 minute ride across Nantucket Sound. Enjoy our enclosed lounge, outside decks, full-service snack bar and our friendly crew! Daily departures from Memorial Day to Columbus Day.
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Freedom Cruise Line
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
85 reviews
Excellent
59
Very good
17
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
5
Eric K
1 contribution
Jul 2020 • Solo
When it comes to passenger commuting to the Islands from Cape Cod (no vehicle),
The Freedom Ferry is hands down the way to travel. Aside from the fact that your not dealing with bumper to bumper traffic & congestion in Hyannis - your also netting the benefit of a staff who is extremely hospitable and you can just sense they really like their jobs. That of course has translated to me (The guest) on each of the six times I have taken the freedom ferry from Harwich. Overnight parking is literally 300 feet from the boat. (Same price as in Hyannis And parking for a day trip is free) and it’s much more intimate from all aspects. 80 minutes with exceptional views, amazing staff, hassle free “all in the details” ..... it’s 10 minutes further on route 6 to get to Harwich but you easily make that 10 min back up as soon as you exit the highway when you avoid downtown Hyannis.
I am really not sure why there is always availability when I take the freedom vs the Hyline.
This is a hidden gem of a commute off the cape and to the islands if you don’t have a car. Pets are allowed ! I feel like I’m already on Nantucket as soon as I step onto the Freedom. That’s the vibe... (PS. If you need to make a change to a reservation. It’s so simple and you get an actual “live” person when you call!).
Freedom Ferry is the only way to go!! I have been in the people business for over 30 years and these folks have it down!!
The Freedom Ferry is hands down the way to travel. Aside from the fact that your not dealing with bumper to bumper traffic & congestion in Hyannis - your also netting the benefit of a staff who is extremely hospitable and you can just sense they really like their jobs. That of course has translated to me (The guest) on each of the six times I have taken the freedom ferry from Harwich. Overnight parking is literally 300 feet from the boat. (Same price as in Hyannis And parking for a day trip is free) and it’s much more intimate from all aspects. 80 minutes with exceptional views, amazing staff, hassle free “all in the details” ..... it’s 10 minutes further on route 6 to get to Harwich but you easily make that 10 min back up as soon as you exit the highway when you avoid downtown Hyannis.
I am really not sure why there is always availability when I take the freedom vs the Hyline.
This is a hidden gem of a commute off the cape and to the islands if you don’t have a car. Pets are allowed ! I feel like I’m already on Nantucket as soon as I step onto the Freedom. That’s the vibe... (PS. If you need to make a change to a reservation. It’s so simple and you get an actual “live” person when you call!).
Freedom Ferry is the only way to go!! I have been in the people business for over 30 years and these folks have it down!!
Written August 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jordan D
1 contribution
Sep 2021
I was recommended by a local friend to take Freedom Cruise Line as opposed to the Hyannis ferry due to prices, experience and location. The people working at the front desk were so friendly and helpful and the ship crew helped me and my friends load and secure our bikes on board.
The ferry is smaller than the Hyannis ferry which gives it a more intimate feel. The ride was smooth and my friends and I enjoyed sitting on top and on the sides of the boat soaking in the sunshine (and getting a little splash on the way back)! The departures of the boat gives you enough time to explore Nantucket and get back to the Cape at a reasonable time. We brought our bikes back early and the crew was so kind to store them for us so we could walk around a few more hours before returning. The owner of the company joined us on our trip and had everyone participate in a cute tradition on our return trip. Will definitely use Freedom again and recommend it to my friends visiting the cape!
The ferry is smaller than the Hyannis ferry which gives it a more intimate feel. The ride was smooth and my friends and I enjoyed sitting on top and on the sides of the boat soaking in the sunshine (and getting a little splash on the way back)! The departures of the boat gives you enough time to explore Nantucket and get back to the Cape at a reasonable time. We brought our bikes back early and the crew was so kind to store them for us so we could walk around a few more hours before returning. The owner of the company joined us on our trip and had everyone participate in a cute tradition on our return trip. Will definitely use Freedom again and recommend it to my friends visiting the cape!
Written September 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Callie A
3 contributions
Jul 2021
I was staying at a house in Eastham, Cape Cod and decided to take a day trip to Nantucket. On the way there, I took Hy-Line Cruises from Hyannis, but I took Freedom Cruise Line on my way back. I MUCH preferred my return trip with Freedom.
Both ferries dock in the same place in downtown Nantucket, but Freedom's dock in Harwich was much more convenient and closer to where I was staying. The Freedom crew was absolutely lovely and made everyone on board feel valued, like we were all part of the team. The trip itself was scenic and super smooth, only an hour and 15 minutes without any hiccups. We left and arrived right on schedule.
The boat is a bit smaller, which I loved because the trip felt more fun and intimate — as opposed to the bigger ferry from Hyannis, which was super crowded and felt very dispassionate, very formal. During my return trip, I noticed several locals and groups of friends that clearly take Freedom all the time for that exact reason. They knew the crew and it was just an overall friendlier atmosphere. I was traveling alone (my first time taking the ferry to and from Nantucket) and with Freedom, I felt very taken care of.
Both ferries dock in the same place in downtown Nantucket, but Freedom's dock in Harwich was much more convenient and closer to where I was staying. The Freedom crew was absolutely lovely and made everyone on board feel valued, like we were all part of the team. The trip itself was scenic and super smooth, only an hour and 15 minutes without any hiccups. We left and arrived right on schedule.
The boat is a bit smaller, which I loved because the trip felt more fun and intimate — as opposed to the bigger ferry from Hyannis, which was super crowded and felt very dispassionate, very formal. During my return trip, I noticed several locals and groups of friends that clearly take Freedom all the time for that exact reason. They knew the crew and it was just an overall friendlier atmosphere. I was traveling alone (my first time taking the ferry to and from Nantucket) and with Freedom, I felt very taken care of.
Written July 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy
Harwich, MA8 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
I have taken the Freedom ferry to Nantucket and back to Harwich more times than I count. They always have exceptional service, from those greeting me in the office or helping me change my reservation, to their crew on the boat! Their crew is always so happy to help, no ask is a bother! I feel like part of the gang on the trip. I won’t deny it helps that they have a bar and snack service on board too! I typically go to Nantucket for fun and that always helps.
The trip is quick, beautifully scenic and on Nantucket they dock right downtown! I can quite literally step off the boat and walk to Cru or the Gazebo (I normally go to the gazebo though as they have the best mudslide!). Their schedule is the best for day trippers but they are also terribly accommodating for overnight trips as well with their own private lot for your car.
They allow pets to board and can help you travel with a bike too! Something very helpful on Nantucket.
Lastly, last year with the COVID-19 restrictions they, like many other small businesses, had to quickly figure out how to keep operating while keeping their staff and guests safe and comfortable. As well as maintaining the state and coast guard regulations. They handled it all with grace! They made such a difficult time look easy and I think not enough appreciation for that was given.
The trip is quick, beautifully scenic and on Nantucket they dock right downtown! I can quite literally step off the boat and walk to Cru or the Gazebo (I normally go to the gazebo though as they have the best mudslide!). Their schedule is the best for day trippers but they are also terribly accommodating for overnight trips as well with their own private lot for your car.
They allow pets to board and can help you travel with a bike too! Something very helpful on Nantucket.
Lastly, last year with the COVID-19 restrictions they, like many other small businesses, had to quickly figure out how to keep operating while keeping their staff and guests safe and comfortable. As well as maintaining the state and coast guard regulations. They handled it all with grace! They made such a difficult time look easy and I think not enough appreciation for that was given.
Written June 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gustacr17
Chatham, MA13 contributions
Aug 2021
This is a convenient and easier location than going to Hyannis to get a ferry to Nantucket. This is a no frills transportation ship, and is quite small compared to the ships out of Hyannis. We took this round trip recently, and found some issues that have not been fully discussed yet.
The boats are quite small; we travelled to Nantucket during the day with 2-3 foot swells, and the boat was not very steady; it bounced and heaved side to side, and many people had difficulty trying to move about the cabin. The rest room was out of service. The staff was gracious and helpful when needed.
The return trip, at night, was very unpleasant with 3-4 foot swells, and we believe the captain had to slow the boat down slightly in order to keep passengers safe, and prevent passengers from getting sea sick due to the bouncing and heaving side to side. It seemed like a "forever" ride back.
At no time did w feel unsafe; just unsteady. These boats take 80 minutes to go to and from Nantucket, and are also loud.
In the future, we will spend the extra time, but l less money and go to Hyannis and take the larger and faster high speed ferries.
The boats are quite small; we travelled to Nantucket during the day with 2-3 foot swells, and the boat was not very steady; it bounced and heaved side to side, and many people had difficulty trying to move about the cabin. The rest room was out of service. The staff was gracious and helpful when needed.
The return trip, at night, was very unpleasant with 3-4 foot swells, and we believe the captain had to slow the boat down slightly in order to keep passengers safe, and prevent passengers from getting sea sick due to the bouncing and heaving side to side. It seemed like a "forever" ride back.
At no time did w feel unsafe; just unsteady. These boats take 80 minutes to go to and from Nantucket, and are also loud.
In the future, we will spend the extra time, but l less money and go to Hyannis and take the larger and faster high speed ferries.
Written August 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mistersalty
Atlanta, GA52 contributions
Aug 2021
Convenient, free parking. It's a no frills ferry ride over to Nantucket but it gets you there for less than some of the other carriers. Friendly crew. It's about one hour 20 minutes to Nantucket. You have the option of sitting inside with mask (as of August 2021 or outside with no mask.
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leamoor
New England18 contributions
Jul 2020
Was hoping to book a trip to Nantucket for the day on Freedom, but passed.
Our main concern was that they only reduced their capacity 25% due to COVID.
This was not enough for my comfort and we decided the close quarters were not safe for us.
I struggle with why social distancing of 6 feet apart does not apply to transportation companies.
I do look forward to taking a freedom cruise to Nantucket in the future when things return to normal.
Our main concern was that they only reduced their capacity 25% due to COVID.
This was not enough for my comfort and we decided the close quarters were not safe for us.
I struggle with why social distancing of 6 feet apart does not apply to transportation companies.
I do look forward to taking a freedom cruise to Nantucket in the future when things return to normal.
Written July 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Midge D
1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Couples
Love this ferry! Use this service often & it never disappoints - even when weather challenging - we always feel safe. Crew attentive & office staff helpful when making plans. We are lucky to have this service out here on Cape Cod!
Written July 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnneMarie B
Suffield, CT356 contributions
Sep 2021
A year ago, we wanted to go to Nantucket on Freedom Cruise Line, but we were informed that an engine problem in Nantucket would make our trip a no-go. Happily, this year we were a go for a beautiful crossing and had a wonderful time! The crew was so friendly and welcoming and both our departure and return were on time. We crossed while on the front deck which was comfortable and made for some great views. On the way back we took inside seats with a table. The seats were much like airline seats - comfortable and reclining-capable. We enjoyed a really relaxing trip!
Written September 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bud Dey
Boston, United States5 contributions
Jul 2021
The Freedom Ferry is a terrific ride with comfort and a great crew every day. The convenience of the dock and same day free parking is so much better than Hyannis. You dock right in the middle of beautiful Nantucket town with food and shopping all around. Even if the Nantucket Sound "kicks-up" , as it can do, the ride is safe and the crew is very attentive to everyone. Support the Freedom ferry. Bud
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Contact the company or their website for prices.
Written July 25, 2019
Hi, Specze,
Is parking free if I stay 2 nights on Nantucket?
Written September 6, 2018
No, overnight parking is $25 per night
Written September 7, 2018
Are there one day passenger trips the !st week in Oct.? Times and prices please.
Written September 25, 2016
he line stops running at the end of September...
Written September 26, 2016
Hi there,
can we take our bikes on the ferry?
Thanks,
Catherine
Written August 17, 2016
Yes they take bikes (have taken mine many times) - be sure to make a reservation ahead of time for you and your bikes!
Written August 28, 2016
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