The Steamship Authority
The Steamship Authority
4.5
About
The Steamship Authority is the largest ferry service to the Island of Nantucket from Cape Cod. We offer the lowest fares and the most frequent daily departures for passengers, automobiles and trucks. Our ferries to Nantucket depart from the iconic Hyannis Harbor. Please note, we offer limited premium on-site parking as well as off-site parking with free shuttle service. Check our mobile site for current parking and trip status. Our seasonal high-speed passenger-only ferry, the M/V Iyanough, gets you to Nantucket - dock-to-dock - in just an hour. Enjoy great savings with our special $50 same-day, round-trip, available Monday - Thursday, April - December. For a perfect day trip Nantucket makes wonderful destinations - with magnificent beaches, charming scenery and fabulous shopping and dining.
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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.
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4.5
428 reviews
Excellent
238
Very good
125
Average
29
Poor
11
Terrible
25
CherryTravels17
New Jersey666 contributions
Aug 2020
We purchased our high-speed ferry roundtrip tickets online. The total cost for 2 tickets was $138 (including embarkation fees.) The process was very easy and we received a link to download our mobile tickets.
On the morning of our ferry ride, we checked the Steamship Authority website for parking options. The recommended lot had lots of parking and was $15 per day. A free shuttle was available to/from the ferry.
Before boarding the ferry, our duffel bags were loaded onto a luggage cart (as we were only allowed to bring smaller bags to our seats.) The ferry was clean and not crowded; it was easy to social-distance.
After departing, we arrived at Nantucket within an hour. It was a nice ride both to and from the island.
Note: Same-day roundtrip tickets are cheaper than roundtrip tickets departing on different days.
On the morning of our ferry ride, we checked the Steamship Authority website for parking options. The recommended lot had lots of parking and was $15 per day. A free shuttle was available to/from the ferry.
Before boarding the ferry, our duffel bags were loaded onto a luggage cart (as we were only allowed to bring smaller bags to our seats.) The ferry was clean and not crowded; it was easy to social-distance.
After departing, we arrived at Nantucket within an hour. It was a nice ride both to and from the island.
Note: Same-day roundtrip tickets are cheaper than roundtrip tickets departing on different days.
Written August 23, 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.
amandaC207603
Maine279 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
We took the Steamship to Nantucket from Hyannis and the Hy-Liner on the way back. This is a good way to not be locked in to a return time, unless one of the trips is full, which is a problem that we ran into (girls lacrosse tournament). We went on May 1, which was nice because the weather was good and not too many people but there were a lot of places on Nantucket that were not open yet or not open on Sunday so there wasn’t much to do besides eat and drink so consider these things when planning your trip. Staff on both vessels were helpful and nice. Parking is not included with your fare, plan to pay around $12/ day for Steamship. Our hotel was close so we walked.
Written May 2, 2022
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.
MikeBOS
Boston, MA113 contributions
Aug 2021
We usually take the Hy-Line fast ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket; this time, we took the Steamship Authority, and there was no comparison between the two. Starting with parking, which is less convenient, to loading luggage (they ran out of luggage carts so we had to wait in a several hundred yards long line snaking around the parking lot until they unloaded all the luggage from the incoming ferry), to being chronically late, this is a truly terrible travel experience. Hy-Line is better in every respect.
And good luck getting through if you need help on the phone; it requires many attempts to get past the busy signal, then a long wait on hold.
And good luck getting through if you need help on the phone; it requires many attempts to get past the busy signal, then a long wait on hold.
Written August 7, 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.
CATHY F
13 contributions
May 2022
I was nervous about this trip because my husband is handicapped. The crew were amazing! And they are so incredibly organized, from lining the cars into numbered lanes for boarding, to making sure we were parked near the elevator for my husband to have easy access. It was a very pleasant trip and the offloading was just as easy and organized as the boarding. Hope to take them to Nantucket next year.
Written May 31, 2022
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.
Bridget C
Massapequa, NY21 contributions
Jun 2021
We booked the Hy—Lyne cruise for a day trip over to Martha’s Vineyard. The boat was beautiful, clean and very COVID safe as they still fall under state guidelines for indoor seating. For those who prefer the outdoors there was plenty of space to sit and enjoy the beautiful views of the Cape Cod coastlines. We would highly recommend using the Steamship Authority for your Cape Cod mode of waterway transportation.
Written June 15, 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.
Art Blackburn
Boston, MA176 contributions
Oct 2020
A crossing to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard is always fun on the Steamship Authority. Convenient, affordable prices for passengers from Wood's Hole or Hyannis. (Cars are pricey. Be sure to make a reservation well ahead of time!) Large ferries make even landlubbers feel safe and secure. Snack bar available when not in "Corona Season". Be sure to watch the activity outside on deck during nicer weather! Sunsets at sea are amazing and memorable. I highly recommend the Eagle!
Written October 23, 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.
Roccitystay
2 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
The trip there was hot, no air inside the cabin. The employees were all screaming at people including kids to keep masks on. The return trip none of the employees were wearing masks and didn’t mention them to anyone else. Very strange. $220 for 4 people to get to Nantucket. Wouldn’t do it again!!
Written July 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.
luv2travel076
New York613 contributions
Sep 2020
We took the round trip fast boat to Nantucket and back from Hyannis. Trip is one hour each way. Boat is fine. It was a few days after Labor Day and going out in the morning the boat was 40-50% full. Masks required, but social distancing was tough. Food and drink service was closed. Return at 12:30 pm was very empty. I am sure later departures would have been fuller.
Written September 14, 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.
EPR
1 contribution
Jul 2020 • Family
AVOID AT ALL COSTS. total mismanagement. they cancelled 2 high speed ferries this morning. said we would have no problem on the noon ferry. we got there an hour before, waited online, were told everyone would get on. then they refused to let half the people on after an hour of waiting. they were horribly disorganized
To make it worse the main guy on charge was arrogant, rude, disrespectful and nasty. They have no skill in managing during COVID and ruined my vacation. we are now headed home
don't let them ruin yours and if anything goes wrong expect to be met with total jerks.
To make it worse the main guy on charge was arrogant, rude, disrespectful and nasty. They have no skill in managing during COVID and ruined my vacation. we are now headed home
don't let them ruin yours and if anything goes wrong expect to be met with total jerks.
Written July 17, 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.
We are so sorry to hear about your negative experience - while we make no excuse for disrespectful staff and we will look into this - due to COVID restrictions we have had to reduce the number of passengers we can allow on board our ferries. It is quite a challenging situation for all of us and we are doing our best to take care of our customers while following protocols issued by Gov. Charlie Baker.
Please email me at kmchugh@steamshipauthority.com with more details about the date and time you traveled so we can address the staff issues.
Written August 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
James B
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Family
August 30 th. Steamship had to quarantine a boat for COVID. Ok I get it. But No communication to any of us who had reservations on that ship. Where is upper management, terrible job. Telling Us to wait for an email with no time frame of when we may board. Why if you have my email am I’m in line at 8:20 for the 9:15 that is never showing. It is now 4:00 pm and I was told I’m not on the 5:30. And if I get an email to be on the 8:00pm and I want to now leave tomorrow instead of spending the day waiting for an email that may not come. I’m back to bottom of wait list. Fire the guy in charge. I fell sorry for the nice lady in front of me with 2 young children.
Written August 30, 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.
If I have gone to nantucket for the day and they cancel my return and I am stranded on the island with no place to stay. Does the steamship or local agencies help you find a p li ace to stay for the night
Written December 4, 2022
I bought a roof box for my car and would like to bring it. I already have a car reservation- how do I add this or can I?
Written June 20, 2021
Hi, how do I book your Hyannis on site lot? Visiting Nantucket from there from July 10 to 16.
Written April 4, 2021
Is there a way to get from Martha’s Vineyard to Nantucket after Oct. 12 when your Inter-Island service stops running for the season?
Written April 22, 2020
Hi - we do not operate an inter-island service between Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. Hy-line Cruises offers that service. You can reach them at 800-492-8082.
Written May 18, 2020
The address to our Hyannis Terminal is 69 south Street, Hyannis, MA. Please check our mobile site for current off-site parking and GPS directions to parking lot.
Written July 23, 2019
No - the Steamship Authority routes are as follows: Hyannis to Nantucket and Woods Hole to Martha's Vineyard.
Written June 24, 2019
Does this ferry go from Hyannis to Oak Bluffs?
Written June 13, 2019
Hello - our ferries run from Woods Hole to Martha's Vineyard (both the Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven ports) and from Hyannis to Nantucket.
Written June 14, 2019
What are the suggestions/options for inexpensive parking close-by? I understand it may be quite a lengthy process to park far away and take a shuttle back to catch your ferry?
Written August 12, 2018
I recommend paying for the parking near the port. There is no inexpensive places to park. It is worth the convenience. Enjoy!
Written August 13, 2018
What are the suggestions/options for inexpensive parking close-by? I understand it may be quite a lengthy process to park far away and take a shuttle back to catch your ferry?
Written August 12, 2018
Parking is available close by and not that expensive-if you are going on a holiday or weekend you might want to check out the shuttle in advance online.
Written September 11, 2018
Having a difficult tome getting a price from the website. 2 adults 1 child under 12..11am departure. Anyone have a ballpark amount?
Written August 2, 2018
Rates for regular ferry is one way and for high speed rates are round trip..
Written August 2, 2018
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