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July 2024 by Danny Olson
We visit the Vineyard at least once a year. Most trips are uneventful and we’ve usually had good experiences. How they acted when things went wrong is why this review is one star.
We booked a Saturday 9:30 pm ticket from Vineyard Haven to return to Woods Hole. Not the time we wanted, but that’s our fault for booking later than we should have. In our experience, calling day of or stopping by early has resulted in leaving at a time different than we booked. I understand that isn’t always available, so when we made trips to both Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven and found there wasn’t availability, we figured, no big deal. We did find out that we could try and show up before the boat before us left and try standby then. That was at 7:30. Told no availability, and at the point was told for the first time there was an issue with a boat earlier, and that was why everything was booked solid. Again, no big, we’d just leave in time. Turns out we got an email at the same time they posted to social media (6:06 pm) that there was an issue with a boat, and it was being replaced by a smaller boat with a smaller capacity. Cutoffs were possible. We addressed this at the 7:30 encounter and were told to be back at 8:30. Get back at 8:30 and there was a sign on the gate shack that the 9:30 was cancelled. No email, no call, nothing. Spend an hour waiting in a line in the office to speak to a poor young lady who was getting unloaded on by everyone in this 50 person line. She had no information, and neither did anyone else. No plan for catching up, no plan for what to do, other than we could rebook for first available, on Tuesday.
Everyone we spoke to had a different story they were told by anyone they asked. Turns out, some of these people had been waiting for hours (like 3:00) because of this boat issue causing delays. Ultimately, my wife and kids stayed at one of the last rooms available on a Saturday night (for $600 a night) and I slept in the car, because I figured I can’t be in line unless I’m there…no idea what would transpire.
It wasn’t until 5:30 in the morning did someone just randomly escort the 5 of the 10 cars that stayed the night in a line to board a boat. They spent the rest of the day catching up and pushing people back.
My problem was not the technical issue. It was the absolute lack of communication. I was fortunate to have funds to put my family up in a hotel, but not everyone is. And I understand that that is a risk I take by booking a late ferry. But so much could have been avoided had someone bothered to let me or anyone know what was going on. We could have made arrangements far earlier in the day not been at the mercy of a last minute booking. And not one person offered an “I’m sorry for the inconvenience,” much less anything else.
Poor communication, and lack of accountability. And no incentive to care without a real competitor.
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July 2024 by Beth Servi
The parking situation was confusing but the bus took us here, and you can scan a QR code on the bus for ferry tickets. Dogs are not allowed on the outside deck, just fyi. Clean bathrooms on board. No cocktail service. Views were 10/10
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July 2024 by S
SSA upper management has 0 idea how to run any company, let alone a ferry service. Boats are constantly getting canceled through no fault of the crews, dock workers & ticket sellers, who are working hard to get fair compensation for the work they do. The website has yet to be updated, which was promised to be updated last fall, along with the reservation system, which has not been updated in over 20 years.
Something needs to be done about the Steamship Authority because it cannot keep running like this. There is next to no priority for those of us who live on the island, and obviously, management has difficulty communicating within the company, to the public, and to the town governments.
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July 2024 by Richard Foskin
Great place
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July 2024 by Alison Harris
Nicest people work here and add to the adventure. Beautiful ride- just gorgeous. Smooth operation. I wish they would make toy ferry souvenirs of the boat and a couple of cars!!!
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June 2024 by Mike Wynn
Line moved very fast
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June 2024 by Nicola Abraham
Staff was helpful and friendly it was a wonderful experience
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May 2024 by Michael Leake
Clean office with helpful staff. Get info for the extensive bus system here as well.
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May 2024 by J
Sorry. Saw someone's rear view mirror knocked off by truck.
Also kinda rude while on ship by crew.
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May 2024 by Grace Hagerty
"The Steamship Authority Terminal in Woods Hole exceeded all expectations! From the moment we arrived, the staff provided exemplary service, ensuring a smooth and efficient boarding process for our trip to Martha's Vineyard. The terminal facilities were clean, well-maintained, and conveniently located, making our journey seamless and enjoyable. Five stars for a hassle-free and memorable experience!"
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April 2024 by Jake
I travel here regularly for work and the main complaint is every single time the guy at the guard shack is unbelievably rude. I of course by poor luck get the same guy every time (the guy with the nail polish), and he talks to me like I'm the biggest a hole in the world. Today I went up and asked if there was room in the standby line, he said in an extremely condescending tone "nope your reservation is at 5 come back then". My coworker was in another truck right behind me with the same ticket time and the guy let him in. Not sure what his problem is with me but every single time he's a prick.
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January 2024 by Deborah Grace
Snacks and clean facilities
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January 2024 by Marc & Robin O'Donnell
We came over for Christmas week to visit our son & his family. We decided to stay a couple of days longer. No problem, the Steamship Authority accommodated our day change!! Thank you, SSA.
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January 2024 by Amanda Bettencourt
Good staff that work here. Always helpful when in need.
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January 2024 by Vincent L.
Yes, these steamships plod along glacially, but this is partly by design. These massive, fortress-like ships have huge sections for cargo and vehicles, and are virtually your only choice if you want to drive directly onto Martha's Vineyard from the rest of the state. Then again, driving onto the island is probably worth the added expense, time, and hassle if you have a vacation home, an extended (if not seasonal) rental, or access to friends or family on the island. If you're coming from Boston, however, note that the trip from Woods Hole may take far longer than the SeaStreak "fast ferry" from New Bedford, which is not only a straighter shot from Boston but also allows you to bypass Cape traffic along routes 3, 6, and 28.
