Nantucket Film Festival Opens Today!

Make plans to attend the 20th Annual Nantucket Film Festival, June 24-29! Now that we've rolled into the summer season, it's a good idea to book your ferry in advance. Find the schedules and contact info here.

"Book It" To This Weekend's Annual Festival!

Let the 2015 Nantucket Book Festival begin! It runs June 19th through the 21st. Find your ferry to this year's event here.

Traditional Ferry Schedules Expand This Week

On Wednesday, June 17, the Steamship Authority will double its traditional ferry trips between Hyannis and Nantucket. SSA ferries will depart from both Hyannis and Nantucket at 6:30 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The voyage lasts two hours and 15 minutes. Hy-Line Cruises will expand its traditional ferry service on Saturday, June 20. You'll find the complete summer high-speed and traditional ferry schedules for both Hy-Line and the Steamship Authority here.

Traditional Ferry Summer Schedules

The high-speed ferry schedules to and from Nantucket are set for both Hy-Line Cruises and the Steamship Authority from now through Labor Day, however, the traditional ferries offered by each line will expand as the official start of summer approaches. The current ferry schedules are posted here, the same page reflecting the updated summer traditional ferry schedules can be viewed here. Happy sailing!

Hy-Line's Webcam: The Next Best Thing to Being There

UPDATE: Hy-Line is upgrading to a new high-definition, continuous stream webcam! We'll update you next week when it's rolling!

You know you're a Nantucket Island enthusiast when you find yourself punching up Hy-Line Cruises' webcam several times a day. What's that? You didn't know that Hy-Line's website features a webcam that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week? See for yourself right here! For those who have traveled through Hy-Line's Hyannis dock before, it's a most welcome sight. You can "virtually" smell the harbor as you watch ferry riders pull in to the temporary parking lots to unload luggage on to the blue rolling carts before boarding. For those planning their first trip aboard Hy-Line's ferries, the webcam gives you a nice visual of what you can expect when you arrive. Enjoy!

A frame shot from Hy-Line's webcam on Thursday, June 4th. 

Hy-Line Rewards Program

Whether you plan to ride Hy-Line's ferries to and from Nantucket one time this summer or multiple times, NOW is the time to enroll in the Hy-Line Rewards Program! Earn one point for every dollar spent and for every 500 points you receive $10 in Hy-Line Bucks good on all Hy-Line services, including tickets, snack bar and parking. Receive special Birthday Bucks on your birthday, too! Learn more about Hy-Line's Rewards program here or fill out the official Hy-Line Rewards Program form here.

How early should you get to the ferry?

 A Nantucket visit or vacation should be smooth and hassle-free from start to finish, so set the tone for your island trip by arriving to the ferry terminal at a minimum of 30-45 minutes before departure time. If you are traveling with children, luggage and/or bikes, then arriving at least one hour prior is advisable. That will enable you to calmly unload, check-in and park your vehicle. If you are hoping to travel on one of the high-speed ferries in the summer months without a reservation, then an early arrival is a must in order to purchase a ticket. The high-speed ferries have limited capacity, so availability of tickets cannot be guaranteed without first making a reservation. Building in extra time for your arrival also helps if there is an unexpected traffic delay getting to the terminal. Is it really possible to arrive at the terminal too early? We don't think so. Sit on the dock and enjoy a cup of coffee and a bagel while gazing at beautiful Hyannis Harbor. Your vacation has already started.

Hyannis Harbor Cruise

Did you know that Hy-Line Cruises offers a one-hour Hyannis Harbor Cruise? Learn about the history of Hyannis and local area landmarks on your way to view the historic Kennedy Compound in Hyannisport. Points of interest include Great Island, the Kennedy Memorial, Egg Island, St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, Squaw Island and Point Gammon Light. Kids ride FREE on morning trips all season! Learn more here.