Summer reservation openings show strong demand for travel
FALMOUTH (February 4, 2026) – The Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority experienced overall strong demand for vehicle reservations during its recent summer reservation opening dates, although its Nantucket-route reservations showed modest first-day declines from 2025.
On January 27, 2026, the Authority opened its summer schedule on the Hyannis-Nantucket route. On that day, it processed 6,747 transactions representing more than $4.1 million in revenue. In 2025, the Authority processed 7,247 transactions during the entire day, representing about a 7% decline in transactions from year-to-year.
On February 3, 2026, the Authority opened its summer schedule on the Woods Hole-Martha’s Vineyard route. On that day, it processed 23,014 transactions representing nearly $7.3 million in revenue. In 2025, it processed 23,069 transactions, virtually the same number as this year.
The Steamship Authority defines a transaction as either a one-way or a round-trip automobile reservation.
“The recent reservation openings show a continued, strong demand for summer travel to both Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard,” said General Manager Alex Kryska. “My thanks to the Authority’s IT group, system developers, and partner vendors for their months of preparation for these events, including load testing and adjusting system configurations. Following these successful opening days, we look forward to a similarly successful season of serving the travel needs of residents and visitors alike.”
Although many of the most in-demand summer travel weekends are at or near capacity, travelers are encouraged to use the Authority’s popular wait list feature if they are trying to book a currently unavailable time. Also, residents of both Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard who are in the Authority’s Preferred or Excursion programs are eligible to book spaces that are set aside each day for last-minute travel needs.
Customers will be able to make summer reservations for either island via the phone to the Authority’s Reservation Office and in person at the terminals starting at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
Since 1960, the Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority has served as the transportation lifeline to the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard year round. The Steamship Authority is the largest ferry service to the Islands and offers the most frequent daily departures for passengers, automobiles, groups, and trucks. In 2025, more than 2.9 million passengers and more than 674,000 vehicles of all sizes were transported to and from the Islands. Our U.S. Coast Guard-certified crews are committed to the highest level of safety at sea while our vessels offer comfort and convenience with spacious seating, free Wi-Fi and TV on board.
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