Steamship Authority cancels more ferry service amid staffing shortages

If you’re planning to go to the islands for the July 4th weekend, pay attention.

Right now, routes to Nantucket are backed up leaving workers and people who pay big bucks to vacation on the island waiting.

In addition to the high demand for travelers, there’s also a shortage of workers able to staff the ferries.

According to the Steamship Authority website, nearly 100 cars are on standby at the Hyannis terminal waiting to get on a ferry to Nantucket.

This past weekend, a ferry to Nantucket was canceled because there weren’t enough workers.

Sources tell Boston 25 News the staffing shortage also forced highspeed boats to get rid of later evening trips for passengers partly because crews are only allowed to work so many hours.

The steamship authority released a statement reading in part:

“This level of waitlist is very common for the Nantucket route the week before Fourth of July. This is only people who do not have a reservation so people with reservations are traveling on their scheduled departures.”

If you’re hoping to take a ferry to Nantucket from Hyannis, you’ll have to wait until at least August to get a reservation.

Travel Tip Tuesday: The Fourth of July is nearly here and we've got two busy weekends ahead, so please allow extra time for your travels. If you're leaving the car behind, leave at least an hour to park in one of our off-site lots and take our free shuttle bus to the terminal. pic.twitter.com/TOpu8CgReC
— Steamship Authority (@SteamshipMA) June 27, 2023