Does anyone have experience with the wait list procedure on SSA ferries to Martha's Vineyard?

Question

We are going over the Columbus Day weekend and everything coming back on 10/13 was booked except for a 930PM. We have about a 5 hour ride AFTER leaving the ferry, but the only choice I had was to book that one and I wait listed us for anything between 700am and 900pm.

I'd like a ferry off the island around 10am. What is the best strategy to guarantee this? If I now get a spot on an 8pm ferry, I have to re-wait list for 700am - 800pm because I'd be automatically dropped from all wait list times if I get that 8pm. So if I re-wait list at that point am I then below everyone who has wait listed for more specific times (say 900AM - 1100AM) and weren't dropped from the wait list at all?

I know this is confusing, but anyone familiar with the MV ferries should be able to understand my question. The staff at the SSA reservations office was unwilling to offer any suggestions or tell me how they'd do it.

Also, FYI, standby is not being offered at all 10/10 - 10/13 so that idea is out. Thanks!

Answer 1

Is there any way you can double book for your security of options by using your middle and last name for one of the additional bookings (that way your other name won't be taken off the other list)?

Answer 2

this has happened to me sooo many times!....

i would re-wait list for a smaller window...

call them even if it takes multiple times to talk to a nice person!

3rd i would go around 1030 ish and 'check in' the will squeeze you in however you can... one year we were coming back in hurricane force winds and they we shutting down the ferries after our boat and when we talked to the crew they said they squeezed on 13 extra cars...

hope something works out... of not relax and make the best of the situation!

its a beautiful island and once your there you know you dont want to leave....

good luck! <3

PS...usually the people working the oak bluffs ferries are nicer!