Looking for that summer getaway to New England?
Skip the traffic to Hyannis or Woods Hole and avoid the air travel from New York City or New Jersey by embarking on a Seastreak ferry from the Jersey Shore to Nantucket.
You can only get to the island by ferry or plane anyway, so cut out the traffic-jammed frustration and replace it with a relaxing cruise on the ferry service line’s largest and fastest vessel to date — the 157-foot-long Courageous.
Beginning Memorial Day weekend, passengers will have the opportunity to travel with Seastreak to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard — with all the comforts of home on a boat.
Amenities on the Seastreak ferry include plush seating, climate-controlled cabins and an open-air top deck, private his/hers bathrooms and free high-speed Wi-Fi.
“Historically, families looking to escape the city for a weekend and young professionals searching for a convenient getaway have been most interested in this route,” James Barker, Seastreak vice president, said. “There is something for everyone to enjoy on these islands. Beaches to explore, nightlife to check out, and charming villages with great shopping and dining.”
With 750 seats on board, Seastreak said it plans to cap the number of passengers at 500 to facilitate a more luxurious travel experience.
The Courageous also offers 360-degree open-air views, two fully stocked bars and specially designed engine and jet room noise insulation that provides a comfortable and quiet ride — which makes the cruise to the New England islands even more enjoyable.
The trip is part of a three-day weekend at the Cape.
The ferry leaves the Highlands at 1:30 p.m. on a Friday, makes a stop in New York City at 3, heads to Martha’s Vineyard at 8:15 then continues on to Nantucket at 9:15 p.m.
The return, Sunday, starts at Nantucket at 2:30 p.m., stops at Martha’s Vineyard at 4 p.m., New York City at 9:15 before reaching the Highlands at 10:15.
Round-trip fares from Highlands to Nantucket cost $260 on regular days and $330 for holidays. To Martha’s Vineyard, the rate is $240 for a non-holiday ticket and $310 on a holiday. Child ticket prices are discounted.
The Seastreak Ferry Terminal at Highlands is located at 326 Shore Drive. For more information on fares and schedules click here.Â
