A Quick Guide to Summer Vehicle Reservations
On January 3, 2025, the Block Island Ferry will kick off the summer season when we open our phone lines for 2025 Summer Vehicle Reservations. Each year, we take a look at our booking process to try to find ways to improve our process for both our passengers and staff. With that in mind, here is a quick guide about our vehicle reservation process and what you can do to make it as smooth as possible.
Phone Reservations Only
In order for us to make our booking process fair for everyone, we currently only accept phone reservations. If you’ve ever tried to get a sports or concert ticket online and found that they’re sold out right away, most of the time that is due to third-party, automated systems. By limiting our reservations to phone calls only, it allows us to prioritize real customers over automated bookings.
During reservation periods, we schedule additional staff, set up extra workstations, and extend our office hours to accommodate all callers. However, there is a chance that you won’t immediately get ahold of a live person. Last year we integrated a new hold system into our phone reservation line. This new system allows our customers to be helped in the order in which they called. If you are put on hold, please be patient and someone will be with you shortly.
Making the Call Easier for You and Us
Summer vehicle reservations are in high demand, and we know some customers will go to great lengths to secure a spot. However, certain habits can complicate the process for everyone.
Here’s how you can help keep things running smoothly:
1. Know When You Want to Go: We use a five-day, phased call-in process to open up vehicle reservations for specific weeks during the summer. Be sure to check our website or social channels to see when you can call in for your specific departure date. Any calls for reservations made before the opening date will not be accepted! We are however, accepting reservations for trips through June 23, 2025 as of the publishing of this article.
2. One Call Per Party: Sometimes multiple family members call at once to secure a single reservation, which can lead to duplicate bookings. We then see multiple reservations for one vehicle, creating confusion and blocking phone lines. Limit your party to one call, as canceled reservations incur a fee.
3. Avoid Double Booking: If you’re uncertain about your travel dates, it’s best to book once you’ve confirmed your plans. Booking multiple dates and canceling later can prevent other customers from securing a spot and impact availability for all.
4. Limit Reservations to Two Per Call: To ensure fairness, each caller may book up to two vehicles. This helps maintain availability, allowing more people to secure spots during popular times.
5. One Person on the Call: Speakerphones or conference calls with multiple voices can make it hard for our booking agents to accurately record your information. Designate one person to make the call and ensure all travel details are discussed beforehand.
6. Consider Weekdays for Travel: Weekends are busier on Block Island, and weekday reservations may offer more availability.
Understanding Vehicle Types
Space on our ferries is limited, especially for larger vehicles. That’s why we’ll ask for specific details about your vehicle during the reservation process. Here’s a quick guide:
- Standard Vehicles: Smaller sedans, SUVs, and certain Jeeps.
- Full-Size Vehicles: Large pickups, SUVs, or vans.
- Oversized Vehicles: Vehicles over 20 feet long and under 7 feet high (up to 35 feet).
If you have roof racks, bike racks, or other additions, let us know so we can accurately gauge available space. Note that while these add-ons aren’t charged during booking, they will incur a fee on the sailing day. If your vehicle is 7 feet or taller with a top carrier, you may want to reserve “outside deck space,” which costs $6.25 per foot each way.
Alternatively, you can arrive early to secure an add-on fee rather than paying the per-foot charge. Outside deck space is limited and may not always be available.
Additional Important Information for a Smooth Reservation
When speaking with our agents, a few extra steps can make your experience easier:
1. Return Reservations: Since most island rentals are one- or two-week stays, we now allow customers to book return trips within two weeks of their arrival. If your stay extends beyond that, you’ll need to call back for a return reservation closer to your departure date.
2. Alternate Drivers: Be sure to include the name of another person traveling with you as an alternate driver. This will ensure they can check in the vehicle if needed.
3. Verify Your Email: Confirm your email address to avoid missing your confirmation. If you don’t receive it, reach out with your reservation number to ensure it’s resent to the correct email address.
4. Double-Check Confirmation and Travel Dates: Write down your confirmation number and verify your travel dates as soon as possible to avoid any last-minute surprises. Correcting errors in advance helps keep travel plans smooth.
Look Forward to the Summer!
Following the Block Island Ferry’s vehicle registration guidelines is a simple way to make your summer 2025 vacation smooth and stress-free. If you follow our helpful guide, you won’t have to worry about last-minute hassles or scrambling on a busy ferry day. It’s all about planning for a hassle-free arrival, so you can focus on enjoying your trip as soon as you board. Plus, following the rules helps the ferry staff keep things moving efficiently, which makes the ride more enjoyable for everyone!
It’s time to get ready to Sail Away…
