Going on a vacation is such a treat. Whether it’s a day trip or a longer vacation, it’s just so much fun to get away from reality and be somewhere else. The excitement builds from the second you book the trip until the moment you start your journey. I think we can also agree that everyone hopes for a stress-free trip too, right? After all – vacations are supposed to be an escape from the stress and worry of everyday life. While I can’t guarantee that something stressful won’t happen after you leave our ferry terminal, I can promise that if you follow the tips below, you will have a fun, easy, and safe trip aboard our boats on your way to your island escape!
1. Plan Ahead
I can’t stress to you enough how much planning helps A LOT when you are taking a trip. Make reservations, have a plan for your day, and know where you need to be at what time. This alone makes travel days much less of a headache. Make reservations with us at least a week in advance and have your booking confirmation ready and accessible when you arrive. The parking attendant will need it, the ticket office will need it, and if you booked online the dock staff checking you in at the end of the line to board the ferry will need it too. It’s pretty important!
Also – plan to get to our terminal about 45 minutes before your departure. This may seem like a lot of time, but you will be grateful when you are all ready and waiting in line and not running around trying to get boarding passes printed while you watch everyone else boarding already. You will need time to drop off any luggage, park, get back to the dock, make sure you have boarding passes, and you might want to grab a snack or go to the bathroom (even though those are also available onboard). It’s better to be bored waiting, than stressed out!
2. Know Your Way Around
If this is your first trip with us, make sure you look at our website and understand the procedures, rules, what you need and where you’re going. This will help to have a plan of action as soon as you get out of your car. Of course, there are loads of people available to help you, but knowing for yourself always feels good. You may even want to watch this video where we show you exactly what to expect when you take a trip with Hy-Line!
3. Do Your Research
You would not believe the number of people that go to the island and then they get there and don’t know what they want to do. It’s incredible! Make sure you have at least a handful of options for your time on the islands before you get there so you really are able to make the most of your trip. If you need suggestions, they are available in our onboard magazine
4. Listen
At the terminal, there are a lot of audio cues to give instructions or tell you what’s going on on the docks. Make sure you pay attention and listen to staff members. They will provide announcements for boats that are boarding, let you know where you need to wait in line, and the dock staff will ask you what boat you’re on and give you a luggage cart number to pick up your bags on the other end of your journey. The more attentive you are, the less likely something will go wrong.
5. Ask Questions
This may seem silly to mention, but we are always available to answer any questions you have! Whether you email our customer service team ahead of time, ask our ticket agents over the phone when you’re making a reservation, or talk to one of the many friendly faces you’ll find on our docks and onboard our ferries there really is no need to feel like you need to wonder! Just ask us! We are so happy to help make your trip as amazing as it can be!
We can’t wait to help you get wherever you’re going and on your way to making amazing memories with your friends and family this summer!
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