The Steamship Authority begins its Headstart booking program for preferred and excursion customers on Jan. 10 at 7:30 a.m., which is available only online and by mail. The general opening for summer reservations on the Vineyard route is Jan. 24 at 5 a.m., also limited to internet and mail.

Telephone reservations open Jan. 31 at 7:30 a.m.

The boat line is expanding the number of days on which reservations are required and standby travel is suspended. In 2023, the reservation-only days include Fridays through Mondays from May 19 to Oct. 23, as well as May 25, May 30, June 27 through June 29, July 4 through July 6, August 22 and Sept. 5.

The SSA will also begin opening some reservation spots this year for Vineyard residents 30-days in advance of sailing. This complements the boat line’s practice of opening spaces for Island-registered vehicles seven days ahead of sailing and one day of sailing.