Provincetown ferry could return in late June

BOSTON — As the Commonwealth reopens, many challenges are presenting themselves, including ways of getting around like the ferry to Provincetown.

Memorial Day weekend is generally the big kickoff weekend for Boston Harbor Cruises, General Manager Alison Nolan.

BHC runs whale watches as well as Codzilla in addition to the fast ferry to Provincetown, which have all been shut down along with MBTA ferries because of the coronavirus pandemic.

There are 250 full-time workers during peak summer, Nolan said there are 650 working in some capacity for harbor cruises, some staff was furloughed due to COVID-19, she said.

Governor Charlie Baker’s announcement of a phased reopening of Massachusetts last Monday allowed Nolan and her team to plan for bringing their vessels back online.

MBTA Commuter ferries will launch first, part of phase two in early June, assuming public health data continues to show promise, Nolan said.

Thursday, MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak said ferry service would open as part of phase two during a Fiscal Management and Control Board meeting.

If all goes well, during phase three, on June 29, Salacia could be next.

BHC has begun planning to call back furloughed staff, Nolan explained.

Once harbor cruises reopen, passenger volume will be reduced and other changes are planned from the way tickets are purchased, using more touch-free methods to crews being in personal protective gear to embarking and disembarking that promotes social distancing, said Nolan.

“We feel we’ll do the best we can to reopen,” Nolan said.

“But there’s no question that there will be some concern among our employees or even our guests. There comfort level of not necessarily our experience, but just being out and about again.”

Adjustments must be made for safety, and Nolan said that is her focus as she prepares to launch the fleet.

“The only thing that’s important to us is that we can open in a way that’s safe and responsible and our crew and our guests are comfortable and cared for.”

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