| No mode of transportation can compare with | | | | whether it's possible to book in advance, whether |
| being on water, and unless you're landlocked, plan | | | | you can book online, and what your chances are |
| at least a small part of your journey on a boat, | | | | of getting tickets if you plan to purchase just |
| ship, catamaran, dinghy, long-tail boat, or skiff. (I | | | | prior to departure. |
| suggest skipping the lifeboat.) | | | | Unless you're traveling during high season, you'll |
| The necessity to book tickets for in-state, | | | | find it easy to book your tickets for |
| in-country, and inter-country ferry systems | | | | short-distance boat rides just days in advance (if |
| varies. Washington State has a vast route of | | | | not the same day). Of course, if you must be in a |
| ferries in which no advanced purchase is | | | | city for a specific event, the farther ahead you |
| necessary for most sailings (as a matter of fact, | | | | book, the more you can rest easy that you'll |
| it's first come, first served).For ferries in general, | | | | arrive on time. Purchase your tickets directly |
| however, tickets are normally required in advance | | | | from the ferry company, as travel and booking |
| for longer-distance sailings (when you will want a | | | | agents will tack on additional charges to cover |
| private sleeping berth) and shorter sailings when | | | | their services. However, there are times when it |
| you need a confirmed seat. | | | | may be well worth having someone else handle |
| Major ferry systems often allow online booking. | | | | ticketing on your behalf,especially if you don't |
| The FAQ sections on each ferry system's | | | | speak the language. |
| website should answer your questions as to | | | | |