Washington State Ferries Adopting Altered Holiday Schedules

SEATTLE — The pandemic has dramatically changed how ferry sailings are scheduled in Washington, and the holidays will be throwing another wrench into the mix.

Washington State Ferries are reminding any holiday travelers that, on Christmas and New Year's Day, there will be schedule changes for the Edmonds/Kingston, Mukilteo/Clintom and Point Defiance/Tahlequah routes. For the most part, that means some earlier sailings are cancelled, and replaced with extra sailings later in the night.

Meanwhile, the Seattle/Bainbridge Island route will be switched to the Saturday timetable for both holidays. Plus, the Mukilteo/Clinton route will be shut down for most of the day December 29 for construction at the Mukilteo Ferry Terminal.

Those changes are on top of pandemic-related schedule changes, which include:

• Cancelling the final daily round trips of the Seattle/Bainbridge, Seattle/Bremerton and Mukilteo/Clinton ferries.
• Cutting the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route to two boats from three and suspending late-night sailings.
• Cancelling the Final round trip of the Edmonds/Kingston route on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Switching the Anacortes/San Juan Islands sailings to the winter schedule year round.

Finally, the department of transportation wants to remind everyone that visiting others for the holidays is discouraged during the pandemic, but anyone who does travel must wear a mask while aboard Washington State Ferries.

“If you must ride our ferries, remember that masks are required aboard our vessels and throughout our terminals in compliance with the state’s health order to help keep people safe,” said Amy Scarton, head of Washington State Ferries.

Passengers with vehicles are also advised to remain inside their cars for the duration of the sailing.

During the holidays WSF also warns people to come prepared for long lines and backups, and encourage travelers to sign up for the WSDOT traffic app for up-to-date information on any hang-ups.