Five Decades Bridging the Bay Between City and Sea

For more than fifty years, the Bay State Cruise Company has served as a maritime bridge between Boston and Provincetown—linking the bustle of the city with the artistic calm of the Cape. Its story is one of persistence, innovation, and a deep connection to both sea and community.

The company was founded in 1973 by Richard “Dick” Nakashian, a Boston Harbor tour-boat operator who saw the need to restore ferry service to Provincetown after an eight-year hiatus. His new enterprise, originally called the Bay State–Spray & Provincetown Steamship Company, revived a tradition dating back to the 19th century when ferries regularly carried travelers between Boston and the Outer Cape. Nakashian’s first vessel, the Provincetown I, brought modern ferry travel back to life, followed by the Provincetown II in 1980—a ship that became iconic on Boston Harbor and is still used for harbor cruises today.

Under Nakashian, the company flourished, but in 1986 he retired and sold the business. A series of subsequent owners attempted to expand operations to other routes, including high-speed service to the Islands, but financial challenges led to bankruptcy in 1989. The company’s employees, determined to preserve the service, reorganized under new management in 1990. Two years later, ownership passed to Sodexho S.A., a French hospitality and facilities conglomerate that provided stability and infrastructure during the transition years.

A major turning point came in 1998, when Michael “Mike” Glasfeld—a mariner who had started his career as a deckhand—acquired Bay State Cruise Company and became its president and owner. Glasfeld’s leadership ushered in a new era of modernization and reliability. Under his guidance, the company introduced high-speed catamarans such as the Provincetown IV, reducing travel time between Boston and Provincetown to just ninety minutes. These upgrades transformed what had once been a long voyage into a quick, comfortable, and scenic experience, opening Provincetown to countless day-trippers and weekend travelers.

Glasfeld is widely respected for his hands-on management style and dedication to his crew. Many longtime employees have returned season after season, forming a close-knit maritime family that embodies the spirit of Cape Cod hospitality. The company’s captains, deckhands, and ticket staff are known for their professionalism and friendliness—helping each trip feel like part of a summer ritual rather than just transportation. Glasfeld’s wife and children have also been involved in the business, continuing the sense of family that runs through the company culture.

Beyond the docks, Bay State Cruise Company has had a profound economic and cultural impact on Provincetown. The ferry’s reliability has supported tourism, the arts, and seasonal employment, bringing thousands of visitors who fill hotels, restaurants, theaters, and galleries each year. For generations of travelers, stepping aboard the “Boston boat” marks the true beginning of summer—a symbol of arrival, freedom, and community.

Today, Bay State Cruise Company continues to evolve with modern technology and environmental practices while maintaining its roots in maritime tradition. From Nakashian’s early vision to Glasfeld’s enduring stewardship, the company stands as both a vital transportation link and a beloved institution—forever connecting the heart of Boston with the soul of Provincetown.

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