Known to Alaskans as the “Blue Canoes”
Want to have a great time and see the real Alaska up close and personal? Try the Blue Canoes (as Alaskans call them). The Alaska Marine Highway System achieved the nation’s highest designation for a scenic route. It is one of only 27 highways in the country that have been designated as an All-American Road. The 3,500-nautical-mile ferry route connects 33 ports and stretches from Bellingham, Washington, to the Aleutian Islands. Alaska Marine Highway ships run for 8,834 miles from Bellingham north to Skagway, across the Gulf of Alaska, into Prince William Sound, and out to Dutch Harbor, the tip of the Aleutians.
Additional service is offered across the Gulf of, Alaska stopping in Valdez and Whittier. The M/V Tustumena provides service from Homer, Kodiak, and Dutch Harbor.
Blue Canoes:
Established in 1963, four years after Alaska became a state, the Alaska Marine Highway System celebrates 40 years of ferry service along the byway. A fleet of nine ferries, equipped with cabins and cafeterias, serves 33 coastal communities and offers a non-touristy, no-frills way to cruise our 49th state. You’ll meet real Alaskans and view the same dramatic scenery and wildlife that draw cruise ships to the Inside Passage. A U.S. forest ranger is often onboard during the summer, offering daily free naturalist programs. Ferry rates vary, depending on how far you travel and whether you bring a vehicle.
Food and Beverage Service:
The Alaska Marine Highway System serves hot meals, snacks, and beverages on all vessels. The M/V Tustumena and the M/V Columbia also provide full-service dining rooms. Vending machines make a variety of foods and beverages available around the clock. The cafeteria menu includes Alaska seafood, hot meals, salads, sandwiches, yogurt, fruit, juices and snacks. (Spendy and bland from personal experience!)
Alaska Marine Highway Cabins:
Cabins are available on the M/Vs COLUMBIA and MATANUSKA in the Southeast System, and the M/V TUSTUMENA serving the Southwest/Southcentral Systems, and are sold as a unit. Most cabins feature private bathroom facilities. Room service or daily makeup of cabins is not available. However, trash is collected daily and fresh linens are available on request. The M/V KENNICOTT has a limited number of Roomettes, these rooms have only 2 berths and no facilities, BUT, are relatively inexpensive. Sleeping bags are welcome in these rooms. (A cabin of any size is highly recommended from my years of personal experience, especially during the summer when the boats are packed to the rafters.)
Roughing it:
They don’t make it easy for you. Passengers without cabins will find a very limited number of recliner chairs and spaces to roll out sleeping bags. (Pro tip: On most of the older boats the thick seat cushions slide off so you can lay a few of them down for sleeping at night – Alaskans have been doing this for years!). Summers can be packed to the rafters. It can also be cold and stark on the outside decks under the heat lamps. Many adventurous travelers put up small tents on the deck. Pillows and blankets are available for rent on most sailings. All vessels have public showers.
Recreational Vehicles:
Please notify your agent if your vehicle is an RV or motor home. While the fares are the same as the standard rates, for information purposes, these vehicles are booked under a separate code.
Passengers do not have access to the car deck while underway until just before arrivals, so RVs and motor homes may not be used for dining and sleeping on the trip.
Electrical hookups for vehicle refrigeration units are not available, and bottled gas containers on the RV must be turned off and sealed by a Marine Highway employee at the time of boarding.
Baggage:
Foot passengers may bring hand luggage only, with weight up to 100 pounds total. (So they say, I’ve cruised over a dozen times and not once was checked for carry-on weight, nor was anyone else.) To help passengers get their hand luggage on board, baggage carts* are driven to the car deck. (*No baggage carts are available on the M/V TUSTUMENA) Passengers are responsible for the handling and safety of their luggage. Baggage handling is not provided. There is no weight limit on luggage carried in or on a vehicle. Coin-operated storage lockers are available aboard most ships for storage of small hand-carried items. Unaccompanied baggage is not allowed on board Alaska Marine Highway vessels.
It is considered freight and must be shipped via commercial carrier or U.S. mail.
Transporting a Vehicle aboard the Alaska Marine Highway:
Any vehicle that may be driven or towed legally on the highway may be transported aboard an Alaska Marine Highway vessel. Vehicle fares are determined by the vehicle’s overall length and width, motorcycle fares will be booked at the 10 ft. length. Vehicles 8-1/2 to 9 feet wide will be charged approximately 125% of the listed fare. Vehicles over 9 feet wide will be charged approximately 150% of the fare listed for the vehicle length. If you are towing a vehicle, the overall connected length is used to determine fares. Access to the car deck is prohibited while underway. Escorted trips are periodically announced by the purser between Bellingham and Ketchikan and you have access to your vehicle while the vessel is in port.
For more information check out the Official Alaska Marine Highway website.
For fare info here.
For schedules here.
AMH Routes
The ferries of the Alaska Marine Highway make up a large part of Alaska’s highway system, covering 3,500 miles of coastline providing service to over 30 communities that stretch from Bellingham, WA to Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Chain. Our ferries are diverse and range from mainline ferries that sail thousands of miles and make multiple stops, to shuttle ferries that provide daily links between neighboring communities. This allows riders the flexibility to access communities of choice by utilizing one or more vessel to reach their final destination through our regional hubs in Ketchikan, Juneau, Whittier or Homer.
The Vessels:
The following vessels, from smallest to largest, currently serve in the Alaska Marine Highway’s fleet:
Mainline Ferries
MV Columbia
MV Kennicott
MV Matanuska
MV Tustumena
Day Boat & Shuttle Ferries
MV Aurora
MV LeConte
MV Lituya
MV Hubbard
MV Tazlina
89 Comments
Amy WunnickeJuly 15, 2015 at 2:59 pm
In my experience, people are allowed access to their vehicles at scheduled times on all routes while the vessels are underway. This is to facilitate taking care of pets one may be gravelling with or accessing/storing baggage & personal items (not for sleeping or cooking in one’s vehicle). :-)
Bill HatelyApril 11, 2016 at 4:20 pm
Researching my father and mother, Edith Smith and Bill Hately, from Aztec, NM whose best friend in HS was Esther Crane. Please call 720-840-4166 or email.
Nicholas HodgeFebruary 16, 2016 at 12:37 pm
Could I be ferried to Russia to drive to Europe?
DennisFebruary 16, 2016 at 2:38 pm
No. Not even close dude.
Jeanne D OsterwiseJanuary 16, 2022 at 1:14 pm
If I wanted to Overland Just Alaska after leaving Bellingham, where would I get off the port so I can drive to Homer using the cross over ferries Thank you
Dennis ZakiJanuary 19, 2022 at 2:33 pm
Go here to check out the schedules: https://dot.alaska.gov/amhs/schedules.shtml Depends on what month you go
Elsie ThomasFebruary 27, 2016 at 4:46 pm
We’re thinking of travelling to Sitka on one of these vessels from Bellingham, WA.
We have a small companion dog. Are pets allowed?DennisFebruary 29, 2016 at 10:29 am
Yes they are allowed. They have to be in a cage or in a car. Depends on the ship.
Judy mahoneyMarch 7, 2016 at 3:25 am
Is this a doable trip for over 65’s ? Maybe 3 nights on ferry in cabin then night or 2 on land with side trips and fly back home ? When would ferries be least crowded but weather not too bad? Thanks for any tips!
DennisMarch 17, 2016 at 3:17 am
Sure is a doable trip. Ferries are crowded from May until August. Not terribly crowded but there are more people then. Any time is a good time to take a ferry in Alaska.
AlaskaMomMarch 11, 2016 at 7:52 am
I’m looking at buying a car in a different city of Alaska. Could I have someone put the vehicle on the ferry ( unmanned) and I pick it up on destination?
DennisMarch 17, 2016 at 3:12 am
Sure you can.
SagharJune 1, 2016 at 10:34 am
Hello,
Does the ferry stops in Canada? Is it considered as an international trip and the os the American passport/ visa required?
ThanksDennisJune 1, 2016 at 2:35 pm
Yes it can stop in Canada if you go that route. If you stay on the ship you don’t need a passport.
DouglasOctober 14, 2016 at 12:00 pm
HI,
I am looking to move a tractor/trailer from Bellingham, WA to Ketchikan, AK. Rig is about 73′ in overall length. Is this doable?
I have never done this before.Thanks in advance for your assistance.
DennisOctober 16, 2016 at 9:43 am
Sure is doable. Alaska Marine Highway to Ketch. Call them at (800) 642-0066
Zelma cleavelandJanuary 19, 2022 at 1:08 pm
Wanting to fly to Ketchikan, stay a couple of days, then ferry to Skagway for a couple of days and then ferry to Juneau to fly to Anchorage. Walk on passengers. How would one schedule such a trip?
JoanNovember 18, 2016 at 3:38 am
Does the ferry run from Homer to Bellingham all year? Traveling there in August 2017.
DennisNovember 19, 2016 at 8:17 am
Ferries run all year. Not directly to Homer, but you can get there eventually. Here is the schedule: http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/schedules.shtml
Jackie MihalecJanuary 6, 2017 at 3:43 pm
Is it doable to travel from Bellinham to Dutch Harbour return? And how long does it take and cost please. I am over 65. Sorry also best time of year.
Thanks heaps.DennisJanuary 23, 2017 at 1:48 pm
It would probably take around a month round trip! Go here for info: http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/
RICK ZJanuary 29, 2017 at 3:23 pm
Today is Jan29th. are there any ferries leaving Alaska near whittier to Bellingham in Mid February? The AMH website is a bit messy to maneuver,
DennisFebruary 2, 2017 at 4:05 pm
Check here:https://www.dot.state.ak.us/oars/reservations/CalendarFM.amhsf?selectMonth=February+2017&selectPort=WHITTIER&selectVessel=All+Vessels&action=Get+Schedule
Apparently they only go to Cordova and back during February.
CarmelFebruary 17, 2017 at 5:38 pm
We bought an Alaska Marine Highway map on board (the really long one) but can no longer find it. We would like to buy another to frame to remind us of a fabulous holiday. Are they available to buy anywhere?
I have searched every where on line with no success.
We live in Australia but will be in L.A. later in the year & have a brother in Vancouver if this makes it any easier.
Appreciate any suggestions.
Thanks
CarmelDennisFebruary 19, 2017 at 10:38 am
No idea. But I’ll keep my eye out and reply back if I can find one.
JohnMarch 27, 2017 at 12:25 pm
We’re leaving Bellingham may 12 on route to Haines. But then we thought maybe we should get off and see Juneau. Would we have to wait a week to get back on the ferry to reach Haines?
DennisApril 1, 2017 at 9:29 am
Check here : http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/
STEPHEN GEIGERJune 12, 2017 at 7:16 pm
I want to make a summer time ferry boat ride round trip from Seattle to unalaska. I’m having trouble finding out how much it would cost a single 65yr old person. Can you please help?
DennisJune 13, 2017 at 7:11 am
Call (800) 642-0066. It’s the Marine Highway direct line. The ferry actually doesn’t serve Seattle. Bellingham, is where the ferry would depart. It’s about 90 minutes north of Seattle. From there you would need to take a series of ferries to reach Dutch. Call them for more info. The new website is very user-friendly and you’ll find out more info by calling.
LouiseJune 16, 2017 at 3:59 pm
Thank you for all the provided information. We are planning to fly into Juneau in September, using the ferry to get to Sitka and then Ketchikan where we will fly home. We will be on foot. You mention “hand” luggage not weighing more than 100 pounds (which is pretty hefty hand luggage). We will each have a suitcase, full-size and were not planning on a cabin. Will this be a problem?
DennisJune 16, 2017 at 7:17 pm
No problem at all. Make sure it has wheels as there are no carts on board.
PamJune 26, 2017 at 3:15 pm
Hi, we are planning a trip for next summer. We want to have a car and a small trailer and drive from Denver to Bellingham and then travel the inside passage via the ferries ending in Haines We are most interested in seeing the animals and doing some hiking and then seeing any ports that might be interesting (i.e. Sitka looks like fun). I “priced” a trip from Bellingham to Ketchikan (how is the Misty Fjords NM?) to Sitka to Juneau to Gustavus to Haines with a 30 foot (estimated, we don’t own either the car or the trailer but are looking at a small teardrop) and it was >6500 (ouch) for my retired husband, myself and our teen son. Any suggestions from you regarding how to make this an interesting, less costly trip would be so welcomed. Any suggestions of what “not to miss” would be great. We don’t have a specific timeline as I will be retiring and our son will be on college break. We would like to spend some time in Haines before driving the interior roads. Thanks, Pam
DennisJune 28, 2017 at 7:42 am
The ferry isn’t cheap when dragging a car and trailer with you. That’s for sure. One money-saving plan could be to drive your car and trailer through Canada to Haines and store it. Then hop on the ferry south to Juneau and Ketchikan. You don’t need a car to see most of the towns in Southeast Alaska. And by renting one wherever you need it that would be way cheaper then shipping your own around the ferry system. OR, scrap driving your own car to Bellingham and fly there from Denver. Take the ferries all the way up to Whittier near Anchorage, bus to Anchorage, and buy a cheap but worthy car there. Have fun in Anchorage then sell the car and fly home. Just a couple of ideas…
Christine KJune 29, 2017 at 5:37 pm
Hi Dennis, Thanks for all your advice. I have my ticket from Juneau to Ketchikan for July 4. Since I’ll be landing in Juneau at 9:30pm on the 3rd, I won’t be able to bring food or drink along for my journey, except some instant coffee packets and maybe some oatmeal. Can you give me an idea how much to budget for food/drink on board the ferry. Breakfast, a couple eggs. Lunch a light sandwich. Dinner, some Alaskan seafood. Thanks so much
DennisJune 30, 2017 at 10:32 am
The food on a AMH ferry is pretty much like the fare you’d find at a little league snack bar, you’ll survive eating it but it ain’t pretty. It’s basic and to the point. The hamburger is a patty, with a plain bun, a piece of lettuce, and something that resembles a tomato, with fries. The veggie bowl is a bowl of raw veggies. The fruit bowl is cut fruit in a Styrofoam bowl. They have packaged crackers, nuts, yogurt, milk etc.
Budget? On a May, 2017 trip to Cordova I spent around $14 for a burger, a bowl of fruit, and a carton of juice. That’s the best estimate I can give you. I’ll look up the prices and post them on this page next time I take a ferry. No idea when that will be…Christine KJune 30, 2017 at 1:45 pm
Thanks for the prompt response and giving me your best estimate of what to expect. My expectations are now lowered :) Appreciate the information.
Jan SteinbrightJuly 18, 2017 at 10:48 am
How much are the coin operated lockers aboard the Malaspina?
DennisJuly 18, 2017 at 4:06 pm
Good question. I’ll post it here if anybody else can answer that.
CrystaAugust 26, 2017 at 1:16 pm
Hi there! I have a family of three we are moving to Juneau here soon. We won’t need a cabin or to haul a vehicle..about how much would ferry be for us?
DennisAugust 26, 2017 at 6:31 pm
Go here: http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/ and look for fares from wherever you are coming from.
David BrownJanuary 2, 2018 at 7:38 am
I am a U.K. .citizen and would like to travel on the M.V. Tustumena between Homer and Dutch Harbour and return. I would like to visit in early May but cannot find sailing details. I will travel alone but would like to book a cabin. Can anybody help me with information?
DennisJanuary 2, 2018 at 8:04 am
The Tustumena doesn’t sail out there in May. Here you can find the schedules. https://www.dot.state.ak.us/oars/reservations/CalendarFM.amhsf?selectMonth=May+2018&selectPort=Dutch+Harbor&selectVessel=All+Vessels&action=Get+Schedule
The Kennicott sails out there once in May…
leslie stegenJanuary 2, 2018 at 11:31 am
I am looking for books/travel guide that may be helpful when riding the ferry on the inland passage. We are retired and are thinking of taking about a month to see and do all the area has to offer. Do you have any suggestions. We can rent cars when needed stay in hotels for several days etc. We want a relaxing trip not a hurried one.
Thanks Leslie
DennisJanuary 7, 2018 at 8:33 am
This is the highest rated book on Amazon for the Inside Passage:
https://www.amazon.com/Alaskas-Southeast-11th-Touring-Passage-ebook/dp/B001NABVEK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1515346376&sr=8-1&keywords=alaska+marine+highway
CarolynJanuary 17, 2018 at 12:00 pm
My husband and I are 69. We would like to catch ferry in Bellingham and do the inside passageway. Would prefer not to carry vehicle. My question is this. Does the ferries stay ported in each stop or do we have to change vessels every time we port in. Like Skagway for example, would the vessel stay long enough to tour about 8 hrs?
DennisJanuary 17, 2018 at 6:40 pm
You don’t change ships in each port. You may get off the ferries to walk around in each town that has a long enough layover. In Ketchikan the ship docks a couple of miles from Downtown where the action is. A cab takes about 10 minutes to get there. In Petersburg the town is right there. In Juneau the town is 11.5 miles away.
Ask the purser on the ship for the time there in each town. They’ve been asked that question a 1000 times…
JonApril 30, 2018 at 3:31 pm
Nice to find this info.
We are headed to Whittier out of Bellingham. A couple more Food questions if I may. Is there access to microwaves, toasters, or Hot water for coffee or Tea that we bring. Is it okay to bring our food and drinks?DennisApril 30, 2018 at 6:22 pm
Some ships have small microwaves in the dining area. All of the ones I’ve been on have hot water available. You certainly may bring your own food and drink but they don’t like it when you sit in the dining area if it is nearly full of paying customers. There are usually plenty of other places with tables to eat at.
Dana C.June 11, 2018 at 2:16 pm
If I wanted to visit several towns on the ferry route during a trip, would it be advantageous to bring a bike to improve my mobility and provide options?
DennisJune 12, 2018 at 9:08 am
You can rent bikes in a lot of towns. With what it would cost you to ship the bike on the ferry it would be cheaper to rent, but, if you love YOUR bike you might want to bring it.
SammyAugust 3, 2018 at 6:17 am
Hi,
Thank You for the information. Their website is a little vague. Do you know when the summer sailing scheduale is usually posted? Im looking to travel from Bellingham to Skagway Mid May 2019 but I cant find scheduale sailings for then to book it.DennisAugust 3, 2018 at 6:51 am
https://www.dot.state.ak.us/oars/reservations/CalendarFM.amhsf
Click the dropdown to the right to get started.
Kara HernandezJanuary 13, 2019 at 12:58 pm
Gonna be on the ferry over super bowl weekend…any way they might play the game :)
DennisJanuary 13, 2019 at 1:03 pm
No wi-fi or TV signal on the ferries.
George PittFebruary 10, 2019 at 8:35 am
As a UK citizen and passport holder, if I fly to the US I have to complete an Esta (I think it’s called) before flying. If I travel to Alaska on the ferry from Canada, do I have to complete any forms before arrival or can it all be sorted with Immigration on arrival?
Thanks,
Joe.DennisFebruary 10, 2019 at 8:41 am
I wish I could help but I have no answer for you. But they might at the Alaska Marine Highway here – https://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/contact.shtml
donnaApril 23, 2019 at 1:59 pm
i need to get my sons truck onto the ferry but its being dropped off from a car carrier and they wont drive it onto the ferry. any suggestions of how to get it on? we are from PA and my son will pick it up in Whittier. Alaska Marine Hwy said they cant help.
DennisApril 24, 2019 at 7:31 am
Wish I could but the only thing I can think of is calling the Bellingham taxi companies and asking if they’d do it. Taxi companies do a lot of different services.
RogerMay 8, 2019 at 3:09 pm
Hello, I am trying get from Port Hardy to Atlin BC, and it looks like the Alaska Marine Hwy is the fastest way. Is there a ferry that stops in Vancouver island and goes close to the Atlin area?
ThanksDennisMay 8, 2019 at 5:12 pm
You’ll have to check the BCFerry site here: https://www.bcferries.com/
DawnJune 20, 2019 at 5:23 pm
Hi! Carolyn asked this question in 1/18 and I have nearly the same question: “We would like to catch ferry in Bellingham and do the inside passageway. ” but a few more.
1. Which ferry/route/s can you take from Bellingham to do the Inside Passage?
2. I’m trying to find an itinerary that does the Inside Passage and Prince William Sound using the this amazing Alaskan ferry system — I’m sure one exists — but can’t find one. Can you point me to one?
Thank you!DennisJuly 2, 2019 at 10:29 am
Here is the route page on the AMH site: http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/route.shtml
Steve FongJuly 24, 2019 at 5:51 pm
I am interested in taking the ferry from Whittier to Bellingham, WA along with my vehicle. Is it possible to get off at different points along the way and catch the next ferry or does one have to stay on one ferry the entire journey
DennisJuly 28, 2019 at 7:31 am
With a car it is locked in until you arrive to your destination. You may walk off the ship and tour each town but you must be back on 30 minutes before departure. With a vehicle you could pay for a trip to each town, get off then catch the next ferry and pay again. But the ferries don’t run everyday so you’d have a wait between each one.
Lee MysOctober 20, 2019 at 3:52 pm
Does a ship travel southbound from Prince Rupert to Bellingham ?
DennisOctober 20, 2019 at 6:16 pm
Not at the moment. There is a dispute about customs officials in Canada so it’s not for the moment.
PatFebruary 12, 2023 at 5:37 pm
I’m hoping to transport a 26′ boat on trailer from Valdez to Whittier, in addition I shall be driving a car, can the ferry accommodate these on the same trip? What would be the cost of this. Thanks for any info you can give me
Dennis ZakiFebruary 18, 2023 at 6:45 am
They can certainly accommodate those. You’ll have to look up the prices here: https://dot.alaska.gov/amhs/index.shtml
AliceJanuary 5, 2020 at 3:28 am
Planning a trip to Alaska in November 2020. We plan to take the Ferry from Sitka to Haines. We will get a cabin. Is bedding provided? If not, what do you suggest?
DennisJanuary 9, 2020 at 3:49 am
You’ll have to supply your own sleeping bags
Craig C.October 10, 2020 at 12:18 pm
My daughter and I are planning a trip from Bellingham to Wrangell for summer of 2021. I am a 75 year old man and we would need a two berth cabin ( no bunk beds please) with a bathroom. We would like a full service dining room on the ship if possible but could ‘get by’ with buffet style and eating in our cabin. We will not be bringing a vehicle with us. Could you give me a cost estimate for the trip? Thank you.
DennisOctober 10, 2020 at 7:17 pm
Go here for that: http://dot.alaska.gov/amhs/fares.shtml
Craig C.October 12, 2020 at 7:53 pm
Dennis I clicked on the link you provided and it contained a lot of information but NOTHING to do with our trip or the fares. The ‘sailing search’ did not have any drop down menus like the description said that it did. I tried everything but could not get any answers. Could you please just answer my questions and/or show me an easier way to get the answers that I need. Also, the last time I got a stateroom bedding was provided, is it still provided or do we need to bring sleeping bags?
DennisOctober 13, 2020 at 7:52 am
Well maybe the website is paused at the moment because of Covid. You can call the toll free number and they’ll answer everything. (800) 642-0066
Danielle OuelletMarch 27, 2022 at 8:48 am
Leaving from Québec, we are planning going to Alaska with our VR. Is there a ferry leaving from Whittier Ak to vancouver BC? I will be grateful for some explanations in ordre to plan our trip.
Thank you.Dennis ZakiMarch 28, 2022 at 10:01 am
No ferry to Vancouver. There is one from Prince Rupert BC though… Don’t know if Covid is blocking it though. Check the AMH website.
Tina TaylorJune 3, 2022 at 5:36 am
We will be visiting Sept 14 – 28. How far can we drive from Anchorage to Juneau & where would be best to get a ferry to Juneau? Or should we fly from Anchorage to Juneau?
Dennis ZakiJune 3, 2022 at 5:44 am
Anchorage to Haines by highway is 775 miles. From there you can catch a ferry to Juneau. Most of the fall leaves may be gone by then. But with Alaska getting warmer and staying warmer, maybe not. The flight is only 90 minutes so it’s up to you.
alfred guevaraJune 4, 2022 at 7:42 am
I am planning a trip sometime around June 2023, with myself (68 yrs. old) and my three grandsons (16,13.and 10 yrs. old), driving from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Anchoridge. After a few days in and around Anchoridge. I would like to ferry us and my Chevy Siverado to Washington and drive home. Can you give me any or tips or suggestions that would enhance our trip, where would be a good place to depart from Alaska for Washington, What would the approximate cost be from Alaska to Washington ?,
Dennis ZakiJune 4, 2022 at 10:11 am
The AMH ferry leaves from Bellingham, Washington. All of the other answers you seek are right here at https://dot.alaska.gov/amhs/index.shtml
RYAN WIESEJuly 17, 2022 at 10:06 am
I am looking at getting a pilot house boat built. It will be housed on the Kenai Peninsula and I would like to use the marine highway to take it to Kodiak or south east for adventures. Is there any size limitations for truck and boat to get on to the ferry?
Dennis ZakiJuly 18, 2022 at 8:34 am
There are limits since the ship is only so big inside. Go here to see:https://dot.alaska.gov/amhs/policies.shtml
Kim HansardAugust 21, 2022 at 5:24 pm
I envision sitting on the deck in a chair watching the scenery go by. What are my chances of finding an empty chair on the Matanuska this week from Bellingham to Juneau? I have small collapsible chairs I can bring. Will they allow them onboard? Should I use the luggage room to bring them? Thank you
Dennis ZakiAugust 22, 2022 at 5:53 am
Every week is different on the ships so who knows. BUT, this is the fall and there are usually a lot less people heading North at this time of the year. They allowed folding chairs in the past so you could call and ask.
MarilynNovember 27, 2022 at 11:35 am
2 senior women planning to go in the summer of 2023. Need 2 beds & bathroom. Leave from Bellingham. Are stops in the towns long enough to get out to explore a bit? Then could we get back on the same boat to continue the trip? Is it best to book through the Alaska Marine Hwy System or another vendor?
Thanks for the info.Dennis ZakiJanuary 8, 2023 at 1:17 am
Always best to book through the AMH website. If the boat stops long enough for a walk around they will announce it and you certainly may get off for a while.
Ken ClausenJanuary 30, 2023 at 9:05 pm
Is it possible to book passage from Prince Rupert to Haines with a truck camper and make stops in several towns e.g. Ketchikan, Petersburg with the truck for a day or more? Wanting to retrace a trip we did in 1974 (back then we only had to book our departure from PR, just catching the next northbound boat as fancy struck us). I know we won’t be able to do that in 2024! Probably looking for mid August passage.
Dennis ZakiFebruary 5, 2023 at 2:59 am
You can get on and off along the route between stops while on foot no problem. Just make it back before they sail on obviously. You’d have to pay with the truck each time if there is space. Sometimes they are full during summer.
Comments are closed.
