CRUISING ALASKA BY FERRY...
 Alaska ferry Columbia (Peter Metcalfe Photo, Courtesy of Alaska Marine Highway System) |
Scroll Down this page to view:
|
For Do-It-Yourself Cruisers, Alaska Ferries
Offer Independent Travel, Lots of Options
Here's an all-Alaskan suggestion for cruisers who would like to:- travel at their own own pace;
- choose their own ports-of-call;
- lay over in any ferry port for as many days as desired;
- share their travel with Alaskan locals;
- have the option to bring along the family RV or auto; and
- cruise to Alaska one way and return home by highway or air.
Passengers with or without vehicles may embark as far south as Bellingham, Washington (Fridays only) or Prince Rupert, B.C. Within Alaska they can connect with smaller off-line ferries that provide access to more remote communities. For venturesome visitors there are monthly one-way or roundtrip summer sailings from Kodiak westward along the Aleutian Islands chain, from late April through late September.
Larger stateroom-equipped vessels of the fleet are Columbia (931 passengers), Matanuska (745), (701), MalaspinaTaku (370), and Kennicott (748) - all of which serve the Southeast Alaska panhandle.
The Kennicott also connects southeast port cities to southcentral Alaska destinations via the Gulf of Alaska. The Tustumena (220) sails regularly from ports on the Kenai Peninsula to Kodiak and (less frequently) the Aleutian chain. Smaller ships, operating “bush” routes from principal ports to smaller towns and villages are Aurora (300), LeConte (300), and Lituya (149).
Newest additions to the AMHS fleet are the Juneau-based double-hulled catamaran Fairweather (250) which provides non-stop summer service to and from Juneau and Sitka, Petersburg, Haines, and Skagway. Sister-ship Chenega home ports in Cordova. This vessel operates in summer from Cordova through the island-studded waterways and glacier-rich bays of Prince William Sound.
Lots of good information is posted at the ferry system's website (www.FerryAlaska.com). Or you can obtain up-to-date information by phoning the ferry Reseversations office at 1-800-642-0066.
Here's another option: If you want to mix some pleasureable "foreign" travel into your plans you can book passage from highway-accessible Port Hardy (on British Columbia's Vancouver Island) and sail north on BC Ferries' recently-purchased vessel Northern Adventure to the city of Prince Rupert, B.C. on the Canadian coastal mainland. At Prince Rupert you can connect with frequent Alaska ferries for a 90-mile sailing to Ketchikan and other ports in Southeast Alaska. More information from: www.bcferries.com.
Attention Ferry Cruisers...
New SE Alaska Website Lists 300+
B&Bs,
Inns, Hotels, Hostels, Other Accommodations
Here’s news of a new region-wide Southeast Alaska accommodations website – created by the publishers of www.AlaskaCruisingReport.com for independent Alaska ferry cruisers who prefer to choose their own port calls and their own length-of-stays along Alaska’s Inside Passage. The site lists more than 300 Bed and Breakfasts, Inns, Vacation Homes, Hotels, Motels, Overnight Lodges and Hostels in communities from southernmost Hyder to northernmost Yakutat. You can visit the site at www.SoutheastAlaskaBnBs.com.Travel Writers Name Alaska Ferry System
One of Top 10 Ferry Rides in the World!
The Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), the world’s largest organization of professional travel journalists and photographers, recently polled its members to come up with the “Top 10” most exciting ferry rides in the world – and the Alaska Marine Highway System made the list!“Public and private ferry boats provide an inexpensive alternative to cruises, often traversing some of the world’s most beautiful harbors, fiords, rivers and waterways at bargain prices,” states SATW president, Bea Broda.
Referring to the “Blue Canoes” of the Alaska State Ferry System the announcement quotes Sacramento, California independent travel journalist Janet Fullwood, as saying: “The Alaska State Ferry System's ‘blue canoes’ allow overnight passengers to pitch their tents on deck - surely one of the world's most unusual camping experiences.” Alan Solomon, Chicago freelance travel writer and editor, states: "Not only is the Alaska State Ferry System a bargain way to enjoy the Inside Passage, but you can get on and off the boat for independent exploration. Or haul your car down on the boat after driving up on the Alaska Highway."
BC Ferries, which connects with the Alaska ferry system at Prince Rupert, B.C., also ranked among SATW's global Top Ten systems. Among its extensive route options, it provides another ferry option for Alaska-bound cruisers aboard the vessel Northern Adventure. The ship operates between Port Hardy on highway-accessible Vancouver Island and Prince Rupert.
Big News About Southeast Alaska's
"Other"
Noteworthy Ferry Systems
You hear a lot about the Alaska Marine Highway System – and no wonder. It's been around for nearly half a century now, doing yeoman service for Alaskans from Southeast Alaska to Prince William Sound, Kodiak Island, and the Aleutian Islands. Its interstate service extends even to Bellingham in Washington state.
Alaskans love it. And t's been a perennial huge hit with visitors as well.
But have you heard about Alaska's “other” ferry systems: the passenger- and vehicle-carrying ships of the Inter-Island Ferry Authority (IFA)? Or the soon-to-be-operating Rainforest Islands Ferry (RIF)?
Photo of m/v Prince of Wales, one of two identical sisterships.
(Photo courtesy of Iinter-Island Ferry Authority))
Unless you live in Southeast Alaska (and in particular in Ketchikan or in one of the communities on Prince of Wales Island) even the island name perhaps means little to you.
That may change.
And not just because POW is the third-largest island in the U.S. and second-largest, after Kodiak Island, in Alaska. (Largest in the nation, in case you're curious, is the Big Island, Hawaii.)
What's new is a growing recognition of the substantial outdoor recreation values offered on Prince of Wales Island – freshwater and saltwater fishing from land or boat, breathtaking photography opportunities, hiking, wild game viewing, even exploring the island's ancient caverns and caves.
Even getting there, as the old magazine ads used to say, is "half the fun." You can arrive by light aircraft if you wish. Or you can enjoy the scenic services of two relatively small but splendid passenger ferry lines. They connect Prince of Wales island to other Alaska communities and to the outside world. For visitors looking for an easily accessible “Off the Beaten Path” destination for a few days (or a few weeks) these two ferry systems – operating from two different communities on Prince of Wales Island – offer ideal separate or combined visitor experiences.
The Inter-Island Ferry Authority ("IFA"), is based at the Ferry
Terminal at Hollis, located roughly midway between the north and south
ends of the sprawling island. The company has offered daily
year-round ferry service from Hollis to Ketchikan aboard the
vessels Prince of Wales or Stikine since May, 2006. 
The new Rainforest Islands ferry, Rainforest
Islander, is scheduled to begin
operations in July of this year and will homeport in more northerly
Coffman Cove. The company website at www.rainforestislandsferry.com
states: "In spring, summer, and fall the Rainforest Islander's new passenger
and vehicle service will connect Wrangell,
Petersburg and Prince of Wales Island – via Coffman Cove – four days a
week with additional service to Ketchikan three days a week. Throughout
the winter, service will be maintained thee days a week. between
Wrangell, Petersburg, and Prince of Wales Island."The two home port communities, Hollis and Coffman Cove, are connected on Prince of Wales Island by a newly paved road. Elsewhere on the island roads are likewise paved, chip-seal paved, or improved gravel.
No fewer than 1,100 miles of highways run through lush forests and alongside streams, lakes, salt water inlets and bays. The fishing can range from good to grand and the wildlife viewing and birding can be equally superb.
Especially for visitors with RVs or autos the travel opportunities on POW Island are the stuff of dreams. And, you'll find a number of government and private campgrounds. If you're not a camper don't despair. Alaskan hosts run lodges and B&Bs along highways and in communities throughout the island highway system.
Colorful totem parks exist in Hydaburg, Kaasan, and Klawock. And for a walking tour unique in Alaska the U.S. Forest Service offers escorted underground excursions through the El Capitan limestone caves in the northern portion of POW. (Dress warm if you plan to try it. It gets chilly down there. And wear sturdy shoes or, better yet, rubber boots. The Forest Service will provide you with a hard hat with flashlight attached but packing your own flashlight and spare batteries is recommended. The USFS asks for two days notice; call 1-907-828-3304 for details.
Each ferry company offers regular service in the summer between its home port and southwesterly Revillagigedo ("Revilla") Island where both Ketchikan and nearby Saxman Tsimshian Indian Village are located. The site for Inter-Island Ferry Authoritiy departures and arrivals is located at Ketchikan. The Rainforest Islands Ferry base is at Saxman, only a few minutes' drive or taxi ride south of Ketchikan.
To avoid duplicate sights and scenery, visitors can book one of the two services outbound between Revilla Island to Prince of Wales and the other ferry line for the journey's return. (IFA's Stikine, for instance, outbound from Ketchikan to Hollis and return on RIF's Rainforest Islander from Coffman Cove to Saxman.) Or vice versa.
Or (still more choices) travelers may take either service from Revilla Island (boarding at Ketchikan or Saxman) to Prince of Wales Island. Then, after taking in the sights and sites on POW, book the Rainforest Islander from Coffman Cove to Wrangell and/or Petersburg. At either of these communities travelers can board the large ferries of the Alaska Marine Highway System to sail north or south.
Artist's rendering of the soon-to-be Alaskan ferry Rainforest Islander offering service
to Southeast Alaska communities of Coffman Cove and others on Prince of Wales Island,
plus Ketchikan, Wrangell, and Petersburg. (Artwork courtesy of Rainforest Islands Ferry)
These pleasurable travel opportunities are possible because of each company's relatively large and comfortable vessels.
IFA's two twin vessels, Stikine and Prince of Wales, accommodate 200 and 160 passengers and crew respectively. Both ships are 98 feet long and can carry 35 standard-size autos. And make no mistake about it, these are no plain and simple utility craft. Stikine contains a comfortable forward observation lounge with recliner chairs, reading room, a “quiet room” for passengers who need privacy, galley and restaurant for food and beverage service and a solarium. And attention parents or grandparents traveling with youngsters: Each ferry also contains a youngster's playroom. The ferry Stikine is the primary vessel for IFA services. Prince of Wales is held in reserve for occasions when the Stikine is out of service for maintenance.
Service aboard the Rainforest Islander includes (again from their website) "a selection of observation deck, recliner lounge, and coffee shop seating and will offer food and beverage service." Front windowed observation room on the vessel accommodates 32 passengers in reclining seats while eight dining tables can seat 32 more passsengers in the aft portion of the ship. The 160-foot vessel features wireless internet access, and, of course, restroom facilities. The open car deck can accommodate 14 vehicles, dependng on size.
For further developments at each of these ferry operations "stay tuned" to this website. Or visit company websites at www.interislandferry.com (phone 907-225-4949) or www.RainforestIslandsFerry.com (phone 907-329-2233).
Prince of Wales Island Roads
Designated State Scenic Byway
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) has announced the designation of the Prince of Wales Island Road System as a state scenic byway. Prince of Wales Island is located about 200 miles south of Juneau in Southeast Alaska and is accessible from Ketchikan by the Inter-Island Ferry Authority transiting along another state (and nationa scenic byway, the Alaska Marine Highways All American Road.
Photo courtesy of Alaska Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities
The island is 135 miles long, 45 miles wide and encompasses 2,577 square miles, twice as large as Rhode Island and slightly larger than the State of Delaware. About 6,000 people live on the island.
The island’s communities include; Point Baker, Labouchere Bay, Port Protection, Whale Pass, Coffman Cove, Naukati, Thorne Bay, Klawock, Kasaan, Hollis, Craig and Hydaburg. There are four federally-recognized tribal governments on the island: Craig Community Association, Hydaburg Cooperative Association, Organized Village of Kasaan, and the Klawock Cooperative Association.
The island is considered unique because it features some of Southeast Alaska’s best qualities such as a temperate rainforest, bountiful wildlife, native culture and historical artifacts.
“This designation covers 260 miles of mostly paved roads leading to the island’s communities, all of which present a different Alaskan experience,” said Commissioner Leo von Scheben, DOT&PF.
The island’s roads included in the scenic byways designation are: Craig/Klawock Highway; Big Salt Lake Road; Thorne Bay Road; U.S. Forest Service Road 20; Ferry Terminal Spur, Hollis; Coffman Cove Road; Kasaan Highway; Hydaburg Highway; Sandy Beach Road; 12 Mile Arm Road and Port Saint Nicholas Road.
Prince of Wales has the most extensive road system in the Tongass National Forest, the nation’s largest forest. Approximately 1,500 miles of roads, accessible from the scenic byway, offer unparalleled access to recreational opportunities in the forest.
Alaska’s Scenic Byway designation provides resources to the byway communities to create unique travel experiences and enhance local quality of life through efforts to preserve, protect, interpret, and promote the qualities of the designated scenic byway.
Here's an Outstanding 2012 Ferry Summer Special:
30% Fare Discount to Fascinating Village of Pelican
The following is taken from the Alaska Marine Highway website www.FerryAlaska.com
"Here's a great opportunity to enjoy a day cruise with the entire family. Take in the sights surrounding beautiful Point Adolphus, watch for whales and visit the historic village of Pelican.
"A 30% discount will be available on full priced adult and child fares for travel between Juneau and Pelican, with travel originating from either port. The discount applies to all sailings through September 21, 2012.
"This discount applies only on full-priced passenger fares and cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotional fare. All amenities including cabins, vehicles, food and beverages will be charged at the normal rate. Other rules and conditions apply. Travel itineraries must be paid in full according to normal payment policy and prior to initial travel. Cancellations, changes or refunds will be subject to normal change and/or cancellation fees and policies. Tickets are non-transferable.
Passengers will receive the discounted rate when travel is booked at an AMHS office, terminal, travel agency or via our web site.
"For reservations or further information contact the Alaska Marine Highway System Monday through Friday 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 pm by telephone at 1-800-642-0066, or make reservations online
at www.FerryAlaska.com."
Alaska Ferry System Earns Status
As Prestigious 'All-American Road'
The US department of Transportation in 2005 awarded the Alaska Marine Highway System the distinction of “All-American Road.” This is the highest recognition afforded in the USDOT’s America’s Byways program.The only other highway in Alaska recognized as an All-American Road is the Seward Highway, a distinction it has held since 2000,
The ferry system has been a “Scenic Byway” under the program since 1997 and that in itself was a noteworthy achievement. To be designated as a National Scenic Byway a road must possess at least one of these six intrinsic qualities: historic, cultural, natural, scenic, recreational, or archeological). And the byway must possess regional significance.
Numerous highways, or portions of highways, throughout the state are recognized as Scenic Byways, including portions of the Richardson, Glenn, Parks, Haines, Steese, Sterling, Taylor and Dalton Highways, as well as the Alaska Railroad.
However, to receive the more prestigious All-American Road designation a road must possess multiple intrinsic qualities that are nationally, not just regionally, significant, and contain one-of-a-kind features that do not exist elsewhere. The road must also be considered a “destination unto itself.” That is, the road must, itself, provide an exceptional travel experience.
With 3,500 nautical miles of spectacular scenery, the Alaska Marine Highway is the longest byway in the U.S. and the only maritime ‘road’ in the national highway system.
Set Sail Through Your National Forests
The following information was provided by the U.S. Forest Service. The publisher is grateful to the USFS for supplying this information, and continues to be hugely impressed by the superb job the agency does in interpreting Alaska's waters and forests for cruising visitors and Alaskans.
Did you
know that ships on the Alaska Marine Highway sail through
America’s two largest national forests, taking passengers through some
of the most breathtaking and awe inspiring scenery in the world? In
Southeast Alaska, ferries travel through the Tongass National Forest –
a forest of islands. At nearly 17 million acres, the Tongass National
Forest is the largest protected temperate rainforest in the world! You can also travel to Southcentral Alaska by ferry and ply the waters of Prince William Sound which is surrounded by the Chugach National Forest. The Chugach is America’s second largest national forest and is home to more than 10,000 glaciers.
Pt. Amargura Cabin (Photo: US Forest Service)
Take along a guide
What could be better than discovering these treasures while riding the Alaska Marine Highway? And discovering these treasures with a knowledgeable and friendly Forest Service interpreter! Throughout the summer months, Forest Service interpreters are on board most sailings throughout Southeast and Southcentral Alaska. For over 35 years, this partnership between the Forest Service and the Alaska Marine Highway has helped passengers understand and enjoy the natural and cultural history of their national forests and Alaska.
See you on board!
Once you board the ferry, look for the Forest Service information desk. Here you can usually find an interpreter waiting to answer your questions. Pick up a brochure on a topic of interest and find out what programs are scheduled for the day. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the wildlife, forests, geology, glaciers, marine mammals, people, and history of the area. If you need any help spotting points of interest along the way, just ask! Don’t worry about the younger passengers, because there’s something for them too! Activities and special programs for children are available, including the Tongass Junior Ranger Booklet, for our young and young at heart passengers.
Check Out the locals
Besides the spectacular scenery, Alaska’s national forests are also home to plentiful wildlife – much of which can be seen from the water! While on board the Alaska Marine Highway, keep your eyes open for some of the areas most interesting residents. Some of the more common wildlife seen include: Stellar sea lions, humpback whales, sea otters, orcas, Dall porpoise, eagles, and bears. You just never know who you might meet.
BCFerries' New Northern Expedition
Sails
To Prince Rupert, B.C. and
Alaska Connections
The BC Ferries vessel Northern Expedition now operates north or south
daily between Port Hardy, B.C. at the northern end of Vancouver and Prince
Rupert. (Photo courtesy of BC Ferries)
For Alaska-bound visitors the BC Ferries' new Northern Expedition has replaced the older Northern Adventure on the northern ferry route that provides service between Port Hardy (on Vancouver Island) and the city of Prince Rupert.
At Prince Rupert travelers can connect with Alaska state ferries bound for Ketchikan and other Alaska port cities. The 150 metre (493 foot) Northern Expedition has 55 modern staterooms and can accommodate 600 passengers and 130 vehicles.
More information from: www.bcferries.com.
Phone 1-888-BCFERRY.