CRUISING ALASKA BY FERRY...
 Alaska ferry Columbia (Peter Metcalfe Photo,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), Malaspina (701), Taku (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.
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.
2009 Summer Ferry Schedules
Available In Print and On the Web
The Alaska Marine Highway System's 2009 spring-summer-fall sailing schedules are now available both as printed brochures and on the web at www.ferryalaska.com. Printed schedules are presently available for pick-up at Alaska ferry offices and terminals and on request for mail delivery from Alaska Marine Highway System Reservations at 1-800-642-0066 or 1-907-465-3941 in Juneau.
For 2009: Here Are Two Outstanding Summer Specials:
Publisher's note: The following two travel announcements have been provided by the Alaska Marine Highway System. Both are valid for Alaska ferry travel through September 30, 2009:30 Percent Discount to Fascinating Village of Pelican
"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 30th, 2009.
"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.
For more information, please visit the Online Reservations System.
For Summer 2009 Ferry Travel, Round Trip Driver Goes Free!
"The licensed driver of a passenger vehicle will be allowed to TRAVEL FREE when accompanying a drivable vehicle on a "mirror image" round trip itinerary on the Alaska Marine Highway System. The 'Driver goes Free' discount cannot be combined with any other passenger discount or promotional fare. All travel must commence between May 1, 2009 and September 30, 2009. Tickets may be purchased through our online reservations system, by calling 800-642-0066 or visit your local ferry terminal.
Other conditions may apply."
Alaska Ferry System Earns Status
As Prestigious 'All-American Road'
The US department of Transportation in 2005 has 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 traveling experience.
The Alaska Marine Highway is currently one of 27 All-Americn Roads. 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.
BC
Ferries'
Brand Spankin' New Northern
Adventure
Now Sails To Prince Rupert and Alaska Connections
<– Left:
The brand new 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' brand spankin' 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 Adventure has 55 modern staterooms and can accommodate 600 passengers and 130 vehicles.
More information from: www.bcferries.com. Phone 1-888-BCFERRY.
Alaska's
“Other” Ferry System
by Mike Miller, PublisherAlaskaCruisingReport.com
You hear a lot about the Alaska Marine Highway System, and no wonder. It's been around for more than four decades now doing yeoman service for Alaskans from Southeast Alaska to Prince William Sound and to the Aleutian Islands. It's been a perennial huge hit with visitors as well.
But have you heard about Alaska's “other” ferry system – the passenger and vehicle ships of the Inter-Island Ferry Authority (IFA)?
Unless you live in Ketchikan or in one of the communities on Prince of Wales Island the name probably means little to you.
That may change.
Off
the Beaten Path
What they have – the people who live in these Southeast Alaska communities – is a really splendid little ferry operation connecting two islands and more than a half dozen communities to each other and the outside world. For Alaskans or visitors from Outside who are looking for an easily accessible “Off the Beaten Path” destination for a few days or longer the route of the IFA can be ideal.
This pleasurable travel opportunity is possible because of
IFA's two vessels:
m/v Prince
of Wales
accommodating 160 passengers and crew and
the m/v Stikine
serving 200. 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. Each 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.Photo of m/v Prince of Wales, one of two identical sisterships. (Photo courtesy of Iinter-Island Ferry Authority)
The Stikine connects Ketchikan daily year-round from Hollis on Prince of Wales Island (POW) and its 1,100 miles of paved and gravel roads. These highways run through 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. 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, by the way. 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 light and spare batteries is also recommended. The USFS asks for two days notice; call 1-907-828-3304 for details.
<-- Public
Use Cabin,
Southeast Alaska, Kevin Miller PhotoEspecially for Alaskans or visitors with RVs or autos the travel opportunities on POW Island are the stuff of dreams. You'll find a number of government and private campgrounds and if you're not a camper don't despair. Alaskan hosts run lodges and B&Bs in the larger communities on the island Highway System.
Please note: Earlier this year, the IFA announced that the Prince of Wales would offer ferry service between Coffman Cove near the north end of the island and the more northerly island communities of Wrangell and Petersburg. In March the ferry line determined that "Northern Route" service would not be feasible.
Ketchikan
At Ketchikan where travel aboard the Stikine begins and ends the things to see and do are well nigh endless. You'll find three world class totem collections in the community – at Saxman village just south of Ketchikan, at Totem Bight State Historical Park 10 miles north of town, and at the Totem Heritage Center in the City Park near downtown. The heritage collection contains nearly three dozen magnificent ancient totem poles or fragments, retrieved from outlying deserted Tlingit and Haida villages. The center ranks as the largest exhibit of original totems in the United States. Other monuments in cedar may be seen around the community.
The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center on Ketchikan's Main Street near the waterfront is one of four federal Public Lands Information Centers in Alaska where visitors can gather tons of information about travel throughout Southeast Alaska and the entire state. Fishing charters abound in the city, as do daycruises to outlying attractions such as nearby Misty Fjords National Monument. Alaska Canopy Adventures boasts not one but two zipline courses, during which visitors “zip” through Southeast Alaska forest canopies at 35 miles per hour – suspended in parachute-like harness from treetop cables sometimes 135 feet above the forest floor.
Want to know more about the Inter-Island Ferry Authority, including senior and other discounts? Contact the IFA tollfree at 1-866-308-4848. The authority also hosts an excellent informative website at www.interislandferry.com.