Ferry Service Cut Between Prince Rupert BC & Alaska
On Tues, 11 August 2020, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities announced that Alaska ferry service between Prince Rupert BC & Alaska has been put on hold indefinitely.
Alaska Ferry 2020/21 Winter Service Update
Alaska Ferry Service for Winter 2021 Diminshed
Gustavus, Angoon, Pelican & Tenakee
There will be no ferry service from Feb. 15 2021 through April 11, 2021 for the communities of Hoonah, Gustavus, Angoon, Pelican & Tenakee .
There will be no ferry service from Feb. 15 2021 through April 11, 2021 for the communities of Hoonah, Gustavus, Angoon, Pelican & Tenakee .
Lack of service is attributed to the mechanical overhaul of the ferry MV LeConte.
There will be no ferry service from Jan. 7 2021 thru Mid-March 2021 for Prince William Sound, Homer & Kodiak
Lack of service is attributed to the overhaul of the ferry MV
Kennicott
Chenega Bay, Tatitlek, Valdez,
Seldovia, Ouzinkie & Port Lions:
There will be no ferry service from Oct. 01, 2020
until April 30, 2021 for Chenega Bay, Tatitlek, Valdez,
Seldovia, Ouzinkie & Port Lions
Prince Rupert BC to Alaska
Ferry service to and from Prince Rupert BC to Alaska has been put on hold indefinately.
Canadian Border Crossing Update
Canadian Border Crossings Remain Restricted
On Thursday 30 July 2020, Canadian Border Services announced that ONLY the following crossings will be open to travellers entering Canada on the way to Alaska.
In British Columbia: Abbotsford; Huntingdon; Kingsgate & Osoyoos
In Alberta: Coutts
In Saskatchewan: North Portal
Entry into Canada from Alaska is not restricted to specific points
Alaska Day Ferry & Short AK Ferry Travel Trip Information
Covid-19 Details for Alaska Ferry Travellers
Neither Covid-19 testing nor a sworn statement of quarantine are required for short duration or day-boat passenger travel on the Alaska ferries.
The following protocols remain in effect for ALL Alaska ferry travel
- All in-state passengers must complete the Passenger Screening Form before boarding and must be able to respond "no" to all questions.
- All passengers (over 24 months of age) and crew are required to wear face coverings while onboard vessels, except when in a stateroom, in a designated smoking area or while eating. To the extent possible, AMHS will make reasonable accommodation for a passenger who is unable to wear a face covering due to a disability.
- Passengers and crew will not be allowed to go ashore during port calls. Passengers will be allowed ashore only upon arrival at their destination port.
- All passengers and crew will practice social distancing.
Updated Covid-19 Regulations for Alaska Ferry Travellers
Ferry Travel Covid-19 Regulations
All travellers on Alaska ferries aged 11yrs and older are required to provide negative COVID-19 test results for a test taken no earlier that 5 days prior to travel.
For the August 3rd departure date it will be a test taken no earlier than July 29th.
It is strongly suggested that would be passengers take their tests on the 29th as many providers are taking the entire 5 days to provide test results.
Travellers who have been quarantining for a minimum of fourteen (14) days can sign an affidavit and gain approval for boarding if a COVID-19 test cannot be taken.
All passengers must wear face masks while on board the ship at all times except while eating or while in their rooms.
Face masks are not provided by the terminal or the ship. Guests will need to provide their own.
Passengers will not be allowed to disembark at any port except the port of their final destination.
Alaska Ferry Schedule Update
Whittier Alaska Ferry Update
On August 3rd, 17th, 31st & on September 14th & 28, the ferries departing Whittier to Bellingham (including Yakutat, Juneau, Ketchikan) will now be departing at 9:45pm.
That is a delay of 7 hours from the original departure time.
Travellers reserved on these sailings should arrive 3 hours prior to departure: ie arrive at approximately 6:45pm, for ticketing and loading.
Th terminal will however be available all day for anyone wishing to arrive earlier than 6:45pm.
Ferry Access To Alaska Limited
Update On Current Ferry Access Bypassing Canada
The Alaska ferries travelling the Bellingham to Whittier route is currently sold out for the balance of the year.
That route, which avoids travelling through Canada, will reopen in April 2021.
For further information write info@ferrytravel.com
Seattle- Victoria Ferry Sailings Suspended
US-Canada Border Closure Results in Cancelled Sailings
As a result of the Covid-19 virus and the resulting Canada - US border closure, the high-speed Clipper ferry has now suspended
all sailings between Seattle & Victoria until 30 April 2021.
The
popular passenger-only ferry operated by Clipper Vacations in Seattle
has transported visitors between Seattle & Victoria every day, year-round, since July 1986.
With up to 3 daily sailings between the two cities during the
summer season, the service is a wonderful 2hr and 45 minute mini
cruise.
Information on the Seattle-Victoria ferry service, scheduled to restart 30 April, 2021, will be posted on www.ferrytravel.com when available.
New Covid-19 Regulations for Alaska Travellers
When Travelling By Ferry To/From Alaska
Departing Alaska by ferry
When departing the State of Alaska by ferry, ie going south to Bellingham Washington, proof of having had a Covid-9 test showing negative results within 7 days of travel commencement is required .
Travel to Alaska by ferry
When arriving in Alaska (ie travelling North from outside the state) proof of having had a Covid-9 test showing negative results within 3 days of travel commencement is required
Canadian Border to Remain Closed
Canadian Border Now Expected To Open 31 July
Canada today extended their closed border policy untii the end of July.
With the recent success British Columbia has enjoyed in reducing COVID-19 through both social distancing and the wearing of masks, the BC government is extending the provinces closed border policy to try to ensure that the virus stays under control and new cases diminish.
It is anticipated that the country will reopen the Canada -US border on 01 August.
BC Ferries Add Sailings
BC Ferries Adding Sailings
Commencing July 2, BC Ferries will add 33 additional round-trips each week between Tsawwassen (Vancouver) & Swartz Bay (Victoria).
Eight additional ferry sailings will be added between Tsawwassen (Vancouver) and Duke Point (Nanaimo south)
Between Horseshoe Bay & Departure Bay( Nanaimo north), 30 round trips will be added and eight additional
round-trips will be added between Horseshoe Bay and Langdale.
For information & bookings on the Port Hardy ferry sailings and the Prince Rupert ferry sailings go to www.ferrytravel.com
Schedule A Covid-19 Test In The Bellingham WA Area
Northwest Laboratory on Meridian Street in Bellingham
To be tested for COVID-19, first contact your healthcare provider.
Testing locations are only accepting patients who have been referred by a
health care provider.
Do not contact testing sites without first contacting your healthcare provider and getting a referral.
Testing
in Whatcom County is currently being performed at several locations.
Northwest Laboratory at 3548 Meridian Street, Suite 101 in Bellingham is the site with the greatest capacity.
Northwest Laboratory at 3548 Meridian Street, Suite 101 in Bellingham is the site with the greatest capacity.
They offer drive-through testing
for patients who have referrals and have made appointments.
If you have a
physician’s referral, call 360-527-4592 to schedule an appointment.
Alaska Implements changes to Operating Proceedures
AMHS Current Standard Operating Procedures
"Alaska marine has implemented changes to their standard operating
procedures to protect against the transmission of COVID-19 on their
vessels. The safety of passengers and crew is the highest priority
for the Alaska Marine Highway System.
Alaska Marine continues to work to establish protocols intended to protect everyone during
sailings, especially sailings that are longer in duration.
Alaska Marine highly recommends that all passengers make advanced reservations
to ensure confirmed space for travel during this time as they are operating with reduced vessel capacity.
Travel protocols for the Alaska Marine Highway were developed specific to ferry travel and may be more restrictive than State of Alaska travel mandates. Please follow all Alaska Marine protocols when planning to travel by ferry and State guidance for all other travel.
Travel Advisories
Travel to Alaska – Beginning Friday June 5, 2020 at
11:55pm travelers arriving into Alaska from another state or
country must follow new protocols. Read the new rules on the Traveler
Information page.
For all the latest State of Alaska health
mandate details, please see the Alaska Department of Health and
Social Services website: https://covid19.alaska.gov/health-mandates/.
Travel within Alaska – All travel to or from a
community off the road system or marine highway system is
prohibited, except as necessary for critical personal needs or
critical infrastructure.
This mandate is in effect until
rescinded.
For additional details on the definitions of acceptable
travel, critical personal needs, or critical infrastructure,
please see the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
website: https://covid19.alaska.gov/health-mandates/.
Alaska Ferry Travel Protocol Requirements
AMHS Announces New Protocols
To minimize transmission of COVID-19 the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) announced new operational protocols to protect against the transmission of COVID-19 on vessels.
These protocols apply to:
1. All passengers (over the age of 2) on the mainline ferries Kennicott, Matanuska and Tustumena are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours before boarding.
2. All passengers on the day vessels LeConte and Lituya must complete a Passenger Screening Form (click to download) before boarding. They must respond "no" to all questions.
3. Passenger boarding in Bellingham Washington must complete the mandatory State of Alaska Travel Declaration Form (Click to download) and provide these to AMHS crew at boarding.
AMHS passengers must be able to select #1 (a) on the declaration form.
4. All passengers (over the age of 2) and crew are required to wear face coverings while onboard mainline vessels Kennicott, Matanuska and Tustumena, except when in a stateroom, in a designated smoking area or while eating.
Accommodations will be made for passengers who are unable to wear a face covering due to medical conditions.
5. All passengers (over the age of 2) and crew are required to wear face coverings while onboard the day vessels LeConte and Lituya, except when in a designated smoking area or while eating.
Accommodations will be made for passengers who are unable to wear a face covering due to medical conditions.
- Passengers and crew will not be allowed to go ashore during port calls.
- Passengers will be allowed ashore only upon arrival at their destination port.
- All passengers and crew will practice social distancing.
The safety of passengers and crew is the highest priority for the Alaska Marine Highway System.
AMHS continues to work closely with Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) to establish protocols intended to protect everyone during sailings, especially sailings that are longer in duration.
To find testing in your location, visit:
Test site locator for the U.S. Alaska test site locator
To minimize transmission of COVID-19 the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) announced new operational protocols to protect against the transmission of COVID-19 on vessels.
These protocols apply to:
1. All passengers (over the age of 2) on the mainline ferries Kennicott, Matanuska and Tustumena are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours before boarding.
2. All passengers on the day vessels LeConte and Lituya must complete a Passenger Screening Form (click to download) before boarding. They must respond "no" to all questions.
3. Passenger boarding in Bellingham Washington must complete the mandatory State of Alaska Travel Declaration Form (Click to download) and provide these to AMHS crew at boarding.
AMHS passengers must be able to select #1 (a) on the declaration form.
4. All passengers (over the age of 2) and crew are required to wear face coverings while onboard mainline vessels Kennicott, Matanuska and Tustumena, except when in a stateroom, in a designated smoking area or while eating.
Accommodations will be made for passengers who are unable to wear a face covering due to medical conditions.
5. All passengers (over the age of 2) and crew are required to wear face coverings while onboard the day vessels LeConte and Lituya, except when in a designated smoking area or while eating.
Accommodations will be made for passengers who are unable to wear a face covering due to medical conditions.
- Passengers and crew will not be allowed to go ashore during port calls.
- Passengers will be allowed ashore only upon arrival at their destination port.
- All passengers and crew will practice social distancing.
The safety of passengers and crew is the highest priority for the Alaska Marine Highway System.
AMHS continues to work closely with Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) to establish protocols intended to protect everyone during sailings, especially sailings that are longer in duration.
To find testing in your location, visit:
Test site locator for the U.S. Alaska test site locator
Ferry Travel Update Re Covid-19
Alaska Ferry Covid-19 Update
Travel on any Alaska ferry now requires proof of a negative COVID-19 test completed within 7 days of travel.
Links are provided to both the State of Alaska COVID -19 declaration and to the test location sites.
For more information please email info@ferrytravel.com
BC Ferries Unveils The Ferry " Island Discovery "
Hybrid-Electric Ferry For Texada Island – Powell River Route
The Island Discovery, BC Ferries' latest addition to the fleet, will begin regularly scheduled service between Texada and Powell River with the 3 p.m. sailing on Wednesday, June 10, .
With a capacity of 47 vehicles and 392 passengers, the Island Discovery is the first of a series of hybrid-electric ships designed for future full electric operation. Her launch will see the 59-year-old North Island Princess retired.
The hybrid technology enables the ferries to bridges the gap while waiting for shore charging infrastructure and funding to become available.
Replacing the Quadra Queen II ( which will become a relief ferry) on the Port McNeill – Alert Bay – Sointula route later in June, will be the Island Aurora, the second vessel in the Island Class series.
To book ferry travel, go to ferrytravel.com or call 1-800-686-0446
BC Ferry Passage Requirements
Face Masks A Must For All Ferry Passengers
As of 15 June, 2020, all passengers travelling onboard BC Ferries, on routes longer than 30 minutes are required to be in possession of a face mask that covers their mouth and nose.
Passengers must agree to wear the covering when they cannot maintain two metres (six feet) of physical separation from other people onboard.
This directive applies to all passengers over the age of two, including those passengers travelling in a vehicle.
Customers must bring their own face coverings as BC Ferries will not be supplying them to travellers.
For all questions or to book the Port Hardy - Prince Rupert ferry, please email info@ferrytravel.com
Alaska Cancels The Tustumena Ferry Sailings
MV Tustumina Ferry Sailings Postoned Due To Covid-19
While AMHS had planned to resume the MV Tustumena ferry service Saturday, June 13, a crew member on the vessel has tested positive for COVID-19.
This has resulted in 35 crew members now going into quarantine thereby causing all Tustumina sailings to be cancelled until the crew shortage can be rectified.
All AMHS passengers who are impacted by the canceled sailings are being notified.
Alaska Ferries Restrict Space
Ferries To Alaska Booking At 33% Capacity
For the protection of both passengers and crew through working to ensure safe distancing practices, the Alaska ferries have reduced the ridership on each ferry by 66%.
This means that almost every sailing sells out very quickly and that dynamic pricing goes into effect almost immediately.
To secure space on any sailing it is essential to book as far in advance as is possible. If a sailing needs to be changed later, the fee is modest and is certainly less that booking late at a higher fare.
For more information on specific sailings ( note that the fare quote is the base price) go to www.ferrytravel.com or call 1-800-686-0446 to make a booking.
Passport Reminder For Alaska Ferry Travel
Bellingham - Whittier Passengers Do NOT Require Passports
Passengers boarding the Alaska ferry in Bellingham and travelling to Whittier ARE NOT REQUIRED to carry passports as that ferry does not stop in Canada.
Passengers travelling on the Bellingham - Haines ferry ARE REQUIRED to carry passports as the ALCAN Hwy from Haines AK to Anchorage, Fairbanks etc, dips into Canada for a short time before re crossing the border back into Alaska.
Note: Canada does not allow entry with either handguns, semi automatic or automatic rifles.
(Weapons can be sent by Fed-X to Alaska)
Canada also deems a DUI conviction ( Driving Under the Influence) to be a felony & may refuse entry.
For more information check the FAQ page on Ferrytravel.com