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Non Essential Travel Is Irresponsible Travel

BC Ferries Report Heavy Easter Weekend Traffic

BC Ferrries reported full or nearly full sailings on many routes Thursday afternoon and evening, and although repeated warning to avoid non-essential travel were broadcast, it seemed to make little difference.

Every scheduled ferry sailing between Vancouvers' Horseshoe Bay terminal and the Sunshine Coast was full Thursday. By Thursday evening, 2 Friday ferry sailings to the Sunshine Coast were sold out.

Stay Home !   The Premier of British Columbia has said it, the Prime Minister of Canada has said it; the President of the US & the Governors of Washington and Alaska have said it.   The World Health Organization has implored it .
We are in the midst of a global Pandemic which calls for self isolating except to complete essential service chores as quickly as possible.

Do not take a ferry, a bus, a plane or even a car - if not absolutely necessary.

This means no visiting the cottage; no visiting the chalet; no trips on a private boat; stay away from campgrounds and stay away from parks. 

To fight this pandemic in the best & fastest possible way, it is important to self isolate, to go out only when necessary.
Good news is that the weather is great -  so clean up the garden, sit on the patio, open some windows to let the fresh air in.

In the evening clean out that sock drawer, sort photographs, write a journal, hop onto the internet & check out Our Planet on Netflix.
Regard this period as bonus time - time to start or complete projects that have been on hold.

But whatever the choice, make sure you are staying home!

www.ferrytravel.com is updated daily and emails are answered within hours. 




Help Us To Help Yoiu

New Feature On FerryTravel.Com

The purpose of FerryTravel.com is to make both learning about or booking ferry travel, whether in British Columbia or Washington or Alaska, as easy as possible.

To ensure that the information provided on the site, through emails or on the phone is as helpful as possible, we have implemented a feedback section. This will enable site users to let us know if we are on track.

But a Feedback button only works if it is used.  On the right side of each page is a little red box that is marked FEEDBACK.


Please take a moment to click on it & provide feedback - good feedback we love; negative feedback we appreciate and will use to improve service.

Stay safe - and we look forward to welcoming you onboard in the not to distant future.

US Passport Update

Emergency Travel Only

The State Department has stopped issuing passports except for cases of a "life-or-death" emergency among family members abroad.

"Due to public health measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, effective March 20, 2020, we are only able to offer service for customers with a qualified life-or-death emergency and who need a passport for immediate international travel within 72 hours," the State Department says.

Emergencies that qualify for an immediate passport include serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths affecting a "parent, child, spouse, sibling, aunt, uncle, etc.," which require travel outside of the U.S.

Alaska Ferry Serving Prince Rupert Temporarily Cancelled

Prince Rupert - Ketchikan Ferry Service Cancelled

On April 08, 2020 Alaska cancelled the ferry service between Prince Rupert and Ketchikan until further notice.

COVID-19 travel restrictions have prevented work to bring the Alaska terminal in Prince Rupert into compliance with federal regulations.

US Customs and the Canadian Border Protection will meet as soon as travel restrictions are lifted so that Alaska Marine can comply with the U.S. Canada Preclearance Agreement.

For further information of summer bookings email: questions@ferrytravel.com

Covid-19 Disrupts BC Ferries

BC Ferries Adjust Their Ferry Schedules

Covid-19 has cause BC Ferries to reduce service throughout their system and in some cases, to close specific routes & services until further notice.

Note: All Food, Retail & Baggage Services Are Suspended Until Further Notice

The following ferry routes have seen BC ferry service changes:  Vancouver - Vancouver Island

Tsawwassen (Vancouver) - Duke Point (Nanaimo) ferry route:
From Tsawwassen                                 From Duke Point
7:45 am                                               5:15 am                     
12:45 pm                                             10:15 am
5:45 pm                                               3:15 pm
10:45 pm                                             8:15 pm

Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver)-Departure Bay (Nanaimo): temporary ferry service suspension

Tsawwassen (Vancouver) –  Swartz Bay (Victoria) ferry route: 60 day schedule adjustment
Depart Tsawwassen                                 From Swartz Bay 
7:00 am                                                9:00 am                      
11:00 am                                              1:00 pm
5:00 pm                                                3:00 pm
9:00 pm                                                7:00 pm


Mill Bay - Brentwood Bay:                  temporary ferry service suspension

Langdale – Horseshoe Bay ferry route:  60 day revised schedule
Depart Horseshoe Bay                              Depart Langdale 
7:30 am                                                    6:20 am                      
9:50 am                                                    8:40 am
11:55 am                                                  10:50 am
4:20 pm                                                    3:15 pm
6:35 pm                                                    5:25 pm
8:45 pm                                                    7:40 pm

Alaska Ferry Schedule Delays

Mid-April to Early May Alaska Ferry Schedules Revised

Previously scheduled to resume service in mid-April and early May 2020, the Alaska ferries, M/V Columbia, M/V Kennicott, & M/V Tustumena have now been rescheduled & will tentatively resume service in mid-May.

For more information please go to either the ferry schedule page or the ferry reservation page.



Good News For Alaska Ferries & Ferry Travellers

Alaska Marine Receives Stability Budget

The Alaska Legislature has approved a $66.7 million budget to keep the Alaska Marine Highway System running for the year. 
The operating budget for the state's ferry service was increased by around $20 million over the previous year.

The ferry Aurora, (currently laid up because of cost-cutting), will receive another $19 million for repairs and and should now guarantee that a back-up ferry is available should another vessel breaks down.

Independent Rep. Dan Ortiz has determined to bring stability back to the state’s ferry network and to put "... the marine highway system in the place where they should be able to provide adequate service throughout the system."

While Governor Dunleavy still has an option to veto the budget, it is thought to be unlikely after this last years strain on not only the system, but Alaska residents & visitors to the state.


BC Ferries Continue To Operarte

Public Requested to Limit Ferry Travel

BC Ferries has announced that their Lower mainland, Vancouver Island & the Gulf Island ferries will continue to operate but travellers are asked to only take the ferries when necessary.

"None of us should be travelling if it is not essential,” said Mark Collins, BC Ferries president and CEO, in a statement.

Travellers that need to travel should know that the company has taken steps to keep ferry travel as safe as possible but customers are being requested to adhere to safe practices for their own safety and for the safety of BC Ferries employees."

Enhanced cleaning measures are in place aboard all operating BC Ferries.

Passengers are at this time, able to remain in their vehicles on most decks to restrict contact with other passengers.

For reservations on the Northern routes, click on the appropriate live link:  Port Hardy; Prince Rupert, Skidegate Haida Gwaii).


Port Angeles - Victoria Ferry Update

Port Angeles - Victoria Ferry Suspends Service

Effective 30 March, 2020 through 30 April 2020, ferry service between Port Angeles WA and Victoria BC will be suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Black Ball Line said service will continue to operate under the current schedule until 30 March, to allow for the return of United States and Canadian citizens back to both countries as well as commercial cargo service.

All non-essential travel is suspended in accordance with announcements from Canadian and U.S. federal governments.

The last sailing of the MV COHO ferry from Port Angeles will depart at 2 pm on March 29.
The last sailing of the MV COHO ferry from Victoria will depart at 4 pm on March 29.

Seattle - Victoria Ferry Sailings Suspended

No Seattle - Victoria Ferry Sailings Until 20 May


Clipper ferry travel will be suspended between Seattle & Victoria until May 20, 2020 for precautionary reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The company is taking extra measures to ensure the health and safety of both their customers and employees during this critical time.
Clipper will continue to coordinate closely with government and health officials to provide guidance and direction on their return to service.

To book travel between Seattle - Victoria during the summer or fall months go to www.ferrytravel.com or email : info@ferrytravel.com

Alaska Undertakes Intensified Ferry Cleaning

Cleaning on Board the Alaska Ferries

  1. All public restrooms are disinfected three times per day & wiped down routinely throughout the day.
  2. High touch areas such as handrails, countertops, door handles, drinking fountains and vending machines are sanitized several times per day.
  3. The ferry system has temporarily removed certain food items such as salad bars, self-serve & unwrapped food items from all cafes. (Removed items can be requested from the cook, server or cashier).
  4. The State is providing regular training to all crew regarding the CDC advised cleaning practices.
  5. AMHS is using the CDC recommended disinfecting and sanitizing products.

To enquire about summer fall ferry sailings email: info@ferrytravel.com

AMHS Temporarily Waives Ferry Cancellation Fees

COVED -19 Consideration

As a result of the COVED19 outbreak, the State of Alaska has recognized that travellers may wish to avoid discretionary ferry travel until the epidemic is under control.
With this is mind, Alaska ferry cancellation fees are now being waived until 08 April, 2020

To cancel or make changes to an itinerary contact: info@ferrytravel.com

Alaska Ferry Schedule Changes

MV Lituya Schedule Change Effective Thursday March 26 - April 30

Overnighting in Ketchikan during this period, the Alaska ferry MV Lituya will follow the schedule below on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.

Depart Ketchikan at 10:45am 
Arrive Annette Bay at 11:30am
Depart Annette Bay at 3:45pm
Arrive Ketchikan at 3:30pm

The ferry will not operate on Tuesdays or Wednsdays.

Seattle to Victoria Ferry Operations Suspended

 Seattle to Victoria Ferry Cancellations

Effective Tuesday March 17 2020, Clipper Navigation will suspended all Seattle Victoria ferry sailings through and inclusive of April 30.

It is hoped that regular Seattle Victoria ferry service will be restored May 01, 2020.
Regular updates will be posted here as they occur.

Canadian Borders Now Closed Except To US & Cdn Citizens

US Citizens Still Able to Travel To Canada

With the exception of US residents and diplomats, Prime Minister Trudeau announced this morning that Canada would be closing her borders to all foreign nationals at midnight.

This action has been taken to try to protect the health and safety of both Canadians and American citizens.

For more information email: info@ferrytravel.com

Ferries Between Washington And Canada

Seattle Ferry, Port Angeles Ferry, & BC Ferries


Sailings are proceeding as scheduled for the Seattle - Victoria ferry (passenger only); the ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria (passenger - vehicle ferry) and the BC Ferries (passenger - vehicle ferries) serving Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast and the northern routes of Prince Rupert, Port Hardy, Haida Gwai etc

Alaska Marine Cancellation Policy

The State of Alaska Ferries Are Currently Running As Scheduled

The State of Alaska has advised that as the Alaska Marine ferries continue to operate according to schedule, fees for any cancellations will continue to apply.

As updates from the State are received, they will be posted here.

Any questions will be answered through info@ferrytravel.com  

Seattle Victoria Ferry Reservations

Popularity of the Seattle Victoria Ferry Still Strong


In spite of COVID-19, travel on the Seattle Victoria ferry is still heavy.

With the reduction of sailings (no Tuesday or Wed sailings until May 14), it is now more important than ever to book well in advance if planning travel on the ferry either from Seattle to Victoria or Victoria to Seattle.

With the daffodils, crocus, tulips, hycinths etc all competing for spring praise, Victoria is particularly beautiful at this time of year.

Click to book or get information on the Seattle Victoria ferry

Travel Insurance More Important Than Ever

Travel Insurance Protects Ferry Cancellation Charges

With the outbreak of COVID-19, securing travel insurance to protect against unexpected ferry cancellations /changes is now more important than ever.

Travel insurance can usually be obtained from auto associations ( AAA, BCAA, NFU, RAC) or independent insurance agencies.

BEFORE buying trip insurance however, double check with your credit card company as travel insurance is often an included perk with the more popular cards.
While it is important to carry travel insurance, it is both frustrating & unnecessarily costly, to pay for coverage you already have.

BC Ferries Request to Ministry of Transportation

Request to Self-Isolate on BC Ferry Trips

Premier Horgan has requested that BC Ferries relax the law prohibiting passengers parked on the lower ferry decks, from staying in their vehicles.

Currently, only passenger parked on open (top) deck/s are allowed to stay in their vehicles while the ferries are underway.

In response to the request of Premier Horgan & a number of ferry travellers, Mark Collins, president of BC Ferries, has asked Transport Canada for temporary lenience of the relatively new requirement regarding passengers staying in their vehicles.

For the most updated information, email: info@ferrytravel.com 

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