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Seattle to Victoria Ferry Space is Limited

Book Early To Ensure Seattle to Victoria Direct Ferry Space

The ferry travelling direct from downtown Seattle to Victoria downtown is enormously popular for a number of reasons and space is often sold out.

Not only is the ferry like a mini cruise, but on arrival, travellers with US dollars will find that their dollar stretches 25% or more.

Fabulous restaurants, wonderful galleries and fabulous shopping can all be had for what amounts to bargain prices.

Thinking of Taking the Ferry to Alaska ?

Ferry To Alaska Requires Early Booking For Lowest Prices

Be aware of two major changes in the Alaska Ferry system for the Winter / Spring 2019/2020 season.

1) As sailing space diminishes on any ferry, fares will rise substantially (up to as high as an additional 30% for passengers & 50% for vehicles and cabins)

2) Reservation fees for ferry travel will also increase from $25 to as much as $110.00 if a date change is requested within 5 days of departure.

To ensure lower prices - measure your vehicle before booking the ferry.

Alaska Marine Gets Serious About Ferry Fares

Alaska Ferry Fares, Changes and Amendment Costs Rise.
After years of not raising their fares, the Alaska ferry system has been caught in a financially difficult position as the state Commissioner cut the ferry operating budget by $43 Million ( 31%).

This reduction resulted in both a seriously reduced winter ferry schedule and substantially increased fares for passengers, their vehicles and for ferry cabins.

To maximize revenue the increases for 2019/2020 the system will employ a dynamic pricing position. Dynamic pricing means as availability decreases the published fares will increase. The increases will apply across the board - ie for passengers, their vehicles and for ferry cabins



Alaska Ferries Adopt Dynamic Pricing

What Does Dynamic Pricing Mean For The Traveller Using Alaskas' Ferry System  ?

With Alaska Marine having now adopted what is known as "dynamic pricing", it is imperative that travellers planning ferry travel in Alaska in 2020 make their reservations as far in advance as is possible.

In short, dynamic pricing means that travellers planning to use the ferries in Alaska will see the basic fares rise, as a ferry fills.

In the case of the Alaska Marine ferries, the company has  set the bar at 30%.
This means that once 30% of the available space on an Alaska ferry has been sold, the basic fares  (passenger / vehicle and cabin) will all rise: and they will continue to rise as much as 50% over the basic cost, as the ferry fills.

Difficult Times for Alaska Ferry Users

Alaska Ferries & Would Be Ferry Travellers Continue To Suffer After Summer Strike
The Alaska state ferry system, their regular riders, plus summer visitors to the state suffered a number of setbacks & disappointments this summer. 
As striking ferry workers caused system-wide cancellations, the already financially strapped ferry system had to deal with a reported loss of some 3.3 million as they refunded pre-sold tickets.

The culmination of the Inlandboatman's Union strike at the height of summer travel, left an already financially strapped company with even more debt.
The increased debt has resulted in an even greater diminished ferry service schedule between Oct 2019 & April 2020.

With the release of the new winter schedule, it appears if travel on the Alaska ferries is now going to take not only considerable advance travel planning but because of dynamic* pricing, serious financial planning as well.
(Dynamic pricing is a system whereby the ferry fares increase as the ferry space decreases)


Kudos to BC Ferries

BC Ferries to the Rescue 

Earlier this week the crew of the BC ferry Coastal Renaissance spotted an overturned kayak in Departure Bay and working with the shore staff rescued 2 people.  

The lifejacket wearing kayakers were cold but uninjured.

B.C. Ferries spokeswoman Deborah Marshall noted that BC Ferries has been involved in 15 rescues at sea last year.

Haida Gwaii Storm Caused BC Ferry Delay

BC Ferry Departure From Skidegate Delayed

A storm in the region delayed yesterdays BC Ferry Northern Adventure sailing from Skidegate to Prince Rupert.

The Aug 21, 10:00am Tuesday ferry sailing from Skidegate was rescheduled to depart at 10:00pm Tuesday as a result of the heavy rainfall warning.
Passengers were advised to check with BC Ferries for further updates throughout the day.

Dont Get Stuck at the Ferry Terminal

Heavy BC Ferry Traffic
Passenger and vehicle traffic levels for the BC Ferries are the highest the company has ever experienced in the first quarter of a fiscal year.
Virtually every ferry sailing - both mid week & weekend - between Vancouver and Vancouver Island ( both Victoria and Nanaimo) has been sold out.

If planning a trip in either direction from any of the terminals, it is only smart  to take advantage of the optional ferry reservation service.
While it will add approx  $17 to your ticket price, there is nothing worse than sitting at a terminal watching ship after ship depart without you.   $17 then starts to look like a bargain. 

Upgrade Your Seattle Victoria Ferry Experience

Treat Yourself To The Clipper Ferry Vista Class
For only $10 per person (OW), upgrade to Vista Class:

  • Spacious leather seating with panoramic views
  • Additional legroom for window seats
  • Onboard locally sourced food, spirits, and beverages available for purchase
  • Table/group seating in select areas
  • NOTE: Vista Class is located on the upper deck so requires walking up stairs

    • Added Alaska Ferry Sailings

    M/V Lituya: Annette Bay & Ketchikan
    From August 15 thru Aug 19, 2019 there will be additional ferry sailings between Annette Bay and Ketchikan.

    Alaska Ferry Agreement Reached

    Alaska Ferries Are Back in Business 

    After a 7 day strike that cost the state more than 3.2 million dollars in fares, and disrupted transportation plans for more than 8,300 passengers &2,300 vehicles, the Inlandboatmen's Union of the Pacific, reached an agreement Thursday night in its employment contract negotiations with the state. 

    Bringing the ferries back into service takes time as the system moves crews and suplies bck to the ships where they are docked.

    Alaska Govenor Dunleavy Ends Ferry Strike

    Newly Released Alaska Ferry Information

    The State of Alaska and Inlandboatmen's Union of the Pacific (IBU) reached a tentative agreement late Thursday night on a new three-year contract.
    The agreement allows the Alaska Marine ferries to begin preparations to resume ferry service to coastal communities.

    Bringing ferries back into service takes time as Alaska Marine moves crew and supplies back to the ships where they are docked.
    Alaska Marine is resuming ferry operations as follows:

    Lituya – Will begin with Ketchikan – ANB ferry run at 10:45am on Sunday, August 4th. 

    Tazlina – Will begin with a revised schedule of the Juneau-Haines-Juneau ferry run at 7:00am on Sunday, August 4th.

    LeConte – Will begin a Juneau- Gustavus ferry run at 7:00am on Sunday, August 4th.

    Aurora – Will begin with a revised schedule of Valdez-Whittier-Cordova ferry run at 7:30am on Sunday, August 4th.

    Malaspina – Will begin with a Juneau Petersburg ferry run at 5:45pm on Sunday, August 4th.

    Tustumena – Will begin with Kodiak– Homer ferry run at 10:15pm on Wednesday, August 7th.

    Columbia – Will begin with Ketchikan – Bellingham ferry run at 3:00pm on Wednesday, August, 7th.

    Kennicott – Will begin with a Ketchikan– Bellingham ferry run at 3:00pm on Thursday, August 8th.


    AMHS is still refunding passengers for sailings canceled through service resumption dates. AMHS staff will never request credit card information from passengers. Refunds are automatically returned to the credit card on file.

    To inquire about your refund, or rebook/schedule a new sailing, please send an email to info@ferrytravel.com. The Reservations Call Center is open Monday-Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m..

    To better serve displaced passengers, calls will answered from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. this Saturday & Sunday.
    Due to the high volume of calls, it may take time to connect with a customer service representative. Passengers may also call ferry terminals if hold times are too long at the call center.

    # # #

    Alaska Ferry Strike Over

    Alaska Ferries Being Scheduled to Return to Work
    Although there are currently no explicit details, the Juneau office announced this morning that the ferry strike has been settled & that theAlaska ferries will be gin operating as soon as the vessels are restaffed, repositioned & new adjusted schedules are in place.

    Because ferries (and occasionally planes,) are often the only method of transportation for both residents and visitors to/from the coastal communities, the stike which began on Wednesday July 24, saw literally thousands of travellers stranded throughout the State.
    Fisheries, transport trucks, health officials, RV &car rental companies were all left struggling to find aternate transportation as the strike entered its 7th day.

    It is estimated that some 7,000 would be passengers were impacted by the IBU strikers As both sides dug in their heels, the state had, at last count, to refund some 3.1+ million dollars in pre-booked reservations.

    Updates will be postedon the www.ferrytravel.com site as soon as they are confirmed

    Alaska Ferry Passengers Fraud Targets

    Alaska State Security Department Bulletin  (Anchorage, Alaska) –

    "The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) was notified of a report of fraudulent text message targeting AMHS passengers impacted by the ongoing Inlandboatmen's Union of the Pacific strike.

    The State Security Office alerted AMHS to fraudulent text messages targeting AMHS customers waiting for a refund due to canceled sailings.
    These text messages instruct recipients to call a phone number. 
    After dialing the phone number, recipients are then asked to provide a credit card number over the phone.

    Be aware that these text messages are fraudulent and should be ignored or deleted".  Refunds for cancelled Alaska ferry sailings are processed automatically ( average time is 5-7 business days) to the credit card used to purchase the fare & credit card numbers will never be requested.

    Incidents can be reported by emailing infosec@alaska.gov or dialing 907-269-5000.


    Letter to Alaska Ferry Travellers

    Alaska Ferry Strike Information
    Everyone involved in the booking of Alaska ferry reservations shares in the disappointment caused to so many, by the Alaska ferry strikers.
    Too, we hope that sometime in the future you might have an opportunity to again visit the spectacular Alaska communities by ferry.

    With respect to refunds, please be assured that full ferry reservation refunds for the boat/s cancelled will be automatically applied to all credit cards as soon as processed.

    Please note however that although the banks are very quick to charge ones’ card, it does take them between 5-7 working days to process refunds.

    Please accept our apologies for the inconvenience, disappointment and worry the strike has caused.

    If you have any questions we can be reached through info@ferrytravel.com or by calling 1-800-686-0446 .
    Please be aware that close to 7,000 travellers have been affected by this strike so patience, although frustrating, is much appreciated.

    Patience Requested for Alaska Ferry Refunds

    Ferry Reservation Refunds
     Be aware that banks can take up to 7 business days to process credit card refunds. 
    While occasionally it may be faster, the typical time frame is 5-7 working days.

    Patience is requested as the Alaska ferry system moves as quickly as possible through the process of refunding close to 7,000 bookings.

    Latest Alaska Ferry News

    July 30 News Release Taken from the Alaska Ferry Office

    "Due to the ongoing strike by employees represented by the Inlandboatmen's Union, the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) announces the following cancellations.

    As of today, future vessel sailings are canceled according to the following schedule:

    • MV Columbia:  canceled through Wednesday, August 7.
      When service resumes it will be a Ketchikan to Bellingham run that day, then resumption of the normal schedule.
    • MV Malaspina:
    • canceled through Sunday, August 4.
      When service resumes it will be the Juneau to Petersburg run that day, then resumption of the normal schedule.
    • MV Aurora & LeConte canceled through Friday, August 2.
      Service may resume on Saturday, August 3. 
    • MV Tazlina & Lituya (day boats) canceled through Friday, August 2.
      Service may resume on Saturday, August 3. 
    • MV Kennicott: remains canceled through August 7. 
      When service resumes it will be the resumption of the normal schedule, departing from Ketchikan.
    • MV Tustumena: canceled through August 7.
      When service resumes it will be the Kodiak to Homer run on August 7, then resumption of the normal schedule.

    The above schedule takes into consideration where each ship is docked, where it should leave to according to the published schedule & it gives AMHS time to get the vessels fully crewed and provisioned and the ships ready to sail."

    Passenger fares for canceled sailings are being refunded. Please note that credit card refunds can take up top 7 days to process. 


    Alaska Ferry Refunds Top 2.8 Million in Last 6 Days

    More than 6,554 Alaska Ferry Passengers Looking for Refunds

    As of Monday evening, refunds totaling some $2.8 million are in the works to the more than 6,554 travellers who had booked passage on the 11 Alaska ferries now tied up ion various ports as a result of the Inland Boatmans Union (IBU) strike started last Wednesday. 

    The strike has caused chaos throughout the state and amongst global travellers trying to meet plane / accommodation etc commitments, but now caught in more than 33 Alaska coastal communities.

    Most of Alaska’s ferry-served communities, including Juneau the state capital, can be reached only by boat or plane and so depend on the ferries for not only passenger travel, but the delivery of groceries, seafood catches, vehicles and other items.

    The IBU’s last contract with the state expired in mid-2017 & the union has accused the Dunleavy administration of bad-faith in negotiations and labor violations. 
    Gov Dunleavy, who has expressed a desire to privatize the state operated ferry system, had, last month, announced both deep budget cuts, and at the end of September, the cancellation of ferry service to several Alaska communities until summer 2020.

    www. ferrytravel.com provides information on & secure online reservations for: the Alaska Ferries: BC Ferries, Seattle Victoria Ferries and Vancouver Victoria passenger ferry.





    BC Ferries Responds to Addenbroke Island Plane Cash

    Northern Sea Wolf Responds to Crash

    The BC Ferries vessel Northern Sea Wolf, was among the respondents to a float plane crash north of Port Hardy & south of Bella Bella on Friday July 26.   

    The Sea Wolf, part of the northern Discovery Coast Connector ferry route, joined the Coast Guard & other vessels in responding to news of the crash.

    The float plane, operated by Seair Seaplanes out of Richmond BC, had been headed to Calvert Island.  An investigation by the Transportation Safety Board is being conducted into what caused the accident.

    www. ferrytravel.com provides information on & secure online reservations for: the Alaska Ferries: BC Ferries, Seattle Victoria Ferries and Vancouver Victoria passenger ferry.


    Alaska Ferry Refunds

    Refunds for Cancelled Ferry Sailings
    27th July, 2019 5:50PM

    Due to the ongoing Inlandboatmen's Union strike, Alaska Marine Highway System vessels are still currently not sailing.

    All vessel sailings are cancelled through Tuesday, July 30, with the exception of the MV Kennicott, which is cancelled through Wednesday, August 7.

    Passenger fares for these affected sailings are being refunded.
    The call center will resume normal business hours on Monday, July 29 from 7:30am – 4:00pm.


    www. ferrytravel.com provides information on & secure online reservations for the Alaska Ferries: BC Ferries, Seattle Victoria Ferries and Vancouver Victoria passenger ferry.


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