All news

Low Canadian Dollar & Reliable Service = Increased Ridership


BC Ferries is enjoying significantly increased traffic as the US traveller takes advantage of the exchange rate and reliable service.
Quarterly revenues were up 18.8 million as BC Ferries saw US visitor ridership increase by more than 47,000 and overseas travellers up approximately 30% this summer

BC Ferries Newest Vessel

With a saving expected to equal some $80M over its 40yr lifetime, the BC Ferries new Denman Island cable ferry " Baynes Sound Connector,” has now arrived in Buckley Bay.
 With a maximum speed of 8.5 knots the cable ferry will carry 150 passengers and 50 Vehicles.

Alaska Ferry Travel Fares Reduced


Vehicle drivers using the Alaska ferries between 01 October 2015 thru to and inclusive of 30 April 2013 will enjoy a 50% reduction on their tariffs.
For reservations go to www.ferrytravel.com

Passengers will enjoy lower fares on BC Ferries Routes

Effective 08 September thru 31 October 2015, major & minor route passengers travelling Mon - Thurs and on Saturdays can expect a 50% fare reduction on selected sailings

Between  01 Oct & 31 Oct 2015, a similar discount will apply to passengers travelling on the Northern Routes (Inside Passage, Haida Gwaii, Discovery Gate Connector, and Skidegate/Alliford Bay)

Alaska Ferry Update


A Heavy seas forecast for Chatham Strait and S. Lynn Canal has caused Alaska Marine to cancel the FVF Chenega sailings for Wednesday, September 2.
The vessel was scheduled to sail Juneau - Sitka - Juneau. 
For further information email info@ferrytravel.com

As Alaska Marine cuts back its Prince Rupert Ferry service to 1 sailing per week ( Oct- April), BC Ferries comes to the rescue of the citys tourism industry with promotional ferry discounts designed to encourage off season travel to the city of Prince Rupert.

Cancelled thru 14 Aug, 2015


MV Aurora sailings are canceled through Aug. 14 due to mechanical issues.
FVF Fairweather will sail a revised schedule to accommodate affected travelers.  Call 1-907-465-3941

Best Deal - Guaranteed !
Once again it is worth emphasizing that booking a Ferry Hotel package when travelling Seattle- Victoria, is the sensible way to go

Quick example: 
Fairmont Empress 2 night Pkge at 646.46 Includes


 
1) Seattle Victoria Round Trip ferry for 2 adult passengers
2) Two (2) nights at the famous Fairmont Empress
3) Total Cost: $646.46 usd ( All taxes etc included)

 Seattle-Victoria is Ferry alone 378.00 or 189.00pp

Call 1-800-686-0446 for additional packages

Will They or Wont They?
Given the diminished budget and Alaska ferry service cuts this summer, unsupported speculation is that historical winter programs like Drivers Travel Free - may be a thing of the past.

So far there has been no word as to whether Alaska Marine will increase fares or whether they will continue the "Driver Travels Free Oct Thru April" policy employed over the last few years.

Alaska Marine Schedules
Slightly later than in previous years, the Alaska Marine ferry schedules are expected to be released toward the end of August.
 
The schedules will cover the period October 2015 through and inclusive of April 30, 2016.

BC Ferries agents have heart!

Dani

c

Danica Marrs termed an angel by grateful Mum
Heavy sailing waits to Vancouver Island on the busiest weekend of the year threatened to prevent a Langley Mother from getting to her sons bedside after he suffered a life threatening stroke.
On hearing the situation, BCF agent Danica Marrs enabled the dying mans family to board the next sailing to Nanaimo and make it to the hospital in time to say goodbye.

Danica

Well Done Michael Corrigan & BCF Crew !


A company constantly criticized and seldom praised, CONGRATULATIONS to BC Ferries President Mike Corrigan who in spite of tough times brought in a significant earnings increase over 2014. 
A tough company to steer because everyone thinks they can do it better,
BCF is unfailingly courteous - and an unparalled treat to deal with on both a professional & passenger level
Success always comes from the top -  Kudos BC Ferries & Mike Corrigan!

Sunday, May 24

Mechanical issues today forced the cancellation of all 24 May MV Taku sailings
 
Through May 26, the MV Matanuska will sail the revised schedules shown below

Monday, May 25
Juneau depart  1:00 am. (added run to Haines)
Arrive Haines    5:30 a.m.
Depart Haines   6:30 am.
Arrive Juneau  11:30 am.      
Depart Juneau  1:00 pm.
Arrive Petersburg  9:00 pm.
Depart Petersburg  9:45 pm.

Tuesday, May 26
Arrive  Wrangell  12:45 am.
Depart  Wrangell  1:30 am.
Arrive  Ketchikan  7:30 am.
Depart  Ketchikan  8:30 am.
Arrive  Prince Rupert  3:30 pm.
Depart  Prince Rupert  5:30 pm.
Arrive  Ketchikan  10:30 pm.
Depart  Ketchikan  11:45 pm. (on schedule)

Alaska Marine Funding Restored for 2015/16

By allocating $5.5 million of unused fiscal year 2015 AMHS fuel trigger funds, Governor Walker restored funding to the 2016 Alaska Marine operating budget .
This funding allows Alaska Marine to provide the previously scheduled ferry service & thereby honor previously booked reservations. 

There is one exception - the MV Taku sailings for July and August of 2015 have been cancelled but the vessel will return to service in October

Extra ferry stop 17 May in Angoon Alaska


The FVF Chenega will make an extra stop in Angoon  to accommodate visitors attending the Angoon High School graduation.
For additional details contact 907-465-3940

Alaska Marine:

A Coast Guard inspection on Tuesday, 26 May will cause the MV Aurora to have an extended port call to Valdez on Tuesday May 26th
For additional details call 1-907-465-3940.

Alaska Ferry Delay


The MV Tustumena is scheduled to return to service Sunday, May 17 after additional service was deemed necessary during the ships annual overhaul. 
There will be a revised schedule however it should not affect the ships departure from Homer on May 19

Withthe opening of Cuba to US travellers, several ferry companies have made application to serve travellers seeking visit Cuba by ferry.

Summer Is Here

Washington State Ferries have released the May-June schedules for Port Townsend/Coupeville and Anacortes/Sidney, B.C.
See www.ferrytravel.com/anacortes.htm