All news

No more Bars on the Alaska Marine ferries
Alaska Marine Ferries will close their bar service on their major vessels in 2015
Beer & wine will still be available on board but sales will be limited to each vessel's cafeteria and conducted only during meal hours.
The announcement suggests that the bar closures will result in a saving of some 750,000 per year for the ferry system.

 Alaska Marine Ferries: April 10, 2015
Budget cuts may force both Alaska residents and thousands of visitors planning ferry travel in Alaska this summer to make last minute changes to already confirmed reservations.

While not yet detailed, budget restrictions could force some 9,000+ people currently holding booked and paid for summer ferry reservations to cancel or reschedule their trip/s.

Alaska Marine Highways Deputy Commissioner Mike Neussl (907-465-6977 ) notes that AMHS reservation staff are organized & will be contacting travelers to reschedule sailings and minimize inconveniences as soon as any schedule changes are confirmed

For more details call 1-907-465-3941

Alaska Marine Schedule Change April 16, 2015

To accommodate the Cordova High School music festival there has been a route change to the FVF Fairweather ferry schedule.
Please call 1-907-4653941 for more details. 

Alaska Marine Cancels Ferry
Due to storm force winds, heavy seas and freezing spray, the MV Aurora return sailing Hoonah to Juneau for Thursday, Feb. 5 is delayed.

Information provided by the Alaska Department of Transportation.
Questions should be directed to AMHS at 907-465-3941

BC Ferries is once again between a rock and a hard place.
The Premier has told the corporation not to increase fares nor cut services.
The Transportation Minister advised the corporation that there is no extra money in the budget for additional government funding.
Hmmm.

Alaska Ferry Changes
Commencing 04 April 2014, MV Aurora will provide interim service to cover the MV LeConte
MV LeConte is out of service while her generators undergo repairs.

Alaska Ferry Cancellation: 02 April/14
Mechanical issues with the MV LeConte generator  have caused the cancelleation of her April 2, 2014 sailings.
The situation is currently being assessed & updates can be obtained from the Juneau ferry office.

BC Ferries carry 20 million passengers over 25 routes & 47 ports of call every year.
The fleet includes 35 vessels of varying sizes

The largest vessels in the BC Ferries fleet measure 560' (think 2 football fields) and accommodate 2,100 passengers and 470 vehicles

Thumbnails showing only a few of the BC Ferry Fleet vessels

Whether taking an Alaska ferry from Bellingham WA or a BC ferry from Port Hardy BC, the Inside Passage journey provides unparallelled views of the coast.
Only one hitch - the beauty of these "mini cruises" is now common knowledge making advance bookings mandatory.

Bookings for summer 2014 Port Hardy - Prince Rupert ferry sailings can be made now on www.ferrytravel.com.

      
BCF MV Northern Expedition

Bookings for summer 2014 Bellingham-Alaska ferry sailings will be online soon - but currently can be made with an Alaska expert at 1-800-686-0446 


Alaskas' MV Kennicott


   

Its Not too Early to Plan your Ferry Trip

Ferries are an integral part of life on the BC, WA and Alaska coast.

The popularity of the Alaska Ferries on a global scale coupled with their limited sailings means reservations are absolutely required months and months in advance. 

For summer 2014 ferry reservations or planning information call 1-800-6860446 asap

Vancouver to Nanaimo ferry + Port Hardy to Prince Rupert ferry = Magic

BC Ferries provide some on the worlds most spectacular scenery as you travel thru the Inside Passage.
Ferry from Vancouver (Tsawwassen  or Horseshoe Bay terminal) to Vancouver Island at Nanaimo (either the Duke Point or Departure Bay terminal) then drive up the Island Hwy, thru famous Campbell River to Port Hardy before relaxing on the graciously appointed MV Northern Expedition as she travels to Prince Rupert.

 
Call 1-800-686-0446 for reservation help

Stay 1 Day or Stay Several Days: 

Seattle Victoria ferries enable magical one day or multi-day holidays - but plan ahead because advance reservations are required to avoid disappointment

Fabulous "will not be undersold" package policy makes combining a Victoria hotel stay with a Ferry from Seattle the best price available.

     

Phone 1-800-686-0446; or see online ferry booking at www.ferrytravel.com 

Alaska Ferries


2014 ferry bookings for travel commencing 01 May will be available within the next week.
Alaska ferry space sells out quickly so if planning a summer trip to the "Last Frontier" call 1-800-686-0446 to ensure securing cabin/ vehicle space during the high season.
 

Seattle -> Victoria Holiday Packages starting at 147.00pp/do  (Incl fuel charges)

James Bay Inn                 Inn At Laurel Point
               

Guaranteed Lowest Ferry/Hotel Package Special Includes
* Pricing varies according to hotel chosen : most popular Vic hotels are available
Call 1-800-686-0446 for help in planning /booking

            
                                                                          

 Victoria -> Seattle: Round trip ferry + 2 Seattle hotel nights


Special October 2013 pricing starting at 196.00 pp ( based on double occ)
Special November 2013 thru April 2014 pricing from 193.00pp ( based on double occ)

Passports:
Ferry passengers crossing any boarder are required to carry a valid Passport
Children under 18 yrs who are traveling with their parents are not required to have their own passports

Firearms:
Hand Guns / Semi & Automatic weapons are not allowed into Canada.
If driving the Alaska Hwy (also known as the ALCAN because it dips into Canada) or, if traveling by ferry to Haines Alaska, be aware that you will need a passport after disembarking because to drive to Anchorage, Fairbanks etc is thru Canada.
The only way to avoid traveling through Canada on the way to Alaska with a vehicle is to ferry from Bellingham WA to Whittier Alaska

DUI:( Driving Under the Influence)
A DUI  conviction is considered a felony in Canada and can result in being denied entry into the country.
If a DUI conviction is part of your past, apply for a waiver prior to arriving at the boarder

Alaska Ferry Travel Popularity Increase Each Year


              MV Columbia

2013 gave no sign of the recession for the Alaska Marine ferries.
Bookings for the 2013 summer season saw most vehicle and cabin space sold out by February and as we move into the fall / winter period, all sailings north from Bellingham to Alaska & south from Haines to Washingtom are sold out of vehicle space until November

Cabins and vehicle space are the 1st thing to sell out so if planning a trip in 2014 - Book early !
 If the desired ferry schedule is not posted call 1-800-686-0446 and request a call-back as soon as the newest schedules are available

Alaska Marine Celebrates with the Port of Bellingham
Overcast skies did little to dampen the enthusiasm of Alaska Marine personal as they brought their 50th birthday celebrations to the Port of Bellingham recently.
Cakes, cookies, a live band and an opportunity to board, explore and have a bite to eat in the MV Kennicott dining room all combined to create a good bit of PR for the ferry system that has served the coast for 50+ years



One of the many cakes enjoyed by visitors at the Port of Bellingham celebration


Captain Falvey AMHS General Manager thanked the Port of Bellingham for its hospitality to the Alaska ferry system over the years