Wave2Go
Washington State Ferries introduced their new electronic fare collection system to positive reviews yesterday.
With the new Wave2Go system foot passengers go to a kiosk, enter their destination to buy a boarding pass with their credit card, then swipe the pass thru the turnstiles.
Gone are the days of waiting in line as someone struggles through their purse or wallet trying to find a credit card.
Waitlists started for Summer travel on the Alaska Ferries
Alaska Marine Highway System: Juneau, AK
Cabin & Vehicle space is now very tight for most of the summer sailings from
Nanaimo-Vancouver High-Speed Ferry Service Due To Return
SEALINK FERRY CORP: Nanaimo BC
Ed Life of SeaLink Ferry Corp has announced that high-speed passenger ferry service between downtown
Sporting a brand new Dutch built engine and operating under new ownership, the 40 meter, high-speed catamaran originally operated by HarbourLynx, must complete sea trials & a Transport Canada inspection prior to anticipated service commencement in May
Amenities on board inclyude a snack& coffee bar, washrooms & lounge style seating
Alaska Marine 2007 Sumer Special
Alaska Marine 2007 Sumer Special:
On any round trip between 01 May - 30 Sept, the licensed driver of any passenger vehicle, (including motorcycles) will travel FREE when making a “mirror image” round trip between any two ports served by Alaska marine ferries.
A mirror image round trip is defined as travel from Port A to Port B with a matched reverse return ( eg Bellingham -Haines, Haines - Bellingham).
Summer vehicle space sells out early so look at your calanders and if this is special fits your plans, reserve space asap 1-800-686-0446.
MV Northern Adventure is magnificent
BC FERRIES: Victoria BC
Amongst the amenities on BC Ferries' newest vessel MV Northern Adventure are internet access, spacious 2 & 4 berth (bed) cabins; a gourmet café, childrens' playroom, boutique newsstand and flat screen TVs located throughout the ship.
The ship will serve the 15hr Port Hardy-Prince Rupert route from May through September and for the balance of the year serve the
This is a magnificent vessel, travelling a spectacular route.
Ferry Travel popularity increases
Travel by ferry is becoming increasingly more popular. Always an acceptable, if not preferred means of travel in Britain and Europe, numerous ferry companies do operate in North America, and now a west coast website is providing an efficient and effective means of both booking ferry travel and collecting ferry information
An interesting aspect of travel by ferry is that information on ferry services is usually less well known to travellers (or agents) than the services of other forms of transport - perhaps because there is usually only one operator serving each route
http://www.ferrytravel.com is an informative website that covers all major ferry operators (public and private) in British Columbia, Washington and Alaska.
It also offers suggestions for accommodation on each port page, along with live links to the properties on the various itineraries which enable a quick and easy search of recommended lodging for any ferry served port. Additionally, there is a brief summary on each port served by a ferry.
The site has a secure online booking engine which makes getting quotes or booking a reservable ferry in BC, WA or AK practically effortless.
BC Ferries, Victoria BC: MV Northern Adventure on Show
Artists rendering of the MV Northern Adventure
BC Ferries' newest ferry serving the Inside Passage between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert will commence service March 31, 2007.
Purchased in Greece and refitted in Victoria BC, the MV Northern Adventure will be introduced to the public in various ports along the coast through a series of "open houses". All are welcome
Visit the MV Northern Adventure at the following locations:
-Vancouver at Canada Place March 17 between 2:30-5:00pm
-Skidegate at the BC Ferries terminal March 27, 2:00pm -6:00pm
-Prince Rupert at the BC Ferries Terminal March 28, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
-McLoughlin Bay at the BC Ferries Terminal March 29, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
-Port Hardy at the BC Ferries Terminal March 28, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Ferry Booking Tips
OnLine Ferry Booking Tips for Alaska, BC, Seattle WA & Victoria ferries
Ferry Tickets
1) Early booking is the key to the lowest fares on routes like Seattle- Victoria
2) Tue-Thu travel is usually less expensive for the shorter routes
3)
4) Late evening travel is often discounted between Vancouver & Victoria
5)
6) when booking vehicles, the total length, width & height is required
Package Specials
1) Hotel-ferry packages usually provide best pricing & significant savings
2) Packages can include hotels at the departure &/or arrival ports
3) Seattle-Victoria-Vancouver packages include land transportation
Port Hotels
1) Accommodation in Port Hardy on ferry nights is often sold out: book early
2) Prince Rupert hotel space must be booked early
Travel Insurance
1) protects against unexpected trip cancellation or interruption
2) best insurance pricing is often thru an auto association
3) when used to book some credit cards include trip insurance
travellers departing the ferry in Haines and headed N to Anchores should be aware that Canadian customs is open 0700 thru 2300h.
Passport Requirements for travel by ferry
Passport Requirements for ferry travel between the
Until the year 2008, US & Canadian citizens do not need a passport to travel on a ferry between the two countries.
Although a passport is always preferable, picture ID and Proof of citizenship, e.g. a certified copy of your birth certificate and a government issued ID such as a driver’s license is sufficient to cross the border by ferry.
Be aware however that if you are travelling between any two countries on any airline, even a float plane, you are required to carry a passport.
Port Townsend- Keystone ferry services restored
Washington State Ferries' Port Townsend- Keystone services restored
After hull repairs at Todd Dry-dock, the MV Klickitat returned to service between Port Townsend & Keystone March 14, 2007 commencing with the 12:15pm sailing
Washington State Ferries had removed the vessel from service on Monday after a crack in the hull plating was detected.
40% Saving for vehicle & foot passenger travelling on BC Ferries
Vehicles travel at 20.00 Passengers travel at 5.00
40% savings for foot passengers & standard vehicles to 20'on the following Tsawwassen - Swartz Bay sailings
March 26 through April 04 1pm; 3pm
Fri April 6th 7pm; 9pm
Sat April 7; 14; 21& 28; 5pm; 7pm; 9pm
Sat May 05 & 12; 5pm; 7pm; 9pm|
Sun April 08; 22 & 29 7am; 9am
Tue April 10 1pm; 3pm
May 13 7am; 9am
Swartz Bay - Tsawwassen - Swartz Bay sailings
1st of 3 new C-Class ferries expected to commence service in late 2007
BC Ferries:
By the summer of 2008, 3 new vessels will have joined the BC Ferries fleet to provide the best possible service between the busy Tsawwassen terminal in
The double ended ferries will carry 370 vehicles and approximately 1,650 passengers.
The largest and most advanced of their type in the world, these Super C-class vessels will offer a variety of amenities including gift shops, children’s playrooms, a business (“quiet”) section and dining options from 2 passenger decks.
Watch for updated information on the MV Coastal Renaissance; MV Coastal Inspiration and MV Coastal Celebration