Annette Bay & Ketchikan to Enjoy
Additional ferry sailings between Annette Bay and Ketchikan are scheduled for Monday, December 31, 2018 & Tuesday, January 1, 2018.
This decision will enable the M/V Lituya to overnight in Ketchikan due to forecasted heavy winds.Cancelled ferry sailings for Kodiak, Port Lions & Ouzinkie
Gale force winds, heavy seas, & freezing spray, have caused sailings to Kodiak, Port Lions, and Ouzinkie for Sunday and Monday, December 30-31, 2018 on the M/V Tusutmena to be cancelled.
On Sunday, December 30, 2018, the M/V Tusutmena will make its scheduled ferry stop in Seldovia & will then return to, & remain in Homer until resuming her regularly scheduled sailings on Tuesday, January 1, 2019.Alaska Ferry Service Cancelled
Mechanical issues have caused the F/V Fairweather to cancel her ferry sailings on Dec 29 & Dec 30 however
the M/VLeConte will take over the Fairweather's Lynn Canal voyage on Sunday, December 30, 2018.
The Sunday ferry schedule for December 301, 2018 on the LeConte will be:
- Depart Juneau at 8:00 am to Arrive Haines at 12:30pm
- Depart Haines at 1:00 pm to Arrive Skagway at 2pm
- Depart Skagway at 3:00 pm to Arrive Haines at 4pm
- Depart Haines at 5:00 pm to Arrive Juneau at 9:30pm
Alaska Ferry Space Sells out Well in Advance of Summer Travel
Every year travellers are disappointed because they are unable to travel the most popular ferry routes in Alaska because they waited too long to secure space.
If planning to ferry Bellingham Washington to Whittier Alaska or visa versa, or to ferry Valdez to Whittier (either way), it is essential to book as early as possible.
The ferry serving the Valdez <-> Whittier route is almost always sold out of vehicle space by June.
To avoid travelling through Canada, the only route available to vehicle driversis the ferry Bellingham <-> Whittier.
Driving the highway does not avoid a quick dip into Canada.
With only 10 sailings in either directions each year, summer ferry space to Whittier is usually sold out by February.
(Whittier ferry service is only 2x per month beginning in April & ending in September)
To secure ferry reservations either call 1-800-686-0446 or for faster service book directly online at www.ferrytravel.com.BC Ferries cancels sailings on major route due to high winds
High winds and heavy seas have forced BC Ferries to cancel the 12:00PM sailing from Vancouver (Tsawwassen terminal) and the 2:00PM ferry sailing from Victoria ( Swartz Bay)
New announcements will be made closer to the schedules 4:00 PM and onward sailings.
If holding BC Ferry reservations on the Vancouver or Victoria sailings please call 1-888-223-3779 to secure the most updated information.Poor Weather causes BC & Washington Ferry Cancellations
After a day of gale force winds and stormy seas, most BC & Washington ferry services have resumed.
BC Ferries are again operating along the Sunshine Coast, the Gulf Islands and between the Mainland and Vancouver Island.
Both the Seattle ferry to Victoria (Clipper) and the ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria (MV Coho) anticipate resuming their normal ferry schedule services on Friday 21 Dec.Seaman Rescued By BC Ferries
Responding to a 6:30 PM mayday call from a pleasure craft sinking near Moresby Island on Monday evening, the crew on the Coastal Celebration rescued the boater from his sinking 24-foot aluminum vessel.
Gale-force winds and four-foot seas caused the near fatal accident however the help provided by BC Ferries reversed the course of a near tragedy.
Although the pleasure boat was lost, the owner was treated and released from hospital with no serious injuries.Ferry To Overnight In Ketchikan
Due to forecasted high winds, the MV Lituya will overnight in Ketchikan
Additional ferry sailings between Annette Bay and Ketchikan will b available on Friday, 02 Nov & Sat 03 Nov.Running Times for Alaska Ferries
| |
Bellingham |
Prince Rupert |
Ketchikan |
Wrangell |
Petersburg |
Sitka |
Juneau |
Haines |
Skagway |
| Prince Rupert |
- |
- |
6 hrs |
12 hrs |
15 hrs |
25 hrs |
23 hrs |
27.5 hrs |
28.5 hrs |
| Ketchikan |
38 hrs |
6 hrs |
- |
6 hrs |
9 hrs |
19 hrs |
17 hrs |
21.5 hrs |
22.5 hrs |
| Wrangell |
44 hrs |
12 hrs |
6 hrs |
- |
3 hrs |
13 hrs |
11 hrs |
15.5 hrs |
16.5 hrs |
| Petersburg |
47 hrs |
15 hrs |
9 hrs |
3 hrs |
- |
10 hrs |
8 hrs |
12.5 hrs |
13.5 hrs |
| Sitka |
57 hrs |
25 hrs |
19 hrs |
21 hrs |
18 hrs |
- |
8.5 hrs |
13 hrs |
14 hrs |
| Juneau |
55 hrs |
23 hrs |
17 hrs |
11 hrs |
8 hrs |
8.5 hrs |
- |
4.5 hrs |
5.5 hrs |
| Haines |
59.5 hrs |
27.5 hrs |
21.5 hrs |
15.5 hrs |
12.5 hrs |
13 hrs |
4.5 hrs |
- |
1 hr |
| Skagway |
60.5 hrs |
28.5 hrs |
22.5 hrs |
16.5 hrs |
13.5 hrs |
14 hrs |
5.5 hrs |
1 hr |
- |
How long does it take to ferry between Seattle & Victoria, is a common question.
The ferry travelling between Seattle & Victoria takes between 2-3/4 & 3 hrs.
A high-speed catamaran, the ferry able to carry 425 foot passengers.
No vehicles are carried on the Seattle ferry - and at this time, there are no vehicle ferries travelling the Seattle Victoria route.
The Seattle Victoria ferry pricing will vary depending on both space availabliity & date of travel - however, the very best fares are available for those booking a ferry/hotel package.
Any separately booked hotel & ferry is guaranteed to cost more than a package special that includes both ferry transportation + a Victoria hotel.
For more information that will include most of the downtown Victoria hotels included in the ferry/hotel packages, call 1-800-686-0446
Alaska Time Zone
Alaska uses Alaska Time.
Alaska time is one hour earlier than Pacific StandardTime &
four hours earlier than Eastern Standard Time.
In 2018 Daylight
Savings Time in Alaska begins on March 12 at 2am and ends on November 04 at 2am.
Alaska & BC Ferry Passengers Must Ride on the Upper Decks
Coast Guard regulations require passengers to move to the upper decks while the vessel they are travelling on is underway.
Sleeping in an RV on the ferry is against regulations so cabins with bunk beds are available on most ferries travelling overnight.
Alternatively, sleeping in any one of the many onboard lounges is acceptable and is free.
Get costs & schedules for travel on ferries in Alaska, BC and Washington at www.ferrytravel.com
RV's and Travel Trailers on the Alaska Ferry
Both the Alaska State ferries and BC Ferries can accommodate RV’s, motorhomes & passenger trucks pulling trailers.
The maximum allowable length is 70’ and a maximum height to 13’.
Folding in mirrors where possible can result is a substational cost saving as a standard width rate is charged for vehicles up to 8’6”.
For vehicles between 8’7" - 8’11” wide, the vehicle rate is increased by 25% over the standard fare; and RV's etc over 9' wide will incur an charge of 50% on top of the standard vehicle fare.
It is important to accurately measure the combined bumper to bumper length of your vehicle/s so when making a reservation you are charged the correct price.
Ferry costs for RVs etc are based on the car deck space required - so accuracy is important.
Travelling by ferry with an RV is extremely popular as the parks in both British Columbia and Alaska are numerous. It is absolutely essential to book any RVs, motorhomes and campers hoping to travel on the Alaska or BC Ferries ASAP.
Get costs & schedules for RV and Camper travel on ferries in Alaska, BC and Washington at www.ferrytravel.com
Popular Vancouver to Victoria Ferry Service Releases New 2019 Schedule
Due to restart service in April 2019, the V2V Vacations ferry serving Vancouver to Victoria foot passengers will commence daily, round-trip service.
This schedule change will make it possible to to visit the Island and return to the Mainland the same day.
This has been a long desired schedule change and should result in a significant increase in traffic for this passenger-only ferry service.
Get costs & schedules for travel on the Vancouver to Victoria fast ferry at www.ferrytravel.com
Passport Requirements
US citizens travelling from one state to another either by land, air or sea, do not need passports.
However if travelling on the Alaska ferry to Haines or Skagway with the intention of driving the Alcan Hwy to Denali, Anchorage, Fairbanks etc, you will pass through Canada - and if over 18yrs a valid passport. is required.
Get costs, schedules plus rule/regulation information for travel on ferries in Alaska, BC and Washington at www.ferrytravel.com
Cut The Net !
Just before 5pm the BC Ferry Queen of Alberni travelling at approx 6 knots snagged a submerged fishing net near Duke Point Nanaimo.
The ferry had slowed to avoid several boats in the area but had been unable to see the submerged fish net until snagging it.
The fishing boat was pulled in the ferry’s wake for a very short time before the taut line either snaped or someone aboard the fishing boat cut it free.
The area around the terminal can become quite crowded as smaller vessels can ofter block the ferry's path.
MV Fairweather October 19, 2018 sailings Cancelled
Alaska Marine has cancelled the M/V Fairweather Friday, October 19, 2018 sailings due to expected bad weather.
For further information call 907-983-2229
Vancouver Ferry Terminal ( Swartz Bay) Upgrade
With some seven million passengers each year, it hs become evident that the ferry terminal at Swartz Bay is in need of upgrades to more efficiently handle the growing traffic.
While current discussion focuses on technical enhancements to the berths & loading ramps, there is talk of a waterfront board walk, a covered market, perhaps basketball courts, a pub, improved cycling facilities and better WiFi.
While passengers say the ferry terminal improvements are overdue, the public has expressed concern that the "amenities" money would be better spent on the improving fleet.
Debit Card Acceptance to Maximize Passenger Purchase Convenience
BC Ferries began an onboard debit card acceptance trial this week.The trial will take place on the vessel Spirit of BC travelling the Vancouver (Tsawwassen) & Victoria (SwartzBay) route.
It is expected that later this week, the other BC ferries on this route will offer the same convenience.
Popular Vancouver to Victoria Ferry Service Releases New 2019 Schedule
Scheduled to restart service in April 2019, the Vancouver to Victoria ferry (serving foot passengers travelling downtown to downtown), will commence daily round-trip service making it possible to to visit the island and return to the mainland the same day.
A same day round trip has long been a desired schedule change and
should result in a significant increase in traffic for this
passenger-only ferry service.
The Vancouver - Victoria ferry is operated by the Australian company V2V Vacations.
Phone 1-800-686-0446
Mail info@ferrytravel.com