A Voyage for the Independent Explorer
Alaska’s Marine Highway System is a treasure for travelers who prefer to steer their own course. Here’s what makes it a standout choice:
Travel at your own pace: No strict itineraries to follow.
Choose your own ports-of-call: Tailor your journey to your interests.
Stay as long as you like: No rush to leave the beauty behind.
Experience local life: Share the journey with Alaskan residents.
Vehicle-friendly travel: Bring your car or RV for further exploration.
Flexible travel options: Cruise one way and drive back via highway.
For those who resonate with this travel style, the Alaska Marine Highway System could be the perfect fit for a memorable vacation. The system consists of 11 modern ferries, each equipped with vehicle decks, observation lounges, and dining services. Most vessels also offer cabins and cocktail bars for added comfort. These ferries navigate through Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage, a region dotted with over a thousand islands, glaciers, mountains, forests, and charming towns.
The Fleet and Destinations
The larger vessels in the fleet, such as the Columbia (931 passengers), Matanuska (745), Malaspina (701), Taku (370), and Kennicott (748), primarily serve the https://EpicPhrase.com
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https://RingToOne.com Southeast Alaska panhandle. During peak seasons, some ships extend their routes to Bellingham, Washington, while others turn around at Prince Rupert, British Columbia.
The Kennicott connects Southeast port cities to Southcentral Alaska destinations like Cordova, Valdez, and Whittier, traversing the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound. The Tustumena, with a capacity of 220 passengers, sails from the Kenai Peninsula to Kodiak and occasionally ventures along the Aleutian Islands chain to Unalaska Dutch Harbor.
Smaller vessels, such as the Aurora (300), LeConte (300), and Lituya (149), operate routes from mainline ports to smaller towns and villages. The fleet’s newest additions are the sleek catamaran Fairweather (250) and its double-hulled sister ship, Chenega, both based in Juneau.
For those interested in incorporating a bit of international travel, BC Ferries offers a route from Port Hardy at the northern end of Vancouver Island to Prince Rupert. More information and schedules can be found on the BC Ferries website.
Family-Friendly Adventures
The Alaska Marine Highway System is an excellent choice for family travel. Depending on the vessel, children can enjoy onboard play areas, casual dining options, movies, and educational talks by U.S. Forest Service naturalists. The solariums provide a perfect vantage point for spotting wildlife such as orcas, humpback whales, porpoises, sea lions, mountain goats, bears, and eagles.
BC Ferries also caters to families with online activities for children, including an electronic coloring book and a virtual bridge tour. Alaska ferry schedules and fare information are available on the Alaska Marine Highway System website, with printed schedules obtainable through their reservation office at 1-800-642-0066.