The Alaska Ferries

A lot of people ask us questions about traveling the Alaska Marine Highway vessels (commonly called the "ferries").

The reason the ferries are so vital to the residents of Southeast Alaska is because there are no roads connecting any of the towns. Juneau, for instance is bordered on one side by water, on another by mountains and a massive ice field. Although it has been a long topic of discussion, no road has been cut through, to the north. There are a lot of expensive obstacles to such a road, including avalanche zones, bald eagle nests, and other environmental challenges.

The ferries are ocean-going vessels. Other than the "day ferries," the ships have comfortable staterooms available, some of them with full shower/bathroom facilities. Dan and I always got a stateroom if we were going to spend a night or more on board. But those who are more adventurous (and usually younger) avoid paying for a stateroom by sleeping in sleeping bags, on deck, in designated areas; or in the reclining "airline seats" in some of the lounges.

Some people bring their own food on board, so they don't have to eat in the cafeteria (or dining rooms, which are available on some ships), because the food is a little expensive. When Kathy and I made the trip south with our five kids, in 1978, we ate one meal a day in the cafeteria, and used our own food for the other meals.

The inland passage route, that goes from Bellingham, Washington, to Skagway, Alaska, seldom sees much wave action, so most of the trip is usually calm and smooth. Going across the Gulf of Alaska, on the other hand, can be rough -- rough enough that they securely chain all of the cars to the deck for this trip.

I'm often asked how I would recommend traveling to Alaska. It all depends on what kind of experience you are looking for. If you want luxury, extravagant meals and service, you'll want to go by cruise ship. This route is covered by many different cruise lines. But if you're making the trip to meet people, see the sights, and have a little adventure, then the Alaska Marine Highway will be perfect for you -- and considerably less expensive, especially if you are not bringing a vehicle.

Here is the website for the Alaska Marine Highways: http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/index.html
If you click on Vessels Information under "Sailing with Us," you can see pictures of all of the ferries.