I’ve done this trip with a backpack. You don’t need a car in Alaska unless you plan to go off the beaten path. The small towns in southeast Alaska are all small enough to be walkable and the buses in larger towns are very practical to see the sites. No reservations needed for passenger only. Incredible flexibility, just walk on. No need to have a cabin, people roll out their pads on the floor inside or on dinette bunks. Best trip ever.
@@JaneDoe-hg3ze I went to Petersburg in October a few years ago. It was ok, I had a 5 degree mummy bag but it wasn't that bad. There are heat lamps on the solarium, grab a lounge chair and claim it
I live in Juneau and have traveled the ferries all my life. I would recommend bringing a power strip with surge protector. Very handy and and a great way to meet people.
I mean I always have my cube of power! It's like my pocket knife, phone, wallet, lighter, matches, gun, snacks, shades and first aide i never leave home without it.😅 I have horrible luck so I find it best to just always be ready for everything to go wrong.
Love your video. I am actually a Deckhand on board the ferries. Thank you for documenting and posting your experience. This helps us out immensely with our ridership. I’m glad you enjoyed your trip.
Oh I'm so happy you said something. It was really quite a transformative experience for us. I got into an in depth conversation with some locals in Juneau about the ferry and how much we loved it. They mentioned that you all were having some issues with funding, which breaks my heart. This is such a unique and special way to experience an otherwise inaccessible section of the coast, but also bring necessary supplies and access for locals. I know I'm preaching to the choir though. Anything we can do to help get the word out about it, I'm here for it and happy to help. It's something that we hope to do many more times in the future.
@@BoundForNowhere yeah we routinely have funding issues due to us being a government entity. Instead of being treated as the essential service that we are for our rural Alaska communities we instead get treated as a political football depending on the Governor at the time. There are bills in the process to try and limit the uncertain funding issues but at the moment we are facing another winter of incredibly limited service to the towns. Hoping for better in the future for sure but people are getting used to it at this point. Anyway thank you again for posting your video about us and I’m glad you enjoyed your trip. Hope to see you use us again in the future.
@Knott Bobby yeah you absolutely can. Probly not for the next two to three months though as the only ship that does that run is going into its annual shipyard period next week. The ship that does that run is called the Kennicot. It goes from Bellingham Washington all the way up to Whittier and Homer both of which are on the main road system of Alaska. Also you won’t need an updated passport as they don’t stop in Canada unless there is a medical emergency for a passenger on board.
Wanted to say thank you, this video was my inspiration for taking the AMH ferry in late August this year from Bellingham to Juneau. I slept on a deck chair in the solarium on the Columbia and it was one of the best times I've ever had. I was so surprised how many people I met who lived in Bellingham that didn't know the ferry existed! This type of travel isn't for everyone, but for me, it had everything I needed, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Much appreciated.
My parents did this about 30 years ago. They stayed in a cabin and got off in several towns, breaking the trip up like you have. Now 95 and 97 they still talk about the trip 😊. PS several years later they drove the ALCAN.
In 2006 I made the adventure of my life, a motorcycle trip to Alaska. Kentucky to Anchorage in 9 days. As my butt was a bit sore, thought I'd check out the ferry. It would have been a week before I could leave Anchorage, but in two days I could board in Haines AK. I did, and saw so much that I never could have by motorcycle. And met some great folks. Totally recommend it!
Something travelers should keep an eye out for. When the Ferry's stop in the smaller southeast communities, some of the town residents come on board for lunch or dinner in the ship's cafeteria. Don't be afraid to spark up a conversation with the locals or don't be surprised if we spark up a conversation with you 😁Great video I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Do they metal detect or pat you down before getting in the ferry? I wanna carry/bring my 10mm on me along the way but I don’t want to say anything to cause less problems.
The wife and I rode our Goldwing trike from our home in Houston, Texas to Fairbanks, Alaska back in 2017. We rode a 2,000 mile loop in Alaska and then took the ferry from Skagway to Prince Rupert, BC. That ferry stops at all the little places that are only accessible by ferry of floatplane. We actually got up in the middle of the night, although it wasn’t dark, just to get off and walk around a bit. Great way to travel up there. It’s a unique experience! Thanks for your post!
I took the trip from Seattle to Haines on the Matanuska in November of '83. It was a mind expanding trip. I most highly recommend it. I caught the fish of my dreams in the Chilkat (spelling approximate) River above Haines. It was a 30-inch sliver salmon.
Wow, I took the Malispina in the 80s, out of Seattle back then. Mt St Helen blew shortly after.We did a walk on, with 3 kids. We had so much fun. My how the yrs flew by.
Thanks for posting this- I have fond memories of this ferry. About 25 years ago I took the ferry and it opened my eyes to the international world of travel. I jumped on it in Seattle on a whim to see a bit of Alaska. On the boat there were many international travelers and we were sleeping on the deck. Started a game of Pictionary to exchange languages. Met a lifelong friend from Germany on the boat we continue to travel together every few years and was the start of me discovering the world beyond the US. And the Northern Lights made an appearance for me! So glad I slept on the deck.
So cool! I did this same trip two years ago with my daughter. Being from Canada, we used BC Ferries. We went all the way to Haida Gwaii and back using this system and I can attest to how beautiful it is! The ferries are modern and top notch, great amenities and reasonably priced food. Their special buffet service was worth the price, as the food and views were out of this world! Will do again! Bryan from Vancouver
Thank you for the awesome video ! As a long time Alaskan, I know theirs lots of people unaware of the marine highway system. Great representation and narration in this video 💝💝
I took my 3 little ones on the ferry this summer and stayed in our Big Agnes tent too. When we got home they all agreed the ferry was their favorite part of the entire trip.
As a 30+ year resident, I'd say this is an excellent overview of using the ferry. I'm amazed at how uncrowded the deck was for you - you got very lucky as it's usually packed full. (Normally you'd have someone setting up between your tent and the rail, and all the solarium chairs filled up.) Food service is very reasonable considering where it is (more so than airport options, for example). And, the scenery is just as stunning as you described - I think every possible shade of green is on display at some point.
What a great video! I’m an Alaska lover-done it many times, many ways. This video captures the essence of the Inside Passage. Well done! You can believe I’ll be catching the rest of this series. Thank you!
My fiancee & I had just married in 1981, and our honeymoon was a trip to the Olympic and North Cascades National Parks, then across to Vancouver, up the Vancouver Island coast to Port Hardy, and taking the Canadian Ferry via the Inside Passage as far as Prince Rupert. The trip was so far beyond what we had expected! It was a continuous set of stunning British Columbia coastal vistas. Not to mention, we saw a considerable number of whales, dolphins and seals. An incredible voyage, that we still talk about today! On the return leg of our voyage, we spent a few more days in Vancouver (esp. Stanley Park and the Aquarium), then caught The Amtrak Coast Starlight in Seattle for LA. That was a great trip in it's on right!!!
It is so much better to get a berth... I used to travel on the ferry for years, back to when it left out of pier 51 Seattle..After years of sleeping on deck, lounge, I tried a berth, never went back.
Thanks for a great video! I just took this same trip (Bellingham to Juneau) on the Matanuska last August. I wish I had some of this information before my trip. I agree that it's a fantastic experience that I would highly recommend. Although I didn't actually do it, I'm not sure I'd share your enthusiasm for tent camping on deck, especially if I didn't bring a car. It's probably fine for young people with supple bodies who can sleep on hard surfaces. I'm pushing 55 and would need a cot or I'd never sleep. When you're traveling entirely on foot as I was, it's really hard to lug a tent and cot (or tent/cot combo) around once you get off the ship in Juneau. I noticed that there was a definite diesel exhaust smell on the tent deck, since it is just aft of the smokestack. The smokestack also makes a constant sound like a quiet jet engine. I saw people really struggling to secure their tents to the deck in the strong wind, and they were constantly moving them to get a better position. It all looked kind of stressful. I do agree that the upside of being up there is that you don't miss a thing. I had an interior cabin and tried to spend as little time as possible there, because every minute of scenery is precious. I actually saw a humpback whale blow a rainbow out of its spout (the light caught it just right at the right moment)!
In 2006 I drove my 85 VW Westfalia from Seattle WA to Prince Rupert BC. I boarded the AK ferry in Prince Rupert BC and got off in Skagway AK. I booked my trip by phone and the person who assisted me was very very helpful. She listened to my proposed itinerary then suggested that I book my trip a week earlier that I had originally intended to take advantage of “off-season” rates which were significantly lower in price which allowed me to book a cabin and stay within my travel budget. Having a cabin with a full bath was well worth the cost and I justified it by reminding myself that I’d be roughing it (in my Westfalia 😉) for the next 3 months. I made friends almost immediately on board the ferry and during my solo tour of Alaska by land I kept bumping into a lovely young couple from Australia that had also been on the same ferry. It was spooky/surreal in that we kept finding each other in the oddest, out of the way places. One evening around 4 I’d pulled into a semi-remote fishing dry camp site and was completely alone in the camp. Perfect! It was raining like crazy but I built a small campfire and was enjoying a cold beverage under my awning parked next to the river overlooking the highway bridge about 1/4 of a mile downstream. After a couple hours of reading in absolute silence except for the sound of the river, I heard another vehicle coming. I looked up at the bridge in time to see their Dodge Caravan crossing the bridge, then heard it slowing down, then turning into the same camp. As they drove slowly through the loop to choose a site they suddenly slammed on the brakes when their headlights lit up my campsite and my unmistakeable Westfalia. They sat there for a full 2 minutes in their van in shock and amazement wondering how it was even possible for this “chance meeting” to have happened a 3rd time! He slowly got out, approached the slider side of my Westy very hesitantly and jokingly asked me in his very charming accent if I was following THEM. 🤣 We celebrated our reunion around the fire with cold beverages, shared snacks, bowls of hot soup, tips on kayak tours, glaciers, free hot showers, etc well into the night. After his girlfriend turned in for the night he confessed to me that they’d recently hit an emotionally low spot in their trip and had been arguing and considering quitting their trip early and perhaps each other 😕. But when they drove in expecting another miserable cold, wet, uncomfortable night but discovered a friendly face, my well equipped, supplied Westy lit up and set up on high/dry ground, my fire going and my habit of always having an empty chair or two at the ready… all the previous discomforts and hurt feelings between them just evaporated! I bumped into them a 4th time while I was set up in an RV Park to catch up on e-mails, do laundry, resupply, etc. They’d just come back from a kayak tour and were shivering cold when they saw my raised pop top across the parking lot. I put the kettle on and we, once again, exchange trip info/tips and celebrated our mutual good fortunes but with warm beverages this time. The Ferry to Alaska is worth every minute. 😍
Thank you so much for this video, very helpful, we are hopping on the ferry at the end of may/2022 and spending 4 months in Alaska. We just took delivery on a 2022 Renegade Explorer 40 AGB. This thing is built like a tank and it's like having a 5 star hotel but on wheels. We are planning on boon docking on most of the trip, but because me and my wife are retired military there are several bases that have RV parks available with full hookups at the cost of $ 8.00 a day........
wow super informational. thank you! I guess the pet situation is the showstopper for me :( oh I wish they can be with me to see the sunset and hug in the lounge area :)
Looks interesting. I've never been on one of those big ferries, but when I was a senior in high school, I was able to go from Seward to Friday Harbor, Washington (30 miles southwest of Bellingham) on a 44-foot wooden fishing boat. Over the next 5 summers I was able to go from Friday Harbor up the Canadian and Alaska Inside Passage to Pelican, south of Glacier Bay, and then over a period of a few weeks to Ketchikan by way of Warm Springs Bay, Hoonah, Wrangell and Petersburg, and then back home to Friday Harbor, Exciting times for a college kid. I began my adventure in the summer of 1963. It is interesting to see how things have changed. You do a good job on your video.
Thank you for answering all these questions, mostly off the cuff. Your honest responses are great. We appreciate all your hard work that we get to enjoy. I am personally paying close attn to the Alaska trip details since we are going in 2024.
Interesting timing on this, as there were some pics on Reddit of one of the marine highway ferries being put in drydock for repairs. It got me thinking about heading up that way, I had planned on going in 2006-2007, but got married and had kids instead. I keep thinking about everything I've been putting off doing while living in the Pacific Northwest, I may need to put this trip back on my priority list.
Great video. Long time ferry rider, I'd just add one thing. A lot of people who do the solarium aren't bringing cars. They are going to be ahead of you onto the boat. You need to park and haul swiftly for your lawnchair first thing. Bring something to leave on it, then go back for your gear.
I wonder if it's too cold to camp on the solarium in September/october/November? Debating if I should get a cabin if it's too cold and there's no other indoor sleeping?
Enjoyed your video, took this trip many times as a young man in 1980-85 going to and from my summer job. Nothing more then what I needed in a backpack.
I took the Matanuska when I left Alaska to go to college. I have never returned to Alaska to live. This is the way to see Alaska. There isn't a lot of entertainment and you need to buy all your food. It is for people who want to see Alaska, not enjoy amenities on a cruise ship. Excellent views! The views are not blocked by shops and restaurants as they often are cruise ships. The Inside Passage is the most beautiful place on the earth. You don't need a state room. We walked our dogs and cats on the shore. Also, be aware that the Dixon Entrance can be rough. My cat Puff threw up.
I like your content I have been considering going back up to Alaska with my RV this time. I drove the Alcan the last time that was an interesting trip. Absolutely no Radio Service for days
I took the ferry in 2012, but my friend and I got cabins for the overnight stays. We loved it and found the staff to be very helpful. Also, their website does include most of the details you mentioned.
thank you so much that was so much useful information i really appreciate the video planning on moving to alaska soon and will be hoping to utilize the ferry alot in the coming years
This was very helpful and I will check out you blog Post and links as well. Took lot of notes, hope I can read my writing. This really sounds doable with some planning. Reading some of the comments below are also useful with some good suggestions. Thanks Mak for the information.
Looks like fun. I never knew you could sleep on the deck chairs like that. I figured everyone either got a cabin or tried to sleep sitting up in their chair.
Ive always wanted to visit Alaska and I'll be moving to the PNW later this year. I learned about this ferry and it was like a dream come true. I really want to do this and your video was so informative!
So much cooler than a cruise! How exciting. It does sound like a great way to get an introduction to the State. Say, when you are in JT, some places give discounts for locals and since you own property, you qualify. Joshua Tree Coffee Company offers them for their fantastic beans & Boos Organic Oven 😋 does one day a week. Some cafes do as well.
I did the ferry with my folks in 2002 in an old 4Runner. We drove up Vancouver island, Canada ferry to Rupert, then Alaska ferry to Haines. Went to kodiak to visit my uncle, then thru chicken to Dawson city and alcan/cassiar back south. Stewart/hyder, specifically the road into the mountains may be the best car camping ever-glaciers plus northern lights. Classic road trip. I had a film Nikon at the time, too.
Duct tape! You answered one of my key questions. Great video. I can't wait to do this. A couple of years ago I took the ferry from Belfast to Liverpool. I asked the head waiter, "Where's a good place to sleep?" He pointed to a space under a table right in the main (cafeteria style) dining room. I thought he was kidding. Nope. I put down my bivy, rolled out my sleeping bag, inflated my air mattress and pillow and drifted off. A large family had dinner and hung out right next to me - I barely noticed. I love ferries. I've also been on (subjected to?) cruise ships. If you've never served time in a minimum security federal prison - it's probably similar. It's like being locked in a mall with all the stores closed. If you don't drink, over eat, gamble or have loud conversations there's not that much to do. Are you even on the ocean? You can see it from the lowest deck - it's about 30 feet away - it's almost like being there. My tips for ferries: Ask a veteran or a friendly crew member for tips. Like the condiments thing. Assume nothing. If you ask on a cruise ship they'll immediately tell you about the buffet, bars, casino. I don't think I ever once was able to sit on a lounge chair on the three cruises I went on (with family); people grab them and never give them up (one cruise was two weeks long.) On a ferry boat, my experience is they'll tell you how to have the best time onboard. And time on shore? Cruise ships will give you 8 hours, but you don't dare take more than 4-6 so you won't get delayed somewhere and miss the boat. (Cruise ship commercials are about 80% stuff on land, in reality time off the boat is less than 20%. )
@@BoundForNowhereLOL!!! I’ve tented of the Ferry before, it was awesome. Heading up on the Kennicot next month, going to probably do the lounge chair camping like you mentioned
This was incredibly helpful. We are planning to take the ferry to Alaska this summer. Didn't even know camping on the deck was an option. Looks like the way to go! Thank you for posting this. Watched another of your videos and just hit the subscribe button. Nicely done!
I loved your video thanks for all the information I had thought that taking the ferry to Alaska would be fun and you answered many of the questions that I had thanks again and have a lovely day
What a great job you did ancering all my questions and I don't mean one or two of them I mean all of them I am going to Alaska this spring and thanks to your help all we'll go much easier thank you. I will recommend this app to all heading north. Thanks so much for your help
Thanks for the super informative video! We're in the process of planning our own trip to Alaska and considering catching the ferry for a bit. The info on pets is particularly helpful for us! :)
Glad it was helpful! You all will have a blast up there and I will say that the ferry is WELL worth the money and effort. It was an incredible experience! Diggin the new rig BTW ;)
Great information! My friend and I may do that for either going or returning. I’m thinking “going,” since we’d like to see the fall colors on the way back. Thanks for posting!
What???!!! I moved to Seattle last year and one of my favorite things to do is ride the ferry, since I grew up in a landlocked state. I often go on them for no reason other than to ride it. I had no idea you could take a ferry to Alaska and I'm absolutely going to do this trip!
Thanks for all the info. I had already gleaned much of that stuff during arduous searches of their website. It’s not easy to find information if you’re traveling with a camper and a pet! I could’ve saved myself a lot of digging if I had come across this video before. I kept saying to myself, “Oh surely they’ll let us sleep in the van or take our pup up on deck; they can’t expect her to stay down in the van alone for days!” Yep, they do. I’m glad to have confirmation from you that that really is how they do it. Unfortunately that puts us out of the running for taking our dog and van. We flew to Juneau once, took the ferry to Skagway, did our train rides and hiking, stayed at a couple of forest service cabins, then back to Juneau to fly home. Now that we have a camper van, I thought maybe we’d drive one direction and do the ferry the other way, but that’s just not gonna work with the dog. She’s little, she’s anxious, I can’t do that to her. Also, we’re seniors and we don’t do tent camping anymore, so we’d have to drag a tent along that we wouldn’t use otherwise, plus camping pads and gear we would have to find somewhere to store it on a 20-foot B van. Ah well.. our 1998 Skagway trip will have to suffice. Can’t do it all. Thanks.
I’ve done this trip with a backpack. You don’t need a car in Alaska unless you plan to go off the beaten path. The small towns in southeast Alaska are all small enough to be walkable and the buses in larger towns are very practical to see the sites. No reservations needed for passenger only. Incredible flexibility, just walk on. No need to have a cabin, people roll out their pads on the floor inside or on dinette bunks. Best trip ever.
@Lifealacarte would I need a cabin if I sail in September or October? Wondering if it would be too cold to sleep on the ferry without a cabin.
@@JaneDoe-hg3ze I went to Petersburg in October a few years ago. It was ok, I had a 5 degree mummy bag but it wasn't that bad. There are heat lamps on the solarium, grab a lounge chair and claim it
I live in Juneau and have traveled the ferries all my life. I would recommend bringing a power strip with surge protector. Very handy and and a great way to meet people.
This is genius!! Wow what a way to make people be your friend. That is a game I'm always tryin to play!
Curtis, I’m trying to learn more about your area, I’m in the tundra and Juneau seems like another state .
Do I need motion sickness medication ?
@@sueeagan9037 bring a bag of ginger candy instead of the meds.
I mean I always have my cube of power! It's like my pocket knife, phone, wallet, lighter, matches, gun, snacks, shades and first aide i never leave home without it.😅 I have horrible luck so I find it best to just always be ready for everything to go wrong.
Love your video. I am actually a Deckhand on board the ferries. Thank you for documenting and posting your experience. This helps us out immensely with our ridership. I’m glad you enjoyed your trip.
Oh I'm so happy you said something. It was really quite a transformative experience for us. I got into an in depth conversation with some locals in Juneau about the ferry and how much we loved it. They mentioned that you all were having some issues with funding, which breaks my heart. This is such a unique and special way to experience an otherwise inaccessible section of the coast, but also bring necessary supplies and access for locals. I know I'm preaching to the choir though. Anything we can do to help get the word out about it, I'm here for it and happy to help. It's something that we hope to do many more times in the future.
@@BoundForNowhere yeah we routinely have funding issues due to us being a government entity. Instead of being treated as the essential service that we are for our rural Alaska communities we instead get treated as a political football depending on the Governor at the time. There are bills in the process to try and limit the uncertain funding issues but at the moment we are facing another winter of incredibly limited service to the towns. Hoping for better in the future for sure but people are getting used to it at this point. Anyway thank you again for posting your video about us and I’m glad you enjoyed your trip. Hope to see you use us again in the future.
@Knott Bobby yeah you absolutely can. Probly not for the next two to three months though as the only ship that does that run is going into its annual shipyard period next week. The ship that does that run is called the Kennicot. It goes from Bellingham Washington all the way up to Whittier and Homer both of which are on the main road system of Alaska. Also you won’t need an updated passport as they don’t stop in Canada unless there is a medical emergency for a passenger on board.
@Knott Bobby absolutely. Happy to provide info for you. Let me know if you have any other questions.
I don't have a car. How early should I arrive in Bellingham?
Wanted to say thank you, this video was my inspiration for taking the AMH ferry in late August this year from Bellingham to Juneau. I slept on a deck chair in the solarium on the Columbia and it was one of the best times I've ever had. I was so surprised how many people I met who lived in Bellingham that didn't know the ferry existed! This type of travel isn't for everyone, but for me, it had everything I needed, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Much appreciated.
Hey, how often does the fairy go from bellingham to Juneau?
My parents did this about 30 years ago. They stayed in a cabin and got off in several towns, breaking the trip up like you have. Now 95 and 97 they still talk about the trip 😊.
PS several years later they drove the ALCAN.
In 2006 I made the adventure of my life, a motorcycle trip to Alaska. Kentucky to Anchorage in 9 days. As my butt was a bit sore, thought I'd check out the ferry. It would have been a week before I could leave Anchorage, but in two days I could board in Haines AK. I did, and saw so much that I never could have by motorcycle. And met some great folks. Totally recommend it!
Something travelers should keep an eye out for. When the Ferry's stop in the smaller southeast communities, some of the town residents come on board for lunch or dinner in the ship's cafeteria. Don't be afraid to spark up a conversation with the locals or don't be surprised if we spark up a conversation with you 😁Great video I'm glad you enjoyed it!
The locals can't get burgers locally?! 😂
Do they metal detect or pat you down before getting in the ferry? I wanna carry/bring my 10mm on me along the way but I don’t want to say anything to cause less problems.
@@3PolesRye Your guns are fine, just leave them in your cargo on board. There is no need to carry onboard, you'll just look like an idiot.
@@peanut0brain lol once you experience life in Rural Alaska you will understand
@ nobody would know I was because it would be concealed.
The wife and I rode our Goldwing trike from our home in Houston, Texas to Fairbanks, Alaska back in 2017. We rode a 2,000 mile loop in Alaska and then took the ferry from Skagway to Prince Rupert, BC. That ferry stops at all the little places that are only accessible by ferry of floatplane. We actually got up in the middle of the night, although it wasn’t dark, just to get off and walk around a bit. Great way to travel up there. It’s a unique experience!
Thanks for your post!
Trip sounds awesome
“Rough. … Also, there’s a pun in there.” 😂😂😂 I can’t even begin to tell you guys how much I’m enjoying your Alaska series. Just wonderful.
Such a beautiful scenery
I actually hitchhiked to Alaska from Houston three times between 1973-1976. I took the ferry several times. It was real nice. Thanks for the video.
This video was super helpful. Not having Internet was something wasn't awear of. My son is homeschooled and does it online. So good to know thanks
I got to do this from Haines>>Bellingham, had a cabin as well. Whole trip was courtesy of the US Army. I was going from Ft. Wainwright to Ft. Lewis.
Thank you for such a detailed description and your calm and structured speech! It was a delight to listen to you and see all the video fragments.
I took the trip from Seattle to Haines on the Matanuska in November of '83. It was a mind expanding trip. I most highly recommend it. I caught the fish of my dreams in the Chilkat (spelling approximate) River above Haines. It was a 30-inch sliver salmon.
Wow, I took the Malispina in the 80s, out of Seattle back then. Mt St Helen blew shortly after.We did a walk on, with 3 kids. We had so much fun. My how the yrs flew by.
Thanks for posting this- I have fond memories of this ferry. About 25 years ago I took the ferry and it opened my eyes to the international world of travel. I jumped on it in Seattle on a whim to see a bit of Alaska. On the boat there were many international travelers and we were sleeping on the deck. Started a game of Pictionary to exchange languages. Met a lifelong friend from Germany on the boat we continue to travel together every few years and was the start of me discovering the world beyond the US. And the Northern Lights made an appearance for me! So glad I slept on the deck.
We did this trip in about 1970, crazy how some of the ferries are still in operation!! Fun memories!
So cool!
I did this same trip two years ago with my daughter. Being from Canada, we used BC Ferries. We went all the way to Haida Gwaii and back using this system and I can attest to how beautiful it is! The ferries are modern and top notch, great amenities and reasonably priced food. Their special buffet service was worth the price, as the food and views were out of this world! Will do again!
Bryan from Vancouver
Mac, this is an excellent video. The animals have a pretty brutal ride… Glad to be bipedal!
Unfortunately it is. But thank you for the kind words!
Thank you for the awesome video ! As a long time Alaskan, I know theirs lots of people unaware of the marine highway system. Great representation and narration in this video 💝💝
Is it a hop on, hop off system?
I took my 3 little ones on the ferry this summer and stayed in our Big Agnes tent too. When we got home they all agreed the ferry was their favorite part of the entire trip.
I took the ferry back in 2000 had a blast, slept on the top deck under the heat lamps
As a 30+ year resident, I'd say this is an excellent overview of using the ferry. I'm amazed at how uncrowded the deck was for you - you got very lucky as it's usually packed full. (Normally you'd have someone setting up between your tent and the rail, and all the solarium chairs filled up.) Food service is very reasonable considering where it is (more so than airport options, for example). And, the scenery is just as stunning as you described - I think every possible shade of green is on display at some point.
I’m trying to leave Alaska for the very first time in my life. This video is a big help.
What a great video! I’m an Alaska lover-done it many times, many ways. This video captures the essence of the Inside Passage. Well done! You can believe I’ll be catching the rest of this series. Thank you!
My fiancee & I had just married in 1981, and our honeymoon was a trip to the Olympic and North Cascades National Parks, then across to Vancouver, up the Vancouver Island coast to Port Hardy, and taking the Canadian Ferry via the Inside Passage as far as Prince Rupert. The trip was so far beyond what we had expected! It was a continuous set of stunning British Columbia coastal vistas. Not to mention, we saw a considerable number of whales, dolphins and seals. An incredible voyage, that we still talk about today! On the return leg of our voyage, we spent a few more days in Vancouver (esp. Stanley Park and the Aquarium), then caught The Amtrak Coast Starlight in Seattle for LA. That was a great trip in it's on right!!!
The best part of all that? You two are still together after 42 years!
Just married in 1981, love it!
It is so much better to get a berth... I used to travel on the ferry for years, back to when it left out of pier 51 Seattle..After years of sleeping on deck, lounge, I tried a berth, never went back.
Thanks for a great video! I just took this same trip (Bellingham to Juneau) on the Matanuska last August. I wish I had some of this information before my trip. I agree that it's a fantastic experience that I would highly recommend. Although I didn't actually do it, I'm not sure I'd share your enthusiasm for tent camping on deck, especially if I didn't bring a car. It's probably fine for young people with supple bodies who can sleep on hard surfaces. I'm pushing 55 and would need a cot or I'd never sleep. When you're traveling entirely on foot as I was, it's really hard to lug a tent and cot (or tent/cot combo) around once you get off the ship in Juneau. I noticed that there was a definite diesel exhaust smell on the tent deck, since it is just aft of the smokestack. The smokestack also makes a constant sound like a quiet jet engine. I saw people really struggling to secure their tents to the deck in the strong wind, and they were constantly moving them to get a better position. It all looked kind of stressful. I do agree that the upside of being up there is that you don't miss a thing. I had an interior cabin and tried to spend as little time as possible there, because every minute of scenery is precious. I actually saw a humpback whale blow a rainbow out of its spout (the light caught it just right at the right moment)!
In 2006 I drove my 85 VW Westfalia from Seattle WA to Prince Rupert BC. I boarded the AK ferry in Prince Rupert BC and got off in Skagway AK. I booked my trip by phone and the person who assisted me was very very helpful. She listened to my proposed itinerary then suggested that I book my trip a week earlier that I had originally intended to take advantage of “off-season” rates which were significantly lower in price which allowed me to book a cabin and stay within my travel budget. Having a cabin with a full bath was well worth the cost and I justified it by reminding myself that I’d be roughing it (in my Westfalia 😉) for the next 3 months. I made friends almost immediately on board the ferry and during my solo tour of Alaska by land I kept bumping into a lovely young couple from Australia that had also been on the same ferry. It was spooky/surreal in that we kept finding each other in the oddest, out of the way places. One evening around 4 I’d pulled into a semi-remote fishing dry camp site and was completely alone in the camp. Perfect! It was raining like crazy but I built a small campfire and was enjoying a cold beverage under my awning parked next to the river overlooking the highway bridge about 1/4 of a mile downstream. After a couple hours of reading in absolute silence except for the sound of the river, I heard another vehicle coming. I looked up at the bridge in time to see their Dodge Caravan crossing the bridge, then heard it slowing down, then turning into the same camp. As they drove slowly through the loop to choose a site they suddenly slammed on the brakes when their headlights lit up my campsite and my unmistakeable Westfalia. They sat there for a full 2 minutes in their van in shock and amazement wondering how it was even possible for this “chance meeting” to have happened a 3rd time! He slowly got out, approached the slider side of my Westy very hesitantly and jokingly asked me in his very charming accent if I was following THEM. 🤣 We celebrated our reunion around the fire with cold beverages, shared snacks, bowls of hot soup, tips on kayak tours, glaciers, free hot showers, etc well into the night. After his girlfriend turned in for the night he confessed to me that they’d recently hit an emotionally low spot in their trip and had been arguing and considering quitting their trip early and perhaps each other 😕. But when they drove in expecting another miserable cold, wet, uncomfortable night but discovered a friendly face, my well equipped, supplied Westy lit up and set up on high/dry ground, my fire going and my habit of always having an empty chair or two at the ready… all the previous discomforts and hurt feelings between them just evaporated! I bumped into them a 4th time while I was set up in an RV Park to catch up on e-mails, do laundry, resupply, etc. They’d just come back from a kayak tour and were shivering cold when they saw my raised pop top across the parking lot. I put the kettle on and we, once again, exchange trip info/tips and celebrated our mutual good fortunes but with warm beverages this time. The Ferry to Alaska is worth every minute. 😍
Awesome experiences. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, tell me you stayed in touch… I mean come on 🤩
Thank you so much for this video, very helpful, we are hopping on the ferry at the end of may/2022 and spending 4 months in Alaska. We just took delivery on a 2022 Renegade Explorer 40 AGB. This thing is built like a tank and it's like having a 5 star hotel but on wheels. We are planning on boon docking on most of the trip, but because me and my wife are retired military there are several bases that have RV parks available with full hookups at the cost of $ 8.00 a day........
I live in Alaska. Thanks for the information and the honest style
Great video representation of my home State. Thank for sharing - you did it justice!
wow super informational. thank you! I guess the pet situation is the showstopper for me :( oh I wish they can be with me to see the sunset and hug in the lounge area :)
12:55 a.m. The trip I was on was from Juneau to Haines and back. Thank you for the video, the Alaska Marine Highway is super great.🎉
When I came across your video I knew it would be informative. The pet in the car for the trip was a no go, shoot!
Looks interesting. I've never been on one of those big ferries, but when I was a senior in high school, I was able to go from Seward to Friday Harbor, Washington (30 miles southwest of Bellingham) on a 44-foot wooden fishing boat. Over the next 5 summers I was able to go from Friday Harbor up the Canadian and Alaska Inside Passage to Pelican, south of Glacier Bay, and then over a period of a few weeks to Ketchikan by way of Warm Springs Bay, Hoonah, Wrangell and Petersburg, and then back home to Friday Harbor, Exciting times for a college kid. I began my adventure in the summer of 1963. It is interesting to see how things have changed. You do a good job on your video.
Thank you for answering all these questions, mostly off the cuff. Your honest responses are great. We appreciate all your hard work that we get to enjoy. I am personally paying close attn to the Alaska trip details since we are going in 2024.
Oh so glad that we could help without even knowing your answers ;)
I took the ferry from Homer to Washington in 1967, awesome.
Interesting timing on this, as there were some pics on Reddit of one of the marine highway ferries being put in drydock for repairs. It got me thinking about heading up that way, I had planned on going in 2006-2007, but got married and had kids instead. I keep thinking about everything I've been putting off doing while living in the Pacific Northwest, I may need to put this trip back on my priority list.
Great video. Long time ferry rider, I'd just add one thing. A lot of people who do the solarium aren't bringing cars. They are going to be ahead of you onto the boat. You need to park and haul swiftly for your lawnchair first thing. Bring something to leave on it, then go back for your gear.
I wonder if it's too cold to camp on the solarium in September/october/November? Debating if I should get a cabin if it's too cold and there's no other indoor sleeping?
Enjoyed your video, took this trip many times as a young man in 1980-85 going to and from my summer job. Nothing more then what I needed in a backpack.
You need a dark color tent for Alaska. Remember the long summer days.
This was the best video on this trip. I feel very informed, and ready to take my teenager to Alaska!
Yay! Glad it was helpful!
Cabin with bathroom sounds good.
Some cabins have private bathrooms; some don't. There are shared bathrooms with showers on some decks.
Thank you for this video. This is a dream trip for me!
Great video. Thank you so much for the knowledge.
I took the Matanuska when I left Alaska to go to college. I have never returned to Alaska to live. This is the way to see Alaska. There isn't a lot of entertainment and you need to buy all your food. It is for people who want to see Alaska, not enjoy amenities on a cruise ship. Excellent views! The views are not blocked by shops and restaurants as they often are cruise ships. The Inside Passage is the most beautiful place on the earth. You don't need a state room. We walked our dogs and cats on the shore. Also, be aware that the Dixon Entrance can be rough. My cat Puff threw up.
So helpful, thank you! This experience is definitely on my list.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! 🙌 This info was exactly what we were looking for! Always wanted to go through the inside passage!
This looks awesome
Tons of great information. We always travel with our fur babies so loved those details near the end of your video.
Thank you so much!
I like your content I have been considering going back up to Alaska with my RV this time. I drove the Alcan the last time that was an interesting trip. Absolutely no Radio Service for days
I took the ferry in 2012, but my friend and I got cabins for the overnight stays. We loved it and found the staff to be very helpful. Also, their website does include most of the details you mentioned.
Right, part of why we wanted to make this was because a lot of this information was very hard to find online.
thank you so much that was so much useful information i really appreciate the video planning on moving to alaska soon and will be hoping to utilize the ferry alot in the coming years
Very informative. You answered meany questions that I have had for awhile. Ty!
Thank you for giving these details. Definitely something I will want to do in the future.
This was very helpful and I will check out you blog Post and links as well. Took lot of notes, hope I can read my writing. This really sounds doable with some planning. Reading some of the comments below are also useful with some good suggestions. Thanks Mak for the information.
You are so welcome! That is why we make videos like that! So glad you found it helpful and I hope it's a journey that takes you to this special place
I live in Sitka and think you did a great job covering this. Thanks!
Thanks. Planning on taking the ferry this summer/fall. Great video.
Amazing you will have the best time!
Thank you for all this awesome info! I plan to take a ferry on my way back to Bellingham!
thx for the vid. I first rode the ferry from seattle to ketchikan in 1977. blue canoes are fun
I am DEFINITELY saving this vid for future travels. I didn’t even realize the ferry existed but now I gotta go it when I head up there.
Good! That is why we make these things, to get the ideas flowing and help you prepare if you decide to make it happen!
Nice im planning on moving to southeast and this helps alot!
Great video, informative, good details like about showers.
Looks like fun. I never knew you could sleep on the deck chairs like that. I figured everyone either got a cabin or tried to sleep sitting up in their chair.
Ive always wanted to visit Alaska and I'll be moving to the PNW later this year. I learned about this ferry and it was like a dream come true. I really want to do this and your video was so informative!
So much cooler than a cruise! How exciting. It does sound like a great way to get an introduction to the State. Say, when you are in JT, some places give discounts for locals and since you own property, you qualify. Joshua Tree Coffee Company offers them for their fantastic beans & Boos Organic Oven 😋 does one day a week. Some cafes do as well.
Funny you should say that! I got my first local discount recently! I was like WOW this is weird, I'm never a local. Feels nice ;)
Love it!
Wow I just found your channel, and I enjoyed it very Much. I subscribed and now I have some catching up to do.
I did the ferry with my folks in 2002 in an old 4Runner. We drove up Vancouver island, Canada ferry to Rupert, then Alaska ferry to Haines. Went to kodiak to visit my uncle, then thru chicken to Dawson city and alcan/cassiar back south. Stewart/hyder, specifically the road into the mountains may be the best car camping ever-glaciers plus northern lights. Classic road trip. I had a film Nikon at the time, too.
What a trip! We unfortunately missed Dawson City and Stewart/Hyder. There's so much up there so we'll definitely be back!
Mac, thank you for the wonderful and insightful information. Cheers, Mate.
Duct tape! You answered one of my key questions. Great video. I can't wait to do this.
A couple of years ago I took the ferry from Belfast to Liverpool. I asked the head waiter, "Where's a good place to sleep?" He pointed to a space under a table right in the main (cafeteria style) dining room. I thought he was kidding. Nope. I put down my bivy, rolled out my sleeping bag, inflated my air mattress and pillow and drifted off. A large family had dinner and hung out right next to me - I barely noticed. I love ferries.
I've also been on (subjected to?) cruise ships. If you've never served time in a minimum security federal prison - it's probably similar. It's like being locked in a mall with all the stores closed. If you don't drink, over eat, gamble or have loud conversations there's not that much to do. Are you even on the ocean? You can see it from the lowest deck - it's about 30 feet away - it's almost like being there.
My tips for ferries: Ask a veteran or a friendly crew member for tips. Like the condiments thing. Assume nothing. If you ask on a cruise ship they'll immediately tell you about the buffet, bars, casino. I don't think I ever once was able to sit on a lounge chair on the three cruises I went on (with family); people grab them and never give them up (one cruise was two weeks long.) On a ferry boat, my experience is they'll tell you how to have the best time onboard. And time on shore? Cruise ships will give you 8 hours, but you don't dare take more than 4-6 so you won't get delayed somewhere and miss the boat. (Cruise ship commercials are about 80% stuff on land, in reality time off the boat is less than 20%. )
Hi Mack🤐Mac, Super informative, and well narrated. I blew a gasket at the bloober reel. Godspeed -
thank you putting this out when i pcs from wa to ak i drove the alcan but wanted to take the ferry when i leave i plan on taking the ferry
microwave popcorn...great idea!
Next time we will be prepared!
Movie theater is a good spot to catch a nap. The heated deck space is usually packed with the backpacking hippie sorts hanging hammocks everywhere
Well than put us in the backpacking hippie sort category ;)
@@BoundForNowhereLOL!!! I’ve tented of the Ferry before, it was awesome. Heading up on the Kennicot next month, going to probably do the lounge chair camping like you mentioned
This was incredibly helpful. We are planning to take the ferry to Alaska this summer. Didn't even know camping on the deck was an option. Looks like the way to go! Thank you for posting this. Watched another of your videos and just hit the subscribe button. Nicely done!
I loved your video thanks for all the information I had thought that taking the ferry to Alaska would be fun and you answered many of the questions that I had thanks again and have a lovely day
What a great job you did ancering all my questions and I don't mean one or two of them I mean all of them I am going to Alaska this spring and thanks to your help all we'll go much easier thank you. I will recommend this app to all heading north. Thanks so much for your help
Fascinating. It looks superb. Thank you
It really is!
Thanks for this information!
With your recommendation, I'm doing this in 2022 ❤️
Awesome video! Great info.
Great info. When will you do an update video?
Very Usual Information. Once again awesome
So glad!
Thank you for the great information!
Thanks for the super informative video! We're in the process of planning our own trip to Alaska and considering catching the ferry for a bit. The info on pets is particularly helpful for us! :)
Glad it was helpful! You all will have a blast up there and I will say that the ferry is WELL worth the money and effort. It was an incredible experience! Diggin the new rig BTW ;)
Thank You lovely presentation
Traveled from Bellingham to Kodiak on the ferry . Incredible. We got a cabin, due to 18mo old and 2.5year old. Would love to do the tents next time.
How much for the cabin? She did not mention it.
Love love love! Been looking for more info on this for years! Thank you!
Awesome info! What an incredible trip!!
It really was!
This was a hoot. I found you by accident. I love Alaska and this sounds fun and very different from a cruise
Great information! My friend and I may do that for either going or returning. I’m thinking “going,” since we’d like to see the fall colors on the way back. Thanks for posting!
This is awesome! This earned my sub. Thank you!
Great video! Thank you
Great iformation, thanks
What???!!! I moved to Seattle last year and one of my favorite things to do is ride the ferry, since I grew up in a landlocked state. I often go on them for no reason other than to ride it. I had no idea you could take a ferry to Alaska and I'm absolutely going to do this trip!
Thanks for all the info. I had already gleaned much of that stuff during arduous searches of their website. It’s not easy to find information if you’re traveling with a camper and a pet! I could’ve saved myself a lot of digging if I had come across this video before. I kept saying to myself, “Oh surely they’ll let us sleep in the van or take our pup up on deck; they can’t expect her to stay down in the van alone for days!” Yep, they do. I’m glad to have confirmation from you that that really is how they do it. Unfortunately that puts us out of the running for taking our dog and van. We flew to Juneau once, took the ferry to Skagway, did our train rides and hiking, stayed at a couple of forest service cabins, then back to Juneau to fly home. Now that we have a camper van, I thought maybe we’d drive one direction and do the ferry the other way, but that’s just not gonna work with the dog. She’s little, she’s anxious, I can’t do that to her. Also, we’re seniors and we don’t do tent camping anymore, so we’d have to drag a tent along that we wouldn’t use otherwise, plus camping pads and gear we would have to find somewhere to store it on a 20-foot B van. Ah well.. our 1998 Skagway trip will have to suffice. Can’t do it all.
Thanks.
Thank you for posting this it really helps me with my own trip planning research. 👍
A tent cot would be fabulous on the solarium.
I agree with ya! But the wind rustling our hair at night was very dreamy!
What a great option! Thanks for the informative video!