A friend of mine and I just returned from a trip to Southeast Alaska. We flew into Juneau, and then took the Alaska Marine Highway (the state's ferry system) up to Skagway. After spending the night in Skagway, we took another ferry to Ketchikan (via Haines, Juneau, Sitka, Petersburg, and Wrangel). The ship was the Columbia, which turned out to be a wonderful experience!
Most of the people who don't live in Alaska have no idea what the Marine Highway is, and most thought it was just a standard roadway (rather than a long distance ferry system).
The ferry system offers a better way to see Southeast Alaska than the large cruise ships. The prices are lower than the large cruise ships, yet you can go to every port (and more) that the large cruise ships go to. You can also travel in very scenic areas that the large ships cannot. You can also make a stop over and walk around the towns that are on the way (e.g. we had a 4 hour stopover in Sitka, and they offered us a bus to take us into town and visit Sitka, rather than just sit on the ship for 4 hours).
We got ourselves a cabin which, although it wasn't as large and fancy as a cruise ship, was clean and met all of our needs. The nice thing about the Columbia is that it has a sit down restaurant in addition to the cafeteria. The restaurant served good food, and the service was good. At first glance, the restaurant seemed a bit pricey; however, given the fact that there is no sales tax, and that tipping is prohibited (since the employees are all state employees), the final cost was quite reasonable. The bar onboard was also nice (but remember, you can't tip the bartender since they're also a state employee).
Another advantage of being on a ship that's smaller than the cruise ships is the fact that there are a lot fewer people onboard and therefore you get to avoid the crowds.
Although the ships aren't as fancy as a cruise ship, and the services are basic, the service was good, and employees do a good job despite not getting tips.
With all the recent issues regarding the cruise lines cutting service to Alaska, the marine highway offers a great alternative for those seeking basic transportation between the port cities and getting a good deal for their money. Perhaps the state of Alaska should work to advertise the Marine Highway more given that fewer cruise ships will now be visiting the state next summer.
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The Marine Highway is wonderful but is not for everyone. Most people who cruise to Alaska want everything organized for them. Marine Highway travelers are much more independent.
I'm glad that you did it!
A huge bonus is that the money you spent supports American workers and American wage and hour laws.
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We did the extended Marine Highway a few years ago. Taking BC ferries to Vancouver Island and then from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert. This was on the ill fated Queen of the North but it is an amazing journey through the inside passage.
From there we took the Alaska Marine Highway north via Ketchikan, Wrangell, Juneau to Skagway. I can only recommend this way of seeing the beautiful stretch of coastline. A magical adventure which requires some planning so all the ferries actually connect.
In three weeks I'll be riding aboard my favorite boat, the M.V. Taku, between Juneau and Prince Rupert and back. I've no business in Prince Rupert, but rather am just going to ride the ferry and enjoy the scenery. Next it's on to a room aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder! Ain't travel great?!
It finally snowed here in East Ester about 10 days ago. I'd say we have about 4" on the ground. It was -22 this morning. Should be alot warmer down Juneau way ~
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Seat 2A
It finally snowed here in East Ester about 10 days ago. I'd say we have about 4" on the ground. It was -22 this morning. Should be alot warmer down Juneau way ~
First real snow here in ANC was Friday evening. Not much--maybe 1/4" to 1/2" (more on Hillside, probably). It melted in most places but stuck in some places, and there's been more snow today. I think winter's finally here.
Wish I were joining you for your ferry and train rides, Seat 2A!
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jackal
First real snow here in ANC was Friday evening. Not much--maybe 1/4" to 1/2" (more on Hillside, probably). It melted in most places but stuck in some places, and there's been more snow today. I think winter's finally here.
Wish I were joining you for your ferry and train rides, Seat 2A!
Today was the first real snow in the ANC area... (officially 1.3" at the airport, needs to reach 1/10" for the first official snowfall of the year) had 5-6" at my house in Eagle River...
AK Marine Highway--AK's Best Kept Secret
