If you are thinking about using the Alaska Marine Highway System (aka the ferry) to travel around Alaska and would like a little more information about what the experience is like, you’ve come to the right place! After being on a few ferry rides myself, I feel like I can give a little insight to what your trip may be like, what is available on the ferry, and what you can expect on your ferry adventure.
Loading Up
If you’ve never boarded a ferry and are wondering how that all works out, here’s the lowdown. If you are walking on, it’s really pretty simple. When you check in they’ll give you the directions for what you need to do, where to wait, and when you can walk on. Basically like boarding an airplane.
If you are taking a vehicle on, it’s a little bit different, but just as simple. You’ll go check in, line up in the boarding lanes, and then ferry employees will direct you of when, where, and how to load on. It’s pretty awesome to do because you go from waiting in line on land, to taking a ramp down and parking in the bottom of a large boat, basically. Easy as that. You’ll grab the items you want from your vehicle (you will not be able to go down and grab anything from your vehicle once the boat is going, so get everything you need), walk up the stairs to the cabin, and settle in.
On Board
Once you’re on board, there’s really quite a bit you can do. One option is spending some, or all, of your trip outside. You can bundle up and view wildlife (you can also do this inside, but you’ll have a better view outside), get photos, or just get some fresh air. An even better option is to do this from the warmth of the solarium.
The solarium is a covered area on the deck with some windows, chairs, and heat lamps. Here, you can camp out (seriously, you can set your tent up out there), or bring your sleeping bag or blankets and comfortably watch the scenery from the chairs outside.
After being outside a bit and checking out the ferry, you’ll probably be hungry. There is a small cafeteria-style area on the ferry where you can get snacks, meals, drinks, and more. It’s really pretty convenient and good, so if you don’t bring snacks with you, there is an option to buy them once you’re on your way.
Another option you have is to bring your own picnic style meals and snacks. This is probably the more budget friendly option if you plan ahead, and get your meals together before you go.
Once you’ve filled up you can opt to go back outside, or even hang out in one of the inside seating areas. There are some that are more like rows of airplane seats, and others with tables. Here, you can nap, play games, watch for more wildlife, or just relax.
As far as wildlife goes, you could see almost everything you’d see on a wildlife cruise, or you could see absolutely nothing. It’s always hard to know, but if you bring binoculars and look closely enough, you are likely to see some animals along your journey. And, if you are unable to go on a separate wildlife cruise, you can use this as your transportation and cruise simultaneously!
Off Loading
When you’ve arrived at your destination, you can pack up your belongings and get ready to head out. For passengers walking on, you’ll be directed on what to do, which will basically be the same method as getting onboard. The same goes for those people who drove a vehicle on. You’ll walk on down to your vehicle, hop in, and wait for instructions from ferry employees. From there on, you’ll drive out of the ferry and be on your way. If your ferry ride will have you departing or arriving in Whittier, though, there is one more thing you’ll need to take note of.
Arriving or Departing Whittier
You may already know, but to get in or out of Whittier you’ll need to go through a single lane tunnel, which has a schedule of arrival and departure times. This is a very important thing to remember when planning your trip. You can go here to get the tunnel schedule and make sure you time your trip in and out of Whittier accordingly. Traveling through the Whittier tunnel is a really interesting and fun experience, and is just one more exciting thing to add to your Alaska Marine Highway experience.
Hopefully this has given you a little more information and insight on what to expect during your Alaskan ferry trip. I love traveling on the ferry, and hope you enjoy your trip as well.
Check out the video below for more information on traveling the Alaska Marine Highway!
Wondering what to wear on your journey?Click here to find out!
Thinking of doing a wildlife cruise, too? Click here to learn more about Alaskan wildlife cruises!