What to Know about the Alaska Marine Highway System | Ferry to Alaska

We took the Alaska Marine Highway System Ferry on the MV Kennicott from Bellingham WA to Haines AK this summer with our dog, Tex. We had an incredible time and learned a lot. We compiled this video of our thoughts about this experience, as there were some things we wish we knew ahead of time. Want to book your own ferry trip? Here is the AMHS website: dot.alaska.gov...
This channel is documenting our journey driving from Colorado to Alaska in our 1996 OBS Ford F250 and living out of our vintage 1982 Four Wheel Camper Grandby popup truck bed camper. Come along with us on this once in a lifetime adventure!!
Timestamps:
00:09- What is the Alaska Marine Highway?
00:42- Booking process and route considerations.
02:13- Booking your Vehicle
02:26- Checking in on Ferry day!
03:24- Getting your car aboard
03:48- Tip for finding a spot to stay if you have a car
04:13- Boat Layout and Sleeping Setup
05:44- Should you bring a tent?
06:21- Should you purchase a cabin?
06:48- Safety and Security on the boat
07:20- Access to electricity for charging devices
07:28- Is there Cell service or Wifi on the boat?
07:53- Entertainment options
08:05- Bathrooms and showering
08:39- Laundry
08:47- Views and wildlife (bring binoculars!)
09:17- Food and cafeteria tips
10:09- The Coffee Situation (it’s bleak, y’all)
10:37- The Bar
10:58- Dog and Pet logistics
13:58- A consideration about getting off board at ports
14:21- Should you take the ferry? What we think
15:26- Fun fact about the Alaska Marine Highway
15:51- Closing thoughts
Helpful Links:
-Here is a link where you can see the AMHS Animal Transport Policy: dot.alaska.gov....
-Here is a link to see the routes offered on AMHS: dot.alaska.gov...
#AlaskaFerry #outdoors #AlaskaMarineHighway #nomadiclife #vanlifediaries #truckcamping #Alaska #MVKennicott

[@johndickinson186]

Uncle John approves. ✌😎👍

[@SyedBarey]

Very informative. God bless.

[@tearoftaste4183]

My son and I took the ferry last year 2023 we were on the Columbia. Had my F-150 and a twenty foot travel trailer with the cabin cost $5600. The cabin had bunk beds dresser bathroom and a wonderful thermostat. Highly recommend the cabin. Without my truck and trailer from Bellingham to Haines with a cabin cost would have been $1450. Beautiful weather when we left the cold rain the rest of the way. You will need warm clothing and a good raincoat.

[@TexTrailTales]

This is super helpful info about the cabin, thanks for sharing your experience!! Warm layers and a raincoat are definitely a must, hope you and your son had a great trip!

[@betsygiles764]

I live in Juneau, AK. Even though Juneau is not an island, it is still land locked and there are no roads out. You can ONLY get out by the ferry system, private boat, commercial jet/plane, or swim really well for 90 miles.

[@TexTrailTales]

Thanks for the correction!

[@BigH3017]

Wow, thank you for this information!

[@TexTrailTales]

Any time! Happy to help :)

[@AdventureOutThere]

lol! We were one of those crazy people with a tent and gorilla tape on the side deck. 😂 Sounds like we’re right behind you!

[@darlalauer1237]

I live in Juneau too, you cannot access the Alaskan Hwy system. 😊

[@EricSherman-sz8cq]

Alaska has always been my 🩵 hearts desire. For my lips to God's ears. 🙏

[@allenbell5592]

I took the ferry 12 years ago to move to Alaska. Definitely do some research about where you're going and the ferry route and ports. BTW, the system is owned and operated by the State of Alaska, NOT the US government.

[@TexTrailTales]

@@allenbell5592 thanks for the correction on that Allen, you are totally right!

[@susanbradley3174]

You cannot drive out of Juneau.

[@JeffVanDerford]

We got tips? That's what I want, information and advice from folks with lousy grammar.

[@Djcd123]

Is there a security process?

[@TexTrailTales]

They check your passport and ticket upon entry, and ask that you declare specific things especially if you are bringing a car, but there is no traditional security or TSA/airport type process.