A Month of Changes for Alaska Marine Ferry Travellers
As one ferry after another in the Alaska Marine fleet experiences mechanical issues and is pulled from service, the impact on state visitors, seasonal workers, tour operators, accommodation owners and tourist reliant businesses, is devastating.
When the ferries don’t operate as scheduled because they are unexpectedly either sent into or delayed exiting dry dock, entry to Alaska is severely compromised. The ripple effect, particularly to the inside Passage Islands of Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka and Juneau, is economically disastrous.
Earlier this spring the MV Columbia which is the largest vessel in the Alaska fleet and which was fully booked between Bellingham and Haines for much of the 2024 summer was pulled from service with unexpected mechanical issues.
The Kennicott was moved in to take over the route but sadly she has neither the same type or number of cabins, nor does she have the same vehicle capacity as the larger MV Columbia.
Many travellers who had made summer reservations & had set their holiday plans months in advance were disappointed as they lost their reservations.
While the state provides refunds for any cancelled sailings, the consistent inconsistancy of the Alaska ferry sailings means that those planning a trip on any ship in the Alaska Marine fleet, should always, absolutely always carry trip cancellation insurance to protect against unexpected transportation changes.
When the ferry from Bellingham is full until August, as is the case this year, the only access to the Inside Passage Islands is either by plane or if taking a vehicle, by barge.
Barges travel from Seattle 2x a week and can be booked through www.ferrytravel.com ...... but barges are only for vehicles - no passengers, so one must fly to their destination to meet their vehicle.
For current information on the Alaska Ferries, Barge transportation to and from Alaska, or help in planning an Alaska trip, either e-mail info@ferrytravel.com or call 1-800-686-0446.