Exploring Alaska by Ferry: Your Complete Guide to the Marine Highway

Here at Viking Travel the most common phone call we get is, “I want to come to Alaska, and my friend told me to take the ferry, how do I do that?” Well, I’ll tell you about it.

The Alaska Marine Highway Ferry is the only long-distance ferry in the State. It is owned and operated by the State of Alaska and makes daily, weekly, or monthly sailings to communities throughout Southern and Southeast Alaska.

Currently, the Prince Rupert and Cross Gulf sailings are not in operation. What that means is, there is no ferry route that connects Washington or Southeast Alaska to mainland Alaska (the Anchorage area). To get to mainland Alaska you can get as far north as Haines, Alaska but you MUST drive through Canada to get back into Alaska. Very inconvenient, we know, and we are a big advocate for bringing both routes back online.

We often get asked about traveling with vehicles, sleeping on the ferry, what the food options are, if passengers can bring firearms and what the process for traveling with pets is. Read on for all the details!

Sleeping On the Ferry:

Sleeping on the ferry is an experience in itself. There are essentially three options. Rent a private cabin with bunk beds, sleep in a public space or pitch a tent!

For passengers who opt to travel without a cabin, the recliner lounges serve as sleeping areas with space to roll out a sleeping bag. The covered solariums located on the upper decks of each vessel are also popular sleeping areas and for those traveling with small tents. Public restroom and shower facilities are available for all guests.

Cabins aboard the ferries provide basic amenities and vary in price according to size and location. Cabins are sold per trip, not per day or per person. Housekeeping service for cabins is not provided; however, trash is collected daily and fresh linens, pillows and blankets are available for a small fee from the pursers' desk. Cabins that indicate a window will have either a full window or a port hole. Cabin types vary by vessel; the day boat ferries M/V Tazlina and M/V Hubbard do not have cabins available, nor do they have public showers.

Here is a detailed description of the different cabin configuration. Cabins do typically sell out and it is recommended to reserve one as time of booking.

2 Berth Roomettes: 2 berth roomettes include bunk beds that sleep two, with or without a porthole window. These rooms do not include any facilities or linens.

2 Berth Cabins with No Facilities: 2 berth cabins include bunk beds to sleep two, with or without a window. There are no facilities other than a sink area and linens.

2 Berth Cabins with Full Facilities: 2 berth cabins include bunk beds to sleep two, with or without a window. Full facilities include a bathroom with a shower, sink area and all linens.

4 Berth Cabins with Full Facilities: 4 berth cabins include two sets of bunk beds to sleep two, with or without a window. Full facilities include a bathroom with a shower, sink area and all linens.

4 Berth Cabins with Sitting Area: 4 berth cabins include two sets of bunk beds to sleep two, with or without a window. Full facilities include a seating area, bathroom with a shower, sink area and all linens.

Is there interest onboard?

Yes and no…As of February 2025, the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) has begun offering free Wi-Fi service on select ferries. The MV Columbia was the first vessel to launch this service in December 2024, providing ship-wide internet access to passengers and crew during its voyages between Bellingham, Washington, and Southeast Alaska. This Wi-Fi service is powered by SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet, which offers reliable connectivity even in the challenging terrains of the Inside Passage. AMHS plans to expand Wi-Fi access to additional vessels, starting with the MV Aurora and MV LeConte. However, specific timelines for these expansions have not been announced. 

Vehicles on the Ferry

The Alaska Marine Highway can transport any form of conveyance with wheels that has roll-on/roll-off capabilities. The overall length is measured from its furthest extensions. In cases where one vehicle is towing another, the overall connected length is applicable. Vehicles can be shipped unaccompanied.

Can I transport firearms on the ferry?

Walk-on Passengers wishing to transport a firearm must surrender any and all firearms (and ammunition) to the custody of the Loading Officer or Purser for the duration of the passage.

Firearms, and ammunition transported in vehicles must be declared, and stowed in suitable locked compartments i.e., locked trunk, locked vehicle.

Small quantities of ammunition (Not to exceed 100 kg (220.5 lbs.) for handguns, rifles and shotguns, may be transported by passengers provided they are securely packaged and carried separately from any firearm that is being transported. No black powder in any quantity is allowed.

Is there food available on the ferry?

All vessels, with the exception of the MV Lituya, offer food and beverage service. Hot and cold items, which include Alaska seafood, salads, sandwiches and beverage service, are served throughout the day in self-service dining areas. Vending machines are available on each vessel for access to snacks. The MV Columbia and MV Tustumena provide full-service dining rooms that include a variety of entrees including fresh Alaska seafood. Passengers may also bring aboard their own coolers or picnic items. Refrigeration is not available, but mainline vessels do provide coin operated ice machines and all vessels provide access to microwaves.

Can we travel with our pets?

Animals may be transported on AMHS vessels, but are restricted to the car deck. They must be properly contained in an approved carrier or be transported in a vehicle and accompanied by an adult passenger. Animals are transported at the owner's risk and all state of Alaska regulations must be met prior to animals entering the state. On extended sailings such as between Bellingham and Ketchikan, Juneau and Whittier, and in route to Sitka, 15-minute pet calls will be made approximately every 8 hours to allow pet owners to be escorted to the car deck. Owners may also attend to pets any time the vessel is stopped in port. Household pets other than dogs and cats may be subject to additional rules and restrictions.

Pet owners should take into consideration the car deck environment on board the ferry before confirming travel with a pet. Vehicles are parked closely together which may make it difficult for large dogs to exit or enter vehicles. Accessing vehicles with swinging rear doors or elderly pets that need special accommodation, such as a ramp, may not be possible. For the safety of our passengers and other pets, please consider how your pet may react to the stress of an unfamiliar environment.

Health Certificate & Permit Requirements - Under Alaska law, a person may not import or transport any animal into the state unless the animal's owner, custodian, or attendant possesses a valid health certificate and in some cases a permit for the animal. When leaving Alaska, persons transporting animals are responsible for complying with the regulations of the state or country to which they are traveling.

Service Animals - There is no charge on any route for a service animal/service animal in training accompanying a person with a disability. At the time of booking, please notify the reservations agent if you are traveling with a service animal; the reservations agent will notify all AMHS terminal and ship board staff. Service animals are allowed on passenger decks aboard Alaska Marine Highway vessels. Please note that comfort and therapy animals are required to follow the AMHS pet policy and will be restricted to the car deck.

Large Animal Transport - Transport of livestock or other large animals must be pre-approved and may be subject to additional fees and restrictions.

Booking the Ferry

As you plan your adventure through Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes and coastal communities, the Alaska Marine Highway offers an unforgettable way to explore the state. Whether you’re navigating ferry routes, selecting the perfect cabin, or coordinating travel with pets and vehicles, the journey itself becomes part of the experience. For personalized assistance in booking ferry passages or crafting a custom itinerary tailored to your interests, reach out to Viking Travel Inc in Petersburg. Our team of Alaska travel experts can help you seamlessly integrate ferry travel into your trip, ensuring every detail is covered for an extraordinary, independent Alaskan adventure.