Alaska ferry (Ketchikan, Haines, Skagway: buy, movies, cabins)

[150/70]

The ferry takes 3 days to get you where you are going, Skagway. This might be a tour package where you get off in places and got picked up days later. But, I have never heard of this 8 day package. Cabins are tight and small, but gives you privacy. Lots of wildlife scenes, including whales. You just have to be creative with your time to keep your sanity. Food in the cafeteria is good but expensive. Heck, food is expensive anywhere here in comparison to the lower 48. Go on deck and get cold everynow and then. That's your chance to appreciate nature and keep your sanity from the long ride. Make sure you have a good company for a good conversation or take a lot of reading materials. Otherwise, you will be bored out of your mind.

[DannyL]

I've never found the ferry boring. Commercial plane fights bore me.

[Xa'at]

I slept a lot on the ferry...
Not out of boredom, though. There's something about the motion of the ship that just knocks me right out.

[warptman]

Xa'at,.............are.................. very..............sleepy...................to..... ...........a
............you...............getting............. very.................Time...............take...... ........nap. (boat rocking)

[Xa'at]

ZzzzzzzzzzzzzZzzzzzzzzzZzzzzzzzzzZzzz...

[JustT&Me]

Originally Posted by forgetwho

Great post, JustT&Me. ... - if you drink coffee, bring your own coffee and a lexan French press (available at REI or similar stores). Hot water is almost always available and free, ...

Thank you, Forget-yoo-hoo! Yes. I have always traveled with my favorite tea and was going to post that as well, but... I didn't want to press using "free" water on the boat. I also *always* travel with two rolls of my favorite T.P.! (Amongst other things...).

When I was in school, I traveled with a performance group in EUR. Within the first 2-3 stops, *everyone* on our charter knew I was carrying T.P. and giving me a bit of flack for it. Within two more weeks of our summer tour, my fellow-musicians were offering me anywhere from $10 to "name your price" for one of those rolls! I graciously declined ... and let them use the tiny sheets of wax paper they were given in the public restrooms (if they got anything at all)! One of those "Must Have's"!

[DannyL]

well if you won't, I will....HOT WATER IS FREE !!!!
A lot of "vet" ferry riders carry their own tea, coffee, mountain house meals, and the fav of most....Nissan Cup O' Noodles. (hint...take some beef jerky to put in with the noodles while they "cook")

[SeattleKid]

Originally Posted by Xa'at

Eight days, my lord!
It's three [full] days, max, m'dear.

I dug up some of what I have written in the past on the subject...








Fare Info:Alaska Marine Highway System :: Alaska DOT&PF
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go to my art history class.

Thanks for the great info abou the ferry. Could you give me a sense of how big the lockers are for storing things? I am trying to figure out whether to bring a backpacking pack, small suitcase, or duffel etc. I saw you had a pic posted but it said it wasn't able to view it...
Thanks for the help!

[forgetwho]

It's been a long time since I did this, but it seems to me that I got a backpacking pack into the locker. This was on the Columbia. Maybe someone who has done this more recently can verify that the lockers are that large.

[ASpilot2be]

It would be tight, but I think you can do it. I cant guarantee anything though.