Alaska Marine Highway... (Ferry: rent, how much, subsidized)

[cjg5]

More like Alaska Marine Highway-Robbery! Was just looking up fares and they are ridiculous! Way worse than the Washington State Ferry System, which is also pretty ridiculous. Just sayin.

[Metlakatla]

Aren't the trips on the Washington State Ferry relatively short?

[stiffnecked]

Originally Posted by cjg5

More like Alaska Marine Highway-Robbery! Was just looking up fares and they are ridiculous! Way worse than the Washington State Ferry System, which is also pretty ridiculous. Just sayin.

Are you joking or what? Without the service, that is heavily subsidized by the State of Alaska, there would be no alternatives that would be cheaper. Do away with the state ferry service and we'd all take it in the shorts.

[cjg5]

Perhaps I'm just used to the much much lower ferry rates here (though still expensive) than the 300+ dollar rates on AMH.

Yes runs here are relatively shorter but it still seems like a lot. Was considering a sailing out of Bellingham to check out a couple of places but probably better to drive the alcan instead.

[1stimestar]

Just so you know, if you are planning on moving here, MOST things and services will be more expensive.

[cjg5]

I am considering it, yes. (Though not for at least another year). I'm not too worried about most things being a little to moderately more costly, but still I can't fathom paying that much for a ferry. Then again, I have paid more to fly, and while it is quicker than driving (or in this case taking a ferry), I can't take my car with me on a flight, and having a car is mighty convenient.....

[starlite9]

If you think the State Ferry system is high, try taking a Cruise line up the same trip. Then you will see just how cheap the State Ferry system is.

Fuel costs have gone though the roof, but they still keep costs to where the locals can use their services.

[heathen]

Those $300+ fares are for trips where you'll be traveling around 1000 miles, on the boat for upwards of 3 days, and moving or loading/unloading 24 hours a day. I'm familiar with the Washington State ferries, and there's absolutely no comparison. The cost and time commitment for taking the AMH is roughly the same as covering the same stretch on the Alcan in an economy vehicle. I think flying is generally a little cheaper (and of course much quicker) for the long haul routes, but it depends on the season. People take the long haul ferry routes because they're relaxing, very scenic, visit interesting and isolated communities, and much cheaper than the cruises. Locals of course rely on the system in southeast (and southwest, a little in southcentral) because there's no other reasonable way of getting around.

You'll really have a heart attack when you see the prices in the cafeteria!

[tigre79]

Originally Posted by cjg5

I am considering it, yes. (Though not for at least another year). I'm not too worried about most things being a little to moderately more costly, but still I can't fathom paying that much for a ferry. Then again, I have paid more to fly, and while it is quicker than driving (or in this case taking a ferry), I can't take my car with me on a flight, and having a car is mighty convenient.....

Are you talking about a visit or when/if you move? For a visit (which you should do before you move) just rent a car. If you're moving drive. It's not a difficult drive, especially since you're so close already. It's pretty too, and you can be on your own schedule instead of the ferry's schedule.

[1stimestar]

Originally Posted by cjg5

I am considering it, yes. (Though not for at least another year). I'm not too worried about most things being a little to moderately more costly, but still I can't fathom paying that much for a ferry.

How much can you fathom paying for a banana?

I know the first time I walked into a grocery store here, I almost broke out into tears wonder how I was going to feed my kids. Bananas were .39 a lb where I had come from and were $1.79 a lb. here. They've since gotten a bit cheaper.