We're a couple of seasoned senior travelers; have been to Alaska by cruise line some time ago; want to avoid cruising; and are beginning our planning. We are interested in whale watching and wildlife sightings, glaciers, photography, fishing. We are on a budget. We're investigating using the AMTS for travel for day trips from a base location. We are thinking flying into Anchorage, and then flying on to Kodiak. Kodiak would be our base. We'd take the AMTS ferries from Kodiak to the national parks and preserves nearby. To return, we'd use the AMTS back to Seward, then south along the coast to Juneau, stopping along the way at ports and experiences we missed when on our cruise. We'd fly out of Juneau to return home to Arizona. We'd appreciate any advice, particularly about the Marine system. Again, we are on a budget. We have lots of time... but not a lot of money! :-)
Posted by
Atlanta, GA area (USA)
260 posts
I don’t have any direct experience but I suspect AMTS will provide good, cost effective transportation along those routes. They won’t go out of their way for sightseeing, though, and probably won’t have any kind of guide describing anything. For day trips to the parks and preserves you may want to consider guided tours that are focused on seeing stuff rather than just transportation. Good luck!
Posted by
Colorado Springs
3096 posts
I think you mean the Alaska Marine Highway System, which indeed can be an economical, scenic, and relatively cheap way of getting around the state. We rode it several years ago from Bellingham to Skagway and it was terrific - there are a couple of nice restaurants on board and there's the option of booking a cabin should you opt for an overnight trip. It's extremely popular with the locals.
The ferry is just that - a ferry - although as I recall the captain did point out points of scenic interest as we sailed by. It wasn't a detailed or "cruise ship" sort of commentary however.
Kodiak is pretty far removed from Anchorage (or anywhere else) and the ferry would eat up a lot of time just getting there. You'd be exposed to open ocean swells too which could make for an uncomfortable journey - better to fly for that one I think.
Posted by
OP
52 posts
Thanks for the responses. Yes, although I've seen it written with several different names, I am talking about the Marine Highway System. There is a lot of information on their website and there is a good customer service page with a phone number to talk to an agent. We've watched YouTubes and learned a lot about the system. It is a basic way to get to a lot of ports along the coast of Alaska, including the Inside Passage. It is a ferry - no glitz or glam, but it does take lots of time. So, we're re-working our trip. As always, thanks for your help!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
6944 posts
I've been throughout the Alaska Marine Highway (ferry) system, on most (not all) of the ferries, some years ago. The ferry to/from Kodiak takes a long time, and the ride can be a rough one. I'm not sure I'd pick Kodiak as a destination or a base (I worked there one summer) but to each their own.
Critically important: Do you plan to ride the ferries as a walk-on passenger, or hoping to bring a car? As a walk-on passenger, it's easy peasey, no big deal (though the boats are pretty utilitarian - don't expect a lot of frills). If you are planing to take a car on any ferry, you better book well in advance, as the boats often (usually...probably always in summer) fill up and spaces for vehicles sell out. You can waitlist for the next ferry but that might be a day or two later. Remember, these boats are the primary connection for many towns and cities (no roads) so a lot of freight (from fishing gear to basic groceries) it all moves by ferry. They're also very busy with tourists in season. Taking a vehicle on the ferry can get expensive, too, so plan ahead.
Have fun, Alaska is beautiful and like no place else.
Posted by
OP
52 posts
Thanks, David. Regarding the Marine Highway System, we would have been walk-on travelers. However, we've already redesigned our trip.
For anyone who's interested in using the ferry system I strongly suggest they go to the website https://dot.alaska.gov/amhs and go to each page. Then call the customer service line for help. We found that quite a few of their ships are in the workshop to bring them into compliance, so there many fewer ferries in service. It's an fascinating transportation system, but we decided not to use it.