Cruise With a Car on an Alaska Ferry

There’s so much to do in Alaska that it would be a shame to confine yourself to just one method of transportation. That is why an Alaska ferry trip makes so much sense. On the ferry, you are not confined to a strict schedule. If you reach a port that interests you, take some time to explore it. And best of all, with the unique cruise and drive feature of the Alaska Ferry, you’ll be able to roam as far as you like from the port before returning and continuing your voyage.

About the Alaska Ferry
The Alaska ferry system is so important to transportation throughout the northern state that it is known as the Alaska Marine Highway System. This state-owned ferry system is officially part of the National Highway System, and has been in existence since 1963. There are also several privately run ferries that cruise this region.

Many of the communities that the Alaska ferry services don’t have regular highway access, making the ‘cruise with a car’ option of the ferry system a vital means of transportation. About 100,000 cars are transported through the ferry system each year, the majority of which are owned by tourists who opt to cruise and drive.

Where Does the Alaska Ferry Travel?
The Alaska Marine Highway System starts in Bellingham, Washington and covers more than 8,000 miles of coastline. The most popular region to cruise with a car on the Alaska ferry is the southeastern section of the state, where highway connections between towns are few and far between. Another fabulous cruise to take with the Alaska ferry is a trip up the sheltered Inside Passage, which was once canoed by the Tlingit Indians, and is a region rich in history, scenery, and culture. Other ferry lines extend the service beyond the reach of the Marine Highway System.

Entertainment Aboard the Alaska Ferry
While enjoying the cruise-with-a-car opportunities of the Alaska ferry, you will be sailing past astounding scenery including mountains, glaciers, and fjords. You’ll see a rich assortment of wildlife, including whales, bald eagles, and grizzly bears. Oftentimes, expert guides are on hand to discuss the sights as they pass, and most ferries offer educational films.

It’s not likely that you’ll miss the traditional cruise amenities. The ships themselves are very comfortable, offering an assortment of hot meals and refreshments. Many ships are equipped with a full bar, as well as a solarium and lounge.

Lodging on the Alaska Ferry
While you can book a stateroom aboard the Alaska ferry just like a regular cruise, many people choose to pitch tents directly on the deck. You can sleep beneath the starry skies, enjoying the benefits of camping while you travel. This is also an excellent way of stretching your budget.

Of course, since you cruise with your car, you can also choose to disembark in the evening and drive to a town that is off the beaten track to spend the night. The opportunity to meet “real Alaskans” while enjoying the beauty of their state is an irresistible call to many.

The lure of the Alaska ferry travel appeals to those choosing a unique travel experience coupled with the comfort of a cruise ship and the safety of driving their own car.

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