Below you will find details regarding Alaska Marine Highway policies, the services and amenities offered, check-in and customs information and much more. If you have additional questions that are not addressed, friendly reservations agents are available Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Alaska Time by calling 1-800-642-0066 and they will be happy to assist you.
All AMHS vessels have elevator access and vessels with cabins provide at
least one wheelchair accessible cabin. Passengers must notify the Alaska
Marine Highway if you are traveling with a wheelchair or of if you
require any special accommodations in the event of emergency. Please
provide this information when making reservations and notify the purser
upon boarding the vessel.
AMHS Vessel Employees are unable to
assist passengers with Personal Tasks. Examples of Personal Tasks that
AMHS Vessel and Terminal Employees are "not able" to provide include:
assisting with eating, drinking or other oral intake and mouth care;
putting on, fastening, unfastening and removal of clothing; personal
hygiene; and toileting.
AMHS Employee(s) are unable to assist a
passenger if s/he has a good faith belief that rendering such physical
assistance poses a significant health or safety risk to the Employee or
to the Passenger. For example, a passenger might remove him/herself from
a wheelchair and be unable to return to the wheelchair unless physically
assisted. If an AMHS Employee possesses the good faith belief that
rendering such physical assistance to the passenger poses a significant
health or safety risk to the Employee, e.g., the passenger is physically
large or uncooperative, then the Employee will not provide such
assistance.
To obtain additional instructions, please call
1-800-642-0066 or TDD 1-800-764-3779 for hearing or speech impaired
customers. More information on the DOT&PF ADA Policy can be found by
clicking here.
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.
Pets are restricted to the car deck and must be contained in an approved
carrier or be transported in a vehicle and accompanied by an adult
passenger. U.S. Coast Guard regulations restrict passenger access to the
car deck while the vessel is underway. 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 are responsible
for attending and cleaning up after pets. Pet calls are made at the
discretion of the Captain and may occur throughout the day or night.
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, please call for more information.
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 permit for the animal. However, in the case
of dogs and cats, they need only be accompanied by a health certificate,
unless they are imported from a rabies quarantine area, in which case
they must be accompanied by a permit as well.
Penalties for
non-compliance may include animal quarantine or prohibited entry of the
animal into the state. A health certificate or permit is not required
when transporting animals between ports within Alaska. For Alaska
regulations regarding importation of animals, see 18 AAC 36.005 et seq.
When leaving Alaska, persons transporting animals are responsible
for complying with the regulations of the state or country to which they
are traveling. For information regarding Washington animal importation
requirements, visit the website for the Washington State Department of
Agriculture or call at 360-902-1800. For information regarding Canadian
animal importation requirements, visit the website for the Canadian Food
Inspection Agency or call at 250-363-3618. For travel by road through
Canada, passengers might also wish to check with Canada Border Services
Agency for related information.
Certified Service Animals
There is no charge on any route for a certified service animal
accompanying a person with a disability. At the time of booking, please
notify the reservations agent if you are traveling with a certified
service animal; the reservations agent will notify vessel staff. Only
certified service animals are allowed on passenger decks aboard Alaska
Marine Highway vessels. 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. Please contact our call center at
1-800-642-0066 for details.
Walk-on passengers are allowed up to 100 pounds of hand-carried baggage. Passengers are responsible for the handling and safety of their own bags. Baggage carts are driven from terminals and parked on the vessel car deck to offer assistance. Coin-operated storage lockers are available aboard larger vessels for storage of small hand-carried items. All baggage and carry-on items are subject to security screening. The Alaska Marine Highway System is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged baggage. Unaccompanied baggage is not allowed on board AMHS vessels; it is considered freight and must be shipped via a commercial carrier.
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. Cabins are equipped with single or double bunk bed style berths. Most cabins include private bathroom facilities. For those that do not, public restroom and shower facilities are available. 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.
For passengers who opt to travel without a cabin, the recliner lounges also serve as sleeping areas with space to roll out a sleeping bag. Covered solariums located on the upper decks of each vessel are also popular sleeping areas and for those traveling with small tents, they are allowed on the upper decks.
Passengers traveling without vehicles must check in 2 hours prior to departure in Bellingham, and Juneau and 1 hour prior to departure at all other ports. Passengers must pass through security inspection at least thirty minutes prior to boarding, and must be on board the vessel 15 minutes before departure. Any walk-on passenger, not checked in, screened and boarded 15 minutes prior to departure, may be denied passage. The Captain has the prerogative to refuse sailing to any passenger. Walk-on passengers who miss a sailing due to this policy and who still wish to travel will be processed without priority.
Vehicles
Check-in times are assigned so that the vehicles can be arranged in
boarding lanes for safe, efficient loading and security screening.
Passengers with vehicles that do not check-in on time may find that
their reserved space has been given to a standby passenger. During the
summer season (May - September), vehicles with reservations are required
to check-in at the terminal prior to vessel departures as follows:
3 hours - Bellingham, Juneau - Yakutat - Whittier and Whittier -
Yakutat - Juneau
2 hours - Skagway, Haines, Juneau, Ketchikan, Homer
and Kodiak
1.5 hours - Petersburg and Valdez
1 hour - All other
ports and itineraries
Sitka
Departure times
in Sitka vary according to tides and current and are set by the vessel
Captain. Call the Sitka terminal at 907-747-8737 one hour before the
vessel arrival time listed in the schedule for a confirmed check-in and
departure time.
All commercial vehicles must be booked through the AMHS Commercial Services Desk. AMHS can accommodate commercial cargo vans or trailers up to 48 feet in length. Any type of cargo van or trailer over 48 feet cannot be accommodated on any AMHS vessel due to restricted turning radius. For assistance please call 1-800-642-0066
The Alaska Marine Highway reserves the right to refuse passage to any
passenger. The Captain will determine if an individual is endangering,
or poses an imminent threat to other passengers, the vessel or crew. A
passenger may be deemed to be endangering a voyage if the individual
acts in a belligerent or irrational manner, is under the influence of
alcohol and/or illegal substances, or acts in any manner that would lead
a crew member to believe the individual might endanger themselves or
others.
Refusal to adhere to regulations, such as not complying
with crew direction, remaining on the car deck, harboring pets in
cabins, making excessive noise or other infractions are also means for
refusal of passage. Individuals may be denied passage, restricted to a
designated area of the vessel or be put off the vessel at the nearest
port. Any person, who attempts to gain passage in a fraudulent manner,
or any vehicle in an unsafe condition, will be denied boarding.
Haines U.S. Customs - (907) 767-5511
Open 7:00 am to
11:00 pm (Alaska Time) year-round in either direction.
Haines
Canada Customs - (907) 767-5540
Open 7:00 am to 11:00 pm
(Yukon Time) year-round in either direction.
Skagway U.S.
Customs - (907) 983-2325
Open 7:00 am to 11:00 pm (Alaska
Time) year-round in either direction.
Skagway Canada Customs
- (867) 821-4111
Open 8:00 am to 12:00 am (Yukon Time)
year-round in either direction.
Before you travel to Canada visit
the Canada
Border Services Agency web site.
Electrical current on board AMHS vessels is 110-volt 60-cycle AC. Power is unprotected from surges and brownouts, so AMHS recommends use of a surge protector with personal computers and other electronic devices. Electrical hookups for vehicle refrigeration units are not available, and refrigerated storage on board for passenger commodities is not available. Electrical outlets in cabins are located by the vanity, bringing an extension cord is recommended for personal use devices.
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.
Additionally,
the following items are prohibited in public areas on the vessel:
a) Hunting Bows and Arrows (regardless of size, or configuration)
b) Large knives (defined as blades over four inches in overall length)
c) Machetes/hatchets or axe (regardless of size)
d) Bear Spray,
and/or any self-defense products such as stun guns, and tasers
e)
Empty gun cases
f) Any item the Master considers inappropriate for
the safety and well-being of passengers and crew
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. Customers should check with local terminal staff for the AMHS policy on transporting firearms.
Laws regulating the import, export, and possession of firearms have recently changed in Canada and the U.S. Please check with Canadian or U.S. customs offices prior to transporting a firearm into these countries. You can get more information by visiting the Canada Border Services Agency website, the Canadian Firearms Centre website, and for U.S. regulations at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms website.
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. Service hours and locations may vary per vessel.
The Alaska Marine Highway accepts only U.S. currency. No foreign currency will be accepted as payment for any goods or services. Credit cards drawn on foreign banks are accepted.
Explosives, highly flammable materials, corrosives, etc. may not be transported on any AMHS vessel. Bottled gas containers, such as those used by recreational vehicles, are permitted on board AMHS vessels, but they must be turned off and sealed by an AMHS employee before being transported. For information concerning hazardous materials for non-commercial shippers, see the Hazardous Materials Information document.
Alaska Marine Highway customers will be required to show proper government issued photo identification upon acceptance of tickets at the terminal or reservations ticket office and again prior to boarding the vessel. Random ticket and identification checks may be conducted onboard the vessel. Government identification is defined as one piece of photo identification issued by a government authority such as a state or provincial driver's license, passport, or military identification.
U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens traveling through Canada
will be required to show their passport. Passengers who board an AMHS
vessel to travel directly between Bellingham, Washington and any Alaska
port are not required to have a passport. Only those passengers
disembarking in Canada are required to have a passport.
U.S. Residents
U.S. residents who are not citizens should
carry their alien registration receipt cards. Permanent residents of
Canada who are not Canadian citizens should have their landed immigrant
visas. Canadian customs officials may require travelers to show proof of
sufficient funds for the trip.
Canadian Citizens
Canadian citizens will be required to present a valid passport, a NEXUS
or Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card, or an enhanced driver's
license/enhanced identification card when entering the United States at
a land or water crossing. For more information, visit the Canada Border
Services Agency web site.
Vehicles
Motorists
may be asked to show their vehicle registration card or proof of title
and liability insurance coverage.
Children
If
you are traveling with a child not in your full legal custody, please
check with a U.S. or Canada customs office about additional paperwork
that may be required.
Kayaks and canoes may be carried aboard AMHS vessels. Small inflatable
boats may also be carried if they weigh less than 300 pounds and do not
exceed 18 feet in length and 3 feet in width. If the inflatable exceeds
these restrictions they must be transported on a trailer.
Kayaks,
canoes and inflatable boats will need their own ticket if they are being
transported without a vehicle. If they are traveling on a vehicle then
they will not need their own ticket however the vehicle length will need
to be adjusted to the actual overall length with the boat on the
vehicle; from the furthest point forward to the farthest point on the
end.
AMHS will secure items found on vessels and in terminals and return them to the owner, when identified. If you have lost an item while in an AMHS terminal or aboard a vessel, please contact our Juneau Warehouse, Lost & Found at 907-465-4033, during regular business hours.
Please note that regardless of recent measures in the states of Alaska and Washington that decriminalize recreational use of marijuana, it remains a prohibited substance under federal law. Federal law prohibits possession and transportation of marijuana. Furthermore, taking cannabis, and products containing it, across international borders, including the Canada – United States border, is illegal and can result in serious criminal penalties.
Each vessel has the ability to provide basic emergency medical service with training of personnel at the Emergency Trauma Technician (ETT) level. In the event of a medical emergency, the ship's crew will determine the best course of action and direct the vessel to the closest port where medical facilities or services are available.
Children under 12 years of age are not allowed passage unless accompanied by a person 19 years of age or older. Children ages 12-15 must be accompanied by a person 19 years of age or older or have written permission for passage signed by their parent or guardian. An Unaccompanied Minor Form can be found here or at your local terminal.
This policy applies to the following communities who may experience lower traffic demand: Ouzinkie, Old Harbor, Chenega Bay, Tatitlek, and Port Lions. Whistle Stop service allows the ferry to proceed without stopping if there is no vehicle or passenger traffic confirmed in the reservations system at the Whistle Stop port. Every effort will be made to confirm reservations and notify the vessel in a timely manner; however, advanced reservations are required to guarantee confirmation. Making reservations guarantees space and service, unless sailings are altered or canceled by weather or mechanical issues. In such cases, those reservations impacted will be given priority treatment for succeeding sailings.
The Alaska Marine Highway will collect costs incurred for the cleanup or
disposal of waste or debris left on the car deck of a vessel or during
the transit of a passenger vehicle or conveyance on or off the ship via
the overwater transfer bridge. Spills consisting of substances such as
fish or boat waste, oil, gasoline, antifreeze, or any other substance
that would require additional cleaning or cost incurred by AMHS will be
the responsibility of the passenger. The following Alaska Administrative
Code excerpt is applicable to this policy:
17 AAC 70.190.
Dangerous or objectionable articles: The ferry system reserves the right
to refuse any and all articles, and vehicles containing such articles,
that in the opinion of its representatives will jeopardize the safe
operation of the vessel. The ferry system also reserves the right to
refuse to transport vehicles containing offensive or ill-smelling cargo
and liquid or semi-liquid commodities when not in properly enclosed
containers or tanks which preclude the possibility of escaping odors or
leakage from vehicles to the deck of the vessel.
Public restrooms are available on all vessels. Public showers are available on all vessels except the MV Lituya, FVF Chenega and FVF Fairweather.
The State of Alaska reserves the right to alter, revise, or cancel schedules and rates without prior notice and assumes no responsibility for delays and/or expenses due to such modifications. You can get schedule updates by visiting our Service Notices page or by calling the AMHS reservation call center at 1-800-642-0066, or contacting your local terminal.
There is no charge on any route for a certified service animal accompanying a person with a disability. At the time of booking, please notify the reservations agent if you are traveling with a certified service animal; the reservations agent will notify all AMHS terminal and ship board staff. Only certified service animals are allowed on passenger decks aboard Alaska Marine Highway vessels. Comfort and therapy animals are required to follow the AMHS pet policy and will be restricted to the car deck.
Alaska law is very specific about smoking in public facilities, including AMHS ferries. Smoking is restricted to the outside decks and posted areas only.
Locking coin-op storage lockers are available for rent aboard the MVs Columbia, Kennicott, Malaspina, Matanuska, and Taku.
Ticketed persons and vehicles entering an Alaska Marine Highway System facility, or boarding an AMHS vessel are subject to screening and/or inspections. Failure to consent or submit to such measures will result in denial or revocation of authorization to remain on the premises or to board the vessel.
Ship-to-shore radio-telephone service is available only in the event of an emergency situation.
There is no overnight or long-term parking at AMHS terminal facilities. Please contact your departure terminal for options.
The crewmembers are State of Alaska employees and are prohibited by Alaska State law from accepting tips. "A public officer may not accept, receive, or solicit compensation for the performance of official duties or responsibilities from a person other than the state." (AS 39.52.120(b) (2))
With any form of travel, disruption is an ever-present risk. As such, AMHS recommends that travelers consider purchasing travel insurance in the event of unexpected service interruptions. Travel insurance can assist travelers in recovering nonrefundable expenses due to deviations or cancellations in travel plans.
Vehicle fares do not
include the driver.
Standard Vehicles
Vehicles that are a standard width, up to 8 feet.
Oversized Vehicles
Vehicles 103-107 inches wide will be
charged approximately 125% of the fare listed for the vehicle length.
Vehicles 108 inches wide and over will be charged approximately 150% of
the fare listed for the vehicle length.
Motorcycles
All motorcycles must be fully secured on the car deck using appropriate
tie-downs. It is the responsibility of the owner to bring proper
tie-downs and to ensure the motorcycle is properly secured. Motorcycles
rates are based on total length, which includes trailers or attachments.
Recreation Vehicles
Fares for recreational
vehicles are the same as for other vehicles of the same size. RVs are
booked under a separate code, if you are traveling with an RV, please
indicate that when you make your reservation. U.S. Coast Guard
regulations prohibit access to the car deck while a vessel is underway;
therefore, RVs and motorhomes may not be used for dining and sleeping
while on an AMHS ferry. Electrical hookups for vehicle refrigeration
units are not available, and bottled gas containers must be turned off
and sealed by an AMHS employee at the time of boarding. Passengers
transporting vehicles with long overhangs should review vehicle
restrictions below.
Towed Vehicles
When
transporting a towed trailer or vehicle, the overall connected length,
width and height is used to determine fares. Do not attempt to estimate
your vehicle length.
Unaccompanied Vehicles
Vehicles that are not accompanied by a driver will be assessed a
surcharge of $50 to and from Bellingham, and $10 to and from all other
ports. Non-drivable car deck items, such as boats on trailers that must
be towed onboard, but will be transported without a tow vehicle, will
also be assessed the surcharges. AMHS does not provide for loading or
off-loading vehicles; it is the shipper's responsibility to provide this
service. If no arrangements have been made the vehicle will not be
loaded. If the shipper makes no arrangement to remove the vehicle from a
vessel upon arrival, one of the following actions will be taken at the
discretion of AMHS; the vehicle will remain on the vessel and the
shipper will be charged for additional shipping; the vehicle will be
removed from the vessel by a commercial towing company at the shipper's
expense; or AMHS will remove the vehicle and the shipper will be charged
$100 before the vehicle is released.
Commercial Vehicles
All commercial vehicles must be booked through our Commercial Services
Desk. AMHS can accommodate commercial cargo vans or trailers up to 48
feet in length. Any type of cargo van or trailer over 48 feet cannot be
accommodated on any AMHS vessel due to restricted turning radius.
Unaccompanied Vehicles on FVF Fairweather / MV LeConte
Additional restrictions apply to unaccompanied vehicles traveling on the
FVF Fairweather and MV LeConte during the summer season. Conditional
reservations for unaccompanied vehicles will apply when sailings are
routed through a community with an unmanned terminal. Short turnaround
times and loading restrictions can cause lengthy delays when dealing
with unaccompanied vehicles. Unaccompanied vehicles will be loaded at
the discretion of the Captain.
MV Tustumena
Due to the configuration of the MV Tustumena car deck, width
restrictions apply.
Long Overhangs
Drivers of
vehicles with long overhangs are advised that due to the large tidal
range of Alaska waters (up to 40 feet in some places), the angle of the
transfer ramp may cause damage to undercarriage units such as holding
tanks or plumbing. Vehicles longer than 25 feet may have trouble
clearing the top of the car deck door on an extreme low tide. AMHS is
not responsible for damage caused to vehicles due to the angle of the
transfer ramp.
Port of Gustavus (Glacier Bay)
RVs, motorhomes, busses, vans, and flat-bed trucks will be limited to a
maximum overhang of 6 feet past the rear axle. No vehicles with a
distance greater than 6 feet will be permitted to load or unload in
Gustavus. The distance from the rear bumper to the ground may not
measure less than 12 inches. The following are also restricted from
loading or unloading in Gustavus:
Box trucks with pintle
hitches and lift gates
RVs, motorhomes, campers, and
flat-beds may not exceed the rear axle guidelines and may not have a tow
vehicle attached
Vehicles with trailers will be limited to a boat
trailer length of 20 feet
Containers are limited to a length of 28
feet. For truck and trailer combinations, the trailer/box portion can
also not exceed 20 feet in length.
Passengers traveling to and from Whittier are advised to check the Whittier Tunnel website for a schedule of when the tunnel is open to vehicle traffic. You may be unable to make your sailing if you do not arrive at the tunnel at a time when it is open. Bicycle and foot traffic is prohibited through the tunnel, and there are vehicle size and other restrictions of which you should be aware before traveling through the tunnel. For a recording of the base schedule, call the Whittier Tunnel toll-free at 1-877-611-2586.
12/19/23