Inside Passage on Alaska Marine Highway System

The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) is the easiest, most enjoyable and most flexible way to explore Alaska's coastal areas. Local residents use the Alaska Marine Highway System ferries (AMHS) as means of transportation between the towns along the Inside Passage. The ferries stop at all of the same towns as the big cruise ships plus many other small and interesting destinations. By way of example, the big cruise ships are too large to navigate some of the most beautiful stretches of the Inside Passage such as the “Wrangell Narrows” and “Sitka Narrows.” These routes are part of the regular scheduled services of the Alaska Marine Highway.

We have also found that the Alaska Marine Highway provides much greater flexibility than big cruise ships. In the case of cruise packages, you are required to stay with the same vessel for the entire trip, whereas the ferry liner system allows clients to stopover for a night or two in an interesting town and then pick up another ferry service and continue their holiday. Cabins can be booked on most vessels. Facilities include cafeteria which serves inexpensive meals, bar, observation decks, gift shop and large comfortable viewing lounges. The atmosphere on board is relaxed and informal. Experienced rangers provide free lectures on various topics such as wildlife, local history and culture. During the course of the journey the rangers will help you keep a close eye out for wildlife including whales, dolphins, sea otters, bald eagles and even bears.