Travel Policies - Alaska Marine Highway System (2024)

Accessibility (-)

Are AMHS vessels handicapped accessible?

All AMHS vessels have elevator access and vessels withcabins provide at least one wheelchair accessible cabin.Passengers must notify the Alaska Marine Highway if you aretraveling with a wheelchair or of if you require any specialaccommodations in the event of emergency. Please provide thisinformation when making reservations and notify the purser uponboarding the vessel.

AMHS Vessel employees are unable to assist passengers withpersonal tasks. Examples of personal tasks that AMHS Vessel andterminal employees are "not able" to provide include: assistingwith 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/hehas a good faith belief that rendering such physical assistanceposes a significant health or safety risk to the employee or tothe passenger. For example, a passenger might remove themselffrom a wheelchair and be unable to return to the wheelchairunless physically assisted. If an AMHS employee possesses thegood faith belief that rendering such physical assistance to thepassenger poses a significant health or safety risk to theemployee, e.g., the passenger is physically large oruncooperative, then the employee will not provide suchassistance.

To obtain additional instructions, please call 1-800-642-0066. Moreinformation on the DOT&PF ADA Policy can be found by clickinghere.

Animal Transport (-)

Can I travel with my pet on the ferry?

Animals may be transported on AMHS vessels, but arerestricted to the car deck. They must be properly contained in anapproved carrier or be transported in a vehicle and accompaniedby an adult passenger. Animals are transported at the owner'srisk and all state of Alaska regulations must be met prior toanimals entering the state. If you have additional questions ontransporting an animal, contact our reservations call center at1-800-642-0066.

Baggage Limitation (-)

How many bags can I bring on the ferry?

Walk-on passengers are allowed up to 100 pounds ofhand-carried baggage. Passengers are responsible for the handlingand safety of their own bags. Baggage carts are driven fromterminals and parked on the vessel car deck to offer assistance.Coin-operated storage lockers are available aboard larger vesselsfor storage of small hand-carried items. All baggage and carry-onitems are subject to security screening. The Alaska MarineHighway System is not responsible for lost, stolen or damagedbaggage. Unaccompanied baggage is not allowed on board AMHSvessels; it is considered freight and must be shipped via acommercial carrier.

Cabins & Facilities (-)

What are cabins like on the ferry?

Cabins aboard the ferries provide basic amenities and varyin price according to size and location. Cabins are sold pertrip, not per day or per person. Cabins are equipped with singleor double bunk bed style berths. Most cabins include privatebathroom facilities. For those that do not, public restroom andshower facilities are available. Housekeeping service for cabinsis not provided; however, trash is collected daily and freshlinens, pillows and blankets are available for a small fee fromthe pursers' desk. Cabins that indicate a window will have eithera full window or a port hole. Cabin types vary by vessel; the day boat ferries M/V Tazlina and M/V Hubbard do not have cabins available, nor do they have public showers.

Camping Onboard (-)

Can I camp out on the ferry deck?

For passengers who opt to travel without a cabin, therecliner lounges also serve as sleeping areas with space to rollout a sleeping bag. Covered solariums located on the upper decksof each vessel are also popular sleeping areas and for thosetraveling with small tents, they are allowed on the upper decks.

Changes, Cancellation & Refund (-)

What are ferry change and cancellation policies?

To cancel or make changes to an itinerary or to request a refund for an AMHS-cancelled sailing, you can contactour reservations call center at 1-800-642-0066, any local ferryterminal or modify your booking online.

It is the Alaska Marine Highway System's policy to assessadditional charges to items involving special handling orliability.

Refund in the event of AMHS-cancelled sailing

If AMHS cancels a sailing, it will refund an individual the full purchase price of his/her ticket or the proportionate price of the unused portion of the ticket, so long as the individual: (1) requests the refund within one year of the ticketed sailing date; (2) provides proof of identity, e.g., government-issued photo I.D.; and (3) establishes that s/he is the ticket purchaser and, therefore, the proper recipient of the refund. If a credit card was used to purchase the ticket(s), refunds will be issued to the same credit card used to make the purchase, so long as permitted by the credit card issuer. Most credit cards will not process a refund credit after 6 months. If the ticket purchase was made by cash or check, refunds will be issued by check to the purchaser. Also, for credit card refunds that AMHS cannot process via the card issuer, AMHS will issue the refund via check.

AMHS will refund a ticket purchased by a government, business, or non-profit organization only to the representative of that entity who demonstrates s/he is entitled to receive the refund on behalf of the entity.

If an individual or entity has purchased a ticket from a person other than an AMHS employee, e.g., a travel agent, then AMHS will decline the refund request and direct the individual or entity to collect the refund from the person who sold him/her/it the ticket.

Check-In Times (-)

When should I check-in on the Ferry?

Commercial Vans & (-)

Can I take a commercial van on the ferry?

All commercial vehicles must be booked through ourCommercial Services Desk. AMHS can accommodate commercial cargovans or trailers up to 48 feet in length. Any type of cargo vanor trailer over 48 feet cannot be accommodated on any AMHS vesseldue to restricted turning radius.

Conduct (-)

What is the code of conduct on the ferry?

The Alaska Marine Highway reserves the right to refusepassage to any passenger. The Captain will determine if anindividual is endangering, or poses an imminent threat to otherpassengers, the vessel or crew. A passenger may be deemed to beendangering a voyage if the individual acts in a belligerent orirrational manner, is under the influence of alcohol and/orillegal substances, or acts in any manner that would lead a crewmember to believe the individual might endanger themselves orothers.

Refusal to adhere to regulations, such as not complyingwith crew direction, remaining on the car deck, harboring pets incabins, making excessive noise or other infractions are alsomeans for refusal of passage. Individuals may be denied passage,restricted to a designated area of the vessel or be put off thevessel at the nearest port. Any person, who attempts to gainpassage in a fraudulent manner, or any vehicle in an unsafecondition, will be denied boarding.

Contract Terms & Conditions (-)

What am I agreeing to when I travel by ferry?

"Passenger" and "you" mean person(s) identified in thisticket. By accepting this ticket, you agree to following termsand conditions:

• 1. You consent to security screening and inspection ofyour person, vehicle, and property. If you revoke consent at anytime, if you fail to comply with federal, state, or local laws,or if you fail to abide by instruction from State personnelregarding travel, security, health, safety, welfare and relatedmatters, State of Alaska (State) may remove you, your vehicle,and your property from its premises or vessel.
• 2. Passengers with vehicles must check in at terminal bytime fixed by State. Pedestrian passengers must check in atterminal one hour prior to vessel departure and be aboard atleast 15 minutes prior to departure or risk being deniedtransportation.
• 3. All passengers aged 18 years or older must presentvalid, government issued photo identification prior to boarding.
• 4. When transporting pets into Alaska, you must presenta valid health certificate for each animal before State willpermit boarding.

5. PROVISIONS AFFECTING OR LIMITING LEGAL CLAIMS. READCAREFULLY.

• a. State, as well as its employees and agents(personnel), are not liable for any claim arising in connectionwith passenger death, illness, or bodily injury unless made inwriting and lodged with Office of Attorney General, P.O. Box110300, Juneau, AK 99811-0300 within six months from date ofdeath, illness, or injury. Failure to lodge a claim in thismanner will preclude any later suit related to such claim(s).Additionally, any person intending to file suit against State orits personnel in connection with such death, illness, or injury- or any other matter - must file suit within one year from dateof death, illness, injury, or event giving rise to any otherclaim. State and its personnel are not liable for any claimfiled after one year.
• b. State and its personnel are not liable for emotionaldistress, mental suffering or psychological injury unless thedistress, suffering, or injury has resulted from: (a) physicalinjury to claimant through negligence or fault of a crewmember,managing agent, master, owner, or operator; (b) claimant havingbeen at actual risk of physical injury, and such risk was causedby the negligence or fault of a crewmember, managing agent,master, owner, or operator; or (c) intentional infliction by acrewmember, managing agent, master, owner, or operator.
• c. Any person asserting a claim arising in connectionwith this ticket or passenger's travel shall file and litigatethe claim in a court located in Alaska, to the exclusion ofcourts of all other states and countries. Federal maritime lawshall apply regarding any such claim or dispute. However, iffederal maritime law cedes to state law concerning a particularsubject, Alaska law will apply to that subject.
• d. State reserves the right to alter, revise or cancelschedules and rates for any reason without prior notice and isnot liable for any resulting delays, expenses, or damagespassenger may incur; nor is State responsible for arrangingalternate lodging or transportation.
• e. State and its personnel are not liable for theft fromany person, vehicle, baggage, or other property at terminalfacilities or on vessels.
• f. State and its personnel are not liable for any damageto vehicles, trailers, or their contents while the vehicle ortrailer is in operation, possession, or control of passenger (orperson authorized by passenger) at terminal facilities, onvessels, or when on the transfer ramp between vessel and shore.
• g. If a court should rule any provision of this contractinvalid, the ruling will not affect or invalidate any otherprovision.

VESSEL SAFETY INFORMATION

• Columbia
• 1. M/V Columbia O.N. 55734
• 2. United States of America Registered Vessel
• 3. This vessel complies with international safetystandards developed prior to 1960. There is an automaticsprinkler system fitted on the vehicle deck spaces. There is notan automatic sprinkler system fitted in the passenger livingspaces and public spaces. The hull, decks, deckhouse, structuralbulkheads and internal partitions are not composed ofcombustible materials.

• Tustumena
• 1. M/V Tustumena O.N. 295172
• 2. United States of America Registered Vessel
• 3. This vessel complies with international safetystandards developed prior to 1960. There is an automaticsprinkler system fitted on the vehicle deck spaces. There is notan automatic sprinkler system fitted in the passenger livingspaces and public spaces. The hull, decks, deckhouse, structuralbulkheads and internal partitions are not composed ofcombustible materials.

Customs Contact Information (-)

How do I contact US and Canadian customs?

• Haines U.S. Customs - (907) 767-5511
  Open 7:00am to 11:00 pm (Alaska Time) year-round in either direction.

• Haines Canada Customs - (907) 767-5540
  Open7:00 am to 11:00 pm (Yukon Time) year-round in either direction.

• Prince Rupert Canada Customs - (250) 627-3003
  Open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  Terminal Customs Office is open for ferry arrivals anddepartures seven days a week.

• Skagway U.S. Customs - (907) 983-2325
  Open7:00 am to 11:00 pm (Alaska Time) year-round in eitherdirection.

• Skagway Canada Customs - (867) 821-4111
  Open8:00 am to 12:00 am (Yukon Time) year-round in either direction.

Before you travel to Canada visit the CanadaBorder Services Agency web site.

Electrical Power (-)

Do I have access to electrical power on the ferry?

Electrical current on board AMHS vessels is 110-volt60-cycle AC. Power is unprotected from surges and brownouts, soAMHS recommends use of a surge protector with personal computersand other electronic devices. Electrical hookups for vehiclerefrigeration units are not available, and refrigerated storageon board for passenger commodities is not available. Electricaloutlets in cabins are located by the vanity, bringing anextension cord is recommended for personal use devices.

Firearm Transport & Self DefenseProducts (-)

Can I transport firearms on the ferry?

Walk-on Passengers wishing to transport a firearm mustsurrender any and all firearms (and ammunition) to the custody ofthe Loading Officer or Purser for the duration of the passage.

Firearms, and ammunition transported in vehicles must bedeclared, and stowed in suitable locked compartments i.e., lockedtrunk, locked vehicle.

Additionally, the following items are prohibited in publicareas on the vessel:

• a) Hunting Bows and Arrows (regardless of size, orconfiguration)
• b) Large knives (defined as blades over four inches inoverall length)
• c) Machetes/hatchets or axe (regardless of size)
• d) Bear Spray, and/or any self-defense products such asstun guns, and tasers
• e) Empty gun cases
• f) Any item the Master considers inappropriate for thesafety and well-being of passengers and crew

Food & Beverage Service (-)

Is there food available on the ferry?

All vessels, with the exception of the MV Lituya, offerfood and beverage service. Hot and cold items, which includeAlaska seafood, salads, sandwiches and beverage service, areserved throughout the day in self-service dining areas. Vendingmachines are available on each vessel for access to snacks. The MVColumbia and MV Tustumena provide full-service diningrooms that include a variety of entrees including fresh Alaskaseafood. Passengers may also bring aboard their own coolers orpicnic items. Refrigeration is not available, but mainlinevessels do provide coin operated ice machines and all vesselsprovide access to microwaves. Service hours and locations mayvary per vessel.

Foreign Exchange (-)

What currency is accepted on the ferry?

The Alaska Marine Highway accepts only U.S. currency. Noforeign currency will be accepted as payment for any goods orservices. Credit cards drawn on foreign banks are accepted.

HAZMAT - Restricted Materials (-)

Can I transport hazardous materials on the ferry?

Explosives, highly flammable materials, corrosives, etc. may notbe transported on any AMHS vessel. Bottled gas containers, suchas those used by recreational vehicles, are permitted on boardAMHS vessels, but they must be turned off and sealed by an AMHSemployee before being transported. For information concerninghazardous materials for non-commercial shippers, see the HazardousMaterials Information document and the HazardousMaterials Poster for walk-on passengers.

Identification Requirements (-)

What kind of identification do I need on the ferry?

Alaska Marine Highway customers will be required to showproper government issued photo identification upon acceptance oftickets at the terminal or reservations ticket office and againprior to boarding the vessel. Random ticket and identificationchecks may be conducted onboard the vessel. Governmentidentification is defined as one piece of photo identificationissued by a government authority such as a state or provincialdriver's license, passport, or military identification.

Kayaks, Canoes & Inflatables (-)

Can I bring my kayak or canoe on the ferry?

Kayaks and canoes may be carried aboard AMHS vessels. Smallinflatable boats may also be carried if they weigh less than 300pounds and do not exceed 18 feet in length and 3 feet in width.If the inflatable exceeds these restrictions they must betransported on a trailer.

Kayaks, canoes and inflatable boats will need their ownticket if they are being transported without a vehicle. If theyare traveling on a vehicle then they will not need their ownticket however the vehicle length will need to be adjusted to theactual overall length with the boat on the vehicle; from thefurthest point forward to the farthest point on the end.

Lost & Found (-)

What do I do if I lose something while I'm on the ferry?

AMHS will secure items found on vessels and in terminalsand return them to the owner, when identified. If you have lostan item while in an AMHS terminal or aboard a vessel, pleasecontact our Juneau Warehouse, Lost & Found at 907-465-4033,during regular business hours.

Marijuana (-)

What is the marijuana policy on the ferry?

Please note that regardless of recent measures in thestates of Alaska and Washington that decriminalize recreationaluse of marijuana, it remains a prohibited substance under federallaw. Federal law prohibits possession and transportation ofmarijuana. Furthermore, taking cannabis, and products containingit, across international borders, including the Canada –United States border, is illegal and can result in seriouscriminal penalties.

Medical Services (-)

What medical services are available on the ferry?

Each vessel has the ability to provide basic emergencymedical service with training of personnel at the EmergencyTrauma Technician (ETT) level. In the event of a medicalemergency, the ship's crew will determine the best course ofaction and direct the vessel to the closest port where medicalfacilities or services are available.

Minors Traveling Unaccompanied (-)

Can children travel unaccompanied on the ferry?

Children under 12 years of age are not allowed passage unlessaccompanied by a person 19 years of age or older. Children ages12-15 must be accompanied by a person 19 years of age or older orhave written permission for passage signed by their parent orguardian. An UnaccompaniedMinor Form can be found here or at your local terminal.

Notice of Nondiscrimination (-)

What is your nondiscrimination policy?

It is the policy of the Department of Transportation &Public Facilities (DOT&PF) that no person shall be excluded fromparticipation in, or be denied benefits of any and all programsor activities we provide based on race, religion, color, gender,age, marital status, ability, or national origin, regardless ofthe funding source, including Federal Transit Administration,Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Highway Administration,Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association and State of Alaskafunds.

Persons who believe they may have experienceddiscrimination in the delivery of these federally-assistedprograms or activities may file a confidential complaint with:

• Alaska DOT&PF Civil Rights Office
  2200 East42nd Avenue, Room 310
  Anchorage, AK | 99508
  
• (907) 269-0851 Phone
• (800) 770-6236 Toll Freein AK Only | (907) 269-0847 Fax
• Alaska Relay

Notification of Schedule Changes (-)

How will I be notified of schedule changes?

AMHS recognizes the importance of fulfilling its publishedsailing schedules. At times, however, unpredictable events suchas weather or mechanical issues may cause AMHS to delay or cancelsailings. In the event of a schedule change or cancellation, AMHSmakes every effort to notify affected customers as soon aspossible. To help ensure timely notification, AMHS contacts itscustomers through multiple means. For this reason, we urge allcustomers making reservations to provide an email address, SMStext number, telephone number, and/or other means by which theycan receive time-sensitive information and updates concerningtheir booked sailing. All customers who provide such contactinformation will receive an SMS message or email notificationfollowed by a phone call to assist with needed changes to theirtravel plans. In addition, customers will find details of AMHSschedule changes displayed on our website Service Notices page andreflected in our Scheduling tools. In theevent of a cancellation AMHS makes every effort to ensure thatcustomers are accommodated to the best of our ability.Replacement service will be offered if it is operationallyfeasible and does not further displace Marine Highway ferrytravelers. If you have further questions please call our tollfree reservations line at 1-800-642-0066, Monday-Friday,7:30am-4:00pm or contact your local terminal.

Payment (-)

How do I pay for a reservation on the ferry?

Payment for reservations on the Alaska Marine Highway isdue at the time of confirmation. Reservations and payment can bemade through our call center at 1-800-642-0066, during regularbusiness hours. Reservations and payments can also be confirmedat any AMHS terminal or online at FerryAlaska.com. AMHS acceptsVisa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit cards. Payments may also bemade in person with cashiers' check, travelers' checks or moneyorder for the full amount in U.S. funds. Personal checks cannotbe accepted unless drawn on an Alaska bank. AMHS accepts onlyU.S. currency.

Personal Information (-)

What does AMHS do with my personal information?

The Alaska Marine Highway may collect applicable personalinformation about its customers such as full legal name, date ofbirth, citizenship, passport, address and contact information.This information is used to comply with U.S. Coast Guardrequirements and may be used to contact passengers in the eventof a schedule change or in regards to travel arrangements.

Privacy Protection (-)

How does AMHS protect my privacy?

Our privacy commitment includes ensuring the accuracy,confidentiality and security of our customers' personalinformation. The Alaska Marine Highway System and the State ofAlaska maintain secure servers for all personal information andpayment transactions and continuously monitor online security.

Port Efficiency Policy (Whistle StopService) (-)

When does the ferry make a Whistle Stop?

This policy applies to the following communities who mayexperience lower traffic demand: Ouzinkie, Old Harbor, ChenegaBay, Tatitlek, and Port Lions. Whistle Stop service allows theferry to proceed without stopping if there is no vehicle orpassenger traffic confirmed in the reservations system at theWhistle Stop port. Every effort will be made to confirmreservations and notify the vessel in a timely manner; however,advanced reservations are required to guarantee confirmation.Making reservations guarantees space and service, unless sailingsare altered or canceled by weather or mechanical issues. In suchcases, those reservations impacted will be given prioritytreatment for succeeding sailings.

Responsibility for Car Deck Spills (-)

What happens if I have a spill on the car deck?

The Alaska Marine Highway will collect costs incurred forthe cleanup or disposal of waste or debris left on the car deckof a vessel or during the transit of a passenger vehicle orconveyance 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 requireadditional cleaning or cost incurred by AMHS will be theresponsibility of the passenger. The following AlaskaAdministrative Code excerpt is applicable to this policy:

• 17 AAC 70.190. Dangerous or objectionablearticles: The ferry system reserves the right to refuse any andall articles, and vehicles containing such articles, that in theopinion of its representatives will jeopardize the safeoperation of the vessel. The ferry system also reserves theright to refuse to transport vehicles containing offensive orill-smelling cargo and liquid or semi-liquid commodities whennot in properly enclosed containers or tanks which preclude thepossibility of escaping odors or leakage from vehicles to thedeck of the vessel.

Restrooms & Showers (-)

Are there restrooms on the ferries?

Public restrooms are available on all vessels. Public showers areavailable on all vessels except the MV Lituya.

Schedule Changes (-)

Can my schedule be changed by AMHS?

The State of Alaska reserves the right to alter, revise, orcancel schedules and rates without prior notice and assumes noresponsibility for delays and/or expenses due to suchmodifications. You can get schedule updates by visiting our ServiceNotices page or by calling the AMHS reservation call center at1-800-642-0066, or contacting your local terminal.

Service Animals (-)

Are service animals allowed on the ferry?

There is no charge on any route for a certified serviceanimal accompanying a person with a disability. At the time ofbooking, please notify the reservations agent if you aretraveling with a certified service animal; the reservations agentwill notify all AMHS terminal and ship board staff. Onlycertified service animals are allowed on passenger decks aboardAlaska Marine Highway vessels. Comfort and therapy animals arerequired to follow the AMHS pet policy and will be restricted tothe car deck.

Smoking (-)

Is smoking allowed on the ferry?

Alaska law is very specific about smoking in publicfacilities, including AMHS ferries. Smoking is restricted to theoutside decks and posted areas only.

Storage Lockers (-)

Are there places to store my belongings on the ferry?

Locking coin-op storage lockers are available for rent aboard theMVs Columbia, Kennicott, Malaspina, and Matanuska,.

Stowaways (-)

What happens to unticketed passengers on the ferry?

Stowaways are subject to prosecution under Federal law, 18U.S.C. 2199 and may be fined, imprisoned for five years, or bothand under State law, AS 11.46.100-150, .330 for theft of servicesand criminal trespass.

Subject to Screening (-)

Will I go through security screening on the ferry?

Ticketed persons and vehicles entering an Alaska MarineHighway System facility, or boarding an AMHS vessel are subjectto screening and/or inspections. Failure to consent or submit tosuch measures will result in denial or revocation ofauthorization to remain on the premises or to board the vessel.

Telephone (-)

Are there telephones on the ferry?

Ship-to-shore radio-telephone service is available only inthe event of an emergency situation.

Terminal Public Parking (-)

Can I park at the terminal when I travel on the ferry?

There is no overnight or long-term parking at AMHS terminalfacilities. Please contact your departure terminal for options.

Tipping (-)

Can I give gratuities to the ferry staff?

Our crewmembers are State of Alaska employees and areprohibited by Alaska State law from accepting tips. "A publicofficer may not accept, receive, or solicit compensation for theperformance of official duties or responsibilities from a personother than the state." (AS 39.52.120(b) (2))

Travel Insurance (-)

Can I obtain travel insurance for my sailing on the ferry?

With any form of travel, disruption is an ever-presentrisk. As such, AMHS recommends that travelers consider purchasingtravel insurance in the event of unexpected serviceinterruptions. Travel insurance can assist travelers inrecovering nonrefundable expenses due to deviations orcancellations in travel plans.

Vehicles & Vehicle Categories (-)

What kinds of vehicles can I bring on the ferry

The Alaska Marine Highway can transport any form of conveyancewith wheels that has roll-on/roll-off capabilities. Each of theAMHS vessels and ports are unique and may have differentrestrictions for non-standard (extra wide, tall or heavy)vehicles due to dock configurations and loading ramps. Details onvehicle categories and restrictions are outlined below. Pleasecontact our reservations call center at 1-800-642-0066 for moreinformation. It is imperative that you provide your reservationsagent with the accurate overall length of your vehicle. Theoverall length is measured from its furthest extensions. Incases where one vehicle is towing another, the overall connectedlength is applicable. Vehicles that have not reserved theappropriate space requirement on the vessel car deck may besubject to additional charges or may be moved to a later sailing.Vehicle farescan be found on our fares page and 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 approximately125% of the fare listed for the vehicle length. Vehicles 108inches wide and over will be charged approximately 150% of thefare listed for the vehicle length.

Motorcycles

All motorcycles must be fully secured on the car deck usingappropriate tie-downs. It is the responsibility of the owner tobring proper tie-downs and to ensure the motorcycle is properlysecured. Motorcycles rates are based on total length, whichincludes trailers or attachments.

Recreation Vehicles

Fares for recreational vehicles are the same as for othervehicles of the same size. RVs are booked under a separate code,if you are traveling with an RV, please indicate that when youmake your reservation. U.S. Coast Guard regulations prohibitaccess to the car deck while a vessel is underway; therefore, RVsand motorhomes may not be used for dining and sleeping while onan AMHS ferry. Electrical hookups for vehicle refrigeration unitsare not available, and bottled gas containers must be turned offand sealed by an AMHS employee at the time of boarding.Passengers transporting vehicles with long overhangs shouldreview vehicle restrictions below.

Towed Vehicles

When transporting a towed trailer or vehicle, the overallconnected length, width and height is used to determine fares. Donot attempt to estimate your vehicle length.

Unaccompanied Vehicles

Vehicles that are not accompanied by a driver will beassessed a surcharge of $50 to and from Bellingham, $20 to andfrom Prince Rupert, and $10 to and from all other ports.Non-drivable car deck items, such as boats on trailers that mustbe towed onboard, but will be transported without a tow vehicle,will also be assessed the surcharges. AMHS does not provide forloading or off-loading vehicles; it is the shipper'sresponsibility to provide this service. If no arrangements havebeen made the vehicle will not be loaded. If the shipper makes noarrangement to remove the vehicle from a vessel upon arrival, oneof the following actions will be taken at the discretion of AMHS;the vehicle will remain on the vessel and the shipper will becharged for additional shipping; the vehicle will be removed fromthe vessel by a commercial towing company at the shipper'sexpense; or AMHS will remove the vehicle and the shipper will becharged $100 before the vehicle is released.

Commercial Vehicles

All commercial vehicles must be booked through ourCommercial Services Desk. AMHS can accommodate commercial cargovans or trailers up to 48 feet in length.

Vehicle Restrictions for Vessels &Ports (-)

Are there any vehicle restrictions on the ferry?

Unaccompanied Vehicles on MV LeConte

Additional restrictions apply to unaccompanied vehicles travelingon the MV LeConte during the summer season. Conditionalreservations for unaccompanied vehicles will apply when sailingsare routed through a community with an unmanned terminal. Shortturnaround times and loading restrictions can cause lengthydelays when dealing with unaccompanied vehicles. Unaccompaniedvehicles will be loaded at the discretion of the Captain.

MV Tustumena

Due to the configuration of the MV Tustumena car deck,width restrictions apply. Please contact our central reservationsoffice at 1-800-642-0066 for details.

Long Overhangs

Drivers of vehicles with long overhangs are advised thatdue to the large tidal range of Alaska waters (up to 40 feet insome places), the angle of the transfer ramp may cause damage toundercarriage units such as holding tanks or plumbing. Vehicleslonger than 25 feet may have trouble clearing the top of the cardeck door on an extreme low tide. AMHS is not responsible fordamage caused to vehicles due to the angle of the transfer ramp.

Clickhere for Vehicle Deck Categories and Restrictions
Clickhere for Vessel and Dock Restrictions

Waitlists (-)

Can I be placed on a waitlist for a sailing?

If vehicle or cabin space is not available on yourpreferred sailing date, a reservations agent may be able to placeyour request on a waitlist. Waitlisted items are processed ascancellations occur and space availability is monitored up to theday of sailing departure. Once space has been confirmed, you willbe contacted by one of our agents. Some restrictions may apply;for more information or to be added to a waitlist, please contacta reservations agent toll-free at 1-800-642-0066.

Whittier Tunnel Information (-)

What do I need to know about the Whittier tunnel?

Passengers traveling to and from Whittier are advised to checkthe WhittierTunnel website for a schedule of when the tunnel is open tovehicle traffic. You may be unable to make your sailing if you donot arrive at the tunnel at a time when it is open. Bicycle andfoot traffic is prohibited through the tunnel, and there arevehicle size and other restrictions of which you should be awarebefore traveling through the tunnel. For a recording of the baseschedule, call the Whittier Tunnel toll-free at 1-877-611-2586.