Service Notice: M/V Columbia Service Suspended / Resuming Sunday, November 8, 2026
The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) reports that the M/V Columbia is currently out of service in Ketchikan due to required repairs on its port main engine.Following technical inspection, replacement engine components (a cylinder liner and piston) are required. AMHS has secured the necessary spare parts, and a specialized Wärtsilä technician will be in Ketchikan on Thursday to perform the repairs alongside our engineering crew.
Service & Schedule Impact:
- Resumption of Service: The M/V Columbia is scheduled to return to regular revenue service on Sunday, November 8, 2026, departing northbound from Ketchikan.
- Regular Schedule Continuity: Resuming service on Sunday will place the vessel back on its standard northbound schedule, covering all scheduled ports of call going forward.
- Onboard Passengers: Passengers currently aboard the vessel in Ketchikan are welcome to remain on board.
- Ticket Reimbursements & Unaccompanied Vehicles: For passengers choosing to disembark and make alternative travel arrangements (such as flights home), the Ketchikan Terminal staff will process ticket reimbursements and coordinate arrangements for unaccompanied vehicles left in our care.
We sincerely appreciate the patience of our passengers and coastal communities while our teams work to safely return the M/V Columbia to service!
Service Notice: Travel Advisory M/V Tustumena Schedule Revision (Nov. 2 - Nov. 5)
Due to forecasted severe weather conditions with near hurricane-force winds across the service area, the M/V Tustumena will be operating under a revised schedule from November 2 through November 5. Passenger and crew safety is our top priority. These adjustments are being made to avoid hazardous conditions and ensure safe transit.
Passengers are strongly encouraged to monitor schedule adjustments prior to traveling to the terminal by visiting:
Alaska Ferry Schedules - Alaska Marine Highway System
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate early winter weather conditions safely!
We're Hiring!
The Alaska Marine Highway System is currently recruiting motivated, hard-working individuals to join our team across multiple shipboard and shoreside departments.
Our employees play a vital role in keeping Alaska connected by supporting vessel operations, safety, and customer service throughout the ferry system.
Check out our recruitment video and our employment page for all of our current employment opportunities.
What kind of identification do I need on the ferry?
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. Click here to read more.
Can I disembark during my sailing?
If you decide you want to check out a port during your sailing, please check with your Purser onboard before you arrive to ensure there is sufficient time and to find out when you need to return to the vessel. Please follow any specific guidelines set forth by the individual communities, and be sure you are back to the boat on time! If you want to stay in a port longer than the ferry stop allows, you must book your sailing from port to port along the way. The next ferry won't be able to continue your ride unless you have booked space first.
Can I travel with my pet on the ferry?
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 owners risk and all state of Alaska regulations must be met prior to animals entering the state. If you have additional questions on transporting an animal, contact our reservations call center at 1-800-642-0066 or click here to read more.
Never traveled by ferry?
The ferries of the Alaska Marine Highway make up a large part of Alaska's highway system, covering 3,500 miles of coastline and providing service to over 30 communities that stretch from Bellingham, WA to Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Chain. Let us show you around with our See More of Alaska ferry handbook. You'll find even more information on places to visit and not to miss experiences in each region.
Can I travel with a vehicle?
The Alaska Marine Highway can transport any form of conveyance with wheels that has roll-on/roll-off capabilities. Each of the AMHS vessels and ports are unique and may have different restrictions for non-standard (extra wide, tall or heavy) vehicles due to dock configurations and loading ramps. If you'll be traveling on the ferry with a vehicle, remember that accurate vehicle measurements are crucial to ensure a smooth loading process. Click here to read more.
Can I camp out on the ferry deck?
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. Just remember to bring the duct-tape!
When should I check-in on the Ferry?
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 at least thirty minutes prior to boarding, and must be on board the vessel 15 minutes before departure. Vehicles with reservations may be required to check-in earlier. Click here to read more.
Is there food available on the ferry?
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.
What sights can I expect to see on the ferry?
While aboard the ferry, thrill to the spectacular sights of ice-blue glaciers, tranquil fjords, lush forests and unbelievable concentrations of seabirds and marine wildlife. Make sure you have extra photo storage capacity before your trip, you just might need it.
How many bags can I bring on the ferry?
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. Click here to read more.
What are cabins like on the ferry?
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. Click here to read more.
What are ferry change and cancellation policies?
To cancel or make changes to an itinerary you can contact our reservations call center at 1-800-642-0066, any local ferry terminal or modify your booking online. Click here to read more. Click here to read more.
What currency is accepted on the ferry?
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.
Can I bring my kayak or canoe on the ferry?
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. Click here to read more.
Are there restrooms on the ferries?
Public restrooms are available on all vessels. Public showers are available on all vessels except the MV Lituya.
Can I park at the terminal when I travel on the ferry?
There is no overnight or long-term parking at AMHS terminal facilities. Please contact your departure terminal for options.
Can I give gratuities to the ferry staff?
Our crewmembers are State of Alaska employees and are prohibited by Alaska State law from accepting tips.
What do I need to know about the Whittier tunnel?
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