Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Anyone Taken the Ferry From Haines, Alaska to Bellingham, WA? Anyone Taken the Ferry From Haines, Alaska to Bellingham, WA?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 22 Dec 2008
JHAlaska's Avatar
Gold Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Posts: 7
Question Anyone Taken the Ferry From Haines, Alaska to Bellingham, WA?
Planning on taking the Alaska Ferry on an upcoming trip to California (Spring Time Frame) and was wondering if anyone has done it?

I am planning to take a F800GS and maybe get a cabin.

would it be wise to take some ratchet straps to secure the bike down?

how about food? is the ferry food reasonable (taste/price) or should I buy enough for the duration of the trip?

any help will be appreciated.. thanks in advance
__________________
Iggy
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 22 Dec 2008
MikeS's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
We went from Skagway to Prince Rupert via Juneau. Very nice scenery!

You can camp on the deck of the ferry, lots of folk do it. Don't think the ferry even had tie down straps so maybe bring a few if you have space, if not, rope will do fine.

Oh, and if you happen to stop in Little Norway, run up to the little bakery there, they had the best cinnemon buns ever!
__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 22 Dec 2008
bobkat's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 103
The web site for the ferry says you have to bring your own tie downs. They do not provide them. We will be traveling northbound on it this June and when I spoke with the agent they repeated the warning, "Bring your own tie downs."
__________________

Our Favorite Roads, until the next trip!
Bob & Kathy
The adventures of Lemonade
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 22 Dec 2008
John Ferris's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Reno,NV,USA
Posts: 560
We took the ferry from Bellingham to Juneau and you should have your own straps.
The food is OK. Its grill food, burgers, chicken.
We had a cabin and its nice to get some sleep any time you want.
Cabins must be reserved, if you want one call NOW for one next summer.
When I say call I mean call the ferry reservations and talk to a person.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Dec 2008
JHAlaska's Avatar
Gold Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Posts: 7
Thanks for the replies... much appreciated..
__________________
Iggy
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 7 Jan 2009
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
I took the ferry in 2004 and if I remember right they provided rope but not actual tie-downs. if you camp on deck, bring some strong duct tape. Most of the trip was on a passage between islands, so the boat didn't rock around much.
There was nothing to secure the tent to the boat with (although this may differer depending on the actual boat you ride). I had a pole snap, so I just put the tent away and slept on a deck chair under heat lamps. Some people slept in the movie theater, but I though it was pretty impolite to take the cushions off a bunch of chairs and take up a large amount of floor space during the day...
__________________
Japan touring information
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 8 Jan 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: AK
Posts: 9
alaska ferry
I made the trip once between Bellingham and Juneau. ALthough your're looking at the route to Haines the 'inside passage' basically includes all of the same places, just that you get to decide where you'd like to get on and off. Remember that Southeast Ak is often foggy and visibility is tough, - in fact I think on my 4-day trip to Juneau we saw blue sky for maybe a minute, but it will be incredibly beautiful and worth the wait!! There is a an exposed crossing along the way that can get quite stormy - if you're in a tent duct taped on the back deck make sure you're in it when the wind starts howling or it may blow away. .in fact during our crossing the captain came over the intercom and advised us to secure our tents because the year prior somebody's tent had blown into the ocean because it wasn't properly secured. Anyway i've never been in the cabins but that would make one less thing to worry about. Hope you have a nice trip
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Alaska Sutherrj North America 2 10 Nov 2007 13:38
Ferry to/from Washington State to Alaska bmr39 Trip Transport 2 20 Dec 2004 05:45
Ferry between Russia and Alaska??? bassarider Europe 3 1 Sep 2003 20:25
Ferry from Alaska to Russia??? bassarider North America 0 31 Jul 2003 06:42
LA to Alaska Loco Trip Transport 1 22 Jun 2001 04:38

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 08:45.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top