The Alaska Marine Highway System’s summer schedule is now available and ready for booking. The summer schedule covers ferry travel from May through September 2021.
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities reports that the MV Kennicott will operate rotating Bellingham/Juneau cross-gulf sailings to Southwest Alaska three times a month. Two sailings will be from Bellingham on the regular cross-gulf pattern. The third sailing will head southbound, stopping at Juneau to connect with the Matanuska from Bellingham before heading north. The Kennicott will continue providing service between Kodiak and Homer when the Tustamena sails out the chain along with the additional cross gulf-service from Juneau to Whittier.
The MV Matanuska will operate on the Southeast Bellingham route, but in order to make a connection with the Kennicott in Juneau, it will depart from Bellingham on Wednesday. The MV LeConte will provide service to the communities of the Northern Panhandle. The MV Lituya will sail five days a week between Annette Bay and Ketchikan.
The MV Tustamena will provide service on the southwest route with one Aleutian Chain trip per month from May through September. The MV Aurora will provide service to the communities of the Prince William Sound.
The Alaska Marine Highway System will continue to enforce COVID-19 protocols as those will still be in place following the expiration of the State of Alaska’s emergency declaration. All travelers boarding longer-duration mainline routes still need to provide proof of a negative test before boarding a vessel. As of February 1st, the CDC issued an order requiring that all travelers wear a proper face covering when using a public transportation system. The Alaska Marine Highway System previously required passengers and employees to wear masks but the CDC order makes refusal to wear a face covering a violation of federal law.
The release of the 2021 summer schedule followed a public comment period held in January and February. The comment period was an opportunity for communities and individuals to review and comment on the proposed schedule and alert the Alaska Marine Highway System to significant community events.
Reservations are available for booking at FerryAlaska.com, by calling (800) 642-0066 or by visiting ferry terminal staff throughout the system.
