Alaska Marine Highway

From Halal Explorer

WV banner Alaska Marine Highway MV LeConte in Skagway.jpg For a full list of itineraries, please visit our Halal Food and Travel website. The Alaska Marine Highway (AMH) or the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) are a network of Ferries|ferry lines connecting destinations along the southern coast of Alaska and going all the way down to Bellingham (Washington). It provides a connection to many island and island-like communities, including the Alaskan state capital Juneau which is accessible only by boat or plane despite being located on the mainland. The AMH is also an alternative to the long drive through Canada for overland travel between the lower 48 states and Alaska and can be a more affordable (if decidedly less luxurious) way to witness some of the same rugged coastal scenery that Alaskan Cruise ships|cruises take in.

Introduction

Ferry on Prince William Sound at Whittier - MV Aurora at Whittier The Alaska Marine Highway (System) is operated by the State of Alaska and comprises 3,500 miles or almost 6,000 kilometers of ferry lines. The system connects 32 ferry terminals from Bellingham in Washington state to Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands, but unlike its Norwegian equivalent Hurtigruten you're not able to sail all the way between these places onboard one boat. The system is divided into three parts; Southeast Alaska south of Yakutat, South Central Alaska around the Prince William Sound and Southwest Alaska including Kodiak and the Aleutians and the three parts are not as well connected as you might expect, especially outside the summer season.

Prepare

Current schedules are available here, both as a sailing calendar showing arrivals and departures on a current day and as a colored grid showing routes. When planning your trip you may also want to have a look at a map of the system.

Travel to Alaska Marine Highway

Many of the communities on the Highway are served by plane and some (but by no means all) are served by road. The southern end of the system, Bellingham (Washington), is near Seattle and Vancouver which both have quite good road and rail connections from the rest of the US and Canada and by plane from even further away. Elsewhere and the only major airport is in the state's by far most populous city Anchorage with services from the rest of the US and in the summer also from Europe and Asian Russia and moreover the city is connected to the rest of Alaska by road and rail with the Alaska Railroad offering service pretty far inland. Perhaps surprisingly, AMH does not serve Anchorage but relatively close (considering thit is Alaska) Whittier, about miles 60 away.

Sail

The information below is derived from the AMH schedule as of September 2017 and is just a general overview and might change over time. Check the current schedules for current routes, frequencies and ships. Amhs - Map of the Alaska Marine Highway System

Southwest Alaska

Communities west of Kodiak Island are only served during the summer months, about twice a month. Destinations on Kodiak Island are connected to each other and to Homer on the mainland about three times a week during the winter and almost every day in the summer. GPS 53.8816,-166.5423 Dutch Harbor}} GPS 54.1349,-165.7713 Akutan}} GPS 54.8576,-163.4138 False Pass}} GPS 55.206,-162.688 Cold Bay}} GPS 55.056,-162.324 King Cove}} GPS 55.335,-160.501 Sand Point}} GPS 56.2981,-158.3870 Chignik}} GPS 57.873,-152.865 Port Lions}} GPS 57.9208,-152.4953 Ouzinkie}} GPS 57.7873,-152.4015 Kodiak}} GPS 57.201,-153.305 Old Harbor

South Central Alaska

Homer is the starting point for boats to the Aleutian islands but except for the MV Kennicott that calls there about twice a month during the summer months (going all the way to Bellingham) you can only choose between plane and road to get east from there. The largest ports in the Prince William Sound; Whittier, Valdez and Cordova are connected to each other on a near-daily basis around the year. However the only connection to the southeast from there is the aforementioned MV Kennicott. GPS 59.602,-151.412 Homer}} GPS 59.440,-151.717 Seldovia}} GPS 60.064,-148.009 Chenega Bay}} GPS 60.776,-148.684 Whittier (Alaska)}} GPS 61.124,-146.362 Valdez}} GPS 60.864,-146.683 Tatitlek}} GPS 60.558,-145.755 Cordova (Alaska)

Southeast Alaska

Alaska Marine Highway Ferry - An AMH ferry in Juneau Juneau is the ferry hub of Southeast Alaska with all lines calling there. There are four shorter lines in the region all operated by the same ferry (MV LeConte) and each running once a week; Angoon-Tenakee-Juneau, Pelican-Hoonah-Juneau, Gustavus-Juneau and Juneau-Haines-Skagway. Southwards there are three lines, known as the mainlines. The one starting from Bellingham goes via Ketchikan, Wrangell and Petersburg to Juneau and onwards to Haines and Skagway and runs once a week. The second line beginning in Prince Rupert also calls at Kake and Sitka on its way to Juneau. It runs roughly twice a week with some ferries going all the way up to Skagway. Finally MV Kennicott; the ship plying the longest route, goes from Bellingham via Prince Rupert, Ketchikan and Juneau up to Yakutat and onwards to South Central Alaska crossing the Gulf of Alaska (though unlike the both other mainlines it runs only in the summer). GPS 59.545,-139.734 Yakutat}} GPS 57.958,-136.227 Pelican}} GPS 58.390,-135.730 Gustavus}} GPS 59.228,-135.438 Haines}} GPS 59.449,-135.325 Skagway}} GPS 58.382,-134.685 Juneau}} GPS 58.113,-135.452 Hoonah}} GPS 57.780,-135.219 Tenakee}} GPS 57.472,-134.568 Angoon}} GPS 57.129,-135.381 Sitka}} GPS 56.963,-133.924 Kake}} GPS 56.808,-132.975 Petersburg (Alaska)}} GPS 56.474,-132.392 Wrangell}} GPS 55.353,-131.694 Ketchikan}} GPS 55.119,-131.548 Metlakatla}} GPS 54.297,-130.356 Prince Rupert}} GPS 48.721,-122.511 Bellingham (Washington) | Bellingham

See and do

Enjoy the Alaskan scenery from the observation lounges. Other than that and the ships often have a movie theater and a solarium.

Halal Restaurants

Please be informed that on some destination such as Alaska Marine Highway we had no local Muslim/a that has researched some of the area. If you are a Muslim/a and have been to Alaska Marine Highway or would like to maintain the eHalal Guide to Alaska Marine Highway, please contact us at guides@ehalal.io or email us your updates.

Eating options are not exactly comparable to cruise ships, but there are cafeterias on board the AMH ferries. You can also bring your own food and there are coin-operated microwave ovens available for heating.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Alaska Marine Highway

Alaska Marine Highway July 29, 2023 - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Alaska Marine Highway, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Alaska Marine Highway. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Alaska Marine Highway and its surrounding regions. With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Alaska Marine Highway. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values. The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Alaska Marine Highway. Key components include: Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Alaska Marine Highway: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Alaska Marine Highway. Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Alaska Marine Highway: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Alaska Marine Highway, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Alaska Marine Highway. Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Alaska Marine Highway, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations. Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Alaska Marine Highway, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values. Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Alaska Marine Highway and beyond. Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Alaska Marine Highway, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Alaska Marine Highway, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Alaska Marine Highway without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients." The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Alaska Marine Highway is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Alaska Marine Highway. About eHalal Travel Group: eHalal Travel Group Alaska Marine Highway is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values. For Halal business inquiries in Alaska Marine Highway, please contact: Irwan Shah Bin Abdullah Chief Technology Officer eHalal Travel Group Alaska Marine Highway info@ehalal.io

Buy/Rent Muslim Friendly Condos, Houses and Villas in Alaska Marine Highway

eHalal Group Alaska Marine Highway is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Alaska Marine Highway. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Alaska Marine Highway. At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Alaska Marine Highway ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property. For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Alaska Marine Highway. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and facilities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living. If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Alaska Marine Highway, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values. For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Alaska Marine Highway are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private facilities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan in Alaska Marine Highway

Ramadan 2025 in Alaska Marine Highway

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Most hotels and resorts in Alaska Marine Highway do not offer Halal food, however you can order Halal groceries from eHalal Group if you are booking your stay with eHalal Hotels and we will deliver your halal food to the property you will be staying in Alaska Marine Highway.

Cabins are available on the larger "mainline ferries" Columbia, Kennicott, Malaspina, Matanuska and Tustumena. There are in general two- and four berth cabins to choose from. Day boat ferries making shorter trips don't have cabins.

Stay Safe

Alaska enjoys a low crime rate and onboard the ships it's probably even safer than on land. Sea sickness may become an issue on segments crossing the open sea.

Where to go from Alaska Marine Highway

For most stops, your choices of places to go next to is very limited; you can either continue with the AMH or fly out on a small plane. The exceptions are most harbors in South Central Alaska, Haines, Skagway, Prince Rupert and Bellingham.