barge from ak to lower 48

prstlk wrote:
Have friend who's wife is in her 60s and grew up in ak. She claims she made trips both up and down on the barge fleet. Tent bag food stove etc.

However, she had no RV in tow. Plenty of locals and backpackers still do that, but on the ferries. At night on the open rear deck of all the ferries, they pitch tents, roll out sleeping bags, and camp out. There are even a few chaise lounges to use as cots and infrared heaters in the "semi-roof" that covers the forward part of that aft deck. Then during the day they can hang out in the lounge and eat in the on-board cafeteria. And all it costs them is the price of an individual ferry ticket. But, once again, these people are not in RVs, so the price is very reasonable.

Keep in mind that the Alaska ferry system wasn't designed in the 1960's for tourists. It was, and still is, the Panhandle's only highway system and it runs year round, whether there are any tourists or not. Since there are no roads, space on that car deck is even more valuable to the locals than it is to you. The only way for a refrigerated semi carrying food from Prince Rupert to the grocery store in Ketchikan is on the same ferry you want to take. So, it is very likely that you will pay considerably more for the deck space your RV takes up than that IGA grocery truck pays for the same amount of space.

Have a look at Totem Ocean Express, they operate roll-on / roll-off ships between Anchorage and Seattle. Don't believe they allow camping on the ship.

prstlk wrote:
Heading up through CA out of North idaho in juNE to alaska no hurry agenda just take it as it comes.
Question...
I know you can take a ferry back down (yikes price) but what about a barge? Have friend who's wife is in her 60s and grew up in ak. She claims she made trips both up and down on the barge fleet. Tent bag food stove etc.
looked at the barge websites and found nothing.
any in site out there

Thanks to all
jw

Here's a couple of sites for you to check out.

Alaska Marine Lines

Alaska Logistics

Yup, we have been down this road already recently.

Seeing that pic reminds me of shipping 3 boats to Bermuda. Notice that the trailer is on a flatbed. The trailer owner/shipper is responsible for securing it to the flatbed. The shipper/barge company is responsible for securing the flatbed to the barge/containter below it.

Also note, there is a considerable amount of open ocean to cross before the barge gets to Whittier. Barges don't have stabilizers like cruise ships.

Recent barge discussion

Bill

I'm Not sure I would want to ride up there... Got to be careful when stepping out to tend the barbie, that first step in a lulu.



This was taken in 2010 from the campground on the shore of the bay in Seward. The barge was departing (cable towed) for parts unknown.

Mike

Foss tug will not except the liability of folks riding the barges any more.