RoyB,
Just do it. You know the expression - "Damn the torpedeos full speed ahead." :B
Our
Alaska Trip started as a cross it off the bucket list trip but turned into an "adventure". We're going back for the second trip this summer.
You'll save some driving using the ferry but not a lot considering it will be about 10K miles for you. Is the ferry expensive as suggested? Yes. Is driving to Alaska expensive? Yes, very expensive so take the ferry and enjoy.
For our third trip I want a TT to tow with the car and go up on the ferry staying at every town for several days. Would you like to sell one of your rigs?