In 2014 We came down to Bellingham from Whittier on the Kennicott with our two dogs-a Red Bone and a Yorkie. On that year's trip we took a truck camper driving up from West Georgia to Anchorage. We opted to do the ferry back.
It was an awesome trip and one we would not have missed for the world.You have the option of caging the dogs on the car deck or leaving them in the RV. We opted for the RV. We set it up so if they absolutely had to relieve themselves they could without making a mess, and so they were kept off bed and upholstery.
As I recall we were allowed 4 -- 15 minutes at posted intervals spread out throughout the day and evening when we could access the vehicle deck, exercise the dogs on the deck and clean up any problems (packages etc) in the rig.
Generally on the Kennicott the dogs walked to the rear of the deck and the large opened vehicle turntable became the walking area. paper towels were provided to pick up any droppings. The activity was closely watched by ships crew and when the 15 minutes was up they wanted you off the deck and back up in the ship- animals back in the RV.Our visits to the deck were exciting time for the pooches!
At every port we were allowed to exit the ship with the dogs for a good bit of time- usually a few hours. Yakutat was the tough port as the dock space is small, on the side of a steep hill/mountain and there was virtually no grass for the hounds to visit-- and we arrived late in the evening well after dark (take a flashlight) The dogs enjoyed port visits and time off the ship.
In hindsight I would definitely do it only once, but with the understanding this is hard and stressful on the dogs. (This year we drove up and back) Our Redbone was very uncomfortable and insecure while on board, and refused to relieve herself anywhere on the ship which worried us about her health. The Yorkie went anywhere she felt like it whenever she wanted.
The first night at sea, crossing the Gulf to Yakutat was rough and we worried about the dogs. They survived and after Yakitat southbound it was smooth as silk.
There were about a dozen dogs on the voyage. The minute we arrived in Bellingham we hit the city dog park for a good long run for the dogs. (About 2 miles from the port). Finding a grassy spot in Whittier for the canines was a bit tough also. Juneau and Ketchikan were good dog ports with pretty good walking areas.
