Call the Alaska Marine Highway System or make a reservation online at their website for cabins on the ferry and a space for your vehicle, if you have one.
Pay for your reservation online, over the phone, by mail or in person at a ferry terminal. After reserving your place, you have 14 days to make a payment. Payment must be received 14 days before your date of travel, though.
Print out your itinerary if you book the tickets online. Ask for an itinerary to be mailed to you if you book over the phone. You do not have to show your ticket when checking in, but tickets are available for pick-up at the Alaskan Marine Highway System offices at ferry ports.
Drive to your embarkation port in Bellingham, Washington, or Prince Rupert, British Colombia. Other ports of entry and exit in Canada and Alaska include Skagway, Haines, Juneau, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Homer, Seward, Kodiak and Sitka.
Park your car at the port or take it aboard the ferry, if you have made a reservation for it.
Keep your passport handy for border crossings between Washington and British Colombia and again when entering Alaska.
Bring a sleeping bag, food, snacks and anything else you may want while journeying on the inside passage. Although food, beverages and extra bedding are all available on the ferry, the service will not be like that of a cruise ship, so preparation is key.
