Haines-Skagway Fast Ferry
Haines-Skagway Fast Ferry
4.5
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- Irving E10 contributionsMore than a FerryOn Wednesday, July 24 we boarded the fast ferry at Skagway as part of our shore excursion adventure on the Chilkat River. The boat was comfortable and fast, the scenery spectacular, but most of all the interpretive talk given by a young man en route to Haines took the journey to a whole new level. He was knowledgeable, articulate, and engaging as he interpreted the Lynn Canal and the surrounding landscape and wildlife. Likewise, the young woman gave her personal responses to the area from a Tlingit perspective. The fast ferry exceeded its basic function to transport people from point A to point B by becoming an adventure in and of itself!Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 28, 2024
- CRAIG CUtah437 contributionsMust Do Trip to JuneauWhat a great adventure! The fast ferry from Haines to Juneau is a perfect way to quickly get to Juneau AND see wildlife. We stopped going over to Juneau to watch a pod of humpback whales and another pod on the way back. The staff does a great job making sure you are fed two meals on the trip. You have 3.5 hours to wander Juneau, which is plenty! We highly suggest you take this fast ferry to Juneau and let them get you in and out of the city.Visited August 2024Traveled soloWritten August 7, 2024
- AnnieHPerth, Australia635 contributionsNice ferry rideWe just went to the terminal hoping to get on the ferry to Skagway from Haines as our cruise ship had docked in Haines , not much to do in Haines . We were lucky enough to get in the 11 am ferry but we had to be back on board by 2pm as the 4pm was full . The cost was $110 USA $ each for the 45 minute ride to Skagway . Beautiful scenery along the way , great commentary by the young lady along the way but couldn’t hear her if you were outside. Was really glad that we got to see the lovely old town of Skagway . Way bigger than what we expected. Would have loved to stay longer . So if you plan to spend the day book in advance to make the most of your time . Well worth the tripVisited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 23, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
364 reviews
Excellent
260
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85
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7
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6
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6
Tina B.
Texas4 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Not the same as it was before. The views don't change so that was the upside but trying to get ahold of them now is very difficult. Emailing them is more like emailing a robot, you get the same response. Trying to call them too is difficult and they're rude on the phone. Also, the naturalist did not give a good tour. It sounded made up and I know for a fact somethings were incorrect. (still active brothels where you can stay the night with them?) Also, they raised their prices WAY more compared to last year. If you can book with the Alaska Marine Highway if they're coming through, it's more affordable and not so crowded.
Written June 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SharonWS1982
Atlanta, GA230 contributions
Jul 2022
Such an amazing ride where you see eagles, waterfalls and just unbelievable scenery. We were lucky to be there with great weather so really couldn't ask for a better experience. This was part of an excursion from our cruise ship to Haines and back.
Written October 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
terri f
Port Townsend, WA65 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
This is about the fast ferry from Haines to Skagway, not about the Haines Wilderness Adventure? I can't find anyplace on TripAdvispr to write about the ferry experience. They were oversold and didn't honor our reservation. Made us wait until four tour groups got on, even though we were there first and I had made and paid for our reservation weeks in advance. The woman that told us to stand back getting on the ferry was hateful. She said the tour groups had to get on first. we were visiting friends that live in Haines, and they were disappointed too. Haines/skagway ferry oversold their vessel. supposedly took 140 passengers, but allowed almost 150. Not enough life jackets, but i didn't care. wanted to get back in time for my cruise ship departure.Advisor doesn't seem to know about the fast ferry, so had to resort to using the Wilderness River Adventure in hopes it will be passed on...
Written August 22, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maureen M
Phoenix, AZ16 contributions
Sep 2014 • Couples
We took the fast ferry from Haines, where our ship docked, to Skagway, where we went on the White Pass Yukon Line Rail excursion. The Ferry is very efficient, very smooth ride, with with knowledgeable guides to give you commentary on the area and entertain you across the water. We had Adam to guide us going to Skagway, and The Character (sorry, I missed his name) on the return trip. The Character sang to us, recited poems, made up some rhymes and also sang in Tlingit. The Huna Tlingit is the. Native tribe of Glacier Bay, Alaska. Was a very enjoyable ferry ride. Also saw some Bald Eagles.
Written September 24, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SusanT170
Haines, AK18 contributions
Aug 2013 • Family
I live in Haines and had recommended the Fast Ferry to some out of state friends whose cruise ship was docking in Skagway. They wanted to come visit Haines for a day. At their return time, with paid and confirmed reservations, they were rudely made to stand aside and let all the tourists who had participated in I was very embarrassed and would never recommend them again to any of my frequent visitors. The worst part is that the rude woman was one of the owners. Very very poor customer service.
Written December 3, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stèfan Louves
Whitehorse, Canada42 contributions
Aug 2019 • Friends
I took the ferry a couple of times last year and the ride was always good, the boat is plain but efficient. However the guides they have who are supposed to give you information about the area are completely full of crap. I listened carefully to everything the guy was saying, and then did some research afterwards. Many of the things he said about the waterfalls, the area, the populations of the towns, the history of the area, the depth of the channel etc. etc. were completely wrong. It was very evident that he was just making stuff up as he went along. If you do take the ride just put some headphones in. And if you want to learn about the area just get a book or look it up online.
Written September 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rayfluegeman
43 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
We took this ferry as part of our package 4x4 excursion. It's the only show in town, and the only transport from the cruise ship to Haines. I've already done a review on the 4x4 in Haines, but wanted to do this one separate from that.
The trip over was information. The "guide" pointed out several glaciers and waterfalls, and recounted some of the history of the area. We thoroughly enjoyed his presentation, although at times we could not hear all of it. This was due solely to an unrelated your guide named Rachel, who was bringing a small group over for a different tour. She was a constant chatterbox, talking about everything and anything with her group. I looked over several times which served only to pause her jabbering. I mentioned this to the crew, and surprisingly they knew here and said "she knows better". I understand she has probably been on the boat every day for months, or even years, but guess what Rachel, we haven't, and would like to hear more than your jabbering. The trip to Haines was enjoyable, not considering Rachel, and the crew never pandered for tips.
The return trip was different. No Rachel, thank goodness, but the crew member that narrated was boring. He mentioned at least there times they appreciate tips, so they got none.
This was unfortunately a bad finish to an otherwise enjoyable shore excursion.
The trip over was information. The "guide" pointed out several glaciers and waterfalls, and recounted some of the history of the area. We thoroughly enjoyed his presentation, although at times we could not hear all of it. This was due solely to an unrelated your guide named Rachel, who was bringing a small group over for a different tour. She was a constant chatterbox, talking about everything and anything with her group. I looked over several times which served only to pause her jabbering. I mentioned this to the crew, and surprisingly they knew here and said "she knows better". I understand she has probably been on the boat every day for months, or even years, but guess what Rachel, we haven't, and would like to hear more than your jabbering. The trip to Haines was enjoyable, not considering Rachel, and the crew never pandered for tips.
The return trip was different. No Rachel, thank goodness, but the crew member that narrated was boring. He mentioned at least there times they appreciate tips, so they got none.
This was unfortunately a bad finish to an otherwise enjoyable shore excursion.
Written August 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan G
Palestine, TX172 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
I was a little skeptical of the Fast Ferry and looked at the Alaska Dept of Transportation car/people ferry. Forget it... Use the Fast Ferry. It is highly convenient to the cruise ships, is reasonably priced, and includes a narrative "guide" both coming and going. Coffee & hot tea were available. Restroom was adequate. Personnel at the dock, boarding, narration -- were all super nice and friendly.
Written June 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HERMAN C
Lafayette, LA123 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
We used this high speed ferry recently to travel from Skagway to Haines. Left Skag from Small Boat Harbor and were in Haines 45 minutes later. Very entertaining live presentation during ride. Saw bald eagles. BTW, if you have to pick between Skagway and Haines, pick Haines. We loved it.
Written June 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I2838DFkenw
Melbourne, Australia24 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
During the trip from Skagway to Haines we were entertained by Alex whose knowledge of the local area was excellent. It was a cold rainy day the crew made us welcome and comfort.
The scenery was breathtaking and the trip lead us to Haines were we enjoyed a wildlife adventure. The ferry was comfort, the crew polite and professional we enjoyed the trip.
The scenery was breathtaking and the trip lead us to Haines were we enjoyed a wildlife adventure. The ferry was comfort, the crew polite and professional we enjoyed the trip.
Written June 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glenis W
Central Coast, Australia
How far is Royal carribean dock from ferry wharf in Haines please.
Written April 30, 2024
I’m docking in Skagway tomorrow morning and have purchased tickets from the ferry to get to Haines. Is the Ferry dock close to where Princess will dock?
Written September 19, 2023
All the docking areas are relatively close together. It all depends where the Princess ship docks. It won't be more than 1/2 mile and more likely about 500 feet.
Written September 19, 2023
We are taking the Princess Cruise line in the Skagway. We would like to do the fast ferry into Haynes be there for a while and then take the fast ferry back to Skagway about noon. Then we want to do the white pass and Yukon round-trip train ride. Then we sail out of Skagway that evening. How reliable is the fast ferry to get us back to Skagway on time to make the train ride?
Written September 6, 2019
Fast F
Skagway, Alaska
At the Fast Ferry it is a priority for us to maintain an on-time reliable schedule. We understand guests book many excursions that they expect to be on time for. That being said, safety is always our first priority and occasionally weather will be a factor. We encourage you to include some buffer time to account for anything unexpected. We can also help you plan the right summit train for your timetable, give us a call 800.766.2100.
Written September 22, 2019
How far is the princess cruise line port to the fast ferry boarding location? We are sailing into Skagway we would like to do the combo package of the fast ferry from Skagway then the round trip white pass and Yukon route on the train then back to Skagway on the fast Ferry From Haines back to Skagway. can we only do the round-trip combo package if we start in Haines?
Written August 29, 2019
Fast F
Skagway, Alaska
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out. Depending on which dock your ship docks at, (there are three in our port) it'll either be about a 5 minute walk or short shuttle trip to the Small Boat Harbor where our Ferry docks. Unfortunately the Rail & Sail package is only available for guests that are docking in Haines and need to get to Skagway to take the train. You can still book a trip on our ferry if you would like to visit Haines for the day.
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Thank you.
Written August 30, 2019
How far is the HA cruise line port from the ferry port?
Written July 16, 2019
Fast F
Skagway, Alaska
Hello Thomas,
Thanks for reaching out with your question. By HA, I assume you mean Holland America. This cruise ship dock is on the same dock as the Fast Ferry. It is just about 100 meters away or about a 2 minute walk. Enjoy your trip!
Written July 23, 2019
Is it $185 for just a ferry ride from Skagway to Haines? And if so is it round trip?
Written March 11, 2019
Fast F
Skagway, Alaska
Hello Climber36114,
The price for a round-trip ticket on the Haines Skagway Fast Ferry is $73.Feel free to visit our website to book passage.
Thanks,
SCH
Written March 13, 2019
Fast F
Skagway, Alaska
Hello Shannon,
There should be no issue with bringing a TV onboard our vessels. Please make sure you or your party are able to carry it on/off the vessel. There is no charge for a small lap tv but if it is a large wide-screen we would charge between $5-$15 size depending.
Thanks,
SCH
Written March 13, 2019
Can you do an excursion that includes the ferry from Haines to Skagway and then take the White Pass RR trip and then take ferry back to Haines ??
Written January 31, 2018
We took the Fast Ferry over to Haines and the slow Ferry back as we wanted to site see along the way. We took the train trip for the day and it was well worth it. But we were not on a cruise so we had no specific schedule to adhere too. I don't know if you can do all in one day. I would definitely confirm your ferry reservation departure and arrival times as well as train departure and arrival times to insure you are not cutting it too close. Traveling on our own we had a lot more flexibility to take some jaunts without time restrictions.
Written February 1, 2018
skiradx
Las Vegas, Nevada
Can you do this trip from Juneau to Haines and back in one day?
Written January 4, 2018
If you coordinate ferrys its possible. But not everyday
Written April 15, 2019
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