January 29, 2008
Tuesday

The Alaska Marine Highway System (AHMS) today announced the release of its 2008 summer schedule.

"While we apologize for the delay in getting the schedule out, we are happy to present the schedule to those interested in traveling with us, and we certainly don't expect any future schedule release delays," said Dennis Hardy, Deputy Commissioner of Marine Operations, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF). "The delay was a one-time occurrence that resulted from major changes in our schedule. The changes were necessary to make more efficient use of the vessels and help meet the needs of communities like Haines, Skagway, and Sitka."

AMHS general manager, Capt. John Falvey, explained that although this year's summer schedule was later than recent years, AMHS officials worked very hard to accommodate persons contacting AMHS to book reservations.

"AMHS has tracked calls from customers seeking to make reservations when the schedule was unavailable," Falvey said. "Our staff will immediately begin returning calls to customers and booking those reservations."

The schedule and online reservations are available on the AMHS website at www.ferryalaska.com. The schedule will be included in the Alaska guide - The Milepost. The schedule is available in calendar format on its website homepage under "Travel Options; Calendar of Port-to-Port Sailings,". Online reservations are now available.

"The AMHS website is filled with a wealth of information that provides travelers an easy option for booking their itinerary," Hardy said.

The summer ferry schedule puts the Malaspina in Southeast Alaska's Lynn Canal to serve Juneau, Haines and Skagway. The schedule allows the fast ferry Fairweather to provide more day-boat service to Sitka and Petersburg.

"We have also received positive responses to our changes from, travelers, because the Malaspina will provide service between Haines and Skagway that the Fairweather's vehicle deck capacity could not accommodate," Hardy said.

Source of News:

Alaska Marine Highway System
www.ferryalaska.com

 

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