Taking the Alaska Marine Highway (ferry) from Bellingham, Washington to Haines, Alaska (as we did) or Skagway, Alaska through the Inside Passage is a great way to do an Alaska cruise on the cheap. The last day before arriving in Haines is spectacular as you go through narrow channels surrounded by snow-covered mountains.

If you want more time to explore each stop book each leg separately as we did on our return trip. We took about a week at each stop to camp and then hopped back on the ferry. On the way south we also wizened up and reserved a three-bed stateroom instead of a two bunk-bed room. The three-bed stateroom has a lot more floor space and the extra bed makes a nice couch. If you travel early or late enough in the year the second passenger is free.

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