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JUNEAU - The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) is offering travelers aboard its ferries an alternative way to see "The Great Land" now through Sept. 30.

The new "See Alaska Pass" provides travelers the opportunity to visit multiple ports along the inside passage between Prince Rupert, British Columbia and Haines or Skagway.

Official DOT&PF photo by Roger W. Wetherell   LEFT: Ferry Malaspina Chief Purser Lavena Sargent checks boarding passes for two tourists waiting to board the 408-foot Alaska Marine Highway System vessel for a northbound trip to Haines. The "See Alaska Pass" will enable travelers to visit multiple ports along the inside passage between Prince Rupert, British Columbia and Haines or Skagway.

"This new pass will offer passengers a chance to make up to three stops, and explore Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka, Juneau, Haines or Skagway for only $160 at the adult rate and only $80 for children between ages six and 11," said Chuck VanKirk, AMHS Operations Manager. "That's a 25 percent savings."

The See Alaska Pass applies to full price adult and children's passenger fares only. At the time of purchase you must decide whether to purchase a "Northbound Pass" or "Southbound Pass."

"The concept behind this effort encompasses a concerted effort on behalf of the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) to allow for easier travel in the Pacific Northwest region," said James Beedle, Deputy Commissioner of Marine Operations.

PNWER is a statutory, public/private partnership composed of legislators, governments, and businesses in the Northwest states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington and the Western Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, and the Yukon Territory. PNWER promotes greater regional cooperation by governments and business to enhance the region's global competitiveness.

Travelers utilizing the See Alaska Pass can stop and stay in the Inside Passage communities along the way, catching another vessel to their final destination. The pass is open-ended for the entire summer allowing travelers to set their own pace. Travel must be paid for in advance and the pass is non-refundable after travel is initiated. Although it is rare for walk on passenger space aboard vessels to be sold out, travel is on a space available basis unless previously confirmed.

"A 'Northbound Pass' is valid for travel north from Prince Rupert, British Columbia and must continue on a northerly direction, while a 'Southbound Pass' is valid for travel south from Skagway or Haines, and must continue on a southerly direction," VanKirk explained.

Passenger cabins or vehicle space may be added to a See Alaska Pass itinerary at regular retail prices. Itinerary changes involving cabins or vehicles are subject to normal change or cancellation fees.

The See Alaska Pass can be purchased online by clicking the "specials" link at www.ferryalaska.com or by telephoning a reservations agent toll free at 1-800-642-0066.