Ferry offers richer experience than road
I've taken the ferry from Haines to Bellingham twice, sans a "room," just camping out and have enjoyed it greatly. I can't afford a cruise ship and enjoy camping out on the deck. I met people from all over the world, saw places up close and enjoyed all the ferries have to offer a tourist. Having driven from Sacramento to Homer, I think both experiences are great. However, I think touring the Inside Passage by ferry is far superior to taking an Alaska cruise. But I must admit that my funds for travel are limited and while I have seen more of Alaska than anyone would on a cruise ship, I probably have not contributed as many tourist dollars to Alaska as a cruise ship tourist does. My limited funds are spent on food, Native art and tour buses. I try to make up for this deficiency by recommending this mode of seeing the Inside Passage to friends. A highway from Juneau to Skagway (great railroad tour to Whitehorse) would not be the same.
Pat Wilson
Juneau