Constructed in 1998 by the Halter Marine Group in Moss Point, Mississippi, the Kennicott has been one of the most vital vessels to the Alaska ferry system since its inception.

The ferry system, taking advantage of her ocean-going status, sends the vessel on a monthly trans-Gulf of Alaska ("cross-gulf") voyage beginning in Juneau and concluding in Kodiak.

On this voyage, the Kennicott is able to provide service to the isolated Gulf of Alaska community of Yakutat and is the only vessel to do so.

The Kennicott's amenities include a hot-food cafeteria; cocktail lounge and bar; solarium; forward, aft, movie, and business lounges; gift shop; 51 four-berth cabins; and 58 two-berth cabins.

The aft portion of the Kennicott appears bloated because there is an external car elevator built into the superstructure.