We sailed from Bellingham, slightly late, but under glorious blue skies which provided wonderful views of the mountainous coastline, including Mount Baker. As the sailing progressed, we dined in the Columbia Restaurant, as the Columbia intercepted the BC Ferries’ routes between the mainland and Vancouver Island. The menu offered a varied selection, including a wide choice of fresh fish, all reasonably priced. For passengers not seeking a full meal, lighter options were available in the Columbia Snack Bar. After dinner, we enjoyed drinks in the bar, which was ruled by a strict but sassy barmaid, who fiercely ensured that neither under-age drinkers were served, nor that alcohol was removed from the bar – which is forbidden onboard due to licensing laws. Sadly, she informed us that the bar was due to be refurbished soon, and the wonderful retro fittings will be lost – ironically just as that era is in vogue again.
The purpose of the Alaska Marine Highway System is two-fold – it serves as an essential life-line for the Alaskan population, offering reasonably priced transportation to and within the 49th State, but it also offers an unpretentious tourist service for those seeking to see Alaska independently. The Bellingham route in particular serves today serves the tourist market, carrying rows of RVs North to tour the wilderness. Passenger demographics are mixed, stretching across a broad age-range and market, and accommodation onboard is tailored to meet this need. In addition to the staterooms and recliner lounges, heated semi-enclosed solariums are provided where passengers can sleep on reclining sun-beds, whilst areas of the open sun-decks are marked off for passengers to pitch their own tents. During boarding, while we had headed to our cabin, fellow passengers could be seen scrambling for the outside decks to reserve the best spots for the journey North, and these areas were quickly packed out.
The ‘Mainliner’ route from Bellingham takes 38 hours to reach the first Alaskan port of call, Ketchikan, so the next day was to be a full day at sea. That morning we awoke to dense fog, sadly dampening our hopes of a day on the sun-deck. Nonetheless, after a filling and very moderately-priced breakfast, we relaxed around the Columbia, reading or chatting to fellow passengers. Announcements were made when wildlife hove into view, or points of interest were passed, which included the town of Bella Bella where bald eagles could be seen roosting in nearby forests. The lush scenery included snow-capped peaks, gushing waterfalls and, in contrast, abandoned and dilapidated canneries. That evening an excellent value buffet dinner was offered in the Columbia Restaurant, and we gladly tucked in. Arrival at Ketchikan was scheduled for 7am the following morning, and when we rose, we were already approaching the port. Seaplanes buzzed around us and push-tugs manoeuvred heavily loaded container barges as we docked at the terminal, approximately three miles North of the main town. Happily, AMHS operate a relaxed schedule, with stopovers often several hours at each port. This means that through passengers have the opportunity to walk ashore whilst disembarking passengers can get off at their leisure and embarking passengers can board early, if required. As there was no rush to leave, we vacated our cabin and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast before getting off.
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