This is where we enter the ship. Normally, the motorcycles go on first, but here they loaded us by where we get off.
The Malaspina, an old ship, but in really good condition.
Bellingham Bay, a very nice looking community.
The observation lounge. I plan to spend a lot of time here.
Another lounge. It is used primarily for people to sleep that don't have staterooms.
These are the cheap staterooms :)
The last sight of Washington
We traveled in fog all night and well into the morning, but it has been sunshine ever since.The cabin is small but comfortable. Instant hot water and a large shower space are quite unexpected, but welcome. The ship is among the larger ferries I have been on comparing with those that cross the English Channel. The first day out, Tuesday, we were in fog, so the captain kept blowing the fog horn periodically. Very romantic.
It is interesting to see the various classes of travel. There are a large number of people traveling without accommodations as you can see by the photos (tents on the after deck.) However, they come into the dining room, with children, haul out the high chairs, go through the cafeteria line for free hot water, and make their instant breakfasts. Since they are sleeping outside, they remain in the dining room for a long time. The cafeteria crew apparently expects this and all dining crew are very polite and accommodating to everyone, paying customer or not. It turns out that most of the customers bring a good deal of food aboard, so I hauled out my NutriSystem packets and joined in.
This is not a cruise ship so there are none of the perks that associate with that class of travel. However, there is an “Interpreter” on board that gives 15 minute talks on a variety of subjects: glaciers and subsequent forestation, bears, aquatic animal life, etc. They also show movies: Wild Hogs, The Shaggy Dog, etc. Otherwise, most read, walk, sunbathe, visit, or nap (naps are good on board a moving ship.) Unlike a cruise ship, a ferry ride leaves you to entertain yourself, but the fantastic scenery helps pass the time. Just being alone in your thoughts is not all bad either.
It is interesting to see the various classes of travel. There are a large number of people traveling without accommodations as you can see by the photos (tents on the after deck.) However, they come into the dining room, with children, haul out the high chairs, go through the cafeteria line for free hot water, and make their instant breakfasts. Since they are sleeping outside, they remain in the dining room for a long time. The cafeteria crew apparently expects this and all dining crew are very polite and accommodating to everyone, paying customer or not. It turns out that most of the customers bring a good deal of food aboard, so I hauled out my NutriSystem packets and joined in.
This is not a cruise ship so there are none of the perks that associate with that class of travel. However, there is an “Interpreter” on board that gives 15 minute talks on a variety of subjects: glaciers and subsequent forestation, bears, aquatic animal life, etc. They also show movies: Wild Hogs, The Shaggy Dog, etc. Otherwise, most read, walk, sunbathe, visit, or nap (naps are good on board a moving ship.) Unlike a cruise ship, a ferry ride leaves you to entertain yourself, but the fantastic scenery helps pass the time. Just being alone in your thoughts is not all bad either.
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