Alaska Crusie Ship ride

[akfxdl]

This isn’t exactly a “Road Trip” but it does involve a motorcycle and travel so here goes…
We rode 750 miles through rain, drizzle, fog, pot holes, and road construction to get to our “Cruise Ship” the MV Matanuska. She sails the waters of the famed Inside Passage and I thought I would post some of the photos of the voyage.

















A few thoughts I would like to share with you about the ferry incase you are planning a trip to or from Alaska in the future, and don’t wish to ride the same highway up and back.

1. The ferry runs year round, in Southeast it is the main mode of travel for those residents. I was reminded to include the above caveat because more then once a politician from the lower 48 gets upset about Alaskans using highway funds for the state ferry system. They don’t understand the importance of the system to the local residents. It isn’t called the Alaska Marine Highway for nothing; it is the only highway in Southeast.

2. When loading your bike on the ferry you will be directed to where the car deck crew wants you to park. It is up to you to tie your bike down, so bring some tie down straps with you. I used a couple of ratchet straps and it worked just fine.

3. You can rent a cabin with head and shower on most vessels. The food is reasonably priced, rather tasty, and there are adult beverages for sale on board.

4. When planning your trip, keep in mind the ferry only stops long enough to unload and load passengers and freight. You will only be “in port” about an hour, long enough to stretch your legs on land but not long enough to see the town. If you want to do some sightseeing in the small towns of Southeast Alaska consider getting off spending the day, and taking the next North or South bound ferry. The web site for the Marine Highway is http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/

5. If you are traveling with your spouse or significant other, depending on how good a sport they are, you might be able to get away with convincing them they have been on a “Cruise Ship” voyage. I might add my wife is a great sport….she has put up with me for 27 years.

[Steve1962]

Jeff,
Nice .

I like the last two photos best , great stuff .

Steve

[Backmarker]

Sweet! Loved the photos and it was about travel. Close enough for me! Seriously, the photos were gorgeous!!

[demenshea]

Gorgeous photos, Jeff. I guess i am easy, as I have ridden the ferry several times and it has always served as a "cruise". Probably the closest I will ever come to one!!

Hope your wife enjoyed...decent food and amazing views! It usta stop for a bit in Sitka so you would go and wander in the totem park...doesn't do that any longer??

cheers,
d

[Ally House]

Nice pics, Jeff. I just returned from my Alaska cruise (on one of those big boats) and didn't get any sun set (or rise) colors like you got. I did enjoy my visit to your beautiful state, and will return...either camping or motorcycling, tho...a cruise ship just didn't do it justice!

[dstevens58]

Outstanding pics......keep them coming (I have a new PC that needs wallpaper material).

[Loki]

The photos are awesome. It doesn't matter to me if you were on a motorcycle or not. Just being able to see where you live and what your area has to offer is worth seeing.

[akfxdl]

Thanks for all the nice comments....erverybody.

Donna, the ferry I took didn't go over to Sitka, most I think now stop for extended periods only in Juneau and Ketchikan. I believe there was some politics involved in the decision as well as Cruise Ship operators upset with the ferry. You ccan now also take take a fast ferry, one operates up here in Southcentral the other in Southeast. That ferry can get up to speeds of 28 knots!!!

[flying_hun]

I love this! It looks like an absolute dream vacation to me! Thank you for posting.

Cheers,

Kurt

[pashnit]

Jeff, that is cool, just like being there! Well, sort of.