I usually travel with Winnebago, but 9,000 miles round trip and having to replace at least four tires made us decide to take the Ferry from Bellingham, departing on July 7. Problem is that they didn't have any cabin spaces left, so must sleep outside for first three nights. Anyone who could give me suggestions about how to cope with this would certainly be helpful.
We plan to buy sleeping bags and understand we can sleep under heat lamps on chaise lounges on the top deck. Anyone with experience, please advise.
Note that we're from near Brownsville, TX, so don't have any real cold weather coping skills.
Thanks for whatever you might suggest.
Wm. W. Thompson, PhD
Professor of Marketing...Retired!
UT-Pan American
Edinburg, TX
It is very easy to get chilled on the open water along the coast of British Columbia and Alaska. Been there, done that and usually chilled to the bone while doing it.
Buy the best sleeping bags you can, suitable for below freezing temps! Also fast drying sleeping bags could be useful.
On the Alaska ferry we took, some folks pitched their tents on the deck, offering a degree of privacy and shelter from the elements. Does the Bellingham ferry allow tents?
In early July there won't be much darkness so if you don't sleep well with daylight, find something to cover your eyes.
Also ear plugs could be very useful in case others snore loudly or enjoy music into the late hours.
sue t.
Pictures from our manyRV Adventures to Yukon & Alaska
Travelling with either the 25' fifth wheel or the 8' truck camper.
There are probably other places on the ship to sleep inside. Like maybe the front "salon". Or maybe in the bar--I slept there once after it closed. No, didn't have anything to drink there.
Yep, actually drove to all of these places---in the last eight years. Missed Rhode Island and New Jersey.
Luke Porter wrote: There are probably other places on the ship to sleep inside. Like maybe the front "salon". Or maybe in the bar--I slept there once after it closed. No, didn't have anything to drink there.
This is probably a good idea, if in fact it's still allowed. It's been several years since I took the ferry, and that was the Inside Passage ferry from Prince Rupert to Haines. That was only a one-nighter, and we slept on the chaise lounges on the deck. But it's first come first served to get space inside, especially on the settees, so stake out a spot early and hang onto it. I'm guessing the Bellingham to Whittier ferry will be spending a good deal of time outside the protected waters of the Inside Passage, so the ride may be rougher and wetter. If you're outside, the suggestion of setting up a tent may be a smart thing. However, I notice from your signature that you're retired, so you're probably (ahem) "mature." I meet that description, and for me, the idea of sleeping on a thin foam rubber pad on a steel deck, a long way from the facilities, is not so appealing.
If you do sleep on a chaise lounge, you might consider getting a bivy sack to put over your sleeping bag. That will give you at least some protection from rain and other moisture if you're not far enough back under cover.
There is perimeter space around the seating in the "salon"---on the floor.
Plenty of folks sleeping there.
I don't recall exactly how the bar deal worked. Some way the serving area was secured, but the "room" door wasn't locked. Slept on some bench seating along the wall.
For robatthlake: I called this morning and had a most interesting conversation with an agent at the Alaska Ferry system. We have a 35' fiver pulled by a one-ton dooly. I thought ... wouldn't it be fun to take the ferry home and see the inside passage? It's on a 21-hour trip and there aren't the crappy roads. We couldl stay here longer! I'd heard stories about how expensive the ferries are, but ... I had to find out for myself. Check this out! The ferry from Whittier to Bellingham has been sold out since FEBruary! But we could be put on a wait list. Oh, and it would only cost us $6,096 With a senior discount if there were space available! Hahahahahaha! From Haines to Bham is only $3,951 With a senior discount. There's one cabin available. Would I like him to book that? Ha! Couldn't believe my ears ... six grand if there were space available! We'll be driving back down to the lower 48. ;=)
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Oldtymr wrote: For robatthlake: I called this morning and had a most interesting conversation with an agent at the Alaska Ferry system. We have a 35' fiver pulled by a one-ton dooly. I thought ... wouldn't it be fun to take the ferry home and see the inside passage? It's on a 21-hour trip and there aren't the crappy roads. We couldl stay here longer! I'd heard stories about how expensive the ferries are, but ... I had to find out for myself. Check this out! The ferry from Whittier to Bellingham has been sold out since FEBruary! But we could be put on a wait list. Oh, and it would only cost us $6,096 With a senior discount if there were space available! Hahahahahaha! From Haines to Bham is only $3,951 With a senior discount. There's one cabin available. Would I like him to book that? Ha! Couldn't believe my ears ... six grand if there were space available! We'll be driving back down to the lower 48. ;=)
we also liked to choked on them prices! think I could afford new tires and enjoy the miles and pocketbook would sigh from relief.. LOL..
Oldtymr wrote: For robatthlake: I called this morning and had a most interesting conversation with an agent at the Alaska Ferry system. We have a 35' fiver pulled by a one-ton dooly. I thought ... wouldn't it be fun to take the ferry home and see the inside passage? It's on a 21-hour trip and there aren't the crappy roads. We couldl stay here longer! I'd heard stories about how expensive the ferries are, but ... I had to find out for myself. Check this out! The ferry from Whittier to Bellingham has been sold out since FEBruary! But we could be put on a wait list. Oh, and it would only cost us $6,096 With a senior discount if there were space available! Hahahahahaha! From Haines to Bham is only $3,951 With a senior discount. There's one cabin available. Would I like him to book that? Ha! Couldn't believe my ears ... six grand if there were space available! We'll be driving back down to the lower 48. ;=)
we also liked to choked on them prices! think I could afford new tires and enjoy the miles and pocketbook would sigh from relief.. LOL..
Makes the $2,400 wife and I spent on a wonderful Norwegian Alaska cruise last year a real bargain. Great food, accommodations and entertainment and we did not have to pitch a tent on the poop deck. In the past we have looked into doing a "walk-on" to an Alaska Ferry, but even that was way too expensive for what you get. Take a cruise out of Seattle instead.
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