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Post by dlagrand on Dec 30, 2009 13:24:14 GMT -8
In June I will be traveling on the Tustumena from Homer to Dutch Harbor. We were not able to get a cabin reservation, so will be roughing it. My sister rode the ferry years ago and she suggested that you know where you are going to stake a claim to a bench seat or reclining chair and run for it when the gate is opened. Having never been before, I have no idea what would be the best place to stake our claim. So my questions are 1) where are the best places to sleep (solarium or ) and 2) where can I find a schematic or map of the ship so that I know where I am going? If anyone is going on the ferry between now and June, maybe you can scope it out and let me know. In return, when I go in June, I will post pictures and info for anyone traveling after June
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FNS
Voyager
The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
Posts: 4,948
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Post by FNS on Dec 30, 2009 17:02:43 GMT -8
I took my first ride aboard an Alaska ferry in August of this year. This was aboard the MV TAKU. Nice ship!
When I boarded her in Prince Rupert for her 0630PDT sailing to Ketchikan, it was still a little bit dark outside. Her forward observatory was darkened with only a few lights on. There is a sign asking people to roll up and remove their sacks from this lounge during the day. You might be able to sleep in the TUSTY's observatory in whatever night hours you have there during that part of the year. Never been aboard the TUSTY before, though.
Just don't take a bulky stiff bag. Just take one that flexible enough that you can sit on a lounge chair. You may be up almost round the clock to see the scenery during the extended June daylight hours, anyway. So, you may just get a few winks of sleep.
Another option is a tent. You may or may not be able to set it up in her solarium as there may be heating devices on the overheads (fire regulations). It all depends on the ship's operational conditions (weather et al).
Access to the Main Deck during a voyage is a no no aboard Alaska ferries except when announced.
Hope you have a great sailing!
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Post by dlagrand on Dec 30, 2009 19:00:42 GMT -8
thanks for the info! my sis took the trip about 10 years ago when she moved to dutch. she said that when they let passengers on the ferry, people quickly staked out the good areas. she ended up sleeping on the open deck the entire time, and their sleeping bags got wet the first night so the rest of the trip was rather damp and cold. at that time at least, people claimed a spot and stayed there. maybe the rules have changed since then? when I booked the trip, they did say that you can pitch a tent on the deck. I dont know if you can in the solarium or lounges. I have read since (on this site somewhere, i think) that tents pitched on the deck are typically secured with liberal applications of duct tape due to high winds. I am just trying to gain as much info as i can so that I am prepared - lol. I did order the informational dvd from the Alaska Ferry website (not yet arrived) - i was hoping to get a brochure for the tustumena, but they said one wasnt available. there is one here on the thread for the kennicott - so it seems they are available somewhere... I have been to Alaska three times, and to Dutch Harbor twice, so am familiar with the lack of darkness in the summer - I come home very sleep deprived! This will be my first ferry trip though, and while I am used to roughing it on camping trips, this is a whole new experience. we are actually driving to homer from Oklahoma, and will have all our camping gear with us, so will have a tent, good down bags, and thermarest camping pads. we will board the ferry at 10:30 at night, and I would expect that first night we wont get much sleep, but hope to settle in for a better night after that, as the trip is four nights and three days
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FNS
Voyager
The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
Posts: 4,948
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Post by FNS on Dec 30, 2009 20:07:41 GMT -8
One more thing. AMH is pretty strict on check-in times for passengers and machines on their sailings. When I did my trip from Prince Rupert, I checked in at 0500PDT for the 0630PDT sailing. At Prince Rupert, I went through the entire US Customs entry procedures prior to boarding the TAKU.
I suggest that you verify with AMH about the actual check-in times for your trip.
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Post by dlagrand on Dec 31, 2009 8:56:08 GMT -8
Good idea. I had read somewhere that you need to be there 2 hours before sailing if you have a vehicle and one hour if you are just a walk-on, but plan to be there at least 2 hours early so that we can get on quickly and get a good spot for the first night.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Dec 31, 2009 9:15:50 GMT -8
Good idea. I had read somewhere that you need to be there 2 hours before sailing if you have a vehicle and one hour if you are just a walk-on, but plan to be there at least 2 hours early so that we can get on quickly and get a good spot for the first night. I've been a foot-passenger on a BC ferry that had "general admission" style sleeping in a recliner-chair lounge. The line up for passengers at the gate (2 hours prior to boarding, just to get a good spot) and the running down the ramp and up the stairs of the ship reminded me of the Oklahoma land race. Take a shotgun, good horse, and prepare to plant your flag and defend it. ;D Watch the movie "Far and Away" a few times, in order to get motivated.
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Post by sjaj on Dec 31, 2009 22:59:10 GMT -8
My 2 cents worth and I am by no means an expert.
I have never ridden the Tustumena but have ridden the Matanuska, Taku, and Columbia (southeast ferries). My wife and I did book early and so we did get cabins. I imagine that all of the mainline ships are set up similar in AMHS fashion, (albeit different vessel designs, especially Tustumena). Most folks I saw slept in the forward observation lounge at night and vacated during the day. Some slept in the movie theater (Columbia) which left for a somewhat smelly movie! Others staked out a claim in the solarium. Those in the solarium grabbed a lounge chair and kept their sleeping bag on it and were usually with the chair/bag. The solariums were heated and because of this, I don’t believe tents were allowed inside. Just rear of the solarium on the open deck is where tents were allowed. If you go this route, duck tape and heavy objects are your friend!
If I were doing it, I would get there plenty early to be the first in line for boarding, (walk on and way before the mandatory time). If you are taking a vehicle, good luck as I don't believe first come first serve is the loading order. I would grab a lounge chair in the solarium, towards the middle and with a good view. The farther rearward you go, the cooler you might get. Lockers should be available onboard also.
Keep your name on a list for untaken cabins. Also, see the purser ASAP upon boarding in an attempt to get a cabin.
As far as a "Tusty pamplet", one should be available. My wife and I started out of Prince Rupert but we detoured through Bellingham on the way up north to straighten a ticketing issue and the man behind the counter was nice enough to supply us with all three vessel brochures. You may have to deal directly with a ticketing office for this literature.
Look at the website or tickets for mandatory arrival times as they vary by port.
The website (www.ferryalaska.com) has most of the videos that you are being sent. They are also available on YouTube performing a search using "Alaska Marine Highway"
I would hope a seasoned expert on this run would chime in. It would surprise me greatly if a few of the AMHS employees that frequent this website don’t answer you too.
Happy sailings!
Stuart
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Post by dlagrand on Jan 2, 2010 9:09:35 GMT -8
You guys are great! Thanks for all the good advice. I cant tell you how excited I am about this trip. That is too funny about the Far and Away preparation method! Being a resident of Oklahoma, I am quite familiar with the land run methods of getting what you want. As we are known as "Sooners" for our penchant for jumping the gun, it shouldnt be too hard for me to bully my way through the crowd - lol. I dont mind sleeping in the cold as long as I am not wet, but we leave so late (10:30pm), that I dont see myself wanting to set up a tent that first night. As long as we stake out a spot for the first night, we can scope out what we want to do from there. We are on the waitlist for a cabin, and appreciate the advice of seeking out the staff upon boarding for any unclaimed cabins is much appreciated. One more question: if you do pitch a tent on the deck, can it stay up the whole time, or are you required to take it down each morning? and by the way, we are not taking a car. we are staying a few days with family in dutch harbor and then flying back to Anchorage. Figuring out how we get from Anchorage to Homer to retrieve our car will be another adventure
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Post by sjaj on Jan 2, 2010 14:16:32 GMT -8
The tents I saw pitched on the southeast mainliners stayed up night and day.
If you want the best place to stay dry, stick to the interior of the ship or the solarium. In the tent area of the ship, you are open to the elements and all she will bring. Best to trust your tent well and remember that rain is not the only element as wind can be brisk too.
Stuart
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FNS
Voyager
The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
Posts: 4,948
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Post by FNS on Jan 2, 2010 18:25:43 GMT -8
For those who are planning on taking their first trips aboard Alaska ferries, I thought I'd present you with a tour of one of these vessels. The folks riding the TUSTUMENA can take note of this and use this as a reference and a sample of what your trip may be like. The ferries in AMH's fleet are different in a way. Different layouts and features. Different schedules, too. All staffed by the same bunch of professionals hired to get you from one place to another safely. Here are some pictures I took on my first trip aboard an Alaska ferry. This August 2009 trip took me from Prince Rupert to Ketchikan, a day after I took my first trip aboard the NORTHERN EXPEDITION from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert. Both were great trips. I took out a stateroom aboard the TAKU. This was cabin 15B on the starboard side of the ship. Looking aft on this promenade. The TAKU retains her original shelter proms. Her two lengthened sisters had this shortened. The aft lounge aboard the TAKU. A recliner lounge. The lights were darkened in this area after we got underway. The dining area aboard the TAKU. The breakfast served aboard this ship really exceeded the quality that's offered aboard the NORTHERN EXPEDITION. On your trip, expect good food from the fine cooks aboard your Alaska ferry! And, aboard the TAKU, you watch your French toast "home made" as you wait. The writing room. There are lots of puzzles in this room to work on, too! The forward observatory. Notice the filtered lights above and the fixtures on the deck. If there is space, you may roll out a sack and sleep in this usually darkened area at night. You'll need to put your sack away when the sun rises. Inside her solarium. Notice the heaters above. Your ship may differ. Looking at the solarium from the aft. Underway from Prince Rupert. Fog is often present. You're soothed by a symphony from the stack. A fine day for a cruise! Take every opportunity to enjoy the sun. Some days are different, though. Approaching Ketchikan. TAKU at Ketchikan. KENNICOTT at Ketchikan. After taking off to the north and making good port turn, we see Ketchikan below on my flight back to Seattle, landing on the new third runway. This is only a sample of what you can expect aboard an Alaska ferry on an Alaska trip. *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** As a bonus on this contribution on this thread, here is a picture taken aboard the NORTHERN EXPEDITION on the run from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert. *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** For those taking the TUSTY, have a great trip!
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Post by dlagrand on Jan 9, 2010 11:41:32 GMT -8
the pictures are beautiful and give me a much better idea of what to expect. Thanks a million!
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M/V LeConte
Chief Steward
~ I believe in Ferries! ~
Posts: 147
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Post by M/V LeConte on Jan 19, 2010 3:54:52 GMT -8
Greetings dlagrand! So the Tusty made her stop into Juneau on Saturday and Sunday. Unfortunately I was unable to get aboard her because our schedules didn't line up. Maybe next time. The good news is my wife did make it down to her and took a ton of pictures! Also there is no brochure for the Tusty, so I am unable to show you a deck layout. Hopefully these pictures will give you an idea of what to expect. The Tusty is a workhorse, one of the busiest ships of our fleet. Her unique runs and hard working crew should be an experience you will never forget. Be sure to get up for arrival in some of the smaller communities on your way out the chain (i.e. False Pass and Cold Bay). These towns have populations of less than 100 people, and you would swear the whole town is there to greet the ferry's arrival. Also keep your eye out for a special flag that is sometimes flown to let the town that the galley is open for cheeseburgers. I will try to answer most your questions in a later posting. So without further ado: The Tustumena tied up in Auke Bay (Juneau). She had to go to a different dock because she is unable to use our Southeast AK Terminal Ramps. She is the only AMHS ferry with a traditional looking stern. All of our other ships have a stern door or stern ramp. A night shot. (This is the only photo that was taken by me!) Her exterior Boat Deck: The Pursers Counter area: 2 views of her Forward Observation Lounge: The "Gift Shop" area with the Bar in the background: One of the Cabin Passageways (I believe this is the Port Side): The Side Lounge area: The Solarium is on the very top deck, and actually wraps around the front of the Stack. Forward part of the Solarium: The Port Side of the Solarium (Note that no tents are allowed under the overhang): Solarium looking aft: The large crane looking set-up is the vehicle elevator. To see an example of the elevator in use check out ferriesbc.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=akferry&action=display&thread=7219&page=4#108826Finally this is a shot looking aft with the Car Deck Hatch open: Also, if you search around on youtube I know there are some videos of the car deck elevator in use, the trip out the chain, and the interior of the Tusty. Again, I hope this helps. Feel free to ask me any questions. Though I haven't worked the Tusty, my wife has and we would be glad to do what we can to help you have a great trip. ~LeC
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Post by northwesterner on Jan 19, 2010 23:44:14 GMT -8
Whoa - Alaska Ferry at the Gitkov Dock! I assume this only happens with the Tusty comes to town.
Not much room for the Allen Marine cat to get out ... if there were any whale watchers this time of year ;-)
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M/V LeConte
Chief Steward
~ I believe in Ferries! ~
Posts: 147
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Post by M/V LeConte on Jan 20, 2010 1:18:56 GMT -8
Though it doesn't happen often, I have seen a few ferries use the Gitkov Dock before.
In fact the Fast Ferry Fairweather was tied up there today. Today they deployed their emergency rafts and slides. This is done both for training and to occasionally test the equipment. At the Gitkov dock they are able to crane off the outer door before the test as well as remove the housing and other rafts afterward.
I also remember when the Cruise Vessel Empress of the North hit Rocky Island, they limped into the Auke Bay Ferry Terminal for damage assessment. They were tied up there for a few days, which forced the LeConte to tie up at the Gitkov Dock every night for about a week.
Also before my time here, I heard that the Malaspina spent a winter in layup over there. All told AMHS is very lucky to have such and accommodating neighbor. And true it helps that the tourists are currently out of season!
The Tusty has also used the Downtown Cruise Ship Docks for unloading and loading once upon a time. Usually around where the old Downtown Ferry Terminal used to be.
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Post by SS Shasta on Apr 29, 2010 12:15:00 GMT -8
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Post by northwesterner on May 2, 2010 12:36:38 GMT -8
We don't hear about trouble with the Tusty that often - which is amazing considering her age and the fact she gets the crap kicked out of her out in the Aleutians.
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Post by alaskanmohican on Nov 27, 2010 19:28:02 GMT -8
I remember when the Tusty looked like that. I rode her many times as a kid.
I also remember back in the early 90's I beleive, when the Tusty went through a major refit. They gave her a new bridge and forward lounge. Her forward superstructure was moved, well, forward. I don't beleive they lengthened the hull, just added to the superstucture.
She's a sturdy ship, launched in '64, handles the waters of the Gulf of Alaska almost every day, not a bad ship at all.
Thanks for posting the photo.
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Post by alaskanmohican on Jun 19, 2011 19:29:07 GMT -8
My brother recently purchased a postcard from around the mid sixties. Here is a scan that he did of the card. The Trusty Tusty when she was brand new.
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Post by alaskanmohican on Sept 29, 2011 22:12:53 GMT -8
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Post by Name Omitted on Nov 26, 2011 14:59:55 GMT -8
A small tidbit from the State of Alaska FY2012 Governor’s Operating Budget; Department of Transportation/Public Facilities Vessel Operations Management Component Budget Summary www.omb.alaska.gov/ombfiles/12_budget/Trans/Proposed/comp629.pdfIt is now assumed that a new vessel design for the M/V Tustumena replacement should be seriously considered. The M/V Tustumena was built in 1963, and has operated on routes which have very harsh weather, which in turn creates a very high degree of wear on the ship and its associated systems. Going forward it will be a challenge to the system to secure the required design funding. Nothing new, really. Sort of a commitment to becoming committed sometime in the future to a replacement vessel.
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Post by ancflyer on Dec 21, 2011 10:36:01 GMT -8
Couple more shots of the Tustamena's elevator/turntable I took in 2006 in Homer. Andthe Tusty in a little fog off the Homer Spit, 2006. The Tusty tied up in Seldovia. Second post on this board!
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Post by EGfleet on Feb 24, 2013 7:19:55 GMT -8
Tustumena two months longer than scheduled out of service
KODIAK, ALASKA — The Alaska Marine Highway System confirmed that the ferry Tustumena will be in a Seward shipyard two months longer than scheduled, a delay that will affect southwest Alaska's ferry schedule.
The50-year-old ship went in for maintenance in November, and it turned outto be in worse shape than thought. It will now be in the shipyard until June, the Kodiak Daily Mirror (http://is.gd/piwDvX) reported.
The 13-year-old ferry Kennicott will pick up the Tustumena's trips to Kodiak, but it's too large to visit many of the Aleutian Chain ports. The ferry system said in a statement that the Kennicott won't be able to sail in relief to Akutan, False Pass, Chignik, Ouzinkie, Old Harbor and Port Lions.
"It'sunfortunate that the Tustumena will be delayed providing service to thechain this spring," said John Falvey, general manager for the Alaska Marine Highway System. "Our staff will do the best we can to accommodate affected travelers, communities and businesses."
Whenthe Tustumena entered the shipyard in November for long-term maintenance, ferry service ended in rural Kodiak and in smaller communities along the Alaska Peninsula. The Aleutian Chain route, which sends the Tustumena to Dutch Harbor on a regular basis, generally shuts down during the winter, and the shipyard layup was intended to take advantage of that window.
But exploratory work revealed extensive deterioration to the ship's steel, which must be repaired before it returns to service.
Jeremy Woodrow, a spokesman for the marine highway system, said ferry workers have shifted early-summer reservations from the Tustumena to the Kennicott, which has twice the capacity.
The Kennicott will perform one Chain run in April, one in May, and a third scheduled run has been dropped.
The Aleutian Chain route is more than 650 miles long, and sending the Kennicott to Dutch Harbor means that it will spend less time on the route from Bellingham, Wash., to Whittier.
"That really serves as the highway to get people into Anchorage," Woodrow said.
To minimize disruptions, the marine highway has worked out a tentative system in which the Kennicott and Columbia will split the trip between Bellingham and Whittier. Passengers will switch ships in Juneau, meaning less transit time for each ship - albeit at the cost of inconvenience.
Information from: Kodiak (Alaska) Daily Mirror, www.kodiakdailymirror.com
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Post by EGfleet on May 25, 2013 6:31:06 GMT -8
State planning replacement of Tustumena ferry THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Juneau Empire Posted: May 23, 2013 - 12:06am
KODIAK ― The state of Alaska is planning to replace a ferry that serves Kodiak and southwest Alaska but has been out of service for repairs since November.
The 49-year-old vessel Tustumena had been scheduled to return to service in April but that date was pushed back to July.
“If that boat gets seriously delayed, we really feel it’s very important that we replace it as quickly as we can,” marine highway system general manager John Falvey said.
Aging steel and wear-and-tear from North Pacific voyages have taken a toll on the Tustumena, known by some passengers as the “rusty Tusty,” the Kodiak Daily Mirror reported.
Falvey has laid out an aggressive replacement schedule in which a committee would begin drafting plans and specifications for a new ship this fall.
Following research and public comments, construction could begin in 2015 if there is funding.
Falvey is considering a roughly 320-foot long replacement ship ― bigger than the existing 296-foot Tustumena but smaller than the 382-foot Kennicott, which has picked up some of the Tustumena’s workload but can’t fit into some of its ports.
The plan calls for using $10 million from the state vessel replacement fund for design work.
The Tustumena was built in 1964 for about $2.8 million. Originally designed as a 305-foot ship, it was shortened to 240 feet after costs escalated.
The shortened design, however, proved unstable in Gulf of Alaska storms and too small for demand. It was lengthened but entered dry dock less than a decade later when it was found the added size made it too weak to withstand storms.
Since then, the vessel has undergone repeated overhauls and refurbishments.
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Post by compdude787 on May 28, 2013 19:45:43 GMT -8
That's good. This ferry really needs to be replaced, since it takes quite a beating out on the open sea. I won't be surprised if it ends up getting retired before the Mal, Mat, and Taku. Are there plans to retire those ferries, and when will they be retired?
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Post by Name Omitted on Jun 5, 2013 22:30:23 GMT -8
Well, she's missing another run, and the State is looking at alternatives , including fast tracking a new vessel to begin construction in '15. Things must be pretty rough on board the old girl.
Apropos, I found an article from February with a picture of her with her hull paint stripped off. Not my image, so I will link to the article, but the picture is well worth clicking through to. Tusty needs more work for thinning hull
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