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Post by lmtengs on Sept 18, 2009 20:16:33 GMT -8
Do you have a favorite ferry?? Or is it impossible, because they all have their ups and downs?
List your fave 5 and your least fave.
(If your favorite changes, you can change your vote)
For me it's tied between the NorEx and the new Queen of New Westminster.
1/2:NorEx
1/2:QoNW
3: QoOB
4: Coastal Celebration
5: Kwuna
Least favorite: tied between NorAd and Alberni
Note: I'm gonna try to like the Alberni more by exploring her ins and outs better.
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Post by Canucks on Sept 18, 2009 21:19:52 GMT -8
Okay, here we go;
Five faves:
1. Norex; she looks like a real ship with nice lines on her.
2. Queen of Prince Rupert; same reasons as norex.
3. Queen of the North; same as above.
4. Queen of Vancouver; love her horn.
5. Queen of Chilliwack; she's strange but unique.
Least Faves: starting with the best of the worst.
1. First gen C's; they aren't that great to look at.
2. Island Sky; due to her awful exhaust pipes and walkway to them.
3. Queen of New Westminster current; too many slices and lifts, and that weird box by the funnel.
4. K Barges; not very pretty.
5. Spirts; they are boxy, ugly, crowded, and have awful horns.
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Post by DENelson83 on Sept 18, 2009 21:30:47 GMT -8
Favourite 5:
1) Coastal Renaissance
2) Queen of Oak Bay
3) Coastal Inspiration
4) Coastal Celebration
5) Queen of Alberni
Least favourite 5:
1) Queen of Nanaimo
2) Queen of New Westminster
3) Nimpkish
4) Quinitsa
5) Quinsam
I prefer the big double-enders, mostly because most of the BC Ferries sailings I have been on were aboard the C-class ships.
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Neil
Voyager 
Posts: 7,196
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Post by Neil on Sept 18, 2009 22:06:27 GMT -8
I'm thinking of starting my own poll question. Here it is. How many times have we had polls on favorite ferries? A. 1 B. 2 C. 5 D. 10 E. Seems like tons. I'll go with E.  |
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Post by Kahloke on Sept 18, 2009 22:20:24 GMT -8
Most favourites (active vessels only):
1. Northern Expedition: same reasons as everyone else is giving. She's the most graceful, ship-like vessel in the fleet, and the nicest in terms of cabin amenities and fit/finish.
2. Walla Walla & Spokane: classic Spaulding double-enders. These two vessels were the predecessors of the C-Class, and in my opinion, best represent that era of Spaulding design. They are the most graceful-looking Jumbos, and haven't been butchered to death like their Canadian cousins.
3. Coho: the original Spaulding. As the predacessor to the original BC Ferries, Coho is still one of the best looking ferries in our waters, and we are blessed that she is still serving.
4. Queen of Nanaimo: one of the last two stretched, but unlifted, Spaulding vessels still serving, Nanny is still graceful even in her modified form.
5. the Coastal Class vessels (CC, CI, CR): they may look a little odd from some angles, but these new ferries will carry the banner well into the future. They are spacious and comfortable, and better looking than the Spirits.
I'm not doing any least favourites. All ferries have a purpose, even if we don't like them all.
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Mill Bay
Voyager
Long Suffering Bosun
Posts: 2,886 
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Post by Mill Bay on Sept 18, 2009 23:10:41 GMT -8
All my favorite ferries are generally no longer in the fleet... all the oldies but goldies that have been long since retired. But if we're confining it to vessels still active in the fleet, my list would run as follows:
Mill Bay
Tenaka
B-Class (and New West)
Coastals
Cowichan and Coquitlam (and don't send me any hate mail about how it's easy to like them because I don't have to be stuck riding them.)
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Post by Curtis on Sept 18, 2009 23:31:46 GMT -8
This one is always tough. I could have multiple favorites...but I'll give it a go...
My rule for this is it has to be a Ferry I've sailed on...
1. Queen of Tsawwassen- The fact that she is one of the two originals is one of the biggest attractions to me. And I've been almost everywhere you can go on her from engine room to bridge. By far, my last time on the Queen of Tsawwassen was one the best Ferry rides I've done to date.
2. Queen of Chilliwack- One of the most unique vessels to ride on and Quite possibly the First ferry I ever rode on. It's such a unique experience riding the Queen of Chilliwack and she's also another vessel I've been on from top to bottom. One of my most enjoyable trips on her was earlier this year when she was on the PR-Comox route.
3. Powell River Queen- Being the Namesake Ferry of My Hometown and unique from her sister ships the Bowen and Mayne Queen. She's just so cool to look at.
4. Queen of Burnaby- The last of the Seven Sisters holds a place in my heart for running the PR-Comox route for the last 9 years. Compared to her sisters, she was a tad bit more unique because of her Royal Victorian/Maggie 3 Days. Putting the Gift Shop in the Cafeteria was a good fit.
5. North Island Princess- The only Catamaran Ferry in the Fleet (before and after the Fastcats) is such a joy to ride on. In the last few years I've rode her so many times between Texada and Powell River. The day she retires will be a real breath of fresh air to both me and Texada Island residents
Bonus Vessels!
6. Queen of Surrey- In the early days of my childhood, it was always amazing seeing the Queen of Surrey come into Langdale. At the time, she was probably the biggest thing I had ever seen. Coming a small boat like the Queen of Chilliwack at Earls Cove and down the Peninsula, and getting on a vessel the size of the Surrey was a real eye opener. Two decks was also mesmerizing.
7. Queen of Capilano- Might have been the first ferry I've ever been on...if not, it's because I've always wanted to sail on her and finally got to in 2005.
Honourable Mentions: (In no particular order)
SoBC
Queen of Esquimalt
Queen of Coquitlam
Bowen Queen
Tachek
Tenaka
Nimpkish
Mill Bay
Island Sky
The Coastals (Does it Really Matter if I name them off)
And Non BC Ferries:
MV Coho
MV Spokane
MV Balfour
The Seabus
and those False Creek Ferries
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Post by fargowolf on Sept 19, 2009 7:05:40 GMT -8
For me, it's a tie between several of the smaller vessels, the sole exception being the Nor-Ex and Chilliwack.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Sept 19, 2009 7:24:59 GMT -8
My favorite would be the all of the bellow.
1/2:QOTN-Best looking ship I have ever seen.
1/2:NorEx-also a lovely looking addition to our fleet.
2:SOVI-always liked the look of her.
3:QONW-love the heavy duty work horse.
4:CC-smoothing looking with a buffet. ;D
5:QoT-gotta love the original.
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Post by Queen of Nanaimo Teen on Sept 19, 2009 10:37:14 GMT -8
It's quite obvious that I have a favorite ferry, but I'll mention it here anyways  Favorites1. DEFINATELY Queen of Nanaimo- She's the star of the B Class (and the V's too), with the most beautiful lines. 2. Kahloke- I've always loved the K Class for their obscure lines, and the Kahloke definately takes the cake for the K's. 3. Queen of Vancouver- She was a classic V, with really nice lines, and a warm interior. 4. Tenaka- She's a weird, obscure, half sister to the Nicola sisters, and I think she's an awesome ship. This position was a toss up between the Nicola and the Tenaka. I love them both! 5. Queen of Tsawwassen- One of the originals, the Queen of Tsawwassen has awesome lines, and one can't forget the fantastic rattling in the cafeteria while coming into Saltery Bay! Least favorites:1. Spirit of British Columbia/ Vancouver Island- I've never liked them, I think that they are some of the ugliest ships in the fleet 2. Northern Adventure- Big fat greek ferry. Need I explain? 3. Coastals- They really don't do anything for me, I haven't like them since day 1. 4. Quinitsa- Ever since that awful refit, I haven't like her. She looks horrible with the new bridge window, and the new passenger lounges look bad from the outside. 5. Northern Expedition- Sorry to say, but I can't stand the crease, and I think she just looks like a wanna be cruise ship! (Once again, sorry Scott!) |
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Post by Scott (Former Account) on Sept 19, 2009 11:11:25 GMT -8
1. Northern Expedition.While she may have a hard chine, in my opinion she is the nicest looking ship serving on the west coast of North America. The chine lines up with the slope of the superstructure and that particular angle gives her the impression that she is always moving forward. She is very well suited to BC Ferries needs offering amenities that are improvements to everything before her. Her whistle is the classic BCF E-major chord too.  2. Queen of Vancouver.My favorite of the V's. Specifically due to her E-major whistle... 3. Coastal's.In my opinion, a huge improvement over the C-class. I appreciate how well they disperse crowds. Even on a full sailing, she doesn't feel crammed like the other major vessels in the fleet. Viewing is awesome both inside and out and there is a lot of room to move about. The whistle is awesome when it is used properly as a chord.
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Post by Mike C on Sept 19, 2009 11:59:40 GMT -8
Queen of Burnaby.
The ferry I grew up with, she's always been there for me when I need her. Fantastic ship, always gets the job done, beautiful lines, and one of the last ferries to retain that classic BC Ferries-B Class smell.
Northern Expedition
Again, a beautiful ship. The lines are spectacular, and the whistle just puts the icing on the cake. Very nice ship, inside and out.
Queen of Vancouver
My favourite V, the Vancouver never let me down if I needed to get away. She just brought back so many childhood memories that can't be repeated on any other vessel today...
Tenaka/Tachek/Quadra Queen II
All awesome boats. The aesthetics just hit me every time I'm on board, and it's always so peaceful...
-------Least Favourites--------
First Generation C-Class (Cowichan/Coquitlam)
Always packed to capacity, smelling wretched and infuriating to ride, it's hard not to get a headache while fighting to the death for seats. The outside decks don't provide much of a sanctuary either, with tourists meandering around like lost sheep... (I don't take Route 2 very often.)
Spirits of Vancouver Island and British Columbia
While equally as annoying as the first-gen C's, the chances of being annoyed increase with the hordes of tourists who ride this route in droves; and especially those who know nothing of ferry travel.
Queen of Alberni
The Alberni is an odd one for me. She was one of my favourite ships while growing up, until she lost her soul in that blasted MLU they gave her... now she just feels crowded and noisy.
Quinsam
Possibly the dirtiest, grimiest vessel to grace the waters on the Pacific coast, I have always expected the most disgusting state whenever I ride her, and she doesn't fail to disappoint. Always a joy, the Quinsam needs to be ridden wearing a HAZMAT suit.
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Post by northwesterner on Sept 19, 2009 12:22:40 GMT -8
Top Five:
1) Walla Walla & Spokane. Just beautiful, graceful ferries. They've aged so well, and they were the ferries I grew up with. And yes, I miss the old interiors.
2) Malaspina & Matanuska. I've never been on them BUT I've watched them push away from Juneau's Auke Bay terminal for years. Just stunning to watch sail off towards the Chilkats on a beautiful Juneau afternoon.
3) Nisqually - Not quite coke cans yet, Nisqually was the first S-E I rode on. I never new her with the wooden interior, but the 80s rebuild was still quite pleasant with big picture windows, a full walk around deck, and a small, cozy feeling. She was the inter-island ferry for years, and I spent many sunny afternoons sailing the San Juans, watching the scenery from her walk around decks.
4) Hyak/Yakima/Kaleetan - Again, the open walk around upper deck puts them on the list. I still remember watching the sunset from the top deck of the Kaleetan on the afternoon international run (yes, I remember when the Kaleetan had a duty free shop!) back to Anacortes (walked on in Friday Harbor). The Hyak and Yakima were mainstays on the Edmonds-Kingston run, and I spent many wonderful crossings on their upper decks. Note the Elwha is not on the list, due to her poor stability.
5) Herbert Lehman - Crossing from New York to Staten Island, sitting on a wooden bench, watching the sunset and NYC light up. Timeless.
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Mill Bay
Voyager
Long Suffering Bosun
Posts: 2,886
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Post by Mill Bay on Sept 19, 2009 13:14:33 GMT -8
Funny... all these people complaining about riding the C's and how you have to fight to get a seat on busy sailings. Honestly, what kind of ferry fan actually just goes into the lounge to sit down  ? You're supposed to out roaming the ship, absorbing all its minute details, or outside on the sundeck waiting with your camera to get shots of the ferry coming the other way. |
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Post by Starsteward on Sept 19, 2009 13:50:50 GMT -8
I see that many of my Forum colleagues have used the 'asthetics' denomination in naming their favourite or least favourite ferries.
Some of you, and NewFlyer to be specific have taken a slightly different approach to naming their most favourite ferry.
He has pinpointed what the ship did for him, meant for him and to him, not necessarily how 'she' looked but got to the very gut feeling of why a certain ship is a favourite or special.
He has come very close to describing how over the years, a ship develops a following because of what the ship did, or meant to people, not what it looked like.
He has begun to outline how a ship develops a "soul"
My choice of most favourite ship: Easily done, The ship that grew and blossomed as a trusted 'soul' amoungst many many passengers, crew, and townsfolk up and down the B.C. Coast for 45+ years: The Queen of Prince Rupert.
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Post by hullnumbers on Sept 20, 2009 9:30:42 GMT -8
Sorry i'm late but here is my list of favourite ferries
1. Spirits- been on these ships alot and think they are great
2. Coastals-
3. C- Class
4. V-Class
5. Nor ex
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Post by Low Light Mike on Sept 20, 2009 11:14:54 GMT -8
My answer to this "annual poll" is "No", I don't currently have a favourite ferry.
I thought about this question for a bit, and for me the decision of a favourite is very integrated with the particular route and the crowdedness of the sailing. And this is in the context of the trip being a ferry-fan fun trip.
Some examples:
- I like the C'Inspiration on an early morning Duke Point sailing, to experience the dawn, sunrise and smart-start sandwich.
- I like the Alberni on a quiet summer's evening sailing. Being outside in the aft-area by the picnic tables, watching the wake with Mt. Baker in the distance, being sheltered from the wind.
- I like the Chilliwack as it sails up Seaforth Channel during a summer sunset.
I think that my last "favourite ship" was the Queen of the North.
And for a crowded sailing in winter with inclement weather, I'd like a ship with a SeaWest Lounge.
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Post by CN2972South on Sept 21, 2009 1:28:09 GMT -8
my favorite: Queen of Esquimalt.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2009 10:37:37 GMT -8
I don't have just one ferry that is a favorite of mine. I tend to have multiple favorites in two catagories; major and minor ferries.
Major:
Queen of Oak Bay - a much better design over the first two C-Class in my opionion
Queen of New West - I have liked her even since she was first lifted and put on the Duke Pt route
Queen of Burnaby - I have rode her on many different routes including when she was the Princess Maugerite III. Lot's of good memories have been made on her.
Spirit Class - either of these are great ferries to ride. I think they are much improved since they have been upgraded inside
Minor:
Tenaka - I like her unique looks and cabin layout
Nimpkish - A pleasurable little ferry to ride from MacLaughlin Bay to Bella Coola
Mayne Queen - I like her manuerablity with the Z-Drives
North Island Princess - The only catameran ferry in the fleet
Quadra Queen - good viewing on a beautiful route from her passenger lounge
I have other favorites that are retired that I will not list on this post.
Although I willt say I am not a fan of the Coastal Class
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rt1commuter
Chief Steward
JP - Overworked grad student
Posts: 167
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Post by rt1commuter on Sept 22, 2009 11:52:02 GMT -8
Fine, I'll play:
Favorite:
Queen of Vancouver
Coastal Celebration
Queen of Coquitlam
Queen of Alberni
Capilano/Cumberland
Least Favorite:
Skeena
Sprit of BC/VI
K-barges
Mill Bay
Queen of Nanaimo
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2009 14:26:41 GMT -8
Favorites
1. Pacificat Explorer
2. Pacificat Discovery
3. Pacificat Voyager
4. Queen of Oak Bay
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Post by Northern Exploration on Sept 22, 2009 16:33:50 GMT -8
Because I am in the longest BCFerry drought of I think my life (except my first four years until we moved to Vancouver), I will abstain from registering my current favourite because I am missing all the Coastals and NorEX. I have a strong feeling how I will feel but no sense just speculating.
Of course of all time, any of the orginal 7 unlifted sisters, and yes the Spirits, are my favourites. I am not as fond of the C's. And it is no surprize to anyone who has been on this board for a while that my all time favourite is the QoftN. The North is forever entwined with my first and subsquent trips up the Inside Passage.
Here's hoping the drought will end soon and I can actually vote currently.
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Post by lmtengs on Jun 11, 2011 18:47:29 GMT -8
Since I have nothing else to do, I guess I'll update my list of favorites, and I invite others to do so also.
I'll keep to ferries that are still in service.
1: The NorEx. She's the best-looking big-ship in the fleet, and is really comfortable inside.
2: Queen of Chilliwack. Don't stab me, please. She's unique, and fairly enjoyable.
3: Coastal Celebration. Her buffet sets her apart from the rest of her class. Very enjoyable ride, and as mentioned above, she disperses crowds well.
4: Tenaka. She has that little boat charm, and she's fun to explore. She has a personality that many other ferries do not.
5: Queen of New West. I put her on the bottom of the top because when busy, she can be a royal pain in the you-know-where. She's a great ship to ride though.
Least favorites:
1: My least favorite of them all, the Cowichan/Coquitlam/Surrey/Oak Bay (but not Alberni). They're horrible to ride, handle crowds horribly, they're drafty (never been able to take of my jacket on the Coquitlam), ugly, and uncomfortable. Riding them feels like a giant exam hall.
2: NorAd. She's ugly (what a surprise), top-heavy, dumb, and fat. She rocks like a drunk, even in the calmest of seas.
3: The Spirits. Big, boxy, and overall ew.
4: North Island Princess. She may have endured a lot over her long life, but take a look at her. She's really ugly, and really doesn't have any charm to her. Bland.
5: Kuper. She may have a cute name, but boy is she ugly. I also carry a grudge against her, since BCF could have just waited two more years and bought the Klatawa or Kulleet.
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Post by princessofvanfan on Jun 30, 2011 23:19:27 GMT -8
Faves:
Coho-The original Spaulding, still sailing proudly, which begat BCF's two originals. A timeless design.
Princess of Vancouver-An odd ship on the inside, but a mighty handsome ship on the outside. The CP logo on her funnel gave her an aggressive, purposeful look. Slow but stealthy.
Queen of Tsawwassen (and Sidney)-The M.V. Coho inspired sisters that were overflowing with character. I loved riding the Tsawwassen on the Tsawwassen-Gulf Island route. She just seemed custom made for that run.
Queen of Nanaimo-one of only two stretched-but-unlifted originals left. I prefer her over the Burnaby because her wheelhouse still retains its graceful taper toward the stern. A real trip back in time.
The Spirits- Big, roomy, and good-lookin', you KNOW you'd better stay out of the way of these babies, and nothing looks more impressive transiting Active Pass! They're single-enders, too, which adds to their visual appeal. Impressive looking funnels, and the bridge looks like that of an Imperial Star Destroyer. Ultra-cool.
Least Faves:
Queen of Chilliwack-Ugly and slow; definitely the McBarge of the fleet, she looks as if she was designed by a manic-depressive 5 year old. Can you say EYE-SORE?
North Island Princess-A scow if there ever was one. Underpowered and a pig to turn in tidal currents owing to her catamaran hulls (big, flat slabs of steel on the inside going straight down into the water. Turn on a dime? in an hour, or so). And those funnels! Yeeeech!
Queen of Alberni-What was once the sleek, low hotrod of the fleet has morphed from a graceful swan into an ugly duckling. If you don't believe me, just compare a photo of her in her original state to one of her today. Ghastly. She looked fast and really, really was. Now, she's just a big lumbering box.
Northern Adventure-Ugly as hell. And those stupid round windows! And the car deck! And, and, ARRRRRGH!
Surrey and Oak Bay-Boring, ugly, and utilitarian in every way. No other ships that I have been on (and I've been on most on our coast) are so devoid of soul and character. Even the Cowichan and Coq have SOME personality! Those stubby "bows" are just grotesque.
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Post by swartzbaydreaming on Jul 17, 2011 15:33:47 GMT -8
Hi all. My personal list of my favorite and least favorite BC ferries. I'll start with the beautifull first.
1. Queen of Victoria. I was always thrilled as a kid to take her to the island.
2. Queen of Saanich.
3. Spirit of Vancouver Island. I have always loved the Spirit class. BC shipbuilding at its best.
4. Queen of Nanaimo.
5. Queen of the North. Sexiest lines to have ever graced the fleet in my humble opinion. Wish I could have gone on her, oh well.
Alright on to the bad!
1. Queen of Chilliwack. Not the prettiest ferry around.
2. Queen of Surrey.
3. Powell River Queen.
4. Skeena Queen. Never liked the look, figured it needed more passenger areas.
5. Island Sky. I will reserve judgement on her till I have been on her once.
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? You're supposed to out roaming the ship, absorbing all its minute details, or outside on the sundeck waiting with your camera to get shots of the ferry coming the other way. 
