M/V LeConte
Chief Steward
~ I believe in Ferries! ~
Posts: 147
|
Post by M/V LeConte on Nov 4, 2009 0:59:08 GMT -8
In today's Juneau Empire: juneauempire.com/stories/110309/reg_512071079.shtmlOutage blocks ferry reservation systemJUNEAU - The Alaska Marine Highway System's online reservation portal remains unavailable following a server outage that disabled the system last week. Department of Transportation and Public Facilities network specialists have been working to resolve the outage and return the online reservation to full service. That service resumption is expected to occur by late Wednesday afternoon. The ferry system recently released the 2010 summer schedule along with corresponding travel specials for the 2010 summer season. Customers with questions regarding ferry schedules, or needing to confirm reservations, are asked to contact the Juneau reservations call center toll-free between 7 a.m., and 7 p.m., weekdays at 1-800-642-0066. All other AMHS information regarding schedules, fares and travel specials remains accessible through the website at www.ferryalaska.com.
|
|
|
Post by lmtengs on Nov 27, 2009 19:27:47 GMT -8
How come Alaska state furnishes their ferries so simple compared to BC Ferries and Washington State? When I saw photos of the cafeteria once, the chairs at the table looked nothing more than cheep (I really hope i'm not offending anyone with that ).Why do they do that? Does AMH just not have the money to nicely furnish their ships, or are they just cheeping out, spending their money elsewhere?
|
|
Nick
Voyager
Chief Engineer - Queen of Richmond
Posts: 2,078
|
Post by Nick on Nov 27, 2009 20:37:25 GMT -8
The fares on AMHS are heavily subsidized as it is... the system doesn't come close to turning a profit on their operations. Furnishing their ships "simply" is another method of minimizing the amount of money that needs to be spent to keep the service running, and helps keep fares as low as possible.
|
|
Koastal Karl
Voyager
Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,747
|
Post by Koastal Karl on Nov 28, 2009 9:17:22 GMT -8
Washington State Ferries are just as bad as I think they are pretty cheap too when it comes to furnishing and especially looking after their ships.
|
|
|
Post by Barnacle on Nov 29, 2009 8:33:25 GMT -8
Really? I just thought WSF was more intelligent for not using carpet.
|
|
Quatchi
Voyager
Engineering Officer - CCG
Posts: 930
|
Post by Quatchi on Nov 29, 2009 19:06:40 GMT -8
The furnishings on the Columbia aren't "cheap" they are just very old and dated, they are also well kept. I think most of AMHS is like that. BCF goes for a very modern, finished, pleasing, expensive look, really that isn't needed. I believe WSF is also more like AMHS, they furnish more utilitarian like than BCF, but at least in AMHS's case they take care of it.
My opinion,
|
|
|
Post by Kahloke on Nov 29, 2009 20:36:05 GMT -8
Some ferries in the WSF fleet seem to be better cared for than others, at least where the cabins are concerned. Yes, Washington State vessels are pretty utilitarian, but I wouldn't necessarily say they are dated. With the exception of just a few vessels, most have had their cabins replaced within the last 10 years or so.
|
|
M/V LeConte
Chief Steward
~ I believe in Ferries! ~
Posts: 147
|
Post by M/V LeConte on Dec 2, 2009 2:46:27 GMT -8
The furnishings on the Columbia aren't "cheap" they are just very old and dated, they are also well kept. Are you refering to the Columbia's bar with the velvet wallpapering, and the oversized globe lighting overhead? Retro 70's! ;D
|
|
|
Post by seatoad on Dec 2, 2009 8:08:17 GMT -8
I'll (hopefully) have about 6 hours between arrival at Juneau airport and boarding. I'd appreciate advice on transportation to dock and where to pick up groceries and beer/wine along the way. Thanks.
|
|
M/V LeConte
Chief Steward
~ I believe in Ferries! ~
Posts: 147
|
Post by M/V LeConte on Dec 3, 2009 1:38:50 GMT -8
Greetings Seatoad!
When will you be riding, on what ship, and where to?
First off to cover the transportation issue, Your best bet is to get a taxi. Plan for the taxi to be a bit spendy (around $30 from the Airport to the Ferry, not including stops). There is bus service, but I am unsure of their schedule, and the busses do not go all the way out to the Ferry Terminal (they stop about 1.5 - 2 mi short).
As for "provisions," there is the Breeze-in Market just around the corner from the airport. Breeze-in is like a convenience store, so there is foodstuffs, and assorted "beverages." On the way to the Ferry Terminal there is also a Safeway. Definitely a much larger selection, and they also have a decent beverage section.
Also on the topic of beer-verages... If you take alcohol on board, plan to only drink it in your cabin. DO NOT drink it in a public space (including the bar). If you get caught, you will get searched, it will be confiscated and some watchmen take a sick pleasure in dumping it down a drain in front of you. I recently witnessed an incident where a guy brought his own vodka into the bar (he had already put half of the bottle down). When he was told he couldn't bring his own bottle, he became belligerent and then threatening. He got off at the next port (not his destination) with the assistance of the local enforcement officers.
I hope you enjoy your trip! ~LeC
|
|
|
Post by seatoad on Dec 3, 2009 6:05:04 GMT -8
Thanks so much, M/V LeC, Wife and I depart 10:30 pm, 7/1, on Matanuska to Ketchican, 8:30 am, 7/4, on Columbia to Skagway and back to Juneau, and will spend 3 days there. We're sure we'll be thrilled by the trip! Thanks as well for all your informative and interesting posts. I'm delighted I found this site!
|
|
Quatchi
Voyager
Engineering Officer - CCG
Posts: 930
|
Post by Quatchi on Dec 3, 2009 12:36:51 GMT -8
The furnishings on the Columbia aren't "cheap" they are just very old and dated, they are also well kept. Are you refering to the Columbia's bar with the velvet wallpapering, and the oversized globe lighting overhead? Retro 70's! ;D yes, also the orange-brown carpet in the dining room, and the brown lino. Very retro. But still looks clean. Cheers,
|
|
|
Post by plansea on Dec 19, 2009 15:50:59 GMT -8
Ketchikan Terminal display 25th anniversary
|
|
|
Post by plansea on Dec 22, 2009 22:34:00 GMT -8
I got home from Ketchikan yesterday and my "Welcome Aboard The Alaska Marine Highway DVD was in my mailbox.
For those who haven't seen the DVD yet, here is a preview:
|
|
|
Post by plansea on Dec 26, 2009 0:49:54 GMT -8
|
|
|
Post by plansea on Dec 26, 2009 1:05:14 GMT -8
|
|
|
Post by dlagrand on Jan 2, 2010 9:18:45 GMT -8
Also, the Tustumena has been in the news a few times... First: AMHS Delays Tustumena’s Kodiak DepartureStormy Weather Could Bring Strong Winds to Area (JUNEAU, Alaska) – The Alaska Marine Highway System will delay the ferry Tustumena’s departure tonight from Kodiak due to potentially strong winds currently forecasted for the area beginning later tonight. Tustumena and its crew will now sail from Kodiak Thursday at 10 p.m., en route Homer. The ship is expected to moor there at 10 a.m., Friday. The ship was originally scheduled to depart Kodiak tonight at 10 p.m. The National Weather Service in Anchorage is calling for winds exceeding 45 mph early Thursday evening. ---------- Followed by: AMHS to Remedy Tustumena’s Mechanical MalfunctionDOT&PF Expects Delay in Ship’s Schedule (JUNEAU, Alaska) – Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) crews are trying to resolve a mechanical problem aboard the ferry Tustumena today which has temporarily sidelined the 45-year-old ship in Homer. The ship experienced an unspecified vehicle lift malfunction Sunday night while offloading in Seldovia. Currently, the ship and its crew remain in Homer awaiting a U.S. Coast Guard inspector’s approval for sailing. It’s not yet clear when the ship’s repairs will be concluded or when the ship will return to full service, but the AMHS doesn’t expect a lengthy ship’s delay. Updated sailing information will be posted to the AMHS schedule change website at: www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/schedule_changes.shtml . The AMHS employees more than 1,000 Alaskans with 11 ships serving 32 coast communities along the Alaska coastline, British Columbia and Washington State. --------- and finally... Crews Complete Tustumena Repairs, Ship Returns to Service(JUNEAU, Alaska) — Crews have completed repairs to the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) ferry Tustumena, and the ship is once again sailing. The ship experienced a vehicle lift malfunction Sept. 14 while offloading in Seldovia, requiring the ship and its crew to travel to Homer for repairs. After four new lift cables were installed aboard the ship Sept. 18, Coast Guard officials inspected the 45-year-old ferry and authorized it to sail. Tustumena departed Homer Saturday on its 10-hour trek to Port Lions with a subsequent stop in Kodiak and Aleutian Chain port calls in Chignik, Sand Point, King Cove, Cold Bay, False Pass, Akutan and Unalaska. The ship will travel eastbound beginning Wednesday, departing Dutch Harbor at 6 a.m. More schedule information for AMHS ferries is available online at www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/schedules.shtml . --------- I have been told that the "vehicle lift malfunction" was caused by one of the vehicle elevator cables parting (sailor speak for breaking). Fortunately, no one was injured and they were able to make complete repairs quickly. Here are a few photos of the Tusty and an "interesting" loading to give you an idea of the vehicle elevator. Not my photos, all of these are from my wife's "collection." A side shot: The Elevator as viewed from the Dock: A vehicle drives onto the Elevator from the Dock: Once on the Elevator, the vehicle is lowered down to the Car Deck: The White past and above the truck is the hatch that covers the elevator opening while the ship is underway. The Elevator is then lowered onto a turntable: The turntable then pivots to a fore and aft position, and the vehicle can then be driven to where it parks. these are fantastic pictures, and having passage booked on the tustumena in june 2010 for dutch harbor, I was particularly interested. Are the horses shown in some of the pics also going on the ferry?
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on Jan 2, 2010 9:29:23 GMT -8
these are fantastic pictures, and having passage booked on the tustumena in june 2010 for dutch harbor, I was particularly interested. Are the horses shown in some of the pics also going on the ferry? In the 3 pictures above, the horses are actually already loaded on the ferry, so it's not "are they going?", because they are already there on the ship. If you want to know "are they staying on the ferry, or just loading and then unloading without traveling?" (ie horsing around ;D), I'd safely say that if they go through the trouble of loading a truck onto the Tusty using her elevator, then those horses must be going for a ride on a ship... Live animals on a ferry is a normal thing. Here in southern BC, some routes see other animals. Here's a 2007 shot of a truck of sheep, on a ferry to Galiano island.
|
|
|
Post by plansea on Feb 15, 2010 19:21:29 GMT -8
AMHS ferries swap places From the Ketchikan Daily News Friday Feb. 12, 2010 By Scott Bowlen Daily News Staff Writer Ferry travelers likely won't be inconvenienced by deployment changes of three state ferries through the end of March, according to the Alaska Marine Highway System. Previously scheduled departure and arrival times are being maintained for the AMHS ports in Southeast Alaska, Bellingham, Wash.,and Prince Rupert, British Columbia that are affected by the changes. But the actual ferries providing the service could be different than the vessels originally scheduled during these two months, depending on the day and route. AMHS staff are working to ensure that travel reservations reflect the changes for the ferries Matanuska,Taku and Malaspina. Passengers, especially those with reserved berth accommodations, are being encouraged to contact AMHS to verify their reservations. "It's always good to call and verify your reservations, especially when we've had these schedule changes, just to make sure that there's no one that falls through the cracks," AMHS Operations Manager Chuck Van Kirk. AMHS changed the deployments of the three ferries beginning this past week when the Matanuska returned to service after an maintenance overhaul on Feb. 5, three days later than planned. The Matanuska overhaul that began Nov. 14 at the Ketchikan Shipyard included the installation of a new electronic controllable-pitch propeller control system, routine maintenance, and "extensive shafting, hub and propeller work," according to AMHS. "Although Matanuska's return was a few days behind schedule, our reservations and scheduling staff performed terrifically to juggle schedules for the Malaspina, Taku and Matanuska, and limit disruption to our customers," Capt. John Falvey, AMHS general manager, said in a prepared statement. When the Matanuska resumed service on Feb. 5, it immediately picked up its regular schedule with an afternoon southbound departure from Ketchikan to Prince Rupert. The Matanuska will continue its regular schedule through March 10, when it switches to the routes and timing originally set for the Taku, according to the AMHS information. The Taku went out of service on Feb.5, and is now set to return to operations on March 31. One potential advantage of having the Matanuska fill in for the Taku in March is that the Matanuska has a lot more staterooms than the Taku -108 staterooms and 44 staterooms respectively - and more vehicle space. "It actually increases the capacity we can take to and from the Gold Medal (Basketball) Tournament (in Juneau), for instance," said Van Kirk. The published sailing times will remain the same, but "it will just be a different ship," he said."It will be the Matanuska instead of the Taku." But using the Matanuska on the Taku routes in March meant that a substitute ferry was needed to operate the Matanuska's original schedule, which includes service to Bellingham. Enter the Malaspina, which had been set for a cost-saving layup period beginning March 10 ahead of its annual overhaul period in April. "We used that time to continue to run the Malaspina on the Bellingham run, Van Kirk said. Basically, he said, "for each one of these three vessels, the schedules that we've produced are being maintained , just by a different vessel. "By the first of April, everything should be as was originally planned,"he said."The 'Mal' goes into overhaul, the Matanuska takes over for Bellingham, and the Taku should be taking back over for Prince Rupert." The new schedules can be viewed on the AMHS Web site at: www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/schedules.shtml
|
|
M/V LeConte
Chief Steward
~ I believe in Ferries! ~
Posts: 147
|
Post by M/V LeConte on Feb 16, 2010 2:56:40 GMT -8
Looks like the Matanuska is having more problems. Ever since they installed that new Fuel Management System last year, it seems to have given her nothing but trouble... www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/documents/press_box/pr_10_2507.pdfMatanuska Experiences Mechanical Difficulties, Engineers Working to Correct Problems(JUNEAU, Alaska) – The 46-year-old Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) ferry Matanuska experienced mechanical difficulties and is pier side in Sitka while technicians try to resolve the problems and return the ship to service. Today’s scheduled sailings from Sitka to Prince Rupert, British Columbia with a return to Sitka were cancelled by AMHS officials, as control system problems occurred. Presently, 78 passengers are aboard the Matanuska. They will remain aboard until the arrival of the ferry Malaspina. Passengers will then be transferred to the Malaspina which will depart Sitka tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. “We are in constant contact and working closely with the Coast Guard and the European system’s manufacturer’s North America representative to correct the deficiencies and put the ship back to sea safely and as soon as possible,” said Capt. John Falvey, General Manager, AMHS. The Malaspina’s revised schedule includes a stop in Kake at 1 a.m., Wednesday. The Matanuska plans to sail from Sitka to Juneau at 10:45 p.m., Wednesday. Complete schedule revisions are available online at www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/schedule_changes.shtml
|
|
|
Post by plansea on Feb 17, 2010 22:20:12 GMT -8
From the Ketchikan Daily News Feb.17, 2010 Matanuska may return to service Ketchikan (KDN) The state ferry Matanuska could return to service Wednesday night in Sitka if technicians can resolve mechanical problems with the ship's new electronic control system. "We are in constant contact and working closely with the Coast Guard and the European system's manufacturer's North American representative to correct the deficiencies and put the ship back to sea safely and as soon as possible," said Capt. John Falvey, general manager of the Alaska Marine Highway System. The Matanuska was taken out of service last Sunday at Sitka. Earlier that day, the Matanuska's departure from Juneau had been delayed by six hours, according to Roger Wetherell, spokesman for the Alaska Department of Transportation. Some vibration was reported later, while the vessel was underway. "The decision was made to stop sailing, bring it into port and look into whatever kind of deficiencies (were occurring)," Wetherell said. The problems are related to the Matanuska's new electronic controllable-pitch propeller control system, according to AMHS. The system, manufactured by the Sweden-based Berg Propulsion, was installed at the Ketchikan Shipyard during the Matanuska's recent maintenance lay-up that ended Feb.5. AMHS officials canceled the Matanuska's southbound schedule of sailings to Kake, Petersburg, Wrangell, Ketchikan and Prince Rupert, British Columbia, on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, and also the return northbound sailings from Prince Rupert to Sitka on Tuesday and Wednesday. The 78 passengers who remained on board the Matanuska were to be transferred to the Malaspina on Tuesday at Sitka, The Malaspina was scheduled to depart Sitka at 5:30 pm, Tuesday. On Tuesday, two technicians from Louisiana-based Karl Senner Inc., the North America representative for Berg Propulsion, were set to arrive in Sitka at about 6 p.m., according to Wetherell. "We know there may be potential software problems that are contributing to some of the problems," Wetherell said. The goal was to return the Matanuska to its regular schedule Wednesday evening with a 10:45 p.m. departure from Sitka to Juneau. "We want to get the Matanuska back on line quickly, but we want to make sure everything's going to be completely operational," Wetherell said.
|
|
|
Post by plansea on Feb 19, 2010 0:38:06 GMT -8
|
|
Quatchi
Voyager
Engineering Officer - CCG
Posts: 930
|
Post by Quatchi on Feb 19, 2010 17:03:38 GMT -8
I find it interesting that they have just now installed controllable pitch propellers. I'm sure the Matanuska's engineers are going through a steep learning curve with this change to their ship.
Cheers,
|
|
|
Post by plansea on Feb 19, 2010 22:24:40 GMT -8
Feb 20: Mechanical cancels Matanuska's Prince Rupert trip
MV Matanuska has cancelled the Ketchikan to Prince Rupert round-trip on Saturday, February 20th due to mechanical issues. It is expected that the situation will be resolved in Ketchikan and the Matanuska will resume her schedule northbound on Saturday, February 20th departing Ketchikan bound for Wrangell at 5:00 pm. Please contact central reservations at 907-465-3941 or toll-free 1-800-642-0066 for more information.
|
|
|
Post by northwesterner on Feb 20, 2010 13:20:17 GMT -8
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it pretty rare for the Matanuska to do the Bellingham run?
Usually that's the domain of the Columbia and Malaspina.
|
|