On Tuesday, April 15th, my niece Kelly and I started a voyage to Alaska aboard the Klondike Express, a high speed catamaran which spends summer in Alaska. The catamaran is used by Phillips' Cruises and Tours on the 26 Glaciers Cruise, which operates in Prince William Sound, from its base in Whittier. Our journey was a positioning cruise. The schedule called for a 5 day journey from Seattle to Juneau, Alaska, with nightly stopovers along the way at high quality hotels.
Overall passenger count was over 60, well below the boat's capacity, but a good number for an extended cruise. We were fed daily, both breakfast (to allow an earlier start) and lunch. None of us lacked for food - indeed, the problem was the enormous amount of food! And Brad Phillips was a wonderful host. The whole journey was just first class all the way.
Bill McKinley kindly offered to collect Kelly and me at 6AM on the day of departure, and drive us to the Ballard Fisherman's Terminal, where the Klondike Express was awaiting our arrival.
Waiting at the dock for all the passengers to arrive. This was probably the only time we were guaranteed the boat would wait a reasonable time for us. At the other stops, you were on time or left behind. We never did leave anyone behind, mostly because the shore party stayed at the same hotel, and with transport arranged, it was not difficult to ensure all passengers were aboard.
Some of the (mostly) fishing boats at the Fisherman's Terminal.
As we were very slowly heading towards the Ballard Locks, we passed this fishing boat being towed by an itty bitty tug boat!
Traffic coming out of the Locks heading inland.
Looking back towards the Ballard Bridge, and into Lake Union.
A rather luxurious looking vessel near the Ballard Locks.
