The trip on the "Queen Of The North" is a 17 hour ride down the Inside Passage.  The water is smooth.  You don't get the waves of the pacific ocean.  The "ferry" is more like an ocean liner.  You can just buy a ticket or various amenities.  I went for the cabin (was on a short waiting list) and the 3 meal buffet.  I did take a nap in the cabin.  Some passengers reserve a special lounge chair, while others just mill around; like coach on an airplane.  The day started misty and cool, but cleared off to a beautiful open sky.  On deck is cool and breezy, but on the sun facing west side, very pleasant.  The scenery is gorgeous.  Susie asked me what was east of us, after you went ashore, in the mountains along the passage.  I said: "nothing but mountains, valleys, trees, lakes and critters; for about 200 miles!"

You leave Prince Rupert at 6:30 AM and arrive in Port Hardy at 10:30 PM.  It is very dark when you arrive.  Know where you are going and have arrangements.  Port Hardy is a small town, with only a few hotels.  It was cool, damp and dark when we left the boat for the motel.  I was glad we knew where we were going and did not have to put up a tent.

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6:30 AM Wait.

Motorcycles are moved to the front of the line. It was mist and rain.

Ferry at Dock.

The ferry is at dock at Prince Rupert. See it in the background to the right of Susie's head.

Morning Fog.

Misty, damp with clouds covering the mountains.

Deck Side.

With sun, deck spots are premium. This boat had over 7 decks.

Breakfast.

I bought the 3 meal buffet. Two is plenty. The food was as good as any restaurant, and plenty of it.

Cabin.

I asked for, was waitlisted, but got one. 2 bunks, writing table, toilet to the right. Was cozy, and nice. I actually napped there.

Clearing Mountains.

The weather was great, sunny. Typical coastline of the inside passage. Mountains on both sides.

Standing Room Only.

If you didn't buy a cabin, or reserve chair, you camped out. The "campers" were strange, mostly sunburned.

Alaska Ferry.

The Alaska Ferry passes us, heading north to Prince Rupert and beyond. This shot is from the stern of the "Queen Of The North".

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