Scene on the Sound: Norwegian Pearl sails for the Inside Passage

North to Alaska - the Norwegian Pearl heads
for the Inside Passage
Photo by Jan Hansen

Yes, the Alaska season has begun. The Norwegian Pearl is now on her way to Alaska. The boating season and the Seattle cruising season are underway.

One week cruises for the Inside Passage let ships leave in the late afternoon, visit three ports, and return early in the morning the next week.

Baggage is left outside the cabins the night before, ready to be offloaded when the ship is docked. It's a busy day for the crew to ready the ship for the next departure. Each hour in port is a huge expense. It is an efficient day in Seattle and the staggered days of the ship schedules continue in Alaska for the benefit of both ships and passengers.

--Jan Hansen