Beginning May 26th, Alaska’s newest passenger ferry will commence service between the popular end-of-the-road destination of Homer and the secluded village of Seldovia, located on a roadless area of Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. “Often when people hear the word ‘ferry’ they think basic transportation,” said Sarah Richardson, Director of Public Relations for the Seldovia Village Tribe, the owners of the new vessel. “Our service operates in spectacular Kachemak Bay, so we wanted to offer an experience that would be unique and memorable. Since this ferry was custom-built for us, we took every opportunity to create an innovative vessel that would showcase this wilderness destination… I think guests travelling in Alaska will be impressed,” added Richardson.
The m/v Kachemak Voyager features innovations such as a stable, twin-hull catamaran design, flat panel LCD displays with real-time route information, a shallow draft allowing for up-close scenic cruising, specially engineered double-paned view windows to reduce condensation and fogging, aircraft-style seating, a wrap-around exterior viewing deck, and a forward solarium. Onboard, amenities include a full galley, coffee and beverage service, loaner binoculars, a gift case, and an array of seating options. The ADA compliant vessel features two passenger levels, plus additional outside seating offering unobstructed panoramic views of the glacial peaks and still-active volcano, Mt. Redoubt.
“Since the vessel operates in a National Estuarine Research Reserve, early on in the planning process it was decided that we would lessen our environmental footprint whenever possible,” said Richardson. Innovations continue where the guest may not necessarily notice, including an advanced hull design requiring less fuel to operate; high efficiency engines that meet EPA’s latest stringent low emission standards; and strict adherence to company Best Management Practices for waste reduction, recycling, and pollution prevention.
The ferry operates May 26th into September and offers three round-trip sailings daily from Homer to Seldovia. En route, travelers pass Gull Island rookery for up-close bird viewing and sail Eldridge Passage for a chance to spot sea otters, whales, and marine life that inhabit these waters. Cost for round-trip sailing is $59 for adults, $29.50 for children. Reservations can be made online at seldoviabayferry.com or by calling 877-703-3779.
(www.svt.org)