Alaska Marine Highway, sleeping in vehicle? (Haines: campers, storage, floor) - (AK) - City-Data Forum

travelmate38 · 01-30-2008, 03:40 AM

Years ago, back when the rules were more relaxed, I traveled the Alaska Marine Hwy up from Bellingham to Haines. They did not have a cabin, so it was sleeping on the deck in a sleeping bag. By the second night of no sleep I was desperate, so when they had a pet call, I snuck down to my pickup truck that had a nice topper shell and bed in the back. When nobody was looking, I jumped in the back. I slept and slept like a baby. Since they do pets calls every few hours, I just stayed in there until the next call and got up in the morning. It was like having my own cabin. I know they said this was against their policy due to safety issues, but I know others were doing the same thing. Those tht had vans, campers, etc.

That was then, I wonder if this could still be pulled off? Anyone traveled the Marine Hwy, lately?

RAMFEB31 · 01-30-2008, 12:38 PM

I know of a friend who was asked to get off at the next stop if he and his wife was ever caught doing that again. That was in 07'

ASpilot2be · 01-30-2008, 01:53 PM

Nope, cant do it.

Xa'at · 01-30-2008, 02:21 PM

No, you really do not want to do that now a days. I think I heard from someone that the fumes can get pretty bad.

alaskarain · 01-30-2008, 05:14 PM

I did not bring any pets on my journey, however when I was on the columbia last year I had to run down to my car, during pet call was the only time I was allowed to go down there.
Vehicles that had pets in them got a special decal.
They had 5 men/women on each car deck one, in the ships ordination they instructed which doors on each floor was entrance only and which was exit only, no exceptions would be made due to safety regulations. After pet call, the captain expressed that each vehicle would be check on every deck, and that no one under any circumstances was allowed to stay in their vehicles. So I guess they have gotten wise to that old trick.

earls · 01-31-2008, 07:42 AM

Not only that but they have this man (Big) and mean looking with a gun and a dog and you dont want him to find you hiding out!

ysr_racer · 01-31-2008, 07:33 PM

What's a pet call?

arcticracer · 01-31-2008, 07:35 PM

You are not allowed to be in your vehicles at all except at stops, and a couple times during the day where you can take pets out to do their duty (yes right on the deck where you are responsible for cleaning it up, and get in your vehicle for things.

DannyL · 01-31-2008, 07:41 PM

as far as trying to sleep down there, I really wouldn't recommend trying it.
the car storage area is patroled.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ysr_racer

What's a pet call?

every 4 hours, you are allowed to go to your vehicle, feed, check on water, and walk your pet in the vehicle holding area if you want. Give them a chance to "do their business" if they want, but YOU have to clean it up. This is on multi-day trips, and when in any port stop, you are allowed to get him/her and go out on the dock for a walk or play a little.
And no pet lovers, it is not "inhumane" down there.
It is heated, well ventilated, dimly lit at night because of the security patrols.
Any pet that goes nuts gets the owners license plate and model anounced over the intercom.
Your pet is safer down there than up on the deck.

rotorhead · 02-01-2008, 01:32 AM

It's a shame that you can't just stay down in the camper, but you can also see why that can't happen. You just KNOW that some moo-ron would eventually blow up their RV onboard, and what a fine mess THAT would make.

Actually, considering the potential energy contained in an LPG tank it's amazing that you can take an RV onboard at all.