Aleutian Islands: Cruising on Tustumena Ferry
Unalaska was the furthest point on the Aleutian Islands chain that is serviced by the Alaskan Marine Highway. So the fantastic idea was to take the ferry back and cruise along all the Aleutian Islands, the volcanoes, the whales, and isolated settlements. The Tustumena Ferry has been ploughing this route since 1964 and is the only ship on this part of the Alaskan Marine Highway system. While it’s supposed to be decommissioned and replaced in the next four years, the vessel is in surprisingly good condition, with great decks, rooms, viewing areas, and restaurant serving seafood and even caribou sausages (all this at a fraction of a price of a Holland America cruise). But not to digress – the first day of the journey went past spectacular coastline of green islands, craggy cliffs, sun trying to break through the clouds, and absolutely calm seas.
