Public Relations and
Advertising Department
Windsor Station Montreal Que. H3C
3E4
|
|
Volume 11
Number 16
|
Dec. 9,
1981
|
Princess Pat Logs Final Voyage
By Don Bower
Last Cruise: Decked out with banners, the Princess
Patricia recently took passengers on an emotion-filled final alaskan cruise.
Vancouver - Monday, October 5, cold and raining. The Princess
Patricia slips from her berth at exactly 8 p.m.
The 212 passengers, are from all parts of Canada, the United States and as far away as England and Australia.
One lady, Mary McKeow of Scarborough, Ont., is on her 24th trip on the "Pat". Others have taken the
trip before though none as often. A few are experiencing their first ever ship-board vacation. They
are all sharing the final Canadian Pacific Alaska cruise.
Tuesday is a day of cruising. No ports of call. A chance to meet passengers and the crew. Normally this happens
quickly. The smallness of the ship encourages it. This time however, it happens faster.
By evening and the captain's welcome champagne party, the passengers, crew, and company officers are on a first
name basis. Aboard to help Captain Ray Hudson and his crew say goodbye to Canadian Pacific's many friends along
the coast are Ray Purdy - general manager coastal marine operations, Al Cairnes - director marine operations,
Barry Jackson - manager cruise marketing and passenger service, Bill Hocking - director accountings, and their
wives.
Wednesday. By 8 a.m. the ship arrives at its first port of call, Ketchikan, Alaska. While passengers scurry
ashore for bus tours and shopping the dining room is being readied for the first of several receptions. Plaques
had been prepared for presentation to civic officials at all of the ports the Patricia has served during her 18
years in Alaska service.
This is our first reception and it sets the pattern. Speeches are exchanged. Mr. Purdy explains to our guests
and the local media the reasons for the Princess Patricia's withdrawal from service.
Mayor Jack W. Shay accepts the commemorative plaque which he promised will have a place of honour at city hall
and thanks everyone for the years of valued service to his community.
By noon passengers are back on board and the ship heads north to Wrangell - more sight seeing and another
reception. This time, after Mr. Purdy presents a plaque, Mayor Don Houst reciprocates with a Wrangell city flag.
It is almost dark when the Patricia again resumes her northward trip. She will soon enter Wrangell Narrows. At
the north end of the Narrows she will pass by Petersburg, a fishing village which has always acknowledged the
Pat by enthusiastically flashing lights, waving flags, and blowing horns and whistles. This time, the last,
Petersburg uses fireworks to say goodbye. Even the saltiest seaman aboard finds he is watching through moistened
eyes as the captain sounds the ship's whistle in a final departing salute.
Thursday. At 6 a.m. we enter Tracy Arm, a fiord-like inlet whose scenery is so spectacular that
even the continuing wet weather cannot detract from its beauty.
By noon we have cleared Tracy Arm and are docking in Juneau, Alaska's capital. Passengers again go ashore. Our
stay in Juneau lasts until almost 11 p.m.
Another reception, the largest of all. Mayor Will Overstreet of Juneau, Councilman Jim Richards of Skagway, and
civic official Arnold Wasvick of Petersburg are are in attendance, as are members of the travel industry, the
Coast Guard, and National Parks staff. Mr. Purdy presents the plaques and the sentiments of the occasion are
exchanged.
Friday brings blue skies. Glacier Bay, the scenic highlight of the cruise surpasses everyone's expectations.
If this is how Alaska has chosen to say farewell she has done an inspiring job. The passengers are hushed as
Captain Hudson threads his ship through the glacial ice to the very foot of mile-wide John Hopkins
Glacier.
Saturday. More sunny skies. We pass Ketchikan and pay a final whistled salute to a long time friend, U.S.
Immigration Inspector Jan Ross. At 3:30 p.m. we cross the international boundary. The ship's American flag is
presented by Captain Hudson to Austin D. Hemion, co-founder of the Puget Sound Marine Historical
Society.
By 7 p.m. the Patricia is in Prince Rupert and the final reception is about to begin. Ray Purdy presents a
plaque to mayor P.J. Lester and the formalities are completed.
Sunday brings more sun. A quiet day, time to reflect on a spectacular trip, and to enjoy the passing vista of
B.C.'s rugged coast.
In the evening, a talent show presented by the passengers gives recognition to the crew for their part in the
success of the cruise. Al Cairns speaks on behalf of the company in thanking all of those aboard - particularly
the crew, who have distinguished themselves during what has most certainly been an emotionally taxing week.
Monday, October 12, Thanksgiving Day. Vancouver is the center of an incredible sunrise. As the Princess Patricia
slips under the Lions Gate Bridge and Mount Baker holds court on the southern horizon, the memory of this last
morning, and the past several days is etched in the memory of all on board.
"The decision to withdraw the Princess Patricia from service at the end of the 1981 cruise season was
announced in August", said Mr. Purdy. "Since that time our employees have been aware that
approximately 150 jobs would be terminated".
"The total professionalism that each and every one of them has shown, those at sea and on shore, is a
lasting tribute to their integrity".
This CP Rail News article is copyright 1981 by
Canadian Pacific Railway and is reprinted here with their permission. All
photographs, logos, and trademarks are the property of the Canadian
Pacific Railway Company.
|
|
