PORT ANGELES — As it has been on the vast majority of Pacific Northwest modes of transport, it is now on the Black Ball Ferry Line: There are better coffees and cup holders.
The MV Coho now has a remodeled onboard coffee shop — a floating dining room that seats 94 — and tables equipped with deep, cylindrical pockets.
The red cup holders are the most immediately noticeable change as a passenger approaches the shop, but there’s also a new floor, new stainless steel window sills and a few new beverages and edibles on the vessel, which carries about a half-million people a year between Victoria and Port Angeles.
Through Monday of this Presidents Day weekend, the Coho departs Port Angeles at 8:20 a.m. and 2 p.m. and leaves Victoria at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
And with winter still biting, passengers will find the hot-drink options slightly expanded. Tully’s coffee is now available beside a Keurig machine that will brew you a fresh cup as an alternative to the Boyd’s coffee in the big urns.
Whole oranges and sweetened fruit cups are in the refrigerator. Iced tea and lemonade flow from the fountain, and vitamin drinks are coming next to go with the hot dogs and nachos, said Cathy Smith, the ferry’s concessions manager.
“We’re going to have spaghetti and meatballs and macaroni and cheese,” she said, “and things families will like.”
Soft-serve frozen yogurt will share the soft-serve ice-cream machine, Smith added.
And that new Keurig machine, besides the freshly brewed coffee and black tea, will offer mochas and chai tea.
All of these additions will come onboard in the spring when the Coho starts its three-crossings-per-day schedule, Smith said. That happens May 19, when the ferry begins departing Port Angeles at 8:20 a.m., 12:45 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. and leaving Victoria at 10:30 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
After this holiday weekend and through May 18, the ship sails out of Port Angeles from Mondays through Thursdays at 8:20 a.m. only; the 2 p.m. departure is in effect Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
The coffee shop makeover took 31⁄2 weeks; the concurrent gift-shop remodeling has yet to be finished. The store, which carries books, sweatshirts and souvenirs, is expected to reopen next week.
A metal gate has been installed at the entrance to the concession area to help prevent shoplifting, said Coho Capt. Steve Banfill.
The coffee shop area hasn’t been remodeled since the mid-1970s, he added.
The Coho’s one-way fares are $15.50 per adult passenger, $7.75 for children ages 5 to 11 — kids younger than 5 ride free — or $55 for a vehicle and driver.
Bicycles may be brought onboard for an additional $6. Round-trip fares are $31 for adults, $15.50 for ages 5 to 11 and $110 for a vehicle and driver.
For reservations and more details, phone 360-457-4491 or visit www.CohoFerry.com.
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Features Editor Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-417-3550 or at diane.urbani@peninsuladailynews.com.
