The Passenger Deck

The forward observation lounges

The main passenger cabin was unlike anything seen on ferries on Puget Sound before or since. The Kalakala's trademark rounded front and circular portholes make her forward observation lounge one of the most memorable architectural spaces afloat anywhere in the world.

Looking forward in KALAKALA's original upper observation lounge. - Asahel Curtis photo - Washington State Historical Society

Looking aft in KALAKALA's original upper observation lounge. - Asahel Curtis photo - Washington State Historical Society

During her years as a cannery, the floor between the promenade deck and passenger deck was removed in the forward observation lounge - creating a unqiue two-deck open space.

The KALAKALA's grand ballroom today. - David Ruble photo

The Main Cabin

The main cabin, admidships used to contain bench seating. This seating was removed by the cannery, creating another open space on the passenger deck.

The Kalakala's main cabin - Seattle Post Intelligencer Collection, Museum of History and Industry

In the main cabin, the original seats set near the windows featured a uniquely curved seat at the end of each bench. The window frames were curved at the top, and framed in brass. Curtains in a complimentary shade of brown were installed around the windows so that passengers could shut out the sun if they so desired, as there was plenty of light available from the unique lighting system overhead. Consisting of a long brass trough, lights sat inside and shone upward casting softly diffused light . Reflected off the walls and ceiling, which were finished in an eggshell color, a warm glow permeated the passenger cabin.

The Lounge

In the stern of the Kalakala was a unique semi-circular ladies lounge. The lounge was glassed-in with a separate set of round portholes that looked aft out through the open portholes of the aft shelter deck. Passengers could walk around the lounge, but only women were allowed inside. No pictures of the ladie's lounge original interior have been found to date.

Passengers look through the portholes of the aft shelter deck - Paul Dorpat Photo