For something totally different, try a freighter cruise. Yes, I know. Images pop into your head of being stowed away below deck in some oil soaked cabin. Certainly it is not going to be as comfortable with all the amenities as a traditional cruise ship but it can still be very enjoyable and quite reasonable from a cost perspective.
There are a wide variety
of freighter cruises available from 7 days to over 100. The majority of
passenger-oriented freighters are cargo ships, container ships or mail
and supply ships. Prices are usual around US $100.00 per person per day.
This fare includes the cabin and three meals per day. The cabins and
staterooms are well furnished, have a window their own private shower
and toilet. Alcohol availability is limited so it is advisable to bring
your own.
There are a wide variety of freighter cruises available from 7 days to over 100. The majority of passenger-oriented freighters are cargo ships, container ships or mail and supply ships. Prices are usual around US $100.00 per person per day. This fare includes the cabin and three meals per day. The cabins and staterooms are well furnished, have a window their own private shower and toilet. Alcohol availability is limited so it is advisable to bring your own.
Sample Trans Atlantic Freighter Cruise:
Eilbek, Flottbek and Reinbek - Three 16,000-ton German cargo ships Every Wednesday the vessel leaves Montreal, QC, Canada (boarding is usually on Tuesday) and is expected to arrive at, and leaves from Liverpool, UK on the following Wednesday (day 8), Antwerp, Belgium (days 10-11) and back to Montreal (day 20). Each ship can accommodate 8 passengers in 6 cabins located on the Passenger deck, two decks below the Captain’s. Two twin-bedded cabins, side and forward facing, and four forward-facing single cabins, all consisting of a bedroom with a sitting area and private facilities with shower. There is a refrigerator and CD player in each cabin. Forward views may be obstructed by the containers stowed on deck. The fare is US $120.00 per person per day during the summer season, April through October, and US $105.00 during the winter season, November through March. There is an additional charge of US $355.00 for port and vessel fees. The age limits are 5/75.
For more information about scheduling a cargo ship cruises, check out these leading freighter companies for itineraries:
Andrew Weir Shipping Dexter House 2 Royal Mint Court London EC3N 4XX Tel: +44 (0)20 7575 6000 Fax: +44 (0)20 7481 4784
Compagnie Polynesienne de Transport Maritime, P.O. Box 220, Papeete, Tahiti. Telephone (689) 42.36.21. Fax (689) 43.48.89. Email = reservations@aranui.com
