How to Travel the World by Freighter
I still have a romantic image of traveling around by freighter. Is it possible to do that anymore? I'd love to know how.
Recent piracy incidents notwithstanding, it is still very possible to travel the world or your preferred portion of it by freighter.
photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/laszlo-photo/108570417/
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor...Explore. Dream. Discover"
Mark Twain
The romance of a tramp steamer, the allure of stowing away, sailing off to exotic lands may be a leftover dream from days long gone, but freighter travel is still available and more comfortable than ever. Most freighters take only a few passengers, frequently no more than 12 . Cabins are now usually equipped with modern conveniences; including private baths, air conditioning and tvs. Some ships have luxuries unheard of and undreamed of by passengers in prior years, e.g., saunas and swimming pools. But traditions linger. Passengers are still invited to dine with the Captain.
Travel by freighter is often slow and unpredictable, but much less expensive than other forms of ocean- going travel. It has no dress codes and no tightly fixed schedules.
To get your feet wet start with a search through Freighter World Cruises , published in Pasadena, California . You can search here for cruises by length of journey.
Or check out Freighter Travel Review, which describes itself as an informative and independent magazine containing current news, information and features concerning the worldwide cargo ship travel sector. They even invite you to contribute your own freighter travel stories.
With this German travel agency listing dozens of ships, NSB Reiseburo, a FAQ section will help you know where to start.
A popular resource for sharing information is Freighter Travel News, It offers and encourages articles by freighter travelers about their trips and has news items about travel and ads for travel agents. In the newest entry there's a compilation of articles going back 50 years. Certainly reminiscent of the glory days.
For $36 you can become a member of Maris Freighter Travel Club Int'l or give a gift membership to the Freighter Travel News. Though not updated since 2007, this compendium of nearly everything you would want to know about traveling by freighter before heading will be invaluable.
The Maris line site offers many itineraries, with a chance to view the ship that might be your home for up to two months.
photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ronnie44052/2420469141/
"...There are no restaurants, bars or discotheques on board a freighter, but an insight into "real" sea travel with lots of time of rest and relaxation awaits you. As a salty appetizer, Frachtschiffreisen offers offer Baltic Sea and North Sea short trips. For global nomads with just a little more time on their hands, we offer a 125 day round-the-world journey..."
But as always, caveat emptor. Reading tales of others' experiences may better prepare you for the confinement and companionship you may encounter.
- Around the World by Freighter (Paperback)
- by Bob Hartley (Author)
- Available from Amazon.com, Bob Hartley's Around-the-World by Freighter offers the kind of delightful, informative freighter travel tales that make you want to pack the trunk.
But then there are other experiences.
- Come Hell or High Water: A Really Sullen Memoir (Hardcover)
- by Gregory Jaynes (Author)
- Available from Amazon.com, Bob Hartley's Around-the-World by Freighter offers the kind of delightful, informative freighter travel tales that make you want to pack the trunk.
A New York Times book review called it "...Gregory Jaynes's acerbic and lively COME HELL ON HIGH WATER "The true horror of setting off with the wrong companions..."
There's no telling which kind of trip you'll have, but...
If you have the leisure time, a flexible schedule and a willingness to experience some unlikely ports of call freighter travel may just live up to your romantic notions.
If not, hey, you'll have a unique tale to tell.
Good luck.
