Q. & A. Guidelines

2) How large are freighters ...?       Ocean going general cargo ships used to be between 3,000 and 15,000 tons. Today they are more likely to be 20,000 to 40, 000 tons, while containerships are 20,000 to over 100,000 tons or, expressed in container capacity, between 2,000 and over 10,000 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units). 3) ... What flags do they fly ...?       The majority of them fly flags of convenience, which is why in most cases the flag is not included in our data, but rather the nationality of the owners or managers, senior officers and crew members. While passenger service is usually offered by the shipowner, we also indicate the line (charterer) for whom the ship is running its main cargo operation. 4) ... and how safe are they and their voyages?       In addition to the care and control of its owners and flag state, every ship is supervised during its construction, as well as checked and tested for its seaworthiness throughout its life by one of the classification societies such as Lloyd Register (LR), American Bureau of Shipping (AB), Germanisher Lloyd (GL), Bureau Veritas (BV) or Norske Veritas (NV). Society initials appear on the hull of the ship as a part of the Plimsoll mark. The Plimsoll mark indicates the depth to which the ship can be safely loaded during various seasons and in various locales. And port authorities on every voyage ensure the ship's compliance with respect to the security of both passengers and cargo.       On the subject of pirates, as has always been through the ages, there is still such activity in a few areas of the world. They generally do not affect larger and faster ships. The small expedition ships and mail and coastal ships which we feature on our pages are outside these areas. The International Maritime Organization, the United Nations’ specialized agency responsible for improving maritime safety, monitors, investigates and reports on piracy at www.imo.org. 5) How many passengers do the freighters carry?       Usually up to twelve, however, in many cases no more than four or five. 6) What will my fellow passengers be like?       They have spent quite enough time in crowds and they can take lengthy periods of time off. Now they make their choices based upon a wished for experience, rather than on factors such as the price of packages, glitzy entertainment, or extravagant amenities.

They are often an affluent but unpretentious lot who relax on board in shorts and sandals, lie reading a book in a deck chair, hearing nothing but sea gulls and waves. Ashore, they visit places they have read about and dine quietly in the fresh-fish restaurants.

7) How do passengers spend time onboard?       “It sounded a bit intimidating, but it was amazingly civilised. Informality and good fellowship was one of the perks, as was the freedom, and time, to unwind. It's not like when you're at home and have a lot of time. You're not mulling over your past. It's all about the voyage and the future and what you're going to do in next port”. Picnicking on the forecastle       “As a group we eat together, enjoy happy hours with one another, occasionally play games or watch movies and sometimes share with one another our time on the deck. We also share our experiences with one another when it is needed, but it is never taken for granted that we function as a group. We discuss what we want from the port visits and how we will do them. Often we share a cab into town and then we separate. Sometimes we share the visit or tour, but there is never the expectation that we are responsible for one another ...       I have my laptop computer with me and it includes an encyclopedia, a world atlas, and a world book, so I am very much enjoying the opportunity to study up on the next place where we will be landing. I also have my digital camera with me which allows me to create instant slide shows of the ship and ports visited. I spend time on the bridge and on deck enjoying the scenery and watching our progress ... The sea also mesmerizes me. For me there is something very natural and whole about being at sea. I am somehow in tune with the motion of the ship, even when we are in rolling waters. I sleep very deeply, almost as if I am in a cradle. There is an energy surrounding us in this great outdoors, and it is healing. I feel peaceful, healthy, safe, and joyful. Life is good”.

“Our fellow passenger, an artist named Emmelene, has invited me to sit for an oil painting. This will be a gift from her to us and will certainly be another first in my young life. I am very excited about this and cannot imagine what the results will be like. She is definitely an accomplished painter, but we are not sufficiently cultured to fully appreciate all the merits of her work. My first sitting is scheduled for 2 PM today. Stay tuned for further developments ...

Emmelene’s family is here en masse to greet her on the completion of her around-the-world voyage. She had been planning it for about seven years, so it’s a major milestone in her life. Everyone came onboard to see all the paintings that she had done. Two of those were portraits of one CIS and, after sharing them with her family, she presented one to the Swansons. This will be a Swanson keepsake for many moons to come and we thank Emmelene from the bottom of our hearts”.       “One question to consider before you go is your own attitude and temperament. Lew and I owned a sailboat for years and we have crewed on sailboats in the Caribbean, the North Sea, and in Alaska. We get great pleasure out of sitting and watching the water go by. Once when we had decided we were too old to climb the rigging, we tried a conventional cruise. While it was very nice, dressing for dinner every night, eating sumptuous meals, watching a lavish show before the plentiful midnight buffet, etc., it did not really excite us.       On the freighter, we would mix our own scotch and soda, take it out on the deck right outside our cabin, sit on a deck chair, and watch the sun go down. Preference is a very personal thing!”

8) What on board facilities and services can I expect? ACCOMMODATIONS       Passenger cabins are located on upper decks and have the same facilities as officers’ cabins, including private baths and air conditioning. They are more spacious than cabins on the average cruise ship. Some provide amenities such as a mini refrigerator, TV/DVD and stereo sets, and in house/ship telephone. Front- and aft-facing cabins, may have their views obstructed by the containers stowed on deck.       In general passengers and officers share the dining room, lounges with TV and small video and book libraries, as well as the exercise room and sauna, swimming pool and similar facilities found on most freighters. Deck space can be limited but there is always room for sunbathing and deck chairs are provided.

“Our cabin had two rooms. The main room contained a pullout sofa, coffee table, desk, two armchairs, refrigerator, glass cupboard, bookshelf, and some storage space. The bedroom had a bed we thought too small for two, so I slept on the sofa. There was a hanging closet and plenty of shelf space in the bedroom. Two windows in the main cabin looked aft, and the one in the bedroom opened on the port side. The beds were made up European-style with a sheet and duvet. The bathroom was tiled, with a shower that had a pull-down seat. There was an adequate medicine cabinet. The steward cleaned the cabin once a week, when fresh bed linen and towels were provided”. Officers and passengers lounge FOOD       Mealtimes offer an invaluable opportunity to speak with the captain and officers and listen to their maritime stories and anecdotes in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. The English spoken, as well as the food served, is colored by their nationality, which is one of the attractions of traveling by freighter. The meals, prepared fresh and served three times a day, are included in the cruise price, with complimentary wine being offered with lunch and dinner on some ships. The pantry is usually open to anyone fancying a light snack. On freighters one cannot expect food to satisfy any special dietary needs, but most chefs will prepare something else when the menu of the day is not to someone’s liking.

“Meal times were at 7:30 A.M., 11:30 A.M. and 5:30 P.M., and coffee was served at 10:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. The meals are more then ample and nourishing as they are prepared for hard-working sailors. For breakfast, eggs are always available, as is some kind of breakfast meat, several kinds of bread, fruit, juice, cheese and cereal.

The noon meal is the main meal of the day, and usually includes soup, meat, a starch dish, vegetables, salad and fruit. Wine may or may not be included. The evening meal is normally a ragout of some sort, often over rice, with platters of cold cuts, crudités and cheese.       Serendipity played an important part in making our dining experience more enjoyable. When we first boarded, meals were adequate but completely uninspired and boring. In Hong Kong we picked up a new chef and what he could do with the same ingredients was a revelation! His garlic and broccoli soup was scrumptious, and the German officers said his konigsberger klops reminded them of home. Passengers and officers shared the dining room, but sat at separate tables”. SERVICE       Cabin service is available on a daily or weekly basis, depending on the ship. Linen is usually changed weekly, but will be done more frequently if requested. Meals are served in the dining room only at set times and seatings may be prearranged. The dining room is usually smoke free, while the TV/Bar lounge is not. Basic toiletries and popular beverages and cigarettes may be obtained at duty free prices from a small onboard shop.       “The ship has a limited amount of items for sale including toilet soap and washing powder for the laundry and, best of all, liquid refreshments - all at duty-free prices!”       Self-service bar accounts can be settled once a week or once a month, with cash in US Dollars or Euro. Self-service laundry facilities are available. Mail needs to be either stamped or paid for, and delivered to a designated officer/purser.       “An important thing to keep in mind is that this is a working ship. The officers and crew were always very friendly and polite to us, but they were hired to run the ship, not to entertain passengers or act as tour guides”.       “The crew at all levels are gentlemen. In passing, they greet you in some manner, a smile, a wave, or a ‘Morning’. Still, they are professionals with a job to do that does not include entertaining or teaching passengers. This is not to say that they do not engage in conversation but it tends to be on their terms.” 9) Who are the officers and which language is spoken onboard?       English is the lingua franca of all freighters. Officers are offten European, and use their mother tongue among themselves, while crewmembers are usually Filipino, and they speak Tagalog. But when speaking to each other, or to the passengers, they all speak English. Some are fluent, others are not, but they all can answer any questions you may have. 10) What currency is used onboard?       It is usually necessary to pay cash using USD or EUR for onboard expenses. Personal and traveller’s cheques are not accepted and neither are credit cards. For use ashore, take your credit card, traveller's cheques and a supply of the local currency or US Dollars with you, preferably in small denominations as vessels do not provide exchange facilities. 11) Who should I tip?       Tipping is at the passenger's discretion and is limited to the cabin and dining room stewards, often one and the same person, who shares it with the chef. A good guideline is to allow for €/$3.00 - €/$5.00 a day per person traveling. 12) Are there elevators onboard?       Not in many cases, and even when there are, the fact is not broadly advertised. Passengers who must rely on an elevator and who are not fully mobile cannot be accepted on board freighters.       “We took a cabin close to the dining room, two decks apart, which meant that we had to climb four flights of stairs for every meal. At first it was daunting, but after a few days it became routine, and the improvement in the shape of my thighs by the end of the trip was worth it all! On an average day I climbed up and down between the bridge and dinning room thirty flights of stairs.” 13) Do freighters have telephone, fax and e-mail connections?       Yes, they do, but these are satellite connections and telephone and fax fees can be as high as $5 per minute. And while the Internet is not available, email can be arranged through the Captain's office free of charge. 14) What is the electricity?       Electricity is 220V/50 cycles. A two-prong round adapter and converter are needed for North American appliances. 15) Do freighters have stabilizers?       Freighters run deep in the water which slows their motion in rough seas, thus serving them better than any stabilizer. Still, even in normal weather conditions, there is always a roll, a gentle one which conveys the feelings of strength and progress. 16) What clothing should I bring and what is the dress code?

The weather can change during any voyage. Take warm practical clothing to wear on deck and good footwear is vital for walks onboard and ashore. Otherwise, dress smart but casual. The following passenger quote provides firsthand advice about what to wear on long voyages in the tropical areas:

“As for wardrobe, take one 'very nice outfit' to wear ashore and put it in your closet immediately. Then wear all your oldest clothes. We quickly found out that we were on a working ship where the men are constantly washing, scraping, painting, and greasing cables. Unless we were willing to remain in our air-conditioned cabin, we had to cope with all this activity including smudges of whatever was being used on the ship, as well as occasional soot deposits from the smoke stack.       The crew always washed the ship the day after leaving any port, but while it was being loaded and unloaded there was no way to avoid some dirt. We wore boat shoes constantly since the decks are frequently wet and slippery, darker color T-shirts and cotton pants for most of the trip, and were able to donate a bundle of cleaning rags to the oilers in the engine room when we departed. That left us plenty of luggage room for the great souvenirs we picked up all over the world.       The 'very nice outfit' for going ashore included pants and shirt in a lightweight silk. After a day in the hot sun you can walk into the shower carrying your silks with you, wash everything, hang them on a plastic hanger, and they're ready to wear the next day.       We also brought several soft hats that either sat down well on the head or were tied on in some way as a ship running at 20 knots per hour creates its own wind. A few heavy sweaters and two pairs of lightweight wool pants took care of the cooler weather.       As no hairdresser was available for over three months, I took headbands and combs and let my hair grow, which took away the temptation to hack at it myself.” 17) Why is the fare quoted in foreign currency?       Steamship lines publish their tariffs and collect payments in their national currencies. Maris accepts payments, by check or wire (credit cards by exception only), in either the tariff currency, or one of the following major currencies: USD, EUR GBP & CAD, at the exchange rate our bank is charging, subject to a final adjustment at the time the ticket is issued, a few weeks before departure. 18) Do I have to pay extra if the voyage takes longer?       Voyages can sometimes be longer or shorter than anticipated and, unless otherwise stipulated, there will be no extra charge for an extended period or refund for a shorter one. 19) How much luggage is allowed?       Approx. two suitcases per person, depending on the steamship line. But maximum 1 cubic meter, or 100 kilograms. For anything more than that, please see the following question and answer. 20) Can I bring my car and other personal belongings with me?       Freighters are in the business of carrying freight, so you can choose the line and destination to ship your car, as well as your motorbike or other personal belongings, at your convenience. Freight Forwarders and Custom Brokers are able to offer you a choice of lines and rates, however, if you prefer to take your car on the same vessel you are traveling on, you may end up paying a higher rate. Keep in mind that not all freighters offer passenger service, so you should plan to make your own reservations first.

Personal belongings and family-size cars are normally transported in 20- or 40-foot closed containers, while mobile homes, due to their size, are often shipped on flat racks or in open-top containers.       Transatlantic freight rates for smaller cars start at about $2,000 and for motorbikes at about $1,500.

Here you can access the Freight Forwarding Services Directory. We also recommend visiting the following two websites:       Export Shipping and       Low-cost cargo ship service for commercial products and household goods. 21) Can I bring my pet with me?       Unfortunately pets are not allowed onboard. 22) Is there an age limit?       The age limit is usually 79 or 80, but is sometimes 75. Exceptions are made when there is a larger group of passengers (more than 12), when a doctor is required to be onboard, and on shorter, coastal voyages offered by mail and vintage coastal ships. 23) What are the visa, medical and insurance requirements?       Passports must be valid at least six months beyond the anticipated return date, and foreign visas must be obtained in advance.       Vaccination against yellow fever is often required. This varies from time to time and for different parts of the world.       Regardless of age, all passengers must ensure that they are fully fit to travel and have no serious medical condition. A medical questionnaire must be completed and duly signed by both your physician and yourself confirming that you are able to travel on a freighter where there is not a doctor on board.       While International Health and Accident Insurance is mandatory, and its main details with benefits and claims telephone number must be provided, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is not required but is highly recommended to protect your investment against cancellation fees. Travelex Insurance packages, covering you from the moment you buy the policy - at no additional cost, are available to all Maris customers, worldwide, on our website page "Before You Sail". And if you buy the Travelex policy within three weeks of your initial trip deposit, pre-existing conditions are waived.       All required documents must be provided latest three weeks, exceptionally for short notice bookings two weeks, before departure. 24) What services are available in port?       While the Captain, officers and port agents may be able to offer some advice about shore visits, one cannot count on this. It's best to prepare yourself in advance and be well-informed about your ports of call and what you want to see.       “When we arrived at a port there was no tour bus carrying thirty passengers, or a lady holding her umbrella in the air to show you the sights or guide you to souvenir shops. From the moment we walked down the gangplank, we were on our own. So again, it's a question of whether you like to be led or you like to explore on your own”.

“Passengers on freighters have to be self-reliant souls who can keep themselves entertained ...       What I really like about traveling on freighters is the fact that there isn’t the pressure to participate in all kinds of organized activities or to take sightseeing tours ashore.

If we want to visit the local attractions, we have to make arrangements ourselves. But that’s the way we like it. On a freighter we feel as if we’re sailing on our own private yacht.”

25) How long do the ships stay in port ...?       The average port time is one day, longer for general cargo ships and ports without modern cargo facilities and less for mail and coastal ships with frequent port calls. 26) ... and how far from the town do they dock?       Vessels dock at terminals which are often situated outside the center of a town or city, so passengers usually have to take a taxi in. Photo below shows Papeete, Tahiti with freighters at their berths in the background. 27) How do I board the vessel?       Boarding information is prepared and delivered with your ticket a few weeks before departure. You'll be required to arrive at or near the embarkation port a day or two ahead of time and contact the port agent to verify the vessel’s arrival, location in port and boarding time. 28) How do I make reservations?       Freighter voyages can be booked anytime, from several weeks to a year or more ahead. High season sailings are sold out first. Travelers who know they want a particular ship, cabin and time of the year, should make reservations well in advance. To help us make your trip planning and reservation procedures a pleasant experience, please familiarize yourself with this type of travel, particularly with the voyage you wish to take, by reading our information. Then apply through our office by giving us as wide a period for your departure as you can, e.g. earliest November 10 - latest December 20, preferably around beginning of December. We can then advise you of the best available options. Usually a deposit of 25% of the fare is required to secure a reservation. The balance of the fare is payable 7-10 weeks before departure.       And a final note: Ports of embarkation and debarkation, as well as the itinerary, may change for a variety of reasons including cargo requirements, holidays, weather conditions, port congestion or other factors beyond the carrier’s control. This may affect your plans and cost. You should keep this in mind when making your pre- and post-freighter traveling arrangements. The steamship line, or its agents, are unable to make those arrangements for you. 29) Comments made by the following authors contributed in this Q. & A. Guide:       Bill MacRobbie, Carl I. Swanson, Vivienne Knapp and Bob Hartley. Mr. Hartley’s were taken from his book at the end of which we also found the following few lines of advice:       “· If you are taking a trip of any length buy a map and hang it on the wall. Looking at the overall route was helpful and prompted many discussions with crew and fellow passengers. Bring double-sided tape for hanging your map as well as for a million other uses.       · When I was writing, I left my cabin door open. Many of the tidbits of information in this book came through that open door.       · I had little success with a short wave radio and frankly, after a few days at sea I lost interest in ‘worldly’ affairs.       · Bring your digital camera. Better still, also bring a small printer. Photos of activities onboard are much appreciated.       · If possible, have the ship’s stamp put in your passport. At some ports they gave us a shore pass. Where they didn’t, it was helpful when returning from town to have proof that I was a passenger on the freighter.       · When returning from shore leave, bring back a candy bar for the crew member greeting you at the gangplank.” 30) Recommended reading:       Around-the-World by Freighter, by Bob Hartley. A delightful wonderful story offers you much to learn about the ship, ports, oceans, and the world while leisurely navigating with Mr. Hartley. We have been pleased to provide you with a few lines from the 160-page book on these pages as well as a few longer excerpts in our monthly magazine.       The book can be obtained on the Internet from trafford.com and amazon.com - under books search for Bob Hartley.

We are most grateful for the support, including comments such as the following, which we have been receiving from our valued customers and club members as well as from the steamship lines and media over the years:

	"I have taken a number of trips on the lines listed and can say without hesitation they are all wonderful. I wish you much success in bringing together all the people who enjoy this type of travel." Carlita Malloch San Francisco, CA - Oct/93

	"Maris is sailing under fair skies with a following wind under your command." John Carrick Editorial writer Sydney, Australia - Sep/99

	"Dear Friends. Please find enclosed our U.S. cheque for a two-year renewal of our membership. We enjoy your style and information so very much and one day we hope to be on our way to some interesting destinations. With thanks." Nadine M. Beacock, Toronto, Canada - Apr/00

	"Q: It has always been my dream to take a long voyage on a cargo ship. Can you tell me if this is possible any more? - A: Maris in New York offers such voyages on a daily basis." Sunday Times London - July 1/01

	"Maris Freighter Cruises website, as well as monthly publication with its listings that include color photos of the ships and cabins, itineraries, prices etc., is a good place to learn about freighter travel." New York Times - May 18/03

	"We are very appreciative of the work you have undertaken on our behalf for many years and the effort you have put into making the passenger service a success ... Our sincere and grateful thanks." Richard Mellor P&O Nedlloyd London - Jan/05

	"As a faithful reader of your monthly publication, I wish to compliment you and your staff on the informativness and thoroughness, setting forth in honest and detailed manner descriptions of this means of travel by freighter." Martin Ems Retired Manager Passenger Services, American President Lines - Feb/07

Become a member of Maris Freighter Travel Club Int'l or give a gift membership       Receive Maris Freighter and Specialty Cruises magazine. Published monthly, the 16-page magazine (5.50" x 8.50") offers information on voyage itineraries, ships, accommodations and prices. It's a well-illustrated, up-to-date guide also featuring news and firsthand stories, often being the only publication available anywhere for many of these voyages.

Take advantage of the knowledgeable advice that comes from our vast experience. Find the ship and voyage that's perfect for you and, for each roundtrip freighter cruise, you'll receive Maris discount bonus of $100, or higher discounts when available.       To subscribe, simply click on one of the fast, secure Checkout links, call in, or mail your check. Your first copy of the magazine will be shipped with our next regular mailing at the beginning of the month.

The same low price in USD ($)                 is valid internationally. $36 1-year subscription $58 2-year subscription $29 1-year renewal $48 2-year renewal                 By placing your order, you agree with our                 Terms & Conditions

MARIS
of Westport, CT

Freighter Travel Club Int'l (Since 1958)
Freighter & Specialty Cruises (Since 1993)

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