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“Last year, I much enjoyed a trip with Maris Freighter Cruises on the Grande Mediterraneo from the Mediterranean to North Sea. March 2009 |
 
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It has been said that ‘the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page’. Since retirement in 1989, I have been fortunate to experience many travels, visiting numerous countries on four continents. Some may be fascinated to learn these journeys have largely been by bicycle; accordingly it will come as no surprise that last year I decided on a less frenetic medium of travel, namely a journey by sea on one of the many freighter cruises plying the world’s sea lanes. In my case, this was an Italian car ferry operating between the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Being a landlubber at heart, such a voyage appealed to me as something different, offering many interesting port calls, but still with reasonably short interludes at sea. My voyage commenced at Southampton, England with the first sector to Salerno, Italy being the longest uninterrupted period of sailing (6 days). |
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Our passenger list comprised four Britons, one American and myself - an Australian/Canadian. Subsequently, two more Canadians and Brits joined us in the Mediterranean. Before delving into the actual journey, I would like to suggest some advice for prospective freighter travelers, the first of which is ‘expect the unexpected’. For example, changes in schedule will often occur due to port congestion, last minute cargo demands, national and religious holidays, harbour pilot availability, and even weather conditions. Thus travelers operating on tight schedules for subsequent travel may need to closely consider their options. However, I personally feel that, time permitting, delays or rescheduling can enhance a voyage by offering a certain unexpected sense of ‘intrigue’ or excitement to a trip. Let me highlight a few of the experiences on my particular journey. The first major plus was the prevalence of fine weather. At times in the Mediterranean, the sea was like glass, with fine clear skies and warm sunny days offering excellent deck conditions for passengers. Later, even the North Sea/Skagerrak behaved calmly with mostly light sea breezes; although the air there was cool (mid-October at 58 degrees north) the freshness was invigorating. |
 The Grande Mediterraneo at Cork,Ireland |
Considering port calls, although there were one or two disappointments (notably shortage of port time in Alexandria, Egypt and Izmir, Turkey) various other stops along the way offered us interesting time ashore. Some of the historic sites visited included the Acropolis/Parthenon in Greece, Jerusalem and Bethlehem in Israel, and other very enjoyable shore outings to Salerno/Savona in Italy plus Cork in Ireland and Bristol in England. Two memorable shipboard ‘encounters’ were the smoking Sicilian volcano Mt. Etna seen from the Strait of Messina and a romantic view of Capri, Naples and Mt Vesuvius (flooded by moonlight) as we sailed north from Salerno. I also recall with some mirth how we were ‘redirected’ – complete with siren, by a small high powered Turkish navy boat when many of their large vessels were sailing by in line off the port of Izmir. |
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There were so many other comments which could be made about the trip, particularly the ability to see (albeit briefly) other localized attractions which one might never experience as a ‘package’ on strictly passenger voyages. Even watching the port activities was fascinating - for example the shore workers conveying the huge mobile cranes and containers about the docks, plus the large numbers and types of cars coming and going on our rear entry ramp. Even the raising and lowering of the ramp itself was a treat, especially when it meant shore leave for us passengers! So, if you want to experience a voyage with a difference, consider freighter cruising. Of course, not everything may be to your complete satisfaction. For example, do not expect the crew to cater to your every whim. These are working ships, and passengers are largely along for the ride, so to speak, and should be prepared to make their own good entertainment. Meals may not always be to your complete taste, as crew diets come first (thus our good natured nit-picking about the excessive pasta on our trip). If you don’t like lots of reading, card playing, or small passenger contingents, then this may not be for you. Frankly, however, I thoroughly enjoyed this trip, and certainly will consider another freighter voyage in the future.” Another firsthand story |
Portofino, near Savona, Italy
 
Euro - Med |
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"The very attractive itinerary includes 16 ports, 12 countries, one climate zone, all in 35 days with almost continuous views of land and vessel traffic. Excellent variety of well prepared Italian cuisine". Adrian van de Voorde |
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Grimaldi, a family owned company, is one of Italy’s leading shipowners. In the early 1950s, they introduced a transatlantic passenger liner service, and expanded this to include their cargo liners in 1989. Currently 32 of 50+ car- and container-carriers take passengers on regular and frequent sailings from Northern Europe to the Mediterranean, South America and West Africa. All ships, with the exception of two that fly the Swedish flag, fly the Italian flag and are run by Italian captains and senior officers. |
| Departures are from Southampton every Saturday year-round with the following itinerary: |
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Port Southampton, UK Salerno, Italy Piraeus, Greece Izmir, Turkey Alexandria, Egypt Limassol, Cyprus Ashdod, Israel Salerno, 2nd call Savona, Italy Setubal, Portugal Bristol/Portbury, UK Cork, Ireland Esbjerg, Denmark Wallhamn, Sweden Antwerp, Belgium Southampton, 2nd call |
Day -1 Sat -6 Thu -9 Sun 10 Mon 12 Wed 13 Thu 15 Sat 20 Thu 21 Sun 24 Wed 27 Fri 28 Sat 31 Tue 32 Wed 34 Fri 35 Sat |
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The Gran Bretagna, Grande Ellade, Europa, Mediterraneo and Scandinavia |
  Owner's Suite  |
| Accommodations offered vary from inside upper- and lower-berth cabins to more spacious side-facing cabins. |
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Passengers: 12 Cargo: 4,650 cars + 716 containers Gross tonnage: 52 - 54,000 Length: 181 m Built: 1998 - 2001 Speed: 20 knots Owners/Managers: Italian/Grimaldi Officers/Crew: Italian/International |
The Owner’s side-facing double bed cabin, bed size 1.30 m (1.40 on the Ellade and Scandinavia), with separate sitting room, €3,434 per person, €5,150 single occupancy. Single side-facing cabin, €3,434, €2,693 pp double occupancy (2nd person using convertible sofa). Inside upper- and lower-berth cabin, €1,717 pp double, €2,761 single occupancy. Inside two lower-berth cabin, €2,188 pp double, €2,862 single occupancy. |
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More Euro - Med voyages (2 pdf pages, 222 KB) 20% discount applies on all Mediterranean voyages throughout the 2009 season |
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West Africa & South America (2 pdf pages, 50 KB) |
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Sailing along the Irish coast
| SEAWORTHY | SEAWORTHY | |
| NEWS | NEWS |
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| NEW VOYAGE |
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Manzanillo, Mexico (Day 1); Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala (3); Acajunta, El Salvador (4); Corinto, Nicaragua (5); Buenaventura, Colombia (8); Callao, Peru (12); San Antonio (17) and Valparaiso or San Vicente, Chile (18-20); Callao, 2nd call (25); Buenaventura, 2nd call (30); Caldera, Costa Rica (34); Puerto Quetzal, 2nd call (36); Manzanillo (38), continuing to the Far East ... Manzanillo (Day 1); Hong Kong (19), Chiwan (20) and Shanghai, China (22); Pusan, Korea (24) and back to Manzanillo in approx. 39 days. |
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CMA CGM Pacifico (ex Cap Ferrato) |
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Vessel Details Passengers: 7 Deadweight: 34,000 tons Containers: 2,478 teu Length: 207 m Speed: 22 knots Built: Germany, 2002 Officers/Crew: Int’l Owners: NSB, German |
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The Owner’s double bed cabin (bed size 2.00 x 1.80 m) located on the 5th deck, one below the Captain’s, and facing forward, consists of a bedroom, separate sitting room and private facilities with shower, and has a total area of approx. 27.4 sqm - €90 per person double, €100 single occupancy per day. Two double bed suites (bed size 2.00 x 1,60 m), located on the 4th and 5th decks, both side and aft facing and consisting of a sitting area and private facilities with shower, having a total area of 20 sqm each. €80 per person double, €90 single occupancy per day. A single cabin, located on the 4th deck and side facing, consisting of a bedroom (bed size 2.00 x 1.20 m) with a sitting area and private facilities with shower, having a total area of approx. 15 sqm- €80 per day. There is an additional charge of €265 per person per voyage for port and vessel fees. |
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Double bed suite with sitting and working areas |
| General Information |
| All passenger accommodations and common facilities, such as the dining room, TV/bar lounge, small exercise room and self service laundry are located on the Captain’s Deck, one below the bridge. All cabins have private facilities with shower (a bathtub in most Owners’ cabins). The electrical current is 220/50 AC, requiring a two-prong round adapter and converter for North American appliances. |
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 Valparaiso, Chile |
While there is an elevator on board, passengers must be fully mobile and those aged 79 and over must have a Medical Certificate of Good Health. The age limit is 85. On a working vessel, freight always has priority. Passengers are, in a certain way, paying guests, who have to adapt to this reality. The service on board is simple, and sometimes cabins may not be made up in the most timely fashion. During peak working periods, the Captain and crew may not have much time to spare looking after passengers. |
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Dress code is casual and meals reflect the preferences and needs of the young officers and crew. A limited selection of wines and spirits is available in the ship's store. Onboard expenses may be paid for with cash in €. Tipping is at the passenger’s discretion; €3-5 pp per day is recommended. Telephone, fax and email connections are available through the Captain’s office. Port times vary according to cargo requirements; they may be short or long or happen during the day or night. Nevertheless, traveling on a Grimaldi freighter will provide you with many pleasures. You’ll become part of a team and enjoy your voyage on the high seas. Just make sure to have your passport with you and check for any visa requirements. Passengers come from all Continents. They appreciate the warm welcome they always receive on board the Grimaldi freighters. |
| Reservations |
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Reservations can be made by completing a Registration Form and providing a 25% deposit. The balance of the fare is payable 65 days before departure. The fare may be paid for by check or wire (by exception only, credit cards may be accepted) in either the basic tariff currency, as quoted by the steamship line, or any of the following major currencies, EUR, USD, CAD or GBP, at the prevailing exchange rate, subject to a final adjustment at the time the ticket is issued, a few weeks before departure. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the anticipated return date. There are no visa requirements currently. Cancellation fees are as follows: over 60 days, loss of deposit; 30-59 days, 50% of the fare. No refund will be made within 30 days of departure. To protect your investment, Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is highly recommended. Travelex Insurance packages, covering you from the moment you buy the policy, are available to all Maris customers, worldwide, on our website page "Before You Sail". Please contact us through the Inquiries page. |
| 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: |
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or give a gift membership 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 booking, you'll receive an automatic discount of up to $500. Please see the Special Discounts page. |
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MARIS of Westport, CT Freighter Travel Club Int'l (Since 1958) Freighter & Specialty Cruises (Since 1993) 1 800 99-Maris (-62747) & 1 203 222-1500 (-9191 fax) www.freightercruises.com
New York-Montreal time, Monday through Friday
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