Freighter Voyages

As my first ocean crossing at 100 feet above sealevel comes to an end, I thought I would comment on this mode of travel.  Simply stated:  I cannot wait to do it again!

Even traveling in Super Cargo, the least expensive cabin on this ship, the accommodations are more than adequate, the food is top-notch, and the officers and crew are most congenial.  It is an incredible experience.

It’s a great way to get from Point A to Point B if you’ve got a lot of time, and I could even recommend something like an around-the-world voyage, disembarking at the ports most interesting to you.  What would be even better, though, would be to have some definite project to complete while at sea—some project that requires solitude for total concentration, and no resources beyond what you can carry up the gangway.  The Ship’s Mate told me about a French passenger he’d met who sailed all over the world photographing bridges for publication in calendars.  I’ve also heard that Alex Hailey wrote his first books while aboard freighters at sea.  Here there are no phones, no TV, no Internet, no mail, no bills to pay, no news of the world—nothing to distract.

There are only a handful of specialized agents booking passage with shipping companies such as the owner of the Hanjin Boston.  For this crossing, I worked with Stuart Beckwith at Freighter Voyages in the U.K., and was extremely pleased with his service.  He led me through the rather complex process of purchasing passage, obtaining medical clearance, travel insurance, etc. in a manner that was always prompt and personable.

Their motto at Freighter Voyages is:  By Far away the Friendly Way.

I can vouch for that.